Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language of Text Messages: A Corpus Based Linguistic Analysis of SMS in Pakistan

The thesis presents a corpus based empirical analysis of the language used in SMS text messaging in Pakistan. The study is descriptive in nature and examines types, causes, and patterns/principles of various linguistic adaptations made in text messages. It also provides historical insights, and discusses linguistic-cum-educational impacts and implications of these adaptations.Primarily, the study is based on the linguistic analysis of an SMS corpus of 5000 interpersonal text messages collected from Pakistani texters. For triangulation purposes, it also examines the metalinguistic perceptions of 500 texters who also provided their personal text messages for the study.The study explores linguistic adaptations in six major categories, i.e. lexical, syntactic, punctuation, space, code, and script adaptations in text messages. It was found in the study that linguistic adaptations in text messages are mostly made under certain principles/patterns. Most intentional adaptations in text messages are caused by three major factors that are to be economical in the use of time and effort, to be creative/innovative in developing new language patterns, and to be rapid in SMS communication. Some unintentional adaptations are caused by the careless attitude or poor language command of texters. In addition, many punctuation adaptations are specifically made for paralinguistic purposes. Code alterations are made in the bilingual settings of texters. Lastly, the Roman script is preferred because most Pakistani texters are not adept in typing the Arabic/Urdu script, and so they use the Roman script for both Urdu and English. In the historical perspective, these adaptations are not completely new in nature because their traces are found in history or in other modes of communication. Moreover, these adaptations have various linguistic/educational impacts, and these impacts lead to certain implications for the conventional standards of languages and their teaching.
Examining the Acceptance Behavior of Using Mobile Phone Messaging as a Parent-Teacher Medium Based on TAM and UTAUT Models

Adopting two different models (TAM and UTAUT), this study explores use behavior while teachers use mobile phone messaging to communicate with parents. TAM proposes that system use is determined by behavior intention to use, which is influenced jointly by attitude toward using the system and perceived usefulness. Attitude toward using the system is determined jointly by perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, which has a direct effect on perceived usefulness; external variables influence both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Determinants of IT use in TAM and UTAUT are not identical. Therefore, both models were revised to investigate teacher behavior of adopting mobile phone messaging as a parent-teacher communication medium. All constructs in the models were modified to avoid confusing substantive differences between models with measurement. The results suggest that infrastructure maturity for mobile phone messaging improves intention to use, but actual use behavior relates to school policies, not teacher intention.
Uptake and Use of Digital Technologies in Primary and Secondary Schools – a Thematic Review of Research

English abstract This article is a review of international research on the uptake and use of digital technologies in primary and secondary schools. The aim was to provide a credible and clear picture of current research, together with some well-informed suggestions as to how future research could develop. Two strategies were used: (1) identify themes within current research that indicate important lessons to be learned in relation to the uptake and use of digital technologies in primary and secondary schools, and (2) based on these lessons, identify which knowledge-gaps need to be closed and in the light of this suggest directions for further research. It is concluded that a rather complex and fragmented picture of the uptake and use of digital technologies emerges from the literature review. Three specific suggestions for research on the uptake and use of digital technologies in primary and secondary school are provided: (1) the outcomes of technology use in relation to different levels in the educational system, e.g. arenas of implementation and realization, (2) digital practices that are longitudinal and information-rich and that go beyond existing knowledge, and (3) initiatives for a renewal of theoretical and methodological approaches when designing and analyzing studies within the field.
I. Nuclear Production Reaction and Chemical Isolation Procedure for 240Am II. New Superheavy Element Isotopes: 242Pu( 48Ca,5n)285114

Part I discusses the study of a new nuclear reaction and chemical separation procedure for the production of 240 Am. Thin 242 Pu, nat Ti, and nat Ni targets were coincidently activated with protons from the 88-Inch Cyclotron, producing 240 Am, 48 V, and 57 Ni, respectively. The radioactive decay of these isotopes was monitored using high-purity Ge gamma ray detectors in the weeks following irradiation. The excitation function for the 242 Pu( p, 3n ) 240 Am nuclear reaction was measured to be lower than theoretical predictions, but high enough to be the most viable nuclear reaction for the large-scale production of 240 Am.Details of the development of a chemical separation procedure for isolating 240 Am from proton-irradiated 242 Pu are discussed. The separation procedure, which includes two anion exchange columns and two extraction chromatography columns, was experimentally investi- gated using tracer-level 241 Am, 239 Pu, and model proton-induced fission products 95 Zr, 95 Nb, 125 Sb, and 152 Eu. The separation procedure was shown to have an Am/Pu separation factor of >2t10 7 and an Am yield of ∼70%. The separation procedure was found to purify the Am sample from >99.9% of Eu, Zr, Nb, and Sb. The procedure is well suited for the processing of ∼1 gram of proton-irradiated 242 Pu to produce a neutron-induced fission target consisting of tens of nanograms of 240 Am.Part II describes the use of the Berkeley Gas-filled Separator at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 88-Inch Cyclotron for the study of the 242 Pu( 48 Ca, 5n ) 285 114 nuclear re- action. The new, neutron-deficient, superheavy element isotope 285 114 was produced in 48 Ca irradiations of 242 Pu targets at a center-of-target beam energy of 256 MeV ( E ∗ = 50 MeV). The a decay of 285 114 was followed by the sequential a decay of four daughter nuclides, 281 Cn, 277 Ds, 273 Hs, and 269 Sg. 265 Rf was observed to decay by spontaneous fission. The measured a-decay Q -values were compared with those from a macroscopic-microscopic nuclear mass model to give insight into superheavy element shell effects. The 242 Pu( 48 Ca, 5n ) 285 114 crosssection was 0.6-0.2 +1.3 pb.
The Application of Low-Intensity Ultrasound Irradiation in Biological Wastewater Treatment: A Review

This review is intended to critically convey information on the application of low-intensity ultrasound irradiation (LUSI) in biological wastewater treatment and to discuss the effect of LUSI on the efficiency of wastewater treatment. The use of LUSI in wastewater treatment is presented and compared in terms of different wastewater conditions. The advantages and disadvantages of using LUSI are discussed to effectively grasp the benefits of LUSI in managing wastewater treatment, and the optimal conditions for ultrasound in various wastewater treatments designed for different contaminants are summarized. The main conclusion from the literature review is that LUSI has the potential to improve the activity of enzymes or the permeability of the cell membrane; however, a negative effect of the use of ultrasound in wastewater treatment is the decreased settle ability of sludge. In addition, the review concludes by identifying research needs that should be addressed in the future.
Synthesis and Kinetic Studies of Rigid Polyurethane Foam Based on Modified Castor Oil

Castor oil based diethanolamine modified rigid polyurethane (PU) foam formation and its reaction rate kinetics have been studied during the present work. Physico-chemical properties of the synthesized base polyol such as acid value, hydroxyl value and viscosity have been measured. Rigid (PU) foam processing parameters such as mixing time, cream time, gel time, rise time and tack free time were measured at temperature 22 o C and 70% humidity. Rigid foam kinetic investigations with different catalysts such as triethylene diamine (TEDA), diethyl methylamine (DEMA), triethylamine (TEA) and cocadimethylamine (CDMA) at different concentration were studied using foam-processing parameters. The properties such as density, water absorption, compression strength and dimensional stability have also been measured. There are other many systems of polyurethanes like elastomers adhesives etc. which can be prepared from natural resources based, which are easily available in our country.
Continuous activity with immediate feedback: a good strategy to guarantee student engagement with the course

This paper describes the experience of applying a new teaching strategy to a basic mathematics course at the Open University of Catalonia. This strategy requires students to engage with practice and assessment tests with automatic feedback. The main aim of this research is to look into the extent to which the key elements of this teaching strategy influence the students’ course completion and academic achievement. In order to achieve this purpose, qualitative and quantitative variables over one term have been measured weekly. Our findings suggest that this teaching strategy significantly reduced the number of students who dropped out and improved academic results. More specifically, regular practice activities at the beginning of the semester help to engage students in the completion of the course.
An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Consumers' Initial Trust in Wearable Commerce

This paper focuses on the factors influencing consumers' initial trust in wearable commerce. Specifically, a conceptual model for wearable commerce is created and hypotheses are developed to study the initial trust. Through a survey of 266 valid questionnaires, we carry out an empirical analysis via Structure Equation Modeling method. The results show that five proposed factors (privacy concern, trust propensity, performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation) all have significant effects on initial trust in wearable commerce. The conclusion is valuable to future research on wearable commerce. Theoretical and practical implications are also presented.
A vector quantisation reduction method for the probabilistic neural network

This paper introduces a vector quantisation method to reduce the probabilistic neural network classifier size. It has been derived from the modified probabilistic neural network which was developed as a general regression technique but can also be used for classification. It is a very practical and easy to implement method requiring a very low level of computation. The method is described and demonstrated using 4 different sets of classification data.
Synchronous and Asynchronous E-Language Learning: A Case Study of Virtual University of Pakistan.

This case study evaluated the impact of synchronous and asynchronous E-Language Learning activities (ELL-tivities) in an E-Language Learning Environment (ELLE) at Virtual University of Pakistan. The purpose of the study was to assess e-language learning analytics based on the constructivist approach of collaborative construction of knowledge. The courses selected for random sampling were English Comprehension (Eng101), Business & Technical English (Eng201) and Business Communication (Eng301). Three methods were employed to collect the data: observation of the communication and performance on given channels, students’ opinions on Graded Discussion Board (GDB), and a survey questionnaire. Out of a total population of 9919, 1025 responses were received for the survey questionnaire. The findings revealed that asynchronous e-language learning was quite beneficial for second language (L2) learners, but with some limitations which could be scaffolded by synchronous sessions. Based on the findings, the researcher suggested a blend of both synchronous and asynchronous paradigms to create an ideal environment for e-language learning in Pakistan.
A generalized frame synchronizer

A modification of the class of frame synchronizers which maximize a likelihood function is proposed. If the stage following the frame sync unit is able to distinguish incorrect from correct syncs, then supplying several alternative frame starting positions effectively improves the synchronization performance. The performance of such a scheme is evaluated analytically and using simulations. As an example system, a frame sync unit followed by a decoder is assumed. The improvement achieved can amount to several decibels, and is excellent at high signal-to-noise ratios. The average overhead, required in the subsequent processing stages is evaluated and shown to be small at signal-to-noise ratios of interest. No changes need to be made to the frame structure, and only slight modifications of the receiver, are necessary. <<ETX>>
Imputing Missing Entries of a Data Matrix: A review

The problem of imputing missing entries of a data matrix is easy to state: Some entries of the matrix are unknown and we want to assign "appropriate values" to these entries. The need for solving such problems arises in several applications, ranging from traditional ϐields to modern ones. Typical examples of traditional ϐields are statistical analysis of incomplete survey data, business reports, operations management, psychometrika, meteorology and hydrology. Modern applications arise in machine learning, data mining, DNA microarrays data, chemometrics, computer vision, recommender systems and collaborative ϐiltering. The problem is highly interesting and challenging. Many ingenious algorithms have been proposed, and there is vast literature on imputing techniques. Yet, most of the papers consider the imputing problem within the context of a speciϐic application or a speciϐic approach. The current survey provides a broad view of the problem, one that exposes the large variety of imputing methods. Old and new methods are examined with focus on the ideas behind the methods. It is illustrated how simple ideas evolve into highly sophisticated algorithms. The review enables us to identify a number of basic concepts and tools which are shared by several imputing methods. Equivalence theorems that we prove reveal surprising relations between apparently different
Using the Framework

It’s shameless-plug time: the authors of this book are also the co-creators of the open-source Ajax framework Taconite. We admit this is a bit self-serving, but seriously, we think Taconite is pretty sweet. While originally built for Java Enterprise Edition–based applications, we have refactored the core of Taconite into a client-side library that can easily be used with any server-side technology. Beyond that, it wouldn’t be terribly hard to port the Taconite serverside components to other technologies such as . NET. What makes Taconite so special? Ajax is a fantastic step forward in the evolution of the Web application. However, we’ve struggled over the years with the inconsistencies among browsers and the difficulty inherent in developing massive quantities of JavaScript. Since we’re basically lazy, we decided to just “build it once” so we could easily reuse our hard work. (Besides, we can tell our bosses it’ll take three weeks, get it done in one, and spend the rest of the time following the trials and tribulations of the Minnesota Vikings.) CHAPTER 8 n PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER 226
Staff and Student Responses to a Trial of Turnitin Plagiarism Detection Software

An evaluation of student and staff responses to the trial of the plagiarism detection service Turnitin indicates that both students and staff consider Turnitin (http://www.turnitin.com) to be a useful but limited tool for combating Internet-assisted plagiarism. The evaluation found that Turnitin is thought to be most useful as a deterrent rather than as a solution to Internetassisted plagiarism, and that it would be wise to concurrently pursue other methods to reduce the problem of plagiarism in higher education. This paper charts the views expressed by staff and students participating in the trial of Turnitin.
Development and Early Score Validation of the Malaysian Educator's Information Technology Attitude Scale (MEITAS)

The purpose of this study was to develop and provide initial validation evidence for an instrument to measure educators’ attitudes toward IT. Data were collected from 817 participants comprising both pre and in-service teachers in four phases. Two separate factor analyses were conducted for the pre-service teacher data and in-service teacher data. Principle component analysis, with varimax rotation, suggested three distinct constructs: affect, perceived usefulness and behaviour. The scores of the instrument also showed high reliability.
Cost Accounting Skills Needs of Small Business Operators

The major purpose of the study was to determine the record-keeping, inventory control and price determination skills needs of small business operators in Anambra State. Three research questions and two null hypotheses were used to attain this purpose. A descriptive survey research design was adopted in the study which involved 280 registered small business operators in the state. Due to the manageable size of the population, all the 280 registered small business operators were surveyed. Therefore there was no sampling. Data were collected with the help of three research assistants using structured Cost Accounting Skills Needs (CASNs) questionnaire with 43-item statements. The questionnaire was divided into four sections (A - D). Section A was used to obtain the personal data of the respondents. Sections B, C and D carried a bipolar scale of perceived importance and expressed possession to obtain the respondents’ ratings of the skills (record-keeping, inventory control and price determination skills). The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha reliability technique was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. Reliability coefficient of 0.78, 0.83 and 0.75 were obtained for record-keeping, inventory control and price determination skills respectively. Data from 269 copies returned were used for data analysis. Analysis was done using mean and correlated t-test at 0.05 level of significance to answer the research questions while analysis of variance was used to test the two null hypotheses. The study found that record-keeping, inventory control and price determination skills were perceived to be very important by the operators, but the levels of possession were still below expectation. Based on these findings, the study recommended that a training programme be mounted for small business operators in the state on record-keeping and inventory control skills needed for business operation.
The Causes and Consequences of Long-Term Unemployment in Europe

One of the most striking features of European labour markets is the high incidence of long-term unemployment. In this paper we review the literature on its causes and consequences. Our main conclusions are that: the rise in the incidence of long-term unemployment has been ''caused'' by a collapse of outflow rates at all durations of unemployment while the long-term unemployed do leave unemployment at a slower rate than the short-term unemployed, this has always been the case and their relative outflow rate has not fallen over time there is no evidence that, for a given level of unemployment, the incidence of long-term unemployment has been ratcheting up over time once one controls for heterogeneity of the unemployed, there is little evidence of outflow rates that decline over a spell of unemployment While these findings suggest that long-term unemployment is not a problem independent of unemployment itself, one should recognise that the experience of long-term unemployment is a horrid one for those unfortunate enough to experience it.
An efficient method for contour tracking using active shape models

There has been considerable research interest recently, in the areas of real time contour tracking and active shape models. This paper demonstrates how dynamic filtering can be used in combination with a modal-based flexible shape model to track an articulated non-rigid body in motion. The results show the method being used to track the silhouette of a walking pedestrian in real time. The active shape model used was generated automatically from real image data and incorporates variability in shape due to orientation as well as object flexibility. A Kalman filter is used to control spatial scale for feature search over successive frames. Iterative refinement allows accurate contour localisation where feasible. The shape model incorporates knowledge of the likely shape of the contour and speeds up tracking by reducing the number of system parameters. A further increase in speed is obtained by filtering the shape parameters independently. <<ETX>>
IDES: a progress report (Intrusion-Detection Expert System)

Describes a real-time intrusion-detection expert system (IDES), that observes user behavior on a monitored computer system and adaptively learns what is normal for individual users, groups, remote hosts, and the overall system behavior. Observed behavior is flagged as a potential intrusion if it deviates significantly from the expected behavior or if it triggers a rule in the expert-system rule base. <<ETX>>
4. COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MATCH ANALYSIS IN ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL O-020 Comparison of activity profile during matches in Danish and Swedish premier league and matches in Nordic royal league tournament

OBJECTIVE The first Nordic Royal League tournament was played in 2004/2005. The top-4 teams from Denmark, Sweden and Norway participated in the tournament. The proclaimed goal of this tournament was to give the best Nordic teams more off-season matches at a high standard. The aims of the present study were to compare the physical match performance in the Danish Premier League (DPL) and Swedish Premier League (SPL) and to compare the match activities in the national leagues (NL) with the Royal League Tournament (RL). METHODS 23 players from DPL and 23 players from SPL were filmed individually by camcorders for later obtainment of computerized time-motion analyses (Mohr et al., 2003). Players in the two groups were matched according to positional role in the team as well as representation of top-, middle- and bottom-teams. 14 of those players were also filmed in RL matches. Differences between DPL and SPL were evaluated by Student’s unpaired t-test and differences between NL and RL by Student’s paired t-test. RESULTS Total distance covered was higher (p 0.5). DISCUSSION The physical performance in the Royal League tournament was similar to the national leagues and was considered to be a good off-season supplement. Danish Premier League players covered a greater total distance than players in the Swedish Premier League, which seems to be related to more offensive running by the defensive Danish League players. However, no differences were observed in high intensity running and sprinting between the Danish and Swedish league. REFERENCES