Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characteristics' prediction in urban and suburban environments

The characteristics of the propagation in the microcellular urban and suburban environments in the 902-928-MHz frequency band in line-of-sight (LOS) conditions is investigated both theoretically and experimentally for the purpose of wireless radio local loop (WRLL) prediction. The path-loss characteristics and the range of a break point, at which the polynomial character of field intensity decay along the street level is changed, are analyzed for various parameters of street widths, for different average building heights, and for the actual electrical impedance properties of building walls. A multislit waveguide with randomly distributed gaps between the sides of buildings is considered as a model of straight streets. Results of experiments for VHF/UHF wave propagation along the straight streets in urban environment in the conditions of direct visibility between receiver and transmitter are compared with theoretical analysis of field intensity decay, path-loss distribution, and dependence of the break point on street topography in LOS conditions.
Intellectual capital and performance in banking industry of Taiwan

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between intellectual capital, and corporate performance of the banking industry in Taiwan. In addition, the interactions among intellectual capital elements are also explored. The study employed 30 local commercial banks in Taiwan as research samples for the period between 2005 and 2009. The method of analysis used for this study is the partial least squares (PLS) approach. The study finds that human capital has a significant and positive effect on performance, and is the source of the other intellectual capital elements. In addition, customer capital has a negative effect on performance.
Mining Software Metrics from the Jazz Repository

This paper describes the extraction of source code metrics from the Jazz repository and the systematic application of data mining techniques to identify the most useful of those metrics for predicting the success or failure of an attempt to construct a working instance of the software product. Results are presented from a study using the J48 classification method used in conjunction with a number of attribute selection strategies applied to a set of source code metrics. These strategies involve the investigation of differing slices of code from the version control system and the cross-dataset classification of the various significant metrics in an attempt to work around the multicollinearity implicit in the available data. The results indicate that only a relatively small number of the available software metrics that have been considered have any significance for predicting the outcome of a build. These significant metrics are outlined and implication of the results discussed, particularly the relative difficulty of being able to predict failed build attempts.
Perceived Authority and Communication Channel

The effects of diminished social context cues in computer-mediated communication between students and instructors are examined using instant-messaging (IM) technology. Two experiments verified such effects, students perceived informal surroundings in IM and, in one experiment, decreased presence of the instructor, but results of hypothesized effects on the perceived authority of the instructor were mixed. Students did show more self-centered behavior in IM but experienced increased feelings of regulation.
Understanding antecedents to perceived information risks

With increasing usage of electronic devices, people are creating digital footprints of their everyday actions. These footprints come in the form of big data, and can provide useful insights into customer preferences, thus enabling companies to gain business benefits. However, customers may perceive usage of their personal information as a threat. The telecommunications sector is facing this issue. It is capable of collecting huge amount of data due to wide usage of smartphones and mobile Internet. Yet, it is unable to capitalize on these data. To manage customer perception of information risks in giving telecommunications companies permission to use their personal information, this study examines factors that influence customers’ risk perception. A survey of 512 Internet panel members in Korea shows that information practices play an important role in shaping information privacy concerns, trust, and perceived information risks. Information privacy concern is the strongest predictor of perceived information risks, followed by perceived data control, and trust. Perceived policy awareness and perceived information protection significantly influence perceived data control. The findings imply that telecommunications companies ought to increase the level of customer trust, improve their information practices, and reduce customers’ information privacy concerns if they want to lower customer perception toward information risks.
Implementation of Task-Based Approaches to Language Teaching

Massoud Rahimpour It is argued that task-based instruction creates more favorable conditions and facilitates L2 acquisition. For this reason task-based language teaching has recently been the focus of the attention of many L2 language instructors and syllabus designers. The main purpose of this paper is first to discuss the current views and three schools of syllabus design and then review three kinds of task-based syllabi: A) Procedural Syllabus B) Process Syllabus and C) Task-Based Language Teaching. Finally, the results of a classroom research in which two groups have been taught under different approaches will be presented. Preliminary results of statistical analyses revealed that task-based language teaching led to greater fluency and complexity than structural-based language teaching, as reflected in greater number of Words per Pause and greater number of Lexical Density. But the result ran counter to our hypotheses in terms of accuracy. Structural-based language teaching approach led to greater accuracy than task-based language teaching, as reflected in greater number of Error-Free T-Units. Pedagogic implications are discussed.
Mobile Assessment System for Shoulder Joint Rehabilitation: System Development and Preliminary Study

This paper proposes the mobile assessment system for shoulder joint rehabilitation. To monitor the patient’s condition during the rehabilitation process, it is necessary to assess the initial condition and monitor the progress before and after the treatment. For the assessment, the shoulder joint angle in certain positions needs to be measured. The proposed system measures and assesses the patient’s joint angles in four different positions using smart sensors embedded in the smartphones such as the accelerometer and the gyroscope. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated by comparing the assessment results with measurements using the goniometer.
A 100-MHz 2-D discrete cosine transform core processor

A 100-MHz two-dimensional discrete cosine transform (DCT) core processor applicable to the real-time processing of HDTV signals is described. An excellent architecture utilizing a fast DCT algorithm and multiplier accumulators based on distributed arithmetic have contributed to reducing the hardware amount and to enhancing the speed performance. A layout scheme with a column-interleaved memory and a new ROM circuit are introduced for the efficient implementation of memory-based signal processing circuits. Furthermore, mean values of errors generated in the core were minimized to enhance the computational accuracy with the word-length constraints. Consequently, it features the fastest operating speed and the smallest area with sufficient accuracy to satisfy the specifications in CCITT recommendation H.261. The core integrates about 102 K transistors and occupies 21 mm/sup 2/ using 0.8- mu m double-metal CMOS technology. >
Gestural Control of a Remote Robotic Manipulator

Recent technological developments in motion tracking technology have lowered the price of motioncapture devices to the extent that nearly anyone can accurately model the dimensions and movement of the human body. The system described herein was the result of an attempt to capitalize on the aforementioned low-cost motion-capture technology to develop an accurate human-robot interface which relies on translating natural forelimb movement into servo actuation commands to control a robotic arm. Given that most endeavors into robotics are interdisciplinary, this work incorporates input from electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, and human-robot interface design. This system was specifically designed, in cooperation with NASA, to be used by an operator in a low-gravity environment, but the number of possible applications are substantial. These applications include, but are not limited to, military explosive ordnance disposal, remote maintenance in hostile environments, and safe exploration into hazardous environments.
Predicting Academic Performance in Management Education: An Empirical Investigation of MBA Success

Abstract The master's of business administration (MBA) program is one of the most popular approaches to management education. This study investigates the impacts of several precedent variables on the academic performance in an accredited MBA program. A prediction model was developed with multiple regression, and results showed that undergraduate grade point average and scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test had significant impacts. Implications for management education are discussed.
Perfective–imperfective: Development of aspectual distinctions in Greek specific language impairment

Tense morphology has been found to be cross-linguistically vulnerable in specific language impairment (SLI). Research on the development of aspect is rather limited and results are quite inconsistent; some studies suggest that aspect appears intact (Leonard et al. 2003), while others report severe deficits (Fletcher et al. 2005). The present study is the first one to examine the comprehension and production of aspectual distinctions in Greek SLI. Forty children participated in the study; eight children with SLI (mean age: 6;7), sixteen age-matched typically developing children (mean age: 6;6) and sixteen language-matched typically developing children (mean age: 4;5). Our results provide evidence that the development of aspectual distinctions in Greek SLI seems to be delayed rather than deviant, as it follows the asymmetrical pattern described for earlier stages of typical development; perfective aspect is fully acquired, whereas interpretation of imperfective aspect is still inadequate (Kazanina & Phillips 2003; van Hout 2005).
Understanding EIS use: an empirical test of a behavioral model

Using a framework from organizational behavior, this study field-tested an explanatory model of EIS utilization, with a sample of 38 executives in nine organizations. The dependent variables (behavior) are the internalization and the frequency of EIS use. The factors hypothesized to be linked to this behavior are EIS experience (habits), work group influence (social factor), user satisfaction with information, system access and assistance (affect), consequences (of EIS use), EIS sophistication, and presence of a hotline (facilitating conditions). The data collected during the study confirm the appropriateness of the model. The results are discussed and their implications for researchers and practitioners are analyzed. <<ETX>>
Vegetation Lined Channel Design Procedures

ABSTRACT GRAPHICAL and numerical design procedures for the design of vegetation-lined trapezoidal, parabolic, and triangular channels are presented. The procedures are based upon the Manning formula and the n-VR relationships of vegetation linings for five retardance classes. The numerical solution presented is an iteration process within the capabilities of a scientific pocket calculator. The graphical solution presented requires less time. Both design procedures are illustrated by an example. The accuracy of the two methods does not differ significantly. The two nomographs included in the paper are from a set of 20 that are available from the authors
Contour-tone spreading and tone sandhi in Danyang Chinese

An important contribution to our knowledge of tone sandhi among the Chinese dialects is Lü's (1980) article on the tones and tone sandhi behaviour of Danyang, a Wu dialect of Chinese. Lü's description of Danyang is, to date, our only source on the dialect. While it is a northern Wu dialect, the tone sandhi patterning in Danyang differs from Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi and other dialects in the vicinity. There are a number of interesting problems related to tone in the dialect. This paper restricts the topic to only one of these problems, namely the treatment of the six basic tone patterns in Danyang, focusing in particular on the pattern in which a contour tone is copied Onto adjacent syllables in the tone sandhi domain.
Software cost estimation using artificial neural networks

The computer software industry is perhaps one of the fastest growing industries in the world today. With the increasing cost of software development it is apparent that effective techniques for estimating software costs are essential in order to control the costs and make software more competitive. A number of algorithmic techniques have been developed and used for software cost estimation. However, calculations from several of such techniques indicate that estimates of development effort and cost differ considerably and hence may pose problems to software managers in committing resources and controlling costs. In this research, an artificial neural network approach is used to model the software cost estimation expertise and results are compared with the COCOMO model.
Collaborative writing at Bobcatsss. Two heads are better than one

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss learning experiences, mutual benefits and possible drawbacks from collaborative writing and presentation of scientific papers at Bobcatsss international library conferences.Design/methodology/approach – A web‐based questionnaire was sent to participants who co‐authored and presented papers at the Bobcatsss 2012 conference. The results are measured against the viewpoints and experiences of five Norwegian students, who have collaborated with the author of this paper, at four Bobcatsss conferences, in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2012.Findings – Responses from the survey and the student interviews indicate that collaborative writing is a superior strategy for learning LIS subjects. None of the interviewees and few of the respondents had attended a writing course to improve their writing skills. Many had not read literature of the type: “How to write a scientific paper”. Practical implications – The study may be useful for future LIS students who arrange Bobcatsss conf.
Intercultural learning via videoconferencing: a pilot exchange project

This article describes an exchange project carried out by foreign language classes in the University of León, Spain and the University of Northern Michigan, USA. The two groups integrated videoconferencing technology into a task based exchange in order to make students more aware of how they viewed their own and the target cultures. In the course of the project learners also experienced some of the challenges of inter-cultural communication. The development of the project is described and examples of intercultural learning are looked at. Some guidelines for the use of videoconferencing in such intercultural exchanges are also suggested.
Gender Differences in Computer Education: A Costa Rican Case Study

A time allocation study was designed to determine how two types of teachers spend their time in a primary school computer lab in Costa Rica. As a group, teachers of both types were found to allocate more of their time to boys than to girls. Moreover, boys were found to monopolize the primary teaching resource (the formally trained lab teacher), leaving girls to seek assistance from the secondary resource (their regular classroom teacher). Results of the study have important implications both for the anthropology of education and for Costa Rican society at large.
A grammar of Afrikaans

The series builds an extensive collection of high quality descriptions of languages around the world. Each volume offers a comprehensive grammatical description of a single language together with fully analyzed sample texts and, if appropriate, a word list and other relevant information which is available on the language in question. There are no restrictions as to language family or area, and although special attention is paid to hitherto undescribed languages, new and valuable treatments of better known languages are also included. No theoretical model is imposed on the authors; the only criterion is a high standard of scientific quality.
Personal video retrieval and browsing for mobile users

The latest camera-equipped mobile phones and faster cellular networks have increased the interest in mobile multimedia services. But for content consumption, delivery and creation, the limited capabilities of mobile terminals require special attention. This paper introduces the Candela platform, an infrastructure that allows the creation, storage and retrieval of home videos with special consideration of mobile terminals. Candela features a J2ME-based video recording and annotation tool which permits the creation and annotation of home videos on mobile phones. It offers an MPEG-7-based home video database which can be queried in an intelligent and user-oriented manner exploiting users’ personal domain ontologies. The platform employs terminal profiling techniques to deliver video retrieval user interfaces that personalize the search results according to the user's preferences and terminal capabilities, facilitating effective retrieval of home videos via various both mobile and fixed terminals. For video playout, Candela features a meta player, a video player augmented by an interactive metadata display which can be used for fast content-based in-video browsing, helping to avoid the consumption and streaming of uninteresting video parts, thus reducing network load. Thereby, Candela forms a comprehensive video management platform for mobile phones fully covering mobile home video management from acquisition to delivery.
A vegetation classification scheme validated by model simulations

The capability of multifrequency polarimetric SAR to discriminate among nine vegetation classes is demonstrated using both experimental data and model simulations. The experimental data were collected by the multifrequency polarimetric SAR at the Dutch Flevoland site and the Italian Montespertoli site. Simulations are carried out using the vegetation model developed at Tor Vergata University.
Exploring the determinants of e‐learning systems continuance intention in academic libraries

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships of web quality (system quality, information quality, and service quality), perceived value, and satisfaction to understand how these critical factors influence the continuance intention of using e‐learning systems in academic libraries.Design/methodology/approach – The study data come from a convenience sample of 302 undergraduate and graduate students who were 18 to 25 years old. A structural equation modelling (SEM) technique was conducted to identify causal relationships.Findings – The findings demonstrate that web quality has significantly positive influences on perceived value and user satisfaction. Furthermore, perceived value and satisfaction determines users' continuance intentions of e‐learning systems in academic libraries.Research limitations/implications – This study addresses self‐reported continuance intentions as part of the survey; as a result, it could have introduced inaccuracies. The implications of proposed e‐learning .
Why do smartphone shoppers help others on websites? The effects of attachments on reciprocal altruism

Why do people help others on mobile shopping sites, even when members have never met? To answer the research question, this study applies attachment theory to investigate the relationships between formation variables (trust, enjoyment, and timesaving), transfer variables (site, group, and interpersonal attachments), and an outcome variable (reciprocal altruism). An online survey was conducted of shoppers who had purchased tourism products with smartphones. The results show that trust, enjoyment, and timesaving have significant effects on site attachment, which, in turn, have a significant effect on both group and interpersonal attachments. Interpersonal attachment also has a highly significant effect on group attachment. Reciprocal altruism is influenced by both site and interpersonal attachments. The findings not only provide theoretical contributions to the tourism literature but also practical contributions to the tourism industry.
A dynamic analysis of the Dickson charge pump circuit

Dynamics of the Dickson charge pump circuit are analyzed. The analytical results enable the estimation of the rise time of the output voltage and that of the power consumption during boosting. By using this analysis, the optimum number of stages to minimize the rise time has been estimated as 1.4 N/sub min/, where N/sub min/ is the minimum value of the number of stages necessary for a given parameter set of supply voltage, threshold voltage of transfer diodes, and boosted voltage. Moreover, the self-load capacitance of the charge pump, which should be charged up at the same time as the output load capacitance of the charge pump, has been estimated as about one-third of the total charge pump capacitance. As a result, the equivalent circuit of the charge pump has been modified. The analytical results are in good agreement with simulation by the iteration method, typically within 10% for the rise time and within 2% for the power consumption. In the case of a charge pump with MOS transfer transistors, the analytical results of the rise time agree with the SPICE simulation within 10%.