Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Needs of L2 Teachers in the Application of Instructional Technology, 4(14)

This paper reports findings from a qualitative study with teachers in second language (L2) education on their needs in the application of instructional technology. A phenomenological approach was taken to understanding problems and difficulties L2 teachers experienced. A teacher-initiated learning-by-using strategy was used to identify possible solutions through an ongoing process of co-operative learning and interdisciplinary collaboration for professional development. The findings showed both preservice and veteran and both Caucasian and minority teachers knew well about traditional technologies. While all of them needed to learn more about interactive software programs and on-line resources, the veteran and minority teachers needed more help to use computers and the Internet. The strengths and weaknesses of traditional and new technologies were discussed. Several ideas about how to balance the use of traditional and new technologies in L2 instruction were presented. Five suggestions were made for effective professional development in the use of instructional technology in L2 education.
Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Powder as Phytogenic Feed Additives Improves the Production Performance, and Immune Organ Indices of Broiler Chickens

| In recent years, incorporating phytogenic feed additives as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics is promising in poultry production. It is commonly added to poultry diets to boost immunity and improve production performance. This study was conducted to ascertain the potential of neem leaf powder (NLP) on broiler chickens’ production and cell-mediated immunity. Sixty Cobb broiler chickens were distributed to four experimental treatments containing graded levels of NLP, 0% (T1), 2% (T2), 4% (T3), and 6% (T4) and arranged in a Completely Randomized Design experimental set-up. Each treatment was replicated three times, with five birds in each replication. The bi-weekly body weight gain (BWG), average daily gain (ADG), voluntary feed intake (VFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cell-mediated immunity, and return above feed and chick costs were observed within 42 days experimental period. The results showed significant differences (p<0.05) from all parameters, except for the cell-mediated immunity. The feed intake of broiler chickens was significantly reduced, whereas birds without NLP got the highest feed intake. Although feed intake of broiler chickens fed with NLP was significantly reduced, the body weight gain was not affected. Also, the feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens fed with 4% NLP showed better than birds fed with 0%, 2%, and 6% NLP. In return above feed and chick cost, birds fed with 4% NLP is more profitable, and the income generated increases as high as 25.73% compared to the birds fed without NLP in the diet. In conclusion, 4% NLP could be incorporated into the diets of broiler chickens without fear of compromising growth and immunity responses.
Mapping Research Directions in the Introductory Communication Course: A Meta-Synthesis of Published Scholarship

The introductory communication course has a history of producing meaningful scholarship that shapes teaching and learning at institutions of higher education around the world. The scope of this research is broad and, as such, calls for a meta-synthesis of trends in and avenues for future research. This project examines published work from the past decade—2010 through 2019—in key outlets that regularly publish introductory course-focused research (The Basic Communication Course Annual, Communication Education, Communication Teacher, The Journal of Communication Pedagogy). This analysis of 98 articles revealed that publications tend to focus on three primary areas: (1) students and instructors, (2) the structure of the course, and (3) assessment—while calling for future research to “replicate” past studies. Based on this meta-synthesis, we propose directions for future scholarship that will continue to impact teaching and learning practices beyond replication.
Optimal Values of Unknown Parameters of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells Using Improved Chaotic Electromagnetic Field Optimization

In this article, the improved chaotic electromagnetic field optimization (ICEFO) algorithm is adopted to generate the optimal values of unknown parameters of fuel cells (FCs). The mathematical model of polymer electrolyte membrane FC (PEMFC) considers nonlinear and complex optimization problems with different control variables. The sum of squared error between the measured and computed stack voltages is considered as the main objective function. The performance of the ICEFO algorithm is tested on three PEMFC stacks. Moreover, sensitivity and statistical measures are presented to confirm the reliability and accuracy of ICEFO. In addition, the effect of changing the cell temperature and reactants pressures is studied for more validation of ICEFO. Furthermore, the results obtained by ICEFO are competitive compared with other optimization methods. These results confirm the effectiveness of ICEFO in solving the optimization problem of PEMFC parameter estimation. Finally, based on the optimization results a Simulink model for PEMFC is developed to examine the dynamic performance of the PEMFCs.
Unscheduled Lunar Observations for Radiometric Characterization of VIIRS Reflective Solar Bands

Regularly scheduled lunar observations are a major component of the on-orbit calibration of the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) reflective solar bands (RSBs). With a few exceptions, these scheduled lunar observations have been performed with the same phase angles ranging from −51.5° to −50.5°. In addition to these observations that require a roll maneuver, the VIIRS instruments also view the Moon via its space-view (SV) port without a roll maneuver, covering a wide range of phase angles. In this article, we present techniques used to derive the radiometric gain for the VIIRS RSB using unscheduled lunar observations that are made over a range of phase angles. An empirical correction to account for residual phase angle dependencies is derived from on-orbit SNPP VIIRS unscheduled lunar events and is successfully applied to estimate the radiometric gain that shows good agreement with the gains derived from the scheduled lunar events and those derived from the solar diffuser (SD). In addition to the follow-on VIIRS instrument on the NOAA-20 satellite, three more VIIRS instruments are scheduled to be launched in the next decade. The methodologies developed in this work are expected to be applied to unscheduled lunar events from other VIIRS instruments to support their on-orbit RSB calibration.
Preconditioning the variable-density least-squares reverse time migration via asymptotic Born inversion

Least-squares reverse time migration (LSRTM), formulated as linearized full-waveform inversion, is the most popular imaging method for true-amplitude depth migration (Zeng et al., 2014). Among different subsurface parameters, velocity and density are the key parameters in hydrocarbon exploration. The problem that arises in multi-parameter imaging is the ill-posedness of the inverse problem resulting from parameter cross-talks due to the similarities of the radiation patterns (Virieux and Operto, 2009). In the context of multi-parameter imaging, a current objective is (1) suppressing parameter cross-talks and (2) reducing the overall computational cost.
Baghera Assessment Project, designing an hybrid and emergent educational society

The Baghera Assessment Project (BAP) has the objective to ex plore a new avenue for the design of e-Learning environments. The key features of BAP's approach are: (i) the concept of emergence in multi-agents systems as modelling framework, (ii) the shaping of a new theoretic al framework for modelling student knowledge, namely the cK¢ model. This new model has been constructed, based on the current research in cognitive science and education, to bridge research on education and research on the design of learning environments.
Analysis of Dynamic Response of Concrete Using a Mesoscale Model Incorporating 3D Effects

Shock and impact loading often generates stress waves in the responding structural object with a drastic time and spatial variation. Consequently the transient response of the material involves not only high strain rate, but also a highly non-homogeneous stress field with respect to the mesoscale heterogeneity of the concrete-like materials. To comprehensively capture the material response and the underlying mechanisms under such loading conditions, the use of a mesoscale model is desirable. This paper discusses the development of a mesoscale model that describes reasonably the random mesoscopic structure of concrete materials and at the same time allows for the simulation of response under complex dynamic loads. Due to the complexity in the generation and meshing of the random aggregate structure of concrete, at the present stage the random mesoscale geometry is generated within a 2D plane. The use of a 2D representation of a concrete is common and may be acceptable in lower loading rate applications, however, under high rate loading a 2D model for concrete in compression could introduce noticeable errors due to an inability to fully capture the crucial lateral inertia confining effect. This special phenomenon is investigated in this paper, and a remedial modelling scheme is proposed to minimize the inaccuracy in a 2D mesoscale model for high strain rate loading. Finally, the experimentally observed strain rate increase factor is discussed in light of the mesoscale numerical modeling results.
Involvement of Facilities Management Specialists in Building Design: United Kingdom Experience

AbstractFacilities management (FM) has witnessed a rapid development since its nascence in 1980s. Following its development, the concept of involving FM specialists in building design, simply called early FM involvement, has received an increasing attention from practitioners and researchers in the last decade, which makes it possible to incorporate FM knowledge and experience into the design process. This study investigates the involvement through a series of expert interviews in the United Kingdom. The objective of this study is to get a more thorough understanding of early FM involvement practice. The analysis of interview results shows that it is very important to address a variety of potential problems, such as the lack of operability, maintainability, and serviceability, by applying FM expertise to design decision-making. Early FM involvement in design is found to be particularly useful for the improvement of cost efficiency and effectiveness from a long-term perspective. Although it has received wi.
Sensitivity of CMOS based imagers and scaling perspectives

CMOS based imagers are beginning to compete against CCDs in many areas of the consumer market because of their system-on-a-chip capability. Sensitivity, however, is a main weakness of CMOS imagers and enhancements and deviations from standard CMOS processes are necessary to keep up sensitivity with downscaled process generations. In the introductory section several definitions for the sensitivity of image sensors are reviewed with regard to their potential to allow meaningful comparison of different detector structures. In the main section, the standard CMOS sensor architecture is compared to detector structures designed to improve the sensitivity, namely the photogate (PG), the pinned photodiode (PPD) and the thin film on ASIC (TFA) approach. The latter uses a vertical integration of the photodiode on top of the pixel transistors. A careful analysis of the relevant electrical, optical and technological parameters and many previously published experimental data for different imagers reveals that only the PPD and the TFA enhancements provide satisfactory sensitivity and withstand scaling down to 0.18 /spl mu/ processes. Due to the higher fill factor and the higher quantum efficiency TFA provides significantly better values than PPD. The radiometric sensitivity of a 5 /spl mu/m/spl times/5 /spl mu/m TFA pixel is found to amount to 11.9 V/(/spl mu//cm/sup 2/) for a 0.25 /spl mu/m process and 27.5 V/(/spl mu/J/cm/sup 2/) for a 0.18 /spl mu/m process.
Molecular Investigation of MERS-CoV in Camels Related to Confirmed Human Cases in Saudi Arabia (2017-2019)

| The Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) caused by Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerged zoonotic infectious disease of increasing public health significance. Dromedary camels are the main MERS-CoV reservoirs and maintenance hosts, but the transmission mechanism to humans is still unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MERS-CoV among camel herds that were probable sources of zoonotic infection to human cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), through three years (2017-2019). Molecular examination of nasal swabs collected from 449 camels was performed for the detection of the MERS-CoV genome using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The analysis of the questionnaire revealed that out of 91 human cases of MERS, 51 (56%) of which were related to dromedaries and the rest had no relation to animals with a history of contact with camels or drinking raw milk or undercooked meat from camels. The percentage of human cases with suspected animal-acquired infections reached 100% in Bahaa, Gazan, Makkah, Jouf, and Tabuk regions. The MERS-CoV genome was detected in 74 dromedaries (16.5%) out of 449 camels examined by qRT-PCR. The positive cases of camels were distributed in eleven districts of Saudi Arabia. In conclusion, the detection of MERS-CoV genome among camel samples associated with confirmed MERS subjects suggested that the virus is prevalent in Saudi Arabia. This data supported the theory of zoonotic infections of MERS-CoV from camels.
A comparison of formulations for the vector finite element analysis of waveguides

The principal formulations that have been proposed for finding the modes of waveguides by the finite element method are reviewed and compared. In each case, it is shown how Maxwell's equations may be reduced to matrix form using the method of weighted residuals. The formulations are compared from several points of view: their ability to handle spurious modes, lossy materials, and reentrant corners; the number of field components; and the properties of the matrices. Three benchmark problems are described and used to compare the formulations: a rectangular waveguide partially loaded with lossless dielectric; an air-filled, double-ridged waveguide; and a shielded image guide with either lossless or lossy dielectric. >
On the consistent modeling of band-gap narrowing for accurate device-level simulation of scaled SiGe HBTs

We investigate the modeling of heavy-doping induced band-gap narrowing (BGN) in scaled SiGe HBTs featuring high base doping. An inconsistency between simulation results obtained using either Boltzmann or Fermi-Dirac statistics is identified for two widely used commercial device simulators: MEDICI and DESSIS. A new approach to BGN modeling is introduced to correct this problem, and is successfully implemented in DESSIS, enabling consistency in the DC and RF characteristics simulated using either Boltzmann or Fermi-Dirac statistics in the presence of high doping. The impact of the distribution of BGN between the conduction band and the valence band on the simulated cut-off frequency versus bias current density characteristics is also addressed.
A GaAs monolithic linear‐in‐dB wide‐dynamic‐range variable‐gain amplifier with matching compensation for 1.95‐GHz applications

This paper describes a method to design a compact linear‐in‐dB variable‐gain amplifier (VGA) with good input/output matching in a wide gain‐control range. The method is theoretically supported and has been validated with the design of a 1.95‐GHz GaAs fully monolithic VGA. Measured maximum gain is 18.8 dB with associated noise figure of 6.3 dB and 40‐dB dynamic range with lower than ±1.5‐dB deviation from linearity, under a low control voltage from −0.4 V to −1.5 V. Good linearity with an output 1‐dB compression of 12 dBm at maximum gain and associated 3rd‐order intercept point better than 22 dBm are also shown. The adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) was measured at the 1.95‐GHz WCDMA band, showing values better than −48 dBc at 885‐KHz offset and −70 dBc at 1.98‐Mhz offset over the whole control range. The chip size is 2 × 1.0 mm2 and consumes only 34 mA from a supply voltage of 3.5 V. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 44: 251–257, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.20602
Virtual Field Trips: The Pros and Cons of an Educational Innovation

The burgeoning of the Internet and multimedia technology has opened up a world of possibilities for the classroom. Through the Internet, individuals can access information at a scale, speed and degree of personalization that leaves traditional texts and educational sources looking archaic in comparison. It was a small step to the development and availability of virtual or electronic field trips (VFT or EFT, to be used interchangeably) on the Internet and CD-Roms. Learners can now see images and manipulate information about distant places in ways that can facilitate engagement, collaboration and the development of profound knowledge schemas. Conversely, they can be baby sat in front of a screen and click passively through a virtual tour, depending on the site that is accessed.
Feasibility Study of Abrasive-Waterjet Milling of Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

Composite materials are ideal for structural applications where high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios are required. Currently, linear cutting of composite materials has been increasingly practiced in industry and milling will be an important technology for wider applications of the materials and the benefit of one-station operation integrating linear and surface machining. Abrasive waterjet is adequate for machining of composite materials thanks to minimum thermal or mechanical stresses induced. The present paper discusses the feasibility of milling of composite materials by abrasive waterjet; it studies the basic mechanism of chip formation, single-pass milling, double-pass milling followed by the repeatable surface generation by multiple-pass milling. The mechanisms of material removal-deformation wear and cutting wear are studied first. High volume removal rate as well as a neat surface are desired. The major parameters affecting material removal rate are hydraulic pressure, standoff distance, traverse rate and abrasive flow rate. Dimensional analysis shows these significant parameters in machining and the results are compared with the theory of material erosion. The single-pass milling tests of carbon/ epoxy are then conducted. The milling characteristics determining the generation of an extended surface are depth, width and width-to-depth ratio. The following dimensional analysis constructs the correlation between parameters and the surface characteristics. Based on the results of single-pass milling tests, the paper discusses the double-pass milling specifically considering the effect of lateral feed increments. The study then extends to six-pass milling. The obtained surface roughness from the six-pass milling is expressed as a function of the width-to-depth ratio and the lateral increment. With the knowledge of the volume removal rate and the surface roughness as well as the effects of the major process parameters, one can proceed to design a milling operation by abrasive waterjet.
Effect of stator chording and rotor skewing on performance of reluctance synchronous machine

Low torque ripple in electrical machines is generally required to reduce acoustic noise and mechanical resonance vibration. To design for low torque ripple, however, affects the average torque and the power rating of the machine. In this paper, the effect of stator winding chording and rotor skewing on the average torque, power factor, and torque ripple of the normal laminated, internal flux barrier rotor reluctance synchronous machine is investigated. The two-dimensional finite-element time-step method together with the basic machine equations are used in the analysis. It is shown that to design, in general, for low torque ripple and minimal effect on torque rating of the reluctance synchronous machine, full-pitch stator windings must be used, the rotor must be skewed by a stator slot pitch, and a low number of stator slots must be avoided.
Economic Model-Predictive Control for Aircraft Forced Landing: Framework and Two-Level Implementation

This article presents an optimization-based control framework for the autonomous forced landing of a fixed-wing unmanned aircraft (UA). A two-level model-predictive control (MPC) scheme is proposed to realize this framework, where an economic model-predictive control (EMPC) in a long piecewise constant fashion is proposed at the high level, while a short fixed-horizon linear time-varying MPC at the low level responds to fast dynamics of UA and tracks the optimal path provided by the high-level controller, alleviating computational burden compared to the high-frequency single-layer MPC scheme. Compared with a single EMPC setup with high sampling frequency, this hierarchical EMPC controller can significantly reduce the computational complexity and make it feasible to be implemented in real time. In addition, it also responds to disturbances (e.g., wind) and aircraft fast dynamics in a timely manner. The recursive feasibility and stability of the high- and low-level MPC schemes are established. The performance of the proposed EMPC forced landing function is illustrated by simulation case studies on both Aerosonde and Skywalker X8, compared favorably with competing schemes.
Experimental Investigations of the NASA Common Research Model in the NASA Langley National Transonic Facility and NASA Ames 11-Ft Transonic Wind Tunnel (Invited)

Experimental aerodynamic investigations of the NASA Common Research Model have been conducted in the NASA Langley National Transonic Facility and the NASA Ames 11-ft wind tunnel. Data have been obtained at chord Reynolds numbers of 5 million for five different configurations at both wind tunnels. Force and moment, surface pressure and surface flow visualization data were obtained in both facilities but only the force and moment data are presented herein. Nacelle/pylon, tail effects and tunnel to tunnel variations have been assessed. The data from both wind tunnels show that an addition of a nacelle/pylon gave an increase in drag, decrease in lift and a less nose down pitching moment around the design lift condition of 0.5 and that the tail effects also follow the expected trends. Also, all of the data shown fall within the 2-sigma limits for repeatability. The tunnel to tunnel differences are negligible for lift and pitching moment, while the drag shows a difference of less than ten counts for all of the configurations. These differences in drag may be due to the variation in the sting mounting systems at the two tunnels.
Computerized Building Energy Simulation Handbook

From the Publisher: This book provides practical, down-to-earth coverage of the non-software aspects of using computerized building energy simulation. While software is the principal tool in the process, the focus of this presentation is on the data needed to build a model, and calibrating them to reality. If you have been frustrated trying to build faithful models of existing buildings, or have become skeptical of the efficacy of building simulation  or are just trying to do a better job simulating buildings  this book provides welcome assistance.