Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Environmental factors affecting computer assisted language learning success: a Complex Dynamic Systems conceptual model

This conceptual, interdisciplinary inquiry explores Complex Dynamic Systems as the concept relates to the internal and external environmental factors affecting computer assisted language learning (CALL). Based on the results obtained by de Rosnay [World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution, 67(4/5), 304–315 (2011)], who observed that the systems approach is separate from, and complimentary to, the analytical/experimental model of analysis, the authors use a systems analysis approach to identify a typology of environmental factors that are internal and external to the CALL student, and internal and external to the school. The typology is presented in a CALL ecology model (CEM) along with implications for pedagogy. The authors believe that the systems orientation will become more and more important in the overall understanding of best practices in computer assisted language learning.
Collaboration as quality interaction in web-based learning

Virtual learning environments supply us with new tools for learning. The conditions for communication are likely to affect the knowledge process. In this paper, we present the study of a collaborative knowledge process with the aim of identifying factors that can affect collaborative learning in a web-based environment. Underlining the study is an assumption that student teachers will be better equipped, if they have experienced and discussed methods of collaborative learning while in training. A tool for analysing the communication process in a knowledge production perspective was developed and used with a collaborative web-based method in a teacher-training programme. Results identified two critical factors affecting the level of collaboration connected to the knowledge process. Social interaction, to establish a group culture and the exchange of experiences, as a foundation for knowledge production is in this study a key factor for designing a web-based collaborative learning context. The insight into these processes is central for planning and choosing methods for collaborative courses, and the analysing tool can be used for evaluation of group work and assessments.
Cost-Sensitive Sparsity Preserving Projections for Face Recognition

As one of the most popular research topics, sparse representation (SR) technique has been successfully employed to solve face recognition task. Though current SR based methods prove to achieve high classification accuracy, they implicitly assume that the losses of all misclassifications are the same. However, in many real-world face recognition applications, this assumption may not hold as different misclassifications could lead to different losses. Driven by this concern, in this paper, we propose a cost-sensitive sparsity preserving projections (CSSPP) for face recognition. CSSPP considers the cost information of sparse representation while calculating the sparse structure of the training set. Then, CSSPP employs the sparsity preserving projection method to achieve the projection transform and keeps the sparse structure in the low-dimensional space. Experimental results on the public AR and FRGC face databases are presented to demonstrate that both of the proposed approaches can achieve high recognition rate and low misclassification loss, which validate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Time and musical structures

A theoretical model is introduced, by the aid of which descriptions of sequential and concurrent processes may be built taking account of the sophistication and generality of contemporary musical concepts. This is achieved through an independent and unrestricted mapping between physical time and a symbolic set of dates. Sequential structures are considered first, then the nature of this mapping and its practicle implementation in a real-time synthesizer are discussed. Polymetric structures are introduced and a method is outlined for mapping events to symbolic dates when concurrent processes are incompletely described.
The Brain Might Read That Way

Research on how the brain implements reading has produced results of remarkable consistency, especially on the functional anatomy of single word reading. We examine the general features of this emerging knowledge and draw attention to the extent to which it converges with results from other methods of reading science in several areas: reading acquisition, reading disability, and the basic cognitive processes of reading. We also add perspectives not otherwise represented in this special issue by pointing to the promise of research in text processing and discussing the research on word reading across writing systems. The word reading network identified in alphabetic research does have a universal basis, but it also shows some accommodation to the writing system.
Integrating Cognitive-Motivational Strategies into Multimedia-Based English Instruction for Low-Achievers.

This study investigated whether integrating cognive-motivational strategies into multimedia-based English instruction could improve low-achievers’ academic performance in grammar comprehension and reading comprehension. Forty-four students participated in this study for five weeks. They were all in the same class and under the same instruction and classified as high achievers and low achievers based on their English proficiency test scores. An interactive multimedia environment constructed with the integration of cognitive-motivational CALL model (CMMCALL) was developed according to language learning theories and the findings from the literature review. The effect of the CMMCALL on learners was examined after the experiment by comparing the learning outcome between pre-test and post-test. Comprehension tests and questionnaires were used to investigate students’ learning performance and their perceptions of the CMMCALL. The results showed that the CMMCALL was able to benefit low-achievers and to increase their success of language learning, and the difference between pre-test and post-test was significantly different (p < .05). Their viewpoints and suggestions about using the CMMCALL program were positive and encouraging.
Features in scientific and technical cooperation in the field of non-conventional renewable energy

This article discusses the prospects for the development of the implementation of scientific and technical cooperation. On the example of international cooperation between Ukraine and Chile, there are approaches to improving the procedure for developing cooperation priorities. The current state of these relations does not reflect real trends in the development of international economic relations in the vector of strengthening the scientific and technical component. Based on the analysis of analytical materials, one of the priority areas of the joint development of scientific and technical issues may be the use of non-traditional renewable energy technologies. Both in Ukraine and in Chile there are objective factors (natural, resource, socio-economic, environmental-technological) for their development. For Ukraine, it is interesting the experience of the scientific and production implementation of these technologies and the organizational and economic support of these priorities in the context of state and regional policy. All these aspects, including through the exchange of intellectual products, will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of support policies, the innovative susceptibility of subjects of production and business activities of Ukraine and the corresponding development of producers and consumers' motivation to non-conventional renewable energy technology.
Orchestrating technology enhanced learning: a literature review and a conceptual framework

The notion of 'orchestrating learning' has gained acceptance within the TEL research community in recent years. However, there is little consensus about what 'orchestration' means, and what orchestrating learning in a concrete educational context entails. This paper aims to address these two concerns. Through a literature review focused especially on the field of TEL, we provide definitions of this orchestration, and gather the most commonly cited aspects of orchestration into a unified conceptual framework. This emergent framework is then used as an analytical lens to structure data from an existing case study in order to illustrate its usefulness as a tool to understand and propose new solutions to aid orchestration in complex, real-world TEL situations. Although further theorisation and modelling of orchestration is still needed, the presented framework provides a first step, backed up by a serious review of the field.
Influence of Object Weight and Terminal Orientation on Upper Limb Postures during Grasping, Holding, and Placing Cylindrical Object

This study examines the effect of object weight and terminal orientation on upper limb postures during grasping, holding, and placing cylindrical objects. An experiment including two sessions was conducted. In the first session, eight subjects grasped and held a horizontally located cylindrical object with varying weights (0.34, 2.04, 3.74, and 5.44 kg) using self-selected postures, then placed the object with selfselected target location and orientation. In the second session, five subjects grasped and held cylindrical object with varying weights, then positioned the object at a target location with specified orientation, i.e., either left or right end down. Eight posture categories for grasping the cylindrical object were identified based on upper limb posture. Multiple postural strategies for grasping, holding, and placing the objects were observed, influenced by an interaction between object weight and terminal orientation. These results show that posture selection in these tasks is influenced by force exertion and how the object is to be positioned.
Application Review of Mindjet Mindmanager Pro 7

Mindjet's MindManager is an intuitive project management software with advanced information capture, organization, and sharing capabilities. New users can be up and running in minutes, creatings highly visual documents with this software to manage meeting agendas, to brainstorm, to schedule equipment and resources, to plan projects, and track project progress. MindManager readily links to common software applications, the internet, and MS Outlook calendar functions. Mindjet's website offers plenty of support including webinars, a newsletter, and a user forum.
Improving the Readability of Text with Automatic Phrase‐Sensitive Formating

These experiments demonstrate improvement in reading score as a result of computer-generated syntactically formated text. In all experiments, the subjects took a subset of the Chapman-Cook speed of reading test. In experiment 1, the space size between words reflected the major phrase structure boundaries. In experiment 2, the spacing corresponded to both the major and minor phrase structure boundaries. Experiment 1 indicates that poor readers are aided by syntactically formated text. Experiment 2 indicates that a more finely detailed formating also helps poor readers. The use of a microcomputer to prepare the material will make it practical to improve the readability of large amounts of text.
Traffic characteristics of LEOS-based global personal communications networks

The authors present important traffic issues in a low earth orbit satellite-based global personal communications network. The article gives an overview of the characteristics of tomorrow's personal communications networks from a subscriber traffic viewpoint. Selection of multiple access scheme as well as traffic modeling in such systems is discussed, and effects of natural, unbalanced global communications traffic on the performance of the system are distinguished.
Redesigning an Introduction to Special Education Course by Infusing Technology

Abstract Online instruction is a growing method of delivering course content in higher education. However, little research has been conducted regarding the effectiveness of such instruction for pre-service teachers, in both general education and special education, who will teach students with disabilities. In this chapter we briefly review the literature regarding online instruction as it relates to pre-service special education. Then we describe our involvement with the Brigham Young University PT3 grant, our personal development in using technology in our courses, the development and refining of an Introduction to Special Education course, and contributions made by our students. Recommendations for future study and practice are provided.
Estimating the velocity and direction of moving targets using a single optical VHR satellite sensor image

The present contribution demonstrates the feasibility and explores the limits of a new method for estimating the velocity and direction of moving targets using a single, optical, very‐high‐resolution (VHR) satellite sensor dataset. The method is based on the fact that there is a time lag between the data collection of the panchromatic (P) and multi‐spectral (MS) sensors in the same VHR platform. Consequently, it is developed around three main steps: (1) accurate image‐to‐image registration between MS and P images with a sub‐pixel displacement error, (2) precise location of barycentre of targets by mathematical morphology‐based image transforms, and (3) estimation of the ground velocity and direction of the target using the MS‐P spatial displacement, the known time lag, and an image‐to‐ground transformation taking into account the interior and exterior orientation of the sensors and a terrain height reference. An evaluation of the reliability and limits of the proposed method based on the observation of the results regarding manually selected moving and non‐moving targets is included.
Effect of Focused Vocabulary Instruction on 7th Graders' Reading Comprehension.

This study reports an investigation on the effects of directed vocabulary and whole class instruction on improving students’ vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension. Fifty-eight seventh grade students participated in the study, and a pre-test/post-test experimental design was employed. The results did not indicate any statistically significant differences between the control and experimental group in reading comprehension or vocabulary acquisition. However, considerable differences were found in favor of the experimental group in reading comprehension.
Relational hierarchies in Optimality Theory: the case of syllable contact

A number of phonological laws require adjacent elements to stand a certain distance apart from each other on some prominence scale. For example, according to the Syllable Contact Law, the greater the sonority slope between the coda and the following onset, the better. Languages such as Faroese, Icelandic, Sidamo, Kazakh and Kirghiz select different thresholds for an acceptable sonority slope. This article proposes a theory for deriving hierarchies of relational constraints such as the Syllable Contact Law from prominence scales in the constraint set CON in Optimality Theory. The proposal is compared to two alternative approaches, non-hierarchical constraints and the local conjunction of constraint hierarchies, which are argued to make undesirable empirical and theoretical predictions.
Air Quality Diffusion Model; Application to New York City

An experimental multisource air pollution diffusion model based on the Gaussian plume formulation is described. The model incorporates point and area sources, time and space dependence of source strengths, and time and space dependence of meteorological variables. Numerical simulation of the SO 2 concentration distribution for New York City on January 11, 1971, agrees favorably with experimental measurements.
Computers in Distance Education: gender differences in self‐perceived computer competencies

Abstract This article reports on the gender differences in self‐perceived computer competencies among distance education learners at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Four aspects of competencies that are related to computer usage and its applications were studied; these were competencies in the usage of general computer software, usage of networking software, handling of computer hardware and performing computer maintenance. The results showed that there are no significant differences between the genders in terms of the competencies in the usage of general computer software as well as networking software. These are directly linked to the educational purposes needed to support and facilitate learning in distance education. However, gender differences are observed regarding competencies in their handling of most aspects of computer hardware as well as performing computer maintenance.
Scaling Users' Perceptions of Library Service Quality Using Item Response Theory: A LibQUAL+ TM Study

LibQUAL+TM data to date have not been subjected to the modern measurement theory called polytomous item response theory (IRT). The data interpreted here were collected from 42,090 participants who completed the "American English" version of the 22 core LibQUAL+TM items, and 12,552 participants from Australia and Europe who completed the "British English" version of the 22 core LibQUAL+TM items. Results suggest that the LibQUAL+TM protocol has psychometric integrity, that American English participants tend to be somewhat less critical of library service quality, and that students and faculty have fairly similar views of library service quality.
36.4: Subjective and Objective Visual Quality Evaluation of 4K Video Using AVC and HEVC Compression

Subjective study was conducted for 4K (3840 × 2160) video content on a true 4K LCD display to determine required bitrates to achieve various levels of perceived visual quality. State‐of‐the‐art H.264/ AVC and HEVC compression was used. Additionally performance of objective metrics for 4K video was evaluated.
Laying a foundation for comparing departmental structures between reference and instructional services: Analysis of a nationwide survey

Public services librarians in academe juggle multiple duties, with reference and instruction being the two most common and visible. A survey of midsized academic libraries measured the departmental relationship between librarians who provide reference services and librarians who provide instruction services. Results indicate that services are generally organized in one department and instruction coordinators are prevalent. Regardless of departmental structure, reference and instruction librarians have similar jobs; they nearly all teach classes and work at the reference desk. Summarization of the subjective commentary reveals underlying satisfaction levels with various organizational arrangements and insight into the pros and cons of maintaining integrated or separate reference and instruction services.
Stable tracking control for unmanned aerial vehicles using non-inertial measurements

A number of recent papers have considered trajectory tracking control design for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In practice, an autonomous vehicle has access only to absolute measurements of non-inertial variables such as linear acceleration and angular velocity along with local measurements of inertial quantities such as position, velocity and orientation. Expressing the dynamics of a typical system in body fixed frame coordinates introduces dynamic coupling that appears to destroy the simple structure of the inertial equations. In this paper it is shown that the inherent passivity-like properties of the underlying mechanical system may be exploited to obtain the Lyapunov control design for the more general system equations expressed in the body fixed frame of an unmanned aerial vehicle. This avoids a possibly difficult and highly non-robust state reconstruction that would be necessary before existing control designs could be applied.
E-portfolio assessment in an online English language course

Many teachers have the tendency to look at only the standardized test scores of their students while ignoring how or why various dimensions of language proficiency has improved or not improved. Portfolio, however, reveals a clear picture of the student's growth and development. This study reflects that traditional approaches to assessment of student progress in EFL writing lack indicators of students' development of the skill and aims to answer the following questions: what are the learning gains of students who keep an e-portfolio as part of an elementary-level English course and what are student perceptions about the online course, using an e-portfolio and their learning gains? For this aim, the researchers worked with two groups of students: the e-portfolio group who kept an electronic portfolio in the online elementary level English language course and the traditional assessment group who did not keep an e-portfolio. Although there were not significant differences between the post-test scores of the two groups, there were significant learning gains in both groups. The perceptions of the students in the e-portfolio group reflected that they benefited from and enjoyed keeping a portfolio.
Time Estimation of Computer “Wait” Message Displays

The effect of different types computer “wait” message displays on the subjective estimates of the duration of intervals in which the subject had to wait for the computer response was studied. The displays were either static (a blank screen, the phrase PLEASE WAIT, or an epigram) or dynamic (a blinking PLEASE WAIT, a round clock-like display, or an emerging string of Xs along the center of the screen). Display duration varied from 3 to 16 seconds. The dynamic displays were shown at three different rates each. Results showed differences among the displays. For dynamic displays in which a development over time can be perceived (the clock and string of Xs), there was a direct relation between the rate of change and the estimate, i.e., higher rates of change led to estimates of longer durations. The results demonstrate that some of the variables, which have been found to influence time perception in basic psychological research settings, are applicable in the user-computer setting.
Turbo product codes and their bandwidth efficiency

Communication systems designers have always dealt with tradeoffs between performance, cost, and the efficient use of the available spectrum. Proliferation of wireless systems makes the issue of bandwidth efficiency a paramount consideration. Turbo codes, and in particular, the turbo product codes (TPCs) presented in this paper provide an excellent means of improving bandwidth efficiency. Of course, once it is established that turbo provide improved bandwidth efficiency, the next questions are, cost and bit error rate (BER) performance level. This paper presents a tutorial overview of TPCs with examples for using TPCs to achieve improved bandwidth efficiency. TPCs excel at high code rates and are readily coupled with high order modulation. The result, as is shown, is that TPCs can provide dramatic improvements in bandwidth efficiency and with a relatively low implementation cost.
Econometrics and decision making: Effects of presentation mode *

Much of empirical economics involves regression analysis. However, does the presentation of results affect economists’ ability to make inferences for decision making purposes? In a survey, 257 academic economists were asked to make probabilistic inferences on the basis of the outputs of a regression analysis presented in a standard format. Questions concerned the distribution of the dependent variable conditional on known values of the independent variable. However, many respondents underestimated uncertainty by failing to take into account the standard deviation of the estimated residuals. The addition of graphs did not substantially improve inferences. On the other hand, when only graphs were provided (i.e., with no statistics), respondents were substantially more accurate. We discuss implications for improving practice in reporting results of regression analyses.