Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating on-line technology into teaching activities to enhance student and teacher learning in a New Zealand primary school

Continuing emphasis given to computer technology resourcing in schools presents potential for web-based initiatives which focus on quality arts teaching and learning, as ways to improve arts outcomes for all students. An arts e-learning collaborative research project between specialist on-line teacher/researchers and generalist primary teachers was designed to investigate student learning, quality teaching, and implementation factors. Constructionist-based teaching activities using on-line technology were designed to engage students in a learner-centred e-learning environment where students and teachers collaborated to produce a media and learning artefact. A case study highlights the outcomes for four students who transferred learnt drama skills to other classroom contexts. This model has potential to provide drama learning for students and professional development for primary generalist teachers, contingent on the availability of rigorously planned and well-resourced programmes.
In-vitro assessment of the effects of cellular phones on implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) function

The design of cardiac pulse generators has evolved from an artificial pacemaker single therapy device to a multifunctional therapeutic device known as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and pacemaker. Composed of complex digital circuitry and discrete components, these devices may exhibit susceptibility to EMI. Despite shielding the internal mechanism of pacemakers and ICDs with titanium casing and using improved noise filtering techniques, new sources of EMI continue to pose challenges in EMC design of these devices. There have been previous reports of interference from RF sources such as radar transmitters, hand-held radios, and anti-theft devices. More recently, with the proliferation of wireless communication, reports of interference by digital cellular telephones have also surfaced. FDA/CDRH initiated an examination of the potential for cellular telephones to interfere with implanted pacemakers in 1995. Results of these evaluations led CDRH engineers to investigate the potential EMI effects of these telephones to ICD function. The investigation involved ICDs from six manufacturers versus four types of digital cellular telephones. An RF powered dipole antenna was also used to evaluate it as an alternative RF source for EMI testing.
A heuristic framework for assessing factors influencing knowledge acquisition

The authors describe a heuristic framework for understanding and investigating factors influencing cognitive malleability and, consequently, knowledge acquisition efforts. To examine their framework, they investigated the effects of modifying task materials and goal availability on engineering problem-solving performance and the nature of the knowledge acquired. For one set of four engineers, the dynamic group, any manipulations made by an engineer to a component parameter would be immediately followed by an analysis of the effects of the manipulation. The static group (also four engineers) received no feedback. <<ETX>>
Approximate Data Stream Joins in Distributed Systems

The emergence of applications producing continuous high-frequency data streams has brought forth a large body of research in the area of distributed stream processing. In presence of high volumes of data, efforts have primarily concentrated on providing approximate aggregate or top-k type results. Scalable solutions for providing answers to window join queries in distributed stream processing systems have received limited attention to date. We provide a solution for the window join in a distributed stream processing system which features reduced inter-node communications achieved through automatic throughput handling based on resource availability. Our approach is based on incrementally updated discrete Fourier transforms (DFTs). Furthermore, we provide formulae for computing DFT compression factors in order to achieve information reduction. We perform WAN-based prototype experiments to ascertain the viability and establish the effectiveness of our method. Our experimental results reveal that our method scales in terms of throughput and error rates, achieving sub-linear message complexity in domains that exhibit a geographic skew in the joining attributes.
Multimedia as a Means to Enhance Feedback

Interactive feedback, the most common feedback method for oral performance, cannot be used in activities that do not allow for instructor-student interaction, such as speeches and presentations, where feedback should occur after the performance. The conventional ways of providing post-performance or delayed feedback, however, are neither efficient nor effective due to a variety of problems, for example, the time lag from performance to performance review by the instructor and the student. Recognizing that a multimedia tool could significantly enhance delayed feedback, the Technical Japanese Program at the University of Washington developed a software tool to provide such feedback. This paper first identifies the requirements for an effective delayed feedback tool, and then introduces this software tool and discusses the theoretical basis for its development to demonstrate the potential of multimedia technology for use in delayed feedback.
Letter to the editor: RE: Optimized platelet-rich fibrin with the low-speed concept: Growth factor release, biocompatibility, and cellular response.

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), a 2nd generation platelet concentrate, has become of great interest in periodontology (e.g. Castro et al. 2016, 2017), and extra-oral wound healing (e.g. Pinto et al. 2017). The preparation of L-PRF is based on a centrifugation process, aiming for a blood clot containing the majority of leucocytes and platelets, without the inclusion of red blood cells (Dohan et al. 2010). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Bilingual Word and Chunk Alignment: A Hybrid System for Amharic and English

In dieser Arbeit werden effiziente Wort- und Wortteil-Alignmentalgorithmen von satzweise alignierten Parallelkorpora vorgestellt. Es werden hauptsachlich Verfahren der statistischen Ubersetzungsmodellierung verwendet, die Termverteilungsmatrizen nutzen, um Korrelationen zwischen Termen zu identifizieren. Des Weiteren werden linguistische Regeln der Morphologie und Syntax genutzt, um die statistischen Methoden zu erganzen. Es werden zwei Modelle entwickelt: Modell I ist ein Modell, das in einem Zieldokument die Ubersetzung eines Ausgangswortes sucht, wahrend Modell II die Worte eines Ausgangssatzes und die Worte des ubersetzten Zielsatzes aligniert. Beide Modelle werden anhand von amharisch-englischen Parallelkorpora evaluiert. Auserdem wird Modell II mit der Implementierung des IBM Alignment-Modells (GIZA++) verglichen.
A novel propagation modeling for microcellular communications in urban environments

A novel method for microcellular communications to predict propagation characteristics is presented in this paper. It takes into account multiple reflections among walls, ground, vehicles, as well as the transmission/reflection due to groups of trees. Although these are three-dimensional (3-D) problems, we can combine two-dimensional (2-D) ray tracing and simple 3-D geometric considerations to solve them in a very efficient way. We have investigated the propagation loss versus size, number, and locations of vehicles and groups of trees on a safe island. Our results show that the radio wave propagation exhibits severe fast fading, attenuation, and blockage due to reflection, transmission, and shadowing, respectively.
The Effects of Textual Enhancement on Learning English past Tense

Textual Enhancement (TE) is a form of modifying visually those parts of a printed text which includes a targeted syntactic structure for the purpose of instruction. The aim is to bring the learner's attention, while s/he is focusing on the meaning of a stretch of discourse, to the targeted structures and to how they are used. It is hoped that textual enhancement will promote the learner's noticing of the form and will help them acquire or comprehend them. In the present study TE (bold-faced and italicized letters) was used for 53 male learners in the context of an Iranian language institute, to measure their learning of English past tense. Theoretical rationales for textual enhancement are reviewed and the statistical discussions are treated next. Results show that both bold-faced and italicized letters increase learners' learning of form, though bold-faced group displayed a better performance than the italicized group. Practical as well as theoretical implications are finally discussed.
Fixed and Mobile Convergence: Needs and Solutions

The drivers of Fixed and Mobile Convergence (FMC) are discussed. A reference framework for FMC proposed by European project COMBO is then presented. Some use cases of FMC are described, showing the needs for mutualization and convergence of fixed and mobile broadband networks. Five network scenarios providing technical solutions to FMC use cases are proposed. They target an optimal and seamless quality of experience for the end user together with an optimized network infrastructure ensuring increased performance, flexibility, reduced cost and reduced energy consumption.
Novel approaches in modelling dynamics of networked surveillance environment

In this paper novel applications of dy- namic graphs modelling to specific problems of manage- ment of networked surveillance sensors are proposed. The applicability of behavioural analysis oj time se- ries of labelled and attributed digraphs to detection of abnormal changes, possible forecasting of anomalous events, and general performance management of net- worked sensor environments is explored.
Solving the scheduling problem in high level synthesis using a normalized mean field neural network

A neural network solution to the time constrained scheduling problem in high level synthesis of digital circuits is proposed. The mean field theory neural network with graded neurons, proposed by Peterson and Soderberg (1989) is adapted and renamed as normalized mean field net. With the use of ASAP and ALAP schedules as limiting constraints, the number of neural variables is kept to a scalable size resulting in a fast and efficient implementation. An extension to include multi-cycle operations is presented. The proposed network is simulated and tested on two examples including a fairly large benchmark circuit from the 1988 High Level Synthesis Workshop. In all cases, the network is able to find optimal solutions in the first trial. <<ETX>>
Hype, hope and ICT in teacher education: a Bernsteinian perspective

This article draws from ethnographic data produced inside mathematics teacher education in Sweden. It explores and makes visible the ongoing process of education during workshops in information and communication technology (ICT) laboratory contexts in which student teachers were working with spreadsheet applications on the computer. The main finding is that, contrary to the intentions to renew and revitalise education, ICT in use seemed to operate as a relay in the reproduction of traditional ways of teaching and learning. However, the investigation is not one of the failures of education to make use of ICT but one that tries to distance itself from the traditional enthusiastic rhetoric, with the ambition to contribute to a more realistic discussion. Bernstein's concept of pedagogical discourse has been used. One education setting has been studied in detail.
Coding for relay channels with confidential messages

We consider a relay channel where a relay helps the transmission of messages from one sender to one receiver. The relay is considered not only as a sender that helps the message transmission but as a wire-tapper who can obtain some knowledge about the transmitted messages. In this paper we study the coding problem of the relay channel under the situation that some of transmitted messages are confidential to the relay. A security of such confidential messages is measured by the conditional entropy. We derive an explicit inner bound of the capacity region characterized with the set of transmission rates for which messages are reliably transmitted and the security of confidential messages is larger than a prescribed level.
Scheduling flexible manufacturing systems containing assembly operations based on Petri net structures and dynamics

A new heuristic search approach for scheduling two classes of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) that contains assembly operations is proposed. The FMSs are modeled by two classes of Petri nets, called generalized symmetric and asymmetric nets. In the paper, the problem of minimizing makespan is transformed into searching the reachability graph for the optimal (minimal time) firing sequence from the initial marking (state) to the goal marking. A solution of the state equation constitutes a part of the heuristic function. The dynamic information of the nets, such as concurrency and synchronization, is used to adjust the heuristic function since the solution of the state equation may over-estimate the real cost.
The bottleneck of second language acquisition

Explaining why some linguistic features and constructions are easy or difficult to acquire in a second language has become a prominent current concern in generative second language acquisition (SLA) research. Based on a comparison of findings on the L2 acquisition of functional morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics, the Bottleneck Hypothesis argues that functional morphemes and their features are the bottleneck of L2 acquisition; acquisition of universal syntax, semantics and pragmatics flows smoothly (Slabakova 2006, 2008, 2013). The article surveys experimental studies supporting this view. A pedagogical implication of this model is discussed, namely, that an enhanced focus on practicing grammar in language classrooms is beneficial to learners.
Indoor wireless LANs deployment

Wireless local area networks (WLANs) most commonly use the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency band, at 2.4 GHz. Although there have been a variety of proprietary solutions, the IEEE approved a standard, 802.11, that organizes this technology. Planning the network, which fulfills the requirements of the user in such systems, is a major issue. In this paper we discuss some critical issues faced during wireless LAN deployment from a practical point of view.
Estimating Production Potentials: Expert Bias in Applied Decision Making

A study was conducted to evaluate how workers predict manufacturing production potentials given positively and negatively framed information. Findings indicate the existence of a bias toward positive information and suggest that this bias may be reduced with experience but is never the less maintained. Experts err in the same way non experts do in differentially processing negative and positive information. Additionally, both experts and non experts tend to overestimate production potentials in a positive direction. The authors propose that these biases should be addressed with further research including cross domain analyses and consideration in training, workplace design, and human performance modeling.
A Methodology for the Development and Verification of Expressive Ontologies

A Methodology for the Development and Verification of Expressive Ontologies Megan Katsumi Masters of Applied Science Graduate Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering University of Toronto 2011 This work focuses on the presentation of a methodology for the development and verification of expressive ontologies. Motivated by experiences with the development of first-order logic ontologies, we call attention to the inadequacies of existing development methodologies for expressive ontologies. We attempt to incorporate pragmatic considerations inspired by our experiences while maintaining the rigorous definition and verification of requirements necessary for the development of expressive ontologies. We leverage automated reasoning tools to enable semiautomatic verification of requirements, and to assist other aspects of development where possible. In addition, we discuss the related issue of ontology quality, and formulate a set of requirements for MACLEOD a proposed development tool that would support our lifecycle.
The aetiology of cardiovascular disease: a role formitochondrial DNA?

Summary Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a world-wide cause of mortality in humans and its incidence is on the rise in Africa. In this review, we discuss the putative role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aetiology of CVD and consequently identify mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation as a viable genetic risk factor to be considered. We then describe the contribution and pitfalls of several current approaches used when investigating mtDNA in relation to complex disease. We also propose an alternative approach, the adjusted mutational load hypothesis, which would have greater statistical power with cohorts of moderate size, and is less likely to be affected by population stratification. We therefore address some of the shortcomings of the current haplogroup association approach. Finally, we discuss the unique challenges faced by studies done on African populations, and recommend the most viable methods to use when investigating mtDNA variation in CVD and other common complex disease.
K-Band Low-Noise Amplifiers Using

Two K-Band low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) are designed and implemented in a standard 0.18 CMOS tech- nology. The 24 GHz LNA has demonstrated a 12.86 dB gain and a 5.6 dB noise figure (NF) at 23.5 GHz. The 26 GHz LNA achieves an 8.9 dB gain at the peak gain frequency of 25.7 GHz and a 6.93 dB NF at 25 GHz. The input referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) is 2 dBm for both LNAs with a current consumption of 30 mA from a 1.8 V power supply. To our knowledge, the LNAs show the highest operation frequencies ever reported for LNAs in a standard CMOS process. Index Terms—CMOS, K-band, low-noise amplifier (LNA), 0.18 .
Computer-mediated idea generation: the effects of group size and group heterogeneity

A laboratory experiment investigated the effects of physical group size (five- and ten-member) and logical group size (i.e., group heterogeneity in regard to task demands) on the performance of groups addressing an idea generation task. Logical size was manipulated by varying the amount of task-relevant information given to each group member. Larger logical group sizes (heterogeneous groups) were induced by distributing unique task-relevant information among group members; smaller logical group sizes were induced by providing all task information to all members (homogeneous groups). Ten-member groups outperformed five-member groups. Physical group size interacted with logical group size, resulting in greater performance gains for heterogeneous groups with more members. Average contributions per group member diminished with increased physical group size for homogeneous groups and increased for heterogeneous groups. <<ETX>>
Finite Element Analysis of Frictional Contact Problem During the Process of Metal Working

The quasistatic contact problem with dry friction, contributes to the achievement of a numerical model for the simultaneity of different kinds of viscoplastic, incompressible materials forming. Starting from a variational formulation of the problem, which extends the static case, a perturbed Lagrangean, discrete formulation within the framework of finite element method is obtained. On the contact boundary we have used a method based on contact finite elements, with three nodes, for the unilateral contact conditions with the friction law. One numerical example is presented.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFL SECONDARY READING CURRICULUM IN MALAYSIA: APPROACHES TO READING AND PREPARATION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

This case study examined the overarching approaches to second language (L2) reading instruction reflected in the Malaysian EFL secondary curriculum and how well this curriculum prepares students for tertiary reading in EFL. The Malaysian context was chosen because it highly values EFL instruction and has many similarities with other English as Foreign Language (EFL) countries, in terms of EFL reading issues at the tertiary level. The research questions for this study included: What types of reading tasks are reflected in the Malaysian EFL secondary reading curriculum? What types and length of reading passages are used in the Malaysian Form Five English language textbook? What levels of cognitive demand of the reading tasks are reflected in the Malaysian EFL secondary reading curriculum? What types of learner roles are reflected in the Malaysian EFL secondary reading curriculum? This explorative study used document reviews as the primary data collection and analysis method. The Malaysian EFL Secondary Curriculum and the EFL secondary textbook were analyzed using a revision of Richards and Rodgers's (2001) framework for analyzing EFL teaching. The findings indicate that the Malaysian EFL secondary reading curriculum frequently uses reading as an explicit skill to achieve the listed learning outcomes in the EFL Secondary Curriculum. Nonetheless, the curriculum is developed based on the cognitive information processing theory of SLA, Top-Down theory of L2 reading reflecting Non-Interactive Whole Language instruction as well as learner roles that are primarily in the form of individual tasks. The findings on passage analysis show that the EFL textbook primarily uses narrative passages with the majority of passages below grade-level length. The curriculum, however, emphasizes reading tasks that require high cognitive demand as well as important types of reading tasks.