Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Practitioners Awareness of Android Apps Regression Testing through an Expert Survey

The mobile device market is continuously growing. Delivering apps with quality, on time, and at a low cost is essential for any company. The development process of apps involves continuous maintenance, which leads to an ever-increasing number of updates. Thus, strategies for producing quality, easy-to-maintain applications are essential. In this context, software testing plays a particularly important role, in particular regression testing strategies, which are aimed at ensuring the quality of an app after maintenance. Regression testing checks whether the application's functional behavior has not being compromised after a software update. The literature presents many studies and tools on regression testing techniques to reduce the number of tests to be re-executed during the maintenance and evolution. However, as far as we know, the community is unaware of which ones are actually used in Android development practice. In this sense, this study investigates how testers and developers perform regression testing on Android applications. From a survey with 100 participants, we found that the testing of Android applications is performed mainly manually and without the support of tools. The yielded results bring initial insights about the current scenario of regression testing in Android apps development and show the importance of the relationship between research and market, which may bring several opportunities for future researches.
Enhancing Electrocardiogram (ECG) Analysis of Implantable Cardiac Monitor Data: An Efficient Pipeline for Multi-Label Classification

Implantable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) devices are demonstrating, as of today, the fastest-growing market for implantable cardiac devices. As such, they are becoming increasingly common in patients for measuring heart electrical activity. ICMs constantly monitor and record a patient’s heart rhythm, and when triggered, send it to a secure server where health care professionals (HCPs) can review it. These devices employ a relatively simplistic rule-based algorithm (due to energy consumption constraints) to make alerts for abnormal heart rhythms. This algorithm is usually parameterized to an over-sensitive mode in order to not miss a case (resulting in a relatively high false-positive rate), and this, combined with the device’s nature of constantly monitoring the heart rhythm and its growing popularity, results in HCPs having to analyze and diagnose an increasingly growing number of data. In order to reduce the load on the latter, automated methods for ECG analysis are nowadays becoming a great tool to assist HCPs in their analysis. While state-of-the-art algorithms are data-driven rather than rule-based, training data for ICMs often consist of specific characteristics that make their analysis unique and particularly challenging. This study presents the challenges and solutions in automatically analyzing ICM data and introduces a method for its classification that outperforms existing methods on such data. It carries this out by combining high-frequency noise detection (which often occurs in ICM data) with a semi-supervised learning pipeline that allows for the re-labeling of training episodes and by using segmentation and dimension-reduction techniques that are robust to morphology variations of the sECG signal (which are typical to ICM data). As a result, it performs better than state-of-the-art techniques on such data with, e.g., an F1 score of 0.51 vs. 0.38 of our baseline state-of-the-art technique in correctly calling atrial fibrillation in ICM data. As such, it could be used in numerous ways, such as aiding HCPs in the analysis of ECGs originating from ICMs by, e.g., suggesting a rhythm type.
Fourier-Based Harmonic Control of Plug-and-Play Active Filters for Input-Series/Output-Parallel Solid-State Transformers

Solid-State Transformers with Input-Series/Output-Parallel configuration represent a convenient solution for AC/DC conversion, thanks to their scalability and modularity. As known, each module of the ISOP converter is affected by a second-order harmonic ripple caused by a local single-phase AC/DC conversion. This ripple can be neutralized by installing active filters, removing the need to oversize the DC-bus capacitances. However, standard controls for such active filters are based on measuring the AC side electrical variables, which can make them impractical to be installed in pre-existing configurations. This work presents a control algorithm for active filters that does not require any external measurement, and that is therefore suited for a Plug-and-Play installation in a pre-existing ISOP converter, without additional sensoring or control hardware modifications. To comply with the complex dynamics generated in the ISOP configuration, the proposed approach is based on a real-time Fourier decomposition, that allows precise and selective real-time control of the second-order harmonic using standard proportional-integral controllers and a decoupling network. The approach is particularized and validated experimentally with a single-phase ISOP SST, showing satisfactory performances.
On Productivity Growth

Capitalism’s inherent feature is “destructive creation”, said Marx. Decades later, in a similar fashion, Schumpeter stated that “Capitalist system incessantly revolutionizes the economic structure FROM WITHIN”. What are those dynamic forces causing the incessant changes in an economy ? According to P. Drucker, A. Toffler, Baumol-McLennan and many others it is the productivity increases (growth) in general. P. Romer provides a more specific reply: technological change or the growth of new ideas. In this paper, H. Gurak goes deeper to the core and claims that all technological changes are produced by the intellectual labor of human mind. In other words, knowledge on production, i.e., technology or productive knowledge, gives occasion to a dynamic and uninterrupted growth process, but technology itself is the product of mental labor. In support of this assertion, a simple model of growth based on productive knowledge (creativity of mind) is introduced in the final section of full-text article titled "Creative Intelligence and Productive Knowledge".
Preprotein transfer to the Escherichia coli translocase requires the co‐operative binding of SecB and the signal sequence to SecA

In Escherichia coli, precursor proteins are targeted to the membrane‐bound translocase by the cytosolic chaperone SecB. SecB binds to the extreme carboxy‐terminus of the SecA ATPase translocase subunit, and this interaction is promoted by preproteins. The mutant SecB proteins, L75Q and E77K, which interfere with preprotein translocation in vivo, are unable to stimulate in vitro translocation. Both mutants bind proOmpA but fail to support the SecA‐dependent membrane binding of proOmpA because of a marked reduction in their binding affinities for SecA. The stimulatory effect of preproteins on the interaction between SecB and SecA exclusively involves the signal sequence domain of the preprotein, as it can be mimicked by a synthetic signal peptide and is not observed with a mutant preprotein (Δ8proOmpA) bearing a non‐functional signal sequence. Δ8proOmpA is not translocated across wild‐type membranes, but the translocation defect is suppressed in inner membrane vesicles derived from a prlA4 strain. SecB reduces the translocation of Δ8proOmpA into these vesicles and almost completely prevents translocation when, in addition, the SecB binding site on SecA is removed. These data demonstrate that efficient targeting of preproteins by SecB requires both a functional signal sequence and a SecB binding domain on SecA. It is concluded that the SecB–SecA interaction is needed to dissociate the mature preprotein domain from SecB and that binding of the signal sequence domain to SecA is required to ensure efficient transfer of the preprotein to the translocase.
Pollen spectra of honeys from the Middle Delta of the Paraná River (Argentina) and their environmental relationship

The aim of this study was to characterize honeys from the Middle Delta of Parana River (Argentina) through pollen analysis and basic sensorial analysis, as well as assessing the vegetation contribution of this freshwater wetland as a source of nectar for Apis mellifera. Sixty-five samples were studied, out of which 109 pollen types, belonging to 53 plant families, were identified. The families Asteraceae and Leguminosae provided the greatest diversity of pollen types. Multifloral honeys were predominant (> 70%). Monofloral honeys were from Type Polygonum hydropiperoides (7), Sagittaria montevidensis (5), Eupatorium spp. (3), Pontederiaceae (2) and Salix humboltiana 1. Regional honeys are mistakenly called "Catay honeys" (Polygonum spp.) due to the wide distribution of species of this genus and the intense activity of honey bees observed on them. However, in the samples studied, Type Polygonum hydropiperoides varied from 25% taxa that do not belong to this ecosystem, they differ in their sensorial characteristics, particularly the presence of crystals. Pollen types such as Type Polygonum hydropiperoides, Sagittaria montevidensis, Eupatorium spp. , Pontederiaceae, Nymphoides indica, Mimosa vellosiella, Vigna luteola, Cleome sp. and Type Solanum glaucophyllum, are suggested as geographical markers. According to the current knowledge, we propose to characterize these honeys considering their geographical origin instead of their botanical origin.
A critical review of Antarctic Conoidea (Neogastropoda)

ABSTRACT The Antarctic Conoidean fauna is critically reviewed based on published data and specimens in the collections of the USNM, IORAS and MNHN. Forty-two species and subspecies of the superfamily Conoidea are recorded as occurring within the Antarctic Convergence (excluding the fauna of the Kerguelen Islands) and are attributed to 14 genera and seven families. These include the new taxa: Antarctospira n. gen. (type species—Leucosyrinx badenpowelli Dell, 1990); Drilliola antarctica n. sp. ; Pleurotomella (Pleutoromella) tippetti n. sp. ; Pleurotomella (Anomalotomella) petiti n. sp. ; Xanthodaphne pastorinoi n. sp. Aforia watsoni is introduced as a new name for Pleurotoma (Surcula) lepta Watson, 1881, non Pleurotoma lepta Edwards, 1861. A lectotype is designated for Conorbella antarctica (Strebel, 1908). New combinations are also proposed. Antarctospira badenpowelli (Dell, 1990), n. comb. (previously assigned to Leucosyrinx); Antarctospira principalis (Thiele, 1912), n. comb. (previously assigned to Typhlomangelia); Antarctospira mawsoni (Powell, 1958), n. comb. (previously assigned to Leucosyrinx); Typhlodaphne paratenoceras (Powell, 1951), n. comb. (previously assigned to Leucosyrinx); Belalora weirichi (Engl, 2008), n. comb. (previously assigned to Oenopota); Pleurotomella (Anomalotomella) innocentia (Dell, 1990), n. comb. (previously assigned to Typhlodaphne); Pleurotomella (Anomalotomella) nipri (Numanami, 1996), n. comb. (previously assigned to Typhlodaphne); Xanthodaphne raineri (Engl, 2008), n. comb. (previously assigned to Pleurotomella); Aforia hedleyi (Dell, 1990), n. comb. (previously assigned to Pontiothauma). The majority of Antarctic conoidean taxa have hypodermic marginal teeth. Although there is a similar relative abundance of conoideans in Antarctic waters to that seen in other well-studied faunas, the low number of conoideans is indicative of the general impoverishment of the gastropod fauna in the region. Fourteen percent (2 of 14) of conoidean genera that occur within the Antarctic Convergence are endemic to Antarctic waters, as are 82% (34 of 42) of the species. Most taxa have very broad bathymetric ranges, some extending from bathyal to hadal depths. The greatest species diversity was at bathyal depths.
BRUTUS: Identifying Cryptanalytic Weaknesses in CAESAR First Round Candidates

This report summarizes our results from security analysis covering all 57 CAESAR first round candidates and over 210 implementations. We have manually identified security issues with three candidates, two of which are more serious, and these ciphers been withdrawn from the competition. We have developed a testing framework, BRUTUS, to facilitate automatic detection of simple security lapses and susceptible statistical structures across all ciphers. From this testing we have security usage notes on four submissions and statistical notes on a further four. We highlight that some of the CAESAR algorithms pose an elevated risk if employed in real-life protocols due to a class of adaptive chosen plaintext attacks. Although AEADs are often defined (and are best used) as discrete primitives that authenticate and transmit only complete messages, in practice these algorithms are easily implemented in a fashion that outputs observable ciphertext data when the algorithm has not received all of the (attacker-controlled) plaintext. For an implementor, this strategy appears to offer seemingly harmless and compliant storage and latency advantages. If the algorithm uses the same state for secret keying information, encryption, and integrity protection, and the internal mixing permutation is not cryptographically strong, an attacker can exploit the ciphertext-plaintext feedback loop to to reveal secret state information or even keying material. We conclude that the main advantages of exhaustive, automated cryptanalysis is that it acts as a very necessary sanity check for implementations and gives the cryptanalyst insights that can be used to focus more specific attack methods on given candidates.
The use of rotigotine in the treatment of restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. Symptoms appear during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly in the evening and at night, and are usually relieved by movement. The prevalence of RLS among Whites is approximately 5—15%. RLS can be distinguished into primary and secondary forms. Most patients (70—80%) are affected by the primary form of RLS. The uncomfortable sensations related to RLS often cause a minimal discomfort, thus a therapeutic approach is not necessary. However, almost 3% of the general population reports to be affected by severe symptoms of RLS, requiring pharmacological treatment. Secondary forms of RLS are relieved by the remission of the underlying clinical condition. Dopamine agonists are considered to be first-line treatments for primary RLS. Rotigotine is a nonergoline dopamine agonist with selectivity for D1, D2 and D3 receptors. It is administered once a day in the form of an adhesive matrix patch. The efficacy and safety of the drug in patients with primary RLS has been demonstrated by four clinical trials using dosages of 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/24 h. A dose—response relationship was observed between the dosages of 0.5 and 3 mg/24 h. Side effects were usually mild, the most frequent being skin reaction at the site of patch application. More trials are ongoing and results will soon be published for the long-term (5 years) treatment of RLS with rotigotine transdermal patches. Rotigotine is a promising drug for the treatment of RLS. Its continuous delivery throughout 24 h makes it especially indicated for those cases also presenting daytime symptoms, and for those presenting the so-called augmentation syndrome after prolonged treatment with L-dopa or dopamine agonists.
Meta-analysis in evidence-based healthcare: a paradigm shift away from random effects is overdue

ABSTRACT Each year up to 20 000 systematic reviews and meta-analyses are published whose results influence healthcare decisions, thus making the robustness and reliability of meta-analytic methods one of the world's top clinical and public health priorities. The evidence synthesis makes use of either fixed-effect or random-effects statistical methods. The fixed-effect method has largely been replaced by the random-effects method as heterogeneity of study effects led to poor error estimation. However, despite the widespread use and acceptance of the random-effects method to correct this, it too remains unsatisfactory and continues to suffer from defective error estimation, posing a serious threat to decision-making in evidence-based clinical and public health practice. We discuss here the problem with the random-effects approach and demonstrate that there exist better estimators under the fixed-effect model framework that can achieve optimal error estimation. We argue for an urgent return to the earlier framework with updates that address these problems and conclude that doing so can markedly improve the reliability of meta-analytical findings and thus decision-making in healthcare.
Experience or Native Managers? Acquisition of institutional knowledge: a study of high performing multinational manufacturing firms in Turkey

Foreign direct investments that come with globalization bring benefits with them if opportunities are handled in the best manner. One opportunity rises with the institutional difference issue. Different countries have different institutional profiles. Institutional profiles briefly include culture, social norms or governmental regulations. When investing abroad, the bigger the institutional difference gets between the home country and the host country, the harder it gets to acquire the local institutional knowledge. This may result in a negative effect in the firm performance. To make the right decisions managers, being an important part of the decision making process, are required to have a profound understanding and knowledge of the local institutional environment. In here the investing companies have two options; either to use local managers or to acquire knowledge through the accumulation of experience. Building on the institutional theory, sixteen multinational companies operating in the manufacturing industry in Turkey are analyzed with the aim to contribute to the understanding of whether native managers or company experience is creating a better firm performance in consideration with handling the institutional differences. The results of this study point out that, the manager origin indeed influence the firm performance and native managers have a positive effect on the firm performance.
Land use effects on terrestrial carbon sources and sinks

Current and past land use practices are critical in determining the distribution and size of global terrestrial carbon (C) sources and sinks. Although fossil fuel emissions dominate the an- thropogenic perturbation of the global C cycle, land use still drives the largest portion of anthropo- genic emissions in a number of tropical regions of Asia. The size of the emission flux owing to land use change is still the biggest uncertainty in the global C budget. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported a flux term of 1.7 PgCa −1 for 19901995 but more recent es- timates suggest the magnitude of this source may be only of 0.96 PgCa −1 for the 1990s. In addi- tion, current and past land use practices are now thought to contribute to a large degree to the northern hemisphere terrestrial sink, and are the dominant driver for some regional sinks. However, mechanisms other than land use change need to be invoked in order to explain the inferred C sink in the tropics. Potential candidates are the carbon dioxide (CO2) fertilization and climate change; fertilization due to nitrogen (N) deposition is believed to be small or nil. Although the potential for managing C sinks is limited, improved land use management and new land uses such as refores- tation and biomass fuel cropping, can further enhance current terrestrial C sinks. Best manage- ment practices in agriculture alone could sequester 0.40. 8 PgC per year in soils if implemented globally. New methodologies to ensure verification and permanency of C sequestration need to be developed.
Estimation of Position and External Force of Cable Driven Surgical Robots

Estimation of Position and External Force of Cable Driven Surgical Robots Mohammad H. Haghighipanah Chair of the Supervisory Committee: Professor Blake Hannaford Department of Electrical Engineering Positioning accuracy in cable driven mechanisms with motor position sensing is limited because the stiffness in these manipulators is less than rigid links. By applying Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) and considering system dynamics in addition to motor sensing, the position estimation in these systems can be improved. To further improve the accuracy, additional observation was provided to the UKF by tracking the robot end-effector position with a camera. Furthermore, in cable driven systems the knowledge of cable’s pre-tension not only improves the performance of the mechanism but can also be used as a measure to determine if the system is safe and robust to operate (e.g. too loose causes slack while too stiff causes the cable to wear and break). Thus, knowing the cable’s pre-tension is important particularly in applications such as surgical robotics. To measure this initial tension, a special force gauge sensor can be used; however, these sensors are expensive and in some applications, such as surgery, it is not practical due to sterilization requirement. It is found that the stiffness parameter of cables has the highest correlation with tension. Therefore, we estimated the stiffness parameter to indirectly estimate cable’s pre-tension. To estimate cable’s pre-tension indirectly, first the initial tension in the cables were measured with a sensor and then the UKF was used to estimate system states and stiffness parameter simultaneously. The stiffness parameter was estimated at different tensions to find a mapping between tension and stiffness. This mapping was later used to estimate tension with UKF without a need for force sensor. Moreover, in surgery, haptic feedback is vital for surgeons. Without haptic feedback, surgeons may exert excessive force to a healthy tissue. To address this issue, we developed a novel approach to estimate external forces acting on cable driven robots by measuring the stretch in cables caused by external force similar to Series Elastic Actuators (SEA) without actually placing an elastic element in series with the motor and load. In our approach, we took advantage of the elasticity of cables. In our method, we used two encoders to precisely measure the cable stretch. The first encoder is mounted on the shaft of the motor while the second encoder is mounted on the Joint. With the first encoder, we used robot kinematics to estimate Joint angle (qkin) and with the second encoder we measured the actual Joint angle (q). Then, by subtracting these two angles we measured the stretch. Once the stretch in cables are known, either linear Hooke’s law or a non-linear spring model can be used to estimate external forces.
Nutritional Risk and Physical Activity on Quality of Life in Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate nutritional risk, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL) and the interaction of these factors in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: Participants were colorectal cancer patients receiving follow-up treatment at the colorectal cancer outpatient clinic of Severance Hospital in Seoul. Participants were recruited from October 25 to November 30, 2010. The survey questionnaire consisted of Nutritional Risk Score (NRS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- scales for Colorectal Cancer (FACT-C). Results: NRSs were significantly higher in patients with low BMI (F=18.63, p<.001) and those who were underwent colorectal surgery within 1 month (F=5.96, p<.001). Physical activity level of the participants was 28.96METs. Lower nutritional risk was associated with a higher QoL (r= - .34, p<.001). In a multiple regression analysis, the predictors of QoL were the age, economic status, and nutritional risk of the patient (R²=40.0%). Conclusions: Targeted tailored nursing interventions are needed to assess nutritional risks in order to improve colorectal cancer patients’ QoL.