nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Effects of stretching on upper-body muscular performance.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of upper-body static stretching and dynamic stretching on upper-body muscular performance. Eleven healthy men, who were National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I track and field athletes (age, 19.6 +/- 1.7 years; body mass, 93.7 +/- 13.8 kg; height, 183.6 +/- 4.6 cm; bench press 1 repetition maximum [1RM], 106.2 +/- 23.0 kg), participated in this study. Over 4 sessions, subjects participated in 4 different stretching protocols (i.e., no stretching, static stretching, dynamic stretching, and combined static and dynamic stretching) in a balanced randomized order followed by 4 tests: 30% of 1 RM bench throw, isometric bench press, overhead medicine ball throw, and lateral medicine ball throw. Depending on the exercise, test peak power (Pmax), peak force (Fmax), peak acceleration (Amax), peak velocity (Vmax), and peak displacement (Dmax) were measured. There were no differences among stretch trials for Pmax, Fmax, Amax, Vmax, or Dmax for the bench throw or for Fmax for the isometric bench press. For the overhead medicine ball throw, there were no differences among stretch trials for Vmax or Dmax. For the lateral medicine ball throw, there was no difference in Vmax among stretch trials; however, Dmax was significantly larger (p </= 0.05) for the static and dynamic condition compared to the static-only condition. In general, there was no short-term effect of stretching on upper-body muscular performance in young adult male athletes, regardless of stretch mode, potentially due to the amount of rest used after stretching before the performances. Since throwing performance was largely unaffected by static or dynamic upper-body stretching, athletes competing in the field events could perform upper-body stretching, if enough time were allowed before the performance. However, prior studies on lower-body musculature have demonstrated dramatic negative effects on speed and power. Therefore, it is recommended that a dynamic warm-up be used for the entire warm-up.
Performance Evaluation of Analog Beamforming with Hardware Impairments for mmW Massive MIMO Communication in an Urban Scenario

The use of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques for communication at millimeter-Wave (mmW) frequency bands has become a key enabler to meet the data rate demands of the upcoming fifth generation (5G) cellular systems. In particular, analog and hybrid beamforming solutions are receiving increasing attention as less expensive and more power efficient alternatives to fully digital precoding schemes. Despite their proven good performance in simple setups, their suitability for realistic cellular systems with many interfering base stations and users is still unclear. Furthermore, the performance of massive MIMO beamforming and precoding methods are in practice also affected by practical limitations and hardware constraints. In this sense, this paper assesses the performance of digital precoding and analog beamforming in an urban cellular system with an accurate mmW channel model under both ideal and realistic assumptions. The results show that analog beamforming can reach the performance of fully digital maximum ratio transmission under line of sight conditions and with a sufficient number of parallel radio-frequency (RF) chains, especially when the practical limitations of outdated channel information and per antenna power constraints are considered. This work also shows the impact of the phase shifter errors and combiner losses introduced by real phase shifter and combiner implementations over analog beamforming, where the former ones have minor impact on the performance, while the latter ones determine the optimum number of RF chains to be used in practice.
Epidemiology of Fusarium Diseases in Sugarcane: A New Discovery of Same Fusarium sacchari Causing Two Distinct Diseases, Wilt and Pokkah Boeng

Sugarcane, an important field crop, is cultivated under tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Fusarium sacchari causing wilt, is a stalk disease, inflicting severe damage to the crop in India and other countries. Similarly, pokkah boeng (PB) a foliar disease caused by different species of Fusarium also infects the crop throughout the world. In India, both the diseases occur in different states in various sugarcane varieties. Although both diseases occur independently in the field, we recorded that they occur together in a plant. Hence, a detailed investigation was conducted to characterize different Fusarium isolates from wilt- and PB-affected sugarcane varieties by sequencing TEF1-α gene. Gene sequencing of 48 isolates revealed that 44 were of F. sacchari and the remaining four belonged to F. proliferatum. Of the four F. proliferatum, three were associated with PB and one with wilt. Almost all the 41 wilt-associated isolates belonged to F. sacchari. Investigation carried out to identify Fusarium isolates from the plants exhibiting both the wilt and the PB in two varieties Co 0238 and MS 901 revealed that only F. sacchari caused wilt and PB symptoms in both. Further, several varieties showed progressive disease severity through different phases of PB and that resulted in wilt development. The results clearly established for the first time that the same fungal pathogen systematically infects sugarcane plant and exhibits both the diseases.
Rethinking risk management

Since 2006, Alberts and Dorofee have led MSCE with a focus on returning risk management to its original intent—supporting effective management decisions that lead to program success. They began rethinking the traditional approaches to risk management, which led to the development of SEI Mosaic, a suite of methodologies that approach managing risk from a systemic view across the life cycle and supply chain. Using a systemic risk management approach enables program managers to develop and implement strategic, high-leverage mitigation solutions that align with mission and objectives.
Modified biconical antenna for ultrawideband applications

In this paper a compact antenna for ultrawideband applications is presented. The antenna is based on the biconical antenna design and has two identical elements. Each element is composed of a cone extended with a ring and an inner cylinder. The modification of the well-known biconical structure is made in order to reduce the influence of the radiation of the feeding cable. To obtain the optimum parameters leading to a less impact of the cable effect on the antenna performance, during the optimization process the antenna was coupled with a feeding coaxial cable. The proposed antenna covers the frequency range from 1.5 to 41 GHz with voltage standing wave ratio below 2 and has an omnidirectional radiation pattern. The realized total efficiency is above 85 % which indicates a good performance.
Studying emotion theories through connectivity analysis: Evidence from generalized psychophysiological interactions and graph theory

Psychological construction models of emotion state that emotions are variable concepts constructed by fundamental psychological processes, whereas according to basic emotion theory, emotions cannot be divided into more fundamental units and each basic emotion is represented by a unique and innate neural circuitry. In a previous study, we found evidence for the psychological construction account by showing that several brain regions were commonly activated when perceiving different emotions (i.e. a general emotion network). Moreover, this set of brain regions included areas associated with core affect, conceptualization and executive control, as predicted by psychological construction models. Here we investigate directed functional brain connectivity in the same dataset to address two questions: 1) is there a common pathway within the general emotion network for the perception of different emotions and 2) if so, does this common pathway contain information to distinguish between different emotions? We used generalized psychophysiological interactions and information flow indices to examine the connectivity within the general emotion network. The results revealed a general emotion pathway that connects neural nodes involved in core affect, conceptualization, language and executive control. Perception of different emotions could not be accurately classified based on the connectivity patterns from the nodes of the general emotion pathway. Successful classification was achieved when connections outside the general emotion pathway were included. We propose that the general emotion pathway functions as a common pathway within the general emotion network and is involved in shared basic psychological processes across emotions. However, additional connections within the general emotion network are required to classify different emotions, consistent with a constructionist account.
Interactive gaze driven animation of the eye region

We propose a system for real-time animation of eyes that can be interactively controlled in a WebGL enabled device using a small number of animation parameters, including gaze. These animation parameters can be obtained using traditional keyframed animation curves, measured from an actor's performance using off-the-shelf eye tracking methods, or estimated from the scene observed by the character, using behavioral models of human vision. We present a model of eye movement, that includes not only movement of the globes, but also of the eyelids and other soft tissues in the eye region. The model includes formation of expression wrinkles in soft tissues. To our knowledge this is the first system for real-time animation of soft tissue movement around the eyes based on gaze input.
Truth of Varying Shades: Analyzing Language in Fake News and Political Fact-Checking

We present an analytic study on the language of news media in the context of political fact-checking and fake news detection. We compare the language of real news with that of satire, hoaxes, and propaganda to find linguistic characteristics of untrustworthy text. To probe the feasibility of automatic political fact-checking, we also present a case study based on PolitiFact.com using their factuality judgments on a 6-point scale. Experiments show that while media fact-checking remains to be an open research question, stylistic cues can help determine the truthfulness of text.
Sparse Directional Image Representations using the Discrete Shearlet Transform

In spite of their remarkable success in signal processing applications, it is now widely acknowledged that traditional wavelets are not very effective in dealing multidimensional signals containing distributed discontinuities such as edges. To overcome this limitation, one has to use basis elements with much higher directional sensitivity and of various shapes, to be able to capture the intrinsic geometrical features of multidimensional phenomena. This paper introduces a new discrete multiscale directional representation called the Discrete Shearlet Transform. This approach, which is based on the shearlet transform, combines the power of multiscale methods with a unique ability to capture the geometry of multidimensional data and is optimally efficient in representing images containing edges. We describe two different methods of implementing the shearlet transform. The numerical experiments presented in this paper demonstrate that the Discrete Shearlet Transform is very competitive in denoising applications both in terms of performance and computational efficiency.
Loss of Brap Results in Premature G1/S Phase Transition and Impeded Neural Progenitor Differentiation.

Cells initiate fate decisions during G1 phase by converting extracellular signals into distinctive cell cycle kinetics. The DNA replication timing is determined in G1 phase; lengthened G1 and hastened S phases correlate with increased neurogenic propensity of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), although the underlying molecular control remains elusive. Here, we report that proper G1 phase completion in NPCs requires Brap, a Ras-Erk signaling modulator with ubiquitin E3 ligase activity. We identified Skp2 and Skp2-associated SCF ubiquitin ligase as a key target of Brap-mediated polyubiquitination. Loss of Brap resulted in elevated Skp2, which increased p27Kip1 destruction, leading to G1 phase truncation and premature S phase entry. The aberrantly executed G1 in Brap-mutant NPCs, followed by hindered S phase progression and increased G2 phase arrest, which together prolonged the cell cycle, impeded neuronal differentiation and culminated in microcephaly. These findings demonstrate that neuronal differentiation is potentiated during G1 phase by Brap-directed cascade of events in cell signaling and protein turnover.
A circularly polarized open loop antenna with application to an array fed by a microstrip comb line

A loop antenna having a gap has been investigated in the presence of a ground plane. The antenna configuration is optimized for the CP radiation, using the method of moments. It is found that, as the loop height above the ground plane is reduced, the optimized gap width approaches zero. Further antenna height reduction is found to be possible for an antenna whose wire radius is increased. On the basis of these results, we design an open-loop array antenna using a microstrip comb line as the feed network. It is demonstrated that an array antenna composed of eight open loop elements can radiate a CP wave with an axial ratio of 0.1 dB. The bandwidth for a 3-dB axial-ratio criterion is 4%, where the gain is almost constant at 15 dBi.
Enhanced step coverage by oblique angle physical vapor deposition

We present the use of an oblique angle physical vapor deposition OAPVDd technique with substrate rotation to obtain conformal thin films with enhanced step coverage on patterned surfaces. We report the results of rutheniumsRud films sputter deposited on trench structures with aspect ratio ,2 and show that OAPVD with an incidence angle less that 30° with respect to the substrate surface normal one can create a more conformal coating without overhangs and voids compared to that obtained by normal incidence deposition. A simple geometrical shadowing effect is presented to explain the results. The technique has the potential of extending the present PVD technique to future chip interconnect fabrication.   10.1063/1.1937476 g
BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE Key Factors That May Lead To the Success or Failure of the BPR Implementation ( The Wrigley Company )

There are several models and approaches to implementing BPR and an organization should seek to adopt depending on their organizations’ needs and capabilities. An organization seeking to undertake BPR must therefore examine some key elements of its organization structure beforehand for maximum gains in the BPR implementation. Three such analysis methodologies are functional coupling, architectural triad and the restructuring framework. This study aimed to establish whether The Wrigley Company East Africa achieved operational competitive advantage by implementing Business Process Reengineering (BPR). In addition, the study aimed to explain the possible reasons why The Wrigley Company may have succeeded or failed to attain competitive advantage by implementing BPR. The study intended to determine if there was improvement in the competitive measures of cost management, customer service, quality and productivity. The study also looked at the BPR implementation process by seeking to understand if documented key success factors for BPR implementation were followed and if the success or failure to achieve competitive advantage can be explained by the key drivers for success in BPR implementation. The research was conducted by collecting primary data from the employees of the Wrigley Company. An online questionnaire based on the competitive measures and BPR implementation key success factors was used to collect the data from which certain findings were deduced. It was established that The Wrigley Company gained competitive advantage by implementing BPR. It was also established that it adopted the BPR practises that are critical for successful implementation. From the research findings, the researcher recommends that organizations seeking to undertake BPR initiatives should first understand the need for changing the organization. They will then need to ensure that they adopt the key success factors for BPR implementation and based on the findings of this research, competitive advantage will
On the efficacy of write-assist techniques in low voltage nanoscale SRAMs

Read and write assist techniques are now commonly used to lower the minimum operating voltage (Vmin) of an SRAM. In this paper, we review the efficacy of four leading write-assist (WA) techniques and their behavior at lower supply voltages in commercial SRAMs from 65nm, 45nm and 32nm low power technology nodes. In particular, the word-line boosting and negative bit-line WA techniques seem most promising at lower voltages. These two techniques help reduce the value of WLcrit by a factor of ~2.5X at 0.7V and also decrease the 3σ spread by ~3.3X, thus significantly reducing the impact of process variations. These write-assist techniques also impact the dynamic read noise margin (DRNM) of half-selected cells during the write operation. The negative bit-line WA technique has virtually no impact on the DRNM but all other WA techniques degrade the DRNM by 10--15%. In conjunction with the benefit (decrease in WLcrit) and the negative impact (decrease in DRNM), overhead of implementation in terms of area and performance must be analyzed to choose the best write-assist technique for lowering the SRAM Vmin.
Robotic Total Pelvic Exenteration with Laparoscopic Rectus Flap: Initial Experience

Total pelvic exenteration is a highly morbid procedure performed for locally advanced pelvic malignancies. We describe our experience with three patients who underwent robotic total pelvic exenteration with laparoscopic rectus flap and compare perioperative characteristics to our open experience. Demographic, tumor, operative, and perioperative factors were examined with descriptive statistics reported. Mean operative times were similar between the two groups. When compared to open total pelvic exenteration cases (n = 9), median estimated blood loss, ICU stay, and hospital stay were all decreased. These data show robotic pelvic exenteration with laparoscopic rectus flap is technically feasible. The surgery was well tolerated with low blood loss and comparable operative times to the open surgery. Further study is needed to confirm the oncologic efficacy and the suggested improvement in surgical morbidity.
Micromachined Integrated Quantum Circuit Containing a Superconducting Qubit

We present a device demonstrating a lithographically patterned transmon integrated with a micromachined cavity resonator. Our two-cavity, one-qubit device is a multilayer microwave-integrated quantum circuit (MMIQC), comprising a basic unit capable of performing circuit-QED operations. We describe the qubit-cavity coupling mechanism of a specialized geometry using an electric-field picture and a circuit model, and obtain specific system parameters using simulations. Fabrication of the MMIQC includes lithography, etching, and metallic bonding of silicon wafers. Superconducting wafer bonding is a critical capability that is demonstrated by a micromachined storage-cavity lifetime of 34.3 μs, corresponding to a quality factor of 2 × 10 at single-photon energies. The transmon coherence times are T1 1⁄4 6.4 μs, and Techo 2 1⁄4 11.7 μs. We measure qubit-cavity dispersive coupling with a rate χqμ=2π 1⁄4 −1.17 MHz, constituting a Jaynes-Cummings system with an interaction strength g=2π 1⁄4 49 MHz. With these parameters we are able to demonstrate circuit-QED operations in the strong dispersive regime with ease. Finally, we highlight several improvements and anticipated extensions of the technology to complex MMIQCs.
Revisiting Spatial-Temporal Similarity: A Deep Learning Framework for Traffic Prediction

Traffic prediction has drawn increasing attention in AI research field due to the increasing availability of large-scale traffic data and its importance in the real world. For example, an accurate taxi demand prediction can assist taxi companies in pre-allocating taxis. The key challenge of traffic prediction lies in how to model the complex spatial dependencies and temporal dynamics. Although both factors have been considered in modeling, existing works make strong assumptions about spatial dependence and temporal dynamics, i.e., spatial dependence is stationary in time, and temporal dynamics is strictly periodical. However, in practice the spatial dependence could be dynamic (i.e., changing from time to time), and the temporal dynamics could have some perturbation from one period to another period. In this paper, we make two important observations: (1) the spatial dependencies between locations are dynamic; and (2) the temporal dependency follows daily and weekly pattern but it is not strictly periodic for its dynamic temporal shifting. To address these two issues, we propose a novel Spatial-Temporal Dynamic Network (STDN), in which a flow gating mechanism is introduced to learn the dynamic similarity between locations, and a periodically shifted attention mechanism is designed to handle long-term periodic temporal shifting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that tackle both issues in a unified framework. Our experimental results on real-world traffic datasets verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Blocking online advertising - A state of the art

Online advertising has emerged as one of the major business models on the Internet. Publishers rely on the online revenue generated from advertising to offer many free services. However, it has become evident that online advertisements are now becoming quite intrusive and also consume a lot of valuable bandwidth to download zero-caching ads and flash or video ads. As a result many users are now using ad-blocking software to make their Internet surfing more enjoyable. The main contribution of this paper is as follows - it attempts to identify the main reasons why internet users want to block online ads; it also critically evaluates several existing ad-blocking techniques and conducts an experiment to measure the amount of bandwidth used by online advertisements relative to the actual content. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions.