Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Sound Transmission Loss of Double-Leaf Walls in the Low-Frequency Range Using the Finite Element Method

The sound transmission loss of double walls in the low-frequency range is studied by means of structure-acoustic finite element analysis. The analysis simulates standard experiments to determine sound transmission loss of walls. The model is a detailed description of the geometry of the system, including both the double wall and the rooms acoustically coupled to the wall. The frequency range studied is in the 1/3-octave bands between 40 Hz and 200 Hz. Aparametric study is performed to investigate the influence on the sound transmission loss of various material and geometric properties of the wall and the dimensions of the connecting rooms. The model confirms the importance of primary structural resonance and the size of the connecting rooms in determining the degree of sound transmission loss. The primary structural resonance is mainly determined by the distance between the wall studs and the properties of the sheeting material. Wall length is also important; if the length is such that the wall studs of the last wall cavity are closer together than those of the other wall cavities, the primary structural resonance will be at a higher frequency, thereby decreasing sound transmission loss over a broader frequency range. Similar dimensions of the connecting rooms results in poor transmission loss, mainly at frequencies below 100 Hz (for the wall and room dimensions studied here).
The Effects of Individual Differences in Working Memory on Multimedia Learning

With the advance of instructional technologies, multimedia presentation formats have become increasingly common in business, military, and educational pursuits. Previous research has found that the use of certain multimedia design principles may alleviate demands on working memory and thus improve the learning process (Mayer, 2001). Our study examined the utility of three of these principles: the contiguity, redundancy and modality principles (Mayer & Moreno, 2003), in the design of a multimedia presentation explaining the formation of hail. Results indicated that use of the contiguity, redundancy, and modality principles tended to increase learning outcomes for individuals with low working memory capacities but decrease learning outcomes for those with higher working memory capacities. These findings call into question the generality of these design principles, and suggest that multimedia designers should carefully consider the effects of individual differences in the human learner
Quick simulation of ATM buffers

The problem of how to quickly estimate by simulation the loss of a buffer with Markov fluid sources is addressed. The authors derive expressions for an altered rate matrix of the Markov fluid to use instead of the original rate matrix to speed up the simulation. Likelihood ratios are used to recover an estimate of the loss for the original traffic parameters. <<ETX>>
Tools for Understanding the Limits to Growth: Comparing a Simulation and a Game

During 30 years as a systems analyst and teacher, this author has been constructing models to understand and convey key principles related to the long-term causes and consequences of physical growth on the planet. In this article, he describes two different models that he has developed to accomplish these goals. One was employed as a computer simulation; the other functioned as an operational game. In comparing them, the author points out many differences between the two tools and indicates two important challenges for this profession.
Learner activities in a collaborative CALL task

This paper briefly discusses different research approaches in CALL and makes a case for applying grounded theory (GT) to data gathered from an electronic role-play conducted in L2. The article shows that this method can help gain a better understanding of what learners do when engaged in the task. Through the process of open coding, four categories emerge which are introduced in turn.
Synthesis of prenylated quinones by the oxidative degradation approach. Birch vs vinylogous Birch hydrogenolysis (BIHY vs VIBIHY) in controlling 2.DELTA. stereochemistry of the prenyl chain

Two novel approaches toward prenylated quinones are described. The first (route A) involves the following three basic operations: (a) construction of a 4-hydroxybezylamine carrying a tertiary allyl alcohol (cinnamyl alcohol) side chain of appropriate length (C 5 , C 10 , etc), followed by (b) vinylogous Birch reductive cleavage with concomitant isomerization of the double bond (vinylogous Birch hydrogenolysis, VIBIHY) and (c) Fremy's salt oxidative degradation of the resulting prenylated phenolic benzylamines to the corresponding quinones. Unfortunately, its stereochemistry cannot be properly controlled, as it leads to the formation of ca. 2.5:1 (E/Z)mixture of (Δ 2 )alkenes. The second generation approach (route B), which solves this problem, requires the following : (a) preparation of a 4-hydroxybenzylamine carrying a 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol (dimethylallyl alcohol) side chain, or a higher homologue, followed by (b) Birch hydrogenolysis (BIHY) and step c above. The key Birch hydrogenolysis takes place with almost complete control of the stereochemically labile Δ 2 double bond, thereby making this approach the one of choice for the synthesis of isoprenyl benzoquinones
Multispectral landuse classification using neural networks and support vector machines: one or the other, or both?

Land use classification is an important part of many remote sensing applications. A lot of research has gone into the application of statistical and neural network classifiers to remote‐sensing images. This research involves the study and implementation of a new pattern recognition technique introduced within the framework of statistical learning theory called Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and its application to remote‐sensing image classification. Standard classifiers such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN) need a number of training samples that exponentially increase with the dimension of the input feature space. With a limited number of training samples, the classification rate thus decreases as the dimensionality increases. SVMs are independent of the dimensionality of feature space as the main idea behind this classification technique is to separate the classes with a surface that maximizes the margin between them, using boundary pixels to create the decision surface. Results from SVMs are compared with traditional Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) and an ANN classifier. The findings suggest that the ANN and SVM classifiers perform better than the traditional MLC. The SVM and the ANN show comparable results. However, accuracy is dependent on factors such as the number of hidden nodes (in the case of ANN) and kernel parameters (in the case of SVM). The training time taken by the SVM is several magnitudes less.
Template‐less synthesis of polymer hollow spheres: an efficient catalyst for Suzuki coupling reaction

We report here a method for the preparation of polymer hollow spheres in which 3-aminoquinoline (3-AQ) and palladium acetate were used as precursors. During the reaction 3-AQ was oxidized and formed poly(3-AQ). IR and Raman spectra provided information on the chemical structure of the polymer. The oxidation state of palladium was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the size and morphology of the polymer. The palladium–poly(3-AQ) supramolecular system was used as an effective catalyst for the Suzuki coupling reaction of aryl halides in the absence of a phosphine ligand. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis on multiplexer-based programmable devices using (ordered) binary decision diagrams

Presents synthesis techniques on the Actel multiplexer-based programmable gate arrays. The internal structure of these devices is exploited through binary decision diagrams based algorithms. According to the speed/area trade-off, either classical or reduced ordered Binary Decision Diagrams are used. Emphasis is put on the determination of a good ordering for the ROBDD construction. Results on a large set of international benchmarks and comparisons with existing work are provided. <<ETX>>
Incoming international students and the library: a survey

Purpose – To assess incoming international students' library and computer experience before coming to the US, and to determine their current library needs.Design/methodology/approach – A study was undertaken to assess incoming international students' exposure to libraries, computer literacy skills, and to determine their library needs. Results from a survey conducted in August 2003 include demographic information about incoming students, computer and library use before coming to the US, library concepts that are new to them, and opinions about the library.Findings – Survey results show that international students arrive in the US with high levels of computer literacy and that most incoming students have used a library in their home country. Findings suggest that international students would benefit from specialized library information competence and orientation programs.Research limitations/implications – This study was conducted just over 3 weeks after the Dr Martin Luther King, Jr Library opened its doo.
Alkaline-assisted Microwave Pretreatment of Tetraselmis suecica Biomass for Fed-batch Enzymatic Hydrolysis

A two-part study on pretreatment and fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated Tetraselmis suecica using a high initial biomass concentration was conducted. First, the effect of different pretreatment processes, i.e. microwave (MC), dilute alkaline (AK), and microwave-alkaline assisted (MAK) pretreatment, on enzymatic hydrolysis of T. suecica biomass was evaluated. Furthermore, high initial biomass concentration enzymatic hydrolysis improvement via a fed-batch strategy was performed. Among the pretreatments tested, the MAK pretreatment produced the highest sugar concentration at 9.83 ± 0.24 mg/mL, corresponding to a conversion yield of up to 85.58% of carbohydrate content available in the pretreated biomass. The solid fraction generated after pretreatment was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The FTIR analysis revealed a significant change in the functional hydroxyl and acetyl groups of the biomass, which is favorable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Introducing an initial microalgal biomass concentration beyond 15% (w/v) exhibited a low enzymatic hydrolysis yield. The fed-batch enzymatic hydrolysis strategy of the MAK pretreated T. suecica was further investigated by adding the substrate at different time intervals. The findings indicate that the fed-batch operation system could enhance sugar production and enzymatic hydrolysis yield one-fold.
Multi-year ice concentration from RADARSAT

The U.S. National Ice Center requires a robust multiyear ice classification algorithm that can handle variability in backscatter across uncalibrated 500 km RADARSAT scenes. ERS-1 images are used to test a dynamic threshold algorithm. The best results were obtained with a window size of 32, delta of 0.8, Fisher partition criterion and closing.
Passive testing of networks using a CFSM specification

We introduce a variant of the communicating finite state machine model for the specification of networks in order to determine correct or faulty behavior using passive testing. The appropriateness of the model is first argued, followed by an initial study of how the passive testing procedures developed for finite state machines could be applied. Approaches for, and limitations of, fault detection and fault location using this approach are discussed.
Virtual Seminars – A Viable Substitute for Traditional Approaches?

In this paper, the implications of replacing traditional modes of small group teaching with IT-facilitated 'virtual seminars' are evaluated, using the case study of an undergraduate final year module. An interpretivist research framework is used to consider the pedagogic and technological implications. In this paper two distinct 'voices' are presented. The first belongs to the virtual seminars tutor as the 'direct' participant observer reflecting on the teaching and learning outcomes for staff and students. The second belongs to the 'indirect' observer, presenting his evaluation at various stages of the process. We conclude that virtual seminars cannot completely substitute for other forms of small group teaching, but they do facilitate and promote certain skills and processes that are a valuable learning experience for students.
A statistical channel model for indoor environments including angle of arrival

Nowadays there is an increasing need for broadband wireless communication systems. Designing digital communication systems requires dedicated simulation approaches with an emphasis on the multipath propagation channel. Different approaches for overcoming the problem of multipath propagation have been made. Channel equalization has been an interesting research field and techniques like SDMA and diversity have become a focus of attention. A statistical channel model is presented which allows one to take the antenna characteristics into account. Simulation results to demonstrate the functioning of the model are presented.
Handheld Computers for Direct Observation of the Social and Physical Environment

This article evaluates the use of handheld computers for systematic observation of the social and physical environments. Handheld computers, also known as personal digital assistants (PDAs), make the advantages of computer-assisted data collection (CADC) more accessible to field-based researchers. In particular, CADC with handheld computers may improve data quality, reduce turnaround time, and enhance research capacity for community-academic partnerships. Here, we describe our experiences using handheld computers for the Healthy Environments Partnership's Neighborhood Observational Checklist, an instrument for systematic observation of the social and physical environments. We discuss hardware and software considerations, observer training and implementation strategies, and observer attitudes toward using handhelds in the field. We conclude that handheld computers are a feasible alternative to pen-and-paper forms, and we identify ways that future researchers can maximize the advantages of CADC with handheld computers to advance our understanding of how neighborhood context relates to individual-level outcomes.
Matched-Transmission Technique for Channels With Intersymbol Interference

A new transmission scheme for channels with intersymbol interference named "matched-transmission (MT) technique" is proposed. An implementation of the MT system is presented and its relations with conventional techniques are described. It is shown that the partial response scheme is a special case of our new technique. The performance of the MT technique is discussed from the view point of the output signal-to-noise ratio and the system is shown to attain asymptotically the bound performance predicted by the information theory.
Persistence and Motivation

Summary This case study examines a new teacher's beliefs and perceptions about how and why technology can and should be used to support student learning. A middle school science teacher reflected upon her preparation for and applications of technology in her classroom. Data were generated through e-mail exchanges over the course of several months. Qualitative analysis identified themes including a nontechnology focus, expectations, rationale, impact, and beliefs and learned lessons. Findings suggest that for this teacher persistence was critical to learning in absence of pre-service or in-service learning opportunities in the effective application of technology to support learning. It is recommended that technology-oriented staff development incorporate theory, guidelines, models, and illustrations for effective and meaningful applications.
Differential Effectiveness of Three Color Treatments in Learning Geometric Concepts via Computer-Guided Teaching

This study examined the differential effects of three color treatments incorporated into microcomputer software on the learning of geometric concepts by students with differential aptitudes. The color treatments were: monochrome, functional (the use of color for cueing), and nonfunctional (the indiscriminate use of color). The experimental software provided teachers with a detailed lesson outline to be used with one large-screen monitor for whole-class instruction using the discussion or recitation method of teaching. Ninth-grade students (N = 109) were randomly assigned to the treatment groups. All students answered two aptitude tests, two geometric pretests, two geometric immediate posttests, the same posttests administered one month later, and an attitude questionnaire. All three experimental forty-minute lessons were delivered by the same teacher using the same software varying only the color treatment. Results revealed significantly better immediate and delayed learning of the functional group over both other groups with the low-aptitude students benefitting the most from the cueing provided by the functional-color software. Although high-aptitude students did not benefit more from the functional treatment than from the other two treatments, they showed the most positive attitudes toward this treatment whereas low aptitude students did not show any preference for the color system involved.
An investigation of users’ continuance intention towards mobile banking in China

The long-term development of mobile banking (m-banking) relies on users’ continued usage. Motivated by the need to better understand the motivations and barriers of users’ continuance intention towards m-banking, this study develops a research model based on the incorporation of the technology acceptance model (TAM): task-technology fit model (TTF) and perceived risk into the expectance-confirmation model (ECM). Empirical data from 434 users who had prior experience with m-banking were tested against the proposed research model by using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that satisfaction, perceived usefulness, perceived task-technology fit, and perceived risk are the main predictors of continuance intention, satisfaction, in turn, is determined by confirmation, perceived usefulness, and perceived risk. Perceived usefulness is affected by confirmation, perceived ease of use, and perceived task-technology fit. However, the direct effect of perceived ease of use to continuance intention is not significant. The results also show that gender significantly moderates the effect of perceived risk to continuance intention. Implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Promoting communities of practice among non-native speakers of English in online discussions

An online discussion involving text-based computer-mediated communication has great potential for promoting equal participation among non-native speakers of English. Several studies claimed that online discussions could enhance the academic participation of non-native speakers of English. However, there is little research around participation patterns in online discussions for non-native speakers of English. This descriptive pilot study considered the concept of communities of practice as it examined the online postings of three non-native and three native speakers of English who were enrolled in an online course on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Content analysis was employed to study the 201 postings. The findings showed that the non-native speakers of English posted more messages in online discussions than their native peers did, and their postings showed more reflection on and accommodation of other students' perspectives than their native peers' postings. The pattern and frequency of these non-native English speakers' participation revealed that they gained a legitimate status engaging in academic socialization. In addition, an examination of the influence of the types of discussion questions posed for the non-native English speakers confirmed the significant role of the instructor in class participation.
On the Optimal Design of Linear Networked Systems

This paper addresses the problem of optimal design for linear networked control systems (NCSs). We deal with the delayed NCSs in the continuous time-domain and propose a computational approach to optimization problems based on the hybrid LQ-type techniques. In particular, we develop an explicit connection between the networked control processes and the corresponding hybrid systems. For the constructive feedback control design procedure we derive the necessary Riccati-formalism and propose an implementable solution algorithm.
Application of multi-shell NODDI in Multiple Sclerosis

HC WM and MS NAWM and lesion tissue. Symbols highlight statistical significant differences (**p<0.01,*p<0.05). Fig. 2: Maps of NODDI and DTI parameters in a single MS subject. The MS lesion in the major white matter tracts is clearly marked in AD, MD and RD and NDI map (red arrow). NDI gives superior constrast over DTI metrics in periventricular lesion (green arrow) with CSF contribution. Application of multi-shell NODDI in Multiple Sclerosis Torben Schneider, Wallace Brownlee, Hui Zhang, Olga Ciccarelli, David H Miller, and Claudia A. M. Wheeler-Kingshott NMR Research Unit, Department of Neuroinflammation, Queen Square MS Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom, Department of Computer Science & Centre for Medical Image Computing, UCL, London, United Kingdom, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
Analysis of self-excited induction generators

An analytical technique using the `Newton-Raphson' method is presented to identify the saturated magnetising reactance and the generated frequency of a self-excited induction generator for a given capacitance, speed and load. The technique is shown to be very efficient in analysing such systems under steady state. Computed results are compared with the experimentally obtained values on a laboratory machine, and a reasonable correlation has been observed. Effects of various system parameters on the steady-state performance have been studied, and the results presented provide guidelines for optimum design of such systems.
Image-based multiresolution shape recovery by surface deformation

This paper presents a novel approach for constructing multiresolution surface models from a set of calibrated images. The output is a texture-mapped triangular surface mesh that best matches all the input images. The mesh is obtained by deforming a generic initial mesh such as a sphere or cube according to image and geometry-based forces. This technique has the following key features: (1) the initial mesh is able to converge to the object surface from arbitrarily far away, (2) the resolution of the final mesh adapts to the local complexity of the object, (3) sharp corners and edges of object surface are preserved in the final mesh, (4) occlusion is correctly modeled during convergence, (5) re-projection error of the final mesh is optimized, and (6) the output is ideally suited for rendering by existing graphics hardware. The approach is shown is shown to yield good results on real image sequences.