pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
The influence of SPI on business success in software SMEs: An empirical study

In this paper, we present the findings of a study into the relationship between software process improvement (SPI) and business success in software development small- to medium- sized companies (software SMEs). A number of earlier related studies investigated the benefits of SPI in software SMEs, particularly in terms of improvements in product quality and adherence to budgetary and schedule constraints. However, only limited or indirect research has examined the relationship between SPI and business success. In this study, we adopt the Holistic Scorecard (HSC) (Sureshchandar and Leisten, 2005) as a business success reference framework, thus examining both the financial and the non-financial aspects of business success. In addition, we utilise ISO/IEC 12207 (ISO/IEC, 2008) as a comprehensive reference framework for the investigation of SPI activity in software SMEs. Through the use of new metrics introduced in this paper, the study findings establish that there is a positive association between SPI and business success in software SMEs, highlighting the importance of SPI in successful software SMEs. This is the first time that this relationship has been demonstrated using empirical data, and therefore, the findings represent a valuable new addition to the body of knowledge
2D-spectral estimation based on DCT and modified magnitude\ud
group delay

This paper proposes two new 2D-spectral estimation\ud
methods. The 2D-modified magnitude group delay\ud
(MMGD) is applied to 2D-discrete Fourier transform (2DDFT)\ud
for the first and to the analytic 2D-discrete Cosine\ud
transform for the second. The analytic 2D-DCT preserves\ud
the desirable properties of the DCT (like, improved frequency\ud
resolution, leakage and detectability) and is realized\ud
by a 2D-discrete cosine transform (2D-DCT) and its Hilbert\ud
transform. The 2D-MMGD is an extension from 1D to 2D,\ud
and it reduces the variance preserving the original frequency resolution of 2D-DFT or 2D-analytic DCT, depending upon to which is applied. The first and the second methods are referred to as DFT-MMGD and DCT-MMGD, respectively. The proposed methods are applied to 2D sinusoids and 2D AR process, associated with Gaussian white noise. The performance of the DCT-MMGD is found to be superior to that of DFT-MMGD in terms of variance, frequency resolution and detectability. The performance of DFT-MMGD and DCT-MMGD is better than that of 2D-LP method even when the signal to noise ratio is low
Confirmation in the Cognitive Sciences: The Problematic Case of Bayesian Models\ud

Bayesian models of human learning are becoming increasingly popular in cognitive science. We argue that their purported confirmation largely relies on a methodology that depends on premises that are inconsistent with the claim that people are Bayesian about learning and inference. Bayesian models in cognitive science derive their appeal from their normative claim that the modeled inference is in some sense rational. Standard accounts of the rationality of Bayesian inference imply predictions that an agent selects the option that maximizes the posterior expected utility. Experimental confirmation of the models, however, has been claimed because of groups of agents that “probability match” the posterior. Probability matching only constitutes support for the Bayesian claim if additional unobvious and untested (but testable) assumptions are invoked. The alternative strategy of weakening the underlying notion of rationality no longer distinguishes the Bayesian model uniquely. A new account of rationality—either for inference or for decision-making—is required to successfully confirm Bayesian models in cognitive science
A perturbation analysis of the stability of long liquid bridges between non-circular supporting disks

The stability of an isothermal liquid mass of constant properties (density and surface tension) held by capillary forces between two solid disks placed a distance L apart (the so-called liquid bridge model) is considered. For a weightless liquid bridge that is a right circular cylinder, the well-known Rayleigh stability limit holds, and the liquid column becomes unstable when its length is larger than its circumference. Many perturbations from this ideal configuration have been studied in the past, but the supporting disk shape has always been assumed circular. In this Brief Communication the influence of noncircular supports on stability limits of almost cylindrical liquid bridges is analyzed through an asymptotic analysis. Closed form expressions for the stability limits are presente
Web based system architecture for long pulse remote experimentation

Remote experimentation (RE) methods will be essential in next generation fusion devices. Requirements for long pulse RE will be: on-line data visualization, on-line data acquisition processes monitoring and on-line data acquisition systems interactions (start, stop or set-up modifications). Note that these methods are not oriented to real-time control of fusion plant devices.\ud
INDRA Sistemas S.A., CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas) and UPM (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) have designed a specific software architecture for these purposes. The architecture can be supported on the BeansNet platform, whose integration with an application server provides an adequate solution to the requirements. BeansNet is a JINI based framework developed by INDRA, which makes easy the implementation of a remote experimentation model based on a Service Oriented Architecture. The new software architecture has been designed on the basis of the experience acquired in the development of an upgrade of the TJ-II remote experimentation system
Strategic positioning of global manufacturing virtual networks in the aeronautical industry

The evolution of organizations that work in multinational environments has considerably altered their production strategies. One of the consequences has been the appearance of Global Manufacturing Virtual Networks (GMVNs), which include all kinds of production centres and establish a new type of vertical and horizontal collaboration between independent companies or even competitors who establish occasional collaborations on projects they could not take on individually. This paper analyses the causes behind the formation of such networks, their strategy positioning and future evolution. For that purpose, a conceptual framework is proposed based on four network features: strategy, structure, communication systems and culture. This work will deep into the strategy network feature by applying a strategic positioning model to a practical case in the aeronautical industry to gain a better understanding of how GMVNs work, its effectiveness by clarifying and putting these organizations in perspective and how they may evolve in the future
Optimization of InGaAsN(Sb)/GaAs quantum dots for optical emission at 1.55 µm with low optical degradation

Low optical degradation in GaInAsN(Sb)/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) p–i–n structures emitting up to 1.55 μm is presented in this paper. We obtain emission at different energies by means of varying N content from 1 to 4%. The samples show a low photoluminescence (PL) intensity degradation of only 1 order of magnitude when they are compared with pure InGaAs QD structures, even for an emission wavelength as large as 1.55 μm. The optimization studies of these structures for emission at 1.55 μm are reported in this work. High surface density and homogeneity in the QD layers are achieved for 50% In content by rapid decrease in the growth temperature after the formation of the nanostructures. Besides, the effect of N and Sb incorporation in the redshift and PL intensity of the samples is studied by post-growth rapid thermal annealing treatments. As a general conclusion, we observe that the addition of Sb to QD with low N mole fraction is more efficient to reach 1.55 μm and high PL intensity than using high N incorporation in the QD. Also, the growth temperature is determined to be an important parameter to obtain good emission characteristics. Finally, we report room temperature PL emission of InGaAsN(Sb)/GaAs at 1.4 μm
The Value of Rents and the Likelihood of Conflicts

This paper extends the prey--predator model of Grossman and Kim (1995) to analyze the relation between the value of the contested rent and the emergence of a conflict. We show that an increase in the value of the rent makes the conflict equilibrium more likely. We also analyze the case where the valuation of the rent is different for the two players. We find, for example, that a conflict equilibrium may occur even though the predator has an important disadvantage in warfare. That's when its valuation of the rent is sufficiently high compare to that of the prey.
Asset-Liability Management under time-varying Investment Opportunities

In this paper, we propose multi-stage stochastic linear programming for asset-liability management under time-varying investment opportunities. We use a first-order unrestricted vector autoregressive process to model predictability in the asset returns and the state variables, where - additional to equity returns and dividend-price ratios - Nelson/Siegel parameters are included to account for the evolution of the yield curve. As objective function we minimize conditional value at risk of the shareholder value, i.e. the difference between the mark-to-market value of (financial) assets and the present value of future liabilities. Our results indicate strong hedging demands to mitigate interest rate risks.
An LP-based inconsistency monitoring of pairwise comparison matrices

A distance-based inconsistency indicator, defined by the third author for the consistency-driven pairwise comparisons method, is extended to the incomplete case. The corresponding optimization problem is transformed into an equivalent linear programming problem. The results can be applied in the process of filling in the matrix as the decision maker gets automatic feedback. As soon as a serious error occurs among the matrix elements, even due to a misprint, a significant increase in the inconsistency index is reported. The high inconsistency may be alarmed not only at the end of the process of filling in the matrix but also during the completion process. Numerical examples are also provided
The role of resveratrol on skeletal muscle cell differentiation and myotube hypertrophy during glucose restriction

Glucose restriction (GR) impairs muscle cell differentiation and evokes myotube atrophy. Resveratrol treatment in skeletal muscle cells improves inflammatory-induced reductions in skeletal muscle cell differentiation. We therefore hypothesised that resveratrol treatment would improve muscle cell differentiation and myotube hypertrophy in differentiating C2C12 myoblasts and mature myotubes during GR. Glucose restriction at 0.6 g/L (3.3 mM) blocked differentiation and myotube hypertrophy versus high-glucose (4.5 g/L or 25 mM) differentiation media (DM) conditions universally used for myoblast culture. Resveratrol (10 µM) treatment increased SIRT1 phosphorylation in DM conditions, yet did not improve differentiation when administered to differentiating myoblasts in GR conditions. Resveratrol did evoke increases in hypertrophy of mature myotubes under DM conditions with corresponding elevated Igf-I and Myhc7 gene expression, coding for the ‘slow’ type I MYHC protein isoform. Inhibition of SIRT1 via EX-527 administration (100 nM) also reduced myotube diameter and area in DM conditions and resulted in lower gene expression of Myhc 1, 2 and 4 coding for ‘intermediate’ and ‘faster’ IIx, IIa and IIb protein isoforms, respectively. Resveratrol treatment did not appear to modulate phosphorylation of energy-sensing protein AMPK or protein translation initiator P70S6K. Importantly, in mature myotubes, resveratrol treatment was able to ameliorate reduced myotube growth in GR conditions over an acute 24-h period, but not over 48–72 h. Overall, resveratrol evoked myotube hypertrophy in DM conditions while favouring ‘slower’ Myhc gene expression and acutely ameliorated impaired myotube growth observed during glucose restriction
Picosecond Structural Relaxation of Abietic Acid Based Amine End Capped Para-Phenylenevinylene Trimers in Solution

The synthesis and photophysical properties of six new abietic acid based amine end-capped p-phenylenevinylene trimers (AECPV3) in their lowest excited singlet states are presented. The AECPV3 compounds show a large red-shift of both the absorption (25-30 nm) and emission (37-42 nm) maxima with respect to those of the corresponding trimers. Picosecond time-resolved fluorescence data reveal the presence of a fast conformational relaxation process (40-62 ps) of the initially excited compounds, leading to more planar conformers. The conformational relaxation time is proportional to the volume of both the side chain and the amine groups.http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cphc.20080037
Fusion and Infection of Influenza and Sendai Viruses as Modulated by Dextran Sulfate: A Comparative Study

We have directly compared the effect of two types of dextran sulfate with distinct molecular weights (500 kDa and 5 kDa) on the fusion activity and infectivity of both Sendai and influenza viruses, two lipid-enveloped viruses that differ in their routes of entry into target cells. To correlate membrane merging and infectivity MDCK cells were used as targets for the viruses in both approaches. In either case pronounced inhibition of virus–cell interactions by dextran sulfate was only observed at low pH, even though Sendai virus fuses maximally at pH 7.4. Although membrane merging could not be fully abolished, the inhibitory effect was always greater when the higher molecular weight dextran sulfate was used. The presence of this residual fusion activity, that could not be reduced even with high concentrations of agent, suggests that a limited number of binding sites for dextran sulfate may exist on the viral envelopes. The compounds also inhibited fusion of bound virions, and all results could be reproduced using erythrocyte ghosts as target membranes in the fusion assay, instead of MDCK cells. In agreement with these observations only the infectivity of influenza virus (which requires a low pH-dependent step to enter target cells) was affected by dextran sulfate, again the higher molecular weight compound showing a more pronounced inhibitory effect.http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:101328201512
Environmental and biological factors influence the relationship between a predator fish, Gambusia holbrooki, and its main prey in rice fields of the Lower Mondego River Valley (Portugal)

Abstract  We studied the relationships between a predator fish, Gambusia holbrooki, and its main food prey, within the content of a rice field food web. The influence of some environmental and biological factors on these trophic interactions, in combination with existent quantitative information, allowed us to evaluate the ecological viability of using a non-ionic surfactant, Genapol OXD-080, to control a plague caused by crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) populations in the rice fields. In the Lower Mondego River Valley, Portugal, G. holbrooki is abundant in rice fields. It feeds mainly on copepods, cladocerans and rotifers. Surface insects, such as aphids, collembolans, adult (imago) chironomids and other dipterans, are additional food. Large G. holbrooki consumed greater amounts of cladocerans and adult chironomids than other smaller size groups, while small fish prefered rotifers. Gravid females ate copepods, cladocerans, and adult chironomids and other dipterans in significantly greater amounts than immatures, males, and non-gravid females. Non-gravid females ate collembolans in significantly greater quantities than any other fish group. The population density of copepods, cladocerans, adult chironomids, and other dipterans, the area covered by aquatic vegetation, and water temperature all had significant effects on the total number of prey caught by G. holbrooki. In contrast, a negative correlation was found with rotifers, collembolans, aphids in higher densities, and of increased water volume, dissolved oxygen and pH. G. holbrooki holds a key intermediate position in the rice field food chain, feeding in large amounts of aquatic invertebrates and being eaten, in turn, by piscivores. With regard to the toxicity of Genapol OXD-080 on non-target organisms, LC50 values for G. holbrooki and some of its main prey were several times lower than the concentration necessary to decrease the activity of crayfish populations in the rice fields. Thus, Genapol OXD-080 could potentially cause greater damage to the local populations of non-target species and should not be used without taking precautions not to contaminate other important biological reservoirs, such as the rice field irrigation channels.http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:100348092016
Life History of Lepidostoma hirtum in an Iberian Stream and its Role in Organic Matter Processing

Abstract  The goal of this research was to determine the role of Lepidostoma hirtum Fabricius 1775 in the fragmentation of allochtonous organic material, in a segment of a mountain river in central Portugal. For this purpose, we measured leaf fragmentation and growth rates at four temperatures (9, 12, 15 and 18 C) and four leaf types (alder, Alnus glutinosa L.; oak, Quercus andegavensis Hy; poplar, Populus canadensis Moench; and chestnut, Castanea sativa Mill.). Growth rates ranged from 0.012 to 0.049 mg AFDW day-1 with no significant effect of temperature and leaf type. Fragmentation/consumption rates were significantly higher for alder (1.62 mg animal-1 day-1) than for other leaf types, and significantly lower at 9 C (0.70 mg animal-1 day-1) than at any other temperature (1.12 mg animal-1 day-1). In the studied stream, L. hirtum larvae had a univoltine life history, with an asynchronous development. Secondary production of L. hirtum ranged from 53.95 mg m-2 year-1 (pools) to 63.12 mg m-2 year-1 (riffles). Annual P/B ratios differ between habitats: they were 4.01 year-1 for pools and 4.49 year-1 for riffles. Considering the average density of this species in the study river and their consumption rates, this species has the potential to fragment 8.6 times the mean annual standing stock of organic matter, in the study location.http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-005-1267-
Methods for Evaluating Social Vulnerability to Drought

Social vulnerability to drought is complex and it is reflected by society’s capacity to anticipate, cope with and respond. Here we estimate these aspects of social vulnerability, evaluating the natural resource structure, the economic capacity, the human and civic resources, and aspects of agricultural innovation. These factors are components of a vulnerability index and they can be weighted appropriately in computing the final value of the index. In this chapter we present the results of the index under two valuation scenarios. For Scenario 1 all components are valued equally. For Scenario 2 the human resources component is given 50% of the weight, the economic and natural resource components are given 20% of the weight each, and the agricultural technology is given 10% of the weight. This reflects the assumption that a society with institutional capacity and coordination and mechanisms for public participation is less vulnerable to drought and that agriculture is only one of the sectors affected by drought. The vulnerability index establishes robust conclusions since the range of values across countries does not change with the assumptions under the two scenarios
Assessment of mortar evolution in pig slurry by mechanical and ultrasonic measurements

This work presents the results obtained in a long-term experiment focused on the study of the evolution of cementitious materials immersed in pig slurry at real conditions. Cement mortars were made with four different cement types and immersed in pig slurry for 48 months. Furthermore, to separate pure hydration process from pig slurry effect, mortar samples were immersed in water for 12 months at laboratory conditions. Compressive strength, X-ray diffraction and ultrasonic measurements were made in all samples. Ultrasonic measurements were made from ultrasonic images obtained from automatic ultrasonic inspections. Use of ultrasonic images has allowed the extraction of information about the state of the studied materials. An empirical relationship between ultrasonic velocity and compressive strength has been obtained and the long-term effect of pig slurry on cementitious materials has been determined
Unimanual and Bimanual Weight Perception of Virtual Objects with a new Multi-finger Haptic Interface

Accurate weight perception is important particularly in tasks where the user has to apply vertical forces to ensure safe landing of a fragile object or precise penetration of a surface with a probe. Moreover, depending on physical properties of objects such as weight and size we may switch between unimanual and bimanual manipulation during a task. Research has shown that bimanual manipulation of real objects results in a misperception of their weight: they tend to feel lighter than similarly heavy objects which are handled with one hand only [8]. Effective simulation of bimanual manipulation with desktop haptic interfaces should be able to replicate this effect of bimanual manipulation on weight perception. Here, we present the MasterFinger-2, a new multi-finger haptic interface allowing bimanual manipulation of virtual objects with precision grip and we conduct weight discrimination experiments to evaluate its capacity to simulate unimanual and bimanual weight. We found that the bimanual ‘lighter’ bias is also observed with the MasterFinger-2 but the sensitivity to changes of virtual weights deteriorated
Self-reference Scrubber for TMR Systems Based on Xilinx Virtex FPGAs

SRAM-based FPGAs are sensitive to radiation effects. Soft errors can appear and accumulate, potentially defeating mitigation strategies deployed at the Application Layer. Therefore, Configuration Memory scrubbing is required to improve radiation tolerance of such FPGAs in space applications. Virtex FPGAs allow runtime scrubbing by means of dynamic partial reconfiguration. Even with scrubbing, intra-FPGA TMR systems are subjected to common-mode errors affecting more than one design domain. This is solved in inter-FPGA TMR systems at the expense of a higher cost, power and mass. In this context, a self-reference scrubber for device-level TMR system based on Xilinx Virtex FPGAs is presented. This scrubber allows for a fast SEU/MBU detection and correction by peer frame comparison without needing to access a golden configuration memor
Developing front-end Web 2.0 technologies to access services, content and things in the future Internet

The future Internet is expected to be composed of a mesh of interoperable web services accessible from all over the web. This approach has not yet caught on since global user?service interaction is still an open issue. This paper states one vision with regard to next-generation front-end Web 2.0 technology that will enable integrated access to services, contents and things in the future Internet. In this paper, we illustrate how front-ends that wrap traditional services and resources can be tailored to the needs of end users, converting end users into prosumers (creators and consumers of service-based applications). To do this, we propose an architecture that end users without programming skills can use to create front-ends, consult catalogues of resources tailored to their needs, easily integrate and coordinate front-ends and create composite applications to orchestrate services in their back-end. The paper includes a case study illustrating that current user-centred web development tools are at a very early stage of evolution. We provide statistical data on how the proposed architecture improves these tools. This paper is based on research conducted by the Service Front End (SFE) Open Alliance initiative