Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Development and Evaluation of a CAI Package for use in Thai Tertiary Electronics Laboratories

The aim of this study was to develop and then evaluate the effectiveness of a CAI package for laboratory practice in tertiary electronics classrooms. The study was designed to implement the CAI package to support the students' practice in the electronics laboratory in order to reduce resource costs and maintenance problems by simulating actual equipment and its use. Three instruments, the CLEI (Computer Laboratory Environment Inventory), a pre and post-test and the TROFLI (Technology-Rich Outcomes-Focused Learning Inventory), were used to assess students' achievement, students' perceptions of their learning environments and students' attitude towards the use of the CAI package. The reliability and validity of the Australian developed CLEI was established to ensure its suitability for use with Thai students because of its important role in answering the research questions. The sample was composed of 75 students from 2 electronics classes in the Rajabhat Institute Udonthani. Class 1 consisted of 40 male/female students and Class 2 was composed of 35 male/female students. In this sample there were 5 female and 70 male students studying full-time. The research outcomes indicate that the modified CLEI is a valid and reliable instrument for use in electronics laboratories in Thailand. Overall, the CAI electronics package was considered to be effective in view of both the students' improved achievement scores and in their attitude towards its use
Targeted Advertising, Platform Competition, and Privacy

Targeted advertising can benefit consumers through lower prices for access to websites. Yet, if consumers dislike that websites collect their personal information, their welfare may go down. We study competition for consumers between websites that can show targeted advertisements. We find that more targeting increases competition and reduces the websites' profits, but yet in equilibrium websites choose maximum targeting as they cannot credibly commit to low targeting. A privacy protection policy can be beneficial for both consumers and websites. If consumers are heterogeneous in their concerns for privacy, a policy that allows choice between two levels of privacy will be better. Optimal privacy protection takes into account that the more intense competition on the high-targeting market segment also benefits consumers on the less competitive segment. Consumer surplus is maximized by allowing them a choice between a high targeting regime and a low targeting regime which affords more privacy.
Minority Breast Cancer Survivors: The Association between Race/Ethnicity, Objective Sleep Disturbances, and Physical and Psychological Symptoms

Background. Limited research has been conducted on the moderating effect of race/ethnicity on objective sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Objective. To explore racial/ethnic differences in objective sleep disturbances among BCSs and their relationship with self-reported symptoms. Intervention/Methods. Sleep disturbance and symptoms were measured using actigraphy for 72 hours and self-reported questionnaires, respectively, among 79 BCSs. Analysis of covariance, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate regression were used to analyze data. Results. Sixty (75.9%) participants listed their ethnicity as white, non-Hispanic and 19 (24.1%) as minority. Total sleep time was 395.9 minutes for white BCSs compared to 330.4 minutes for minority BCSs. Significant correlations were seen between sleep onset latency (SOL) and depression, SOL and fatigue, and sleep efficiency (SE) and fatigue among minority BCSs. Among white BCSs, significant correlations were seen between SE and pain and wake after sleep onset (WASO) and pain. The association between depression and SOL and fatigue and SOL appeared to be stronger in minority BCSs than white BCSs. Conclusions. Results indicate that white BCSs slept longer than minority BCSs, and race/ethnicity modified the effect of depression and fatigue on SOL, respectively. Implications for Practice. As part of survivorship care, race/ethnicity should be included as an essential component of comprehensive symptom assessments.
Expression of the ggpPS gene for glucosylglycerol biosynthesis from Azotobacter vinelandii improves the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana

Many organisms accumulate compatible solutes in response to salt or desiccation stress. Moderate halotolerant cyanobacteria and some heterotrophic bacteria synthesize the compatible solute glucosylglycerol (GG) as their main protective compound. In order to analyse the potential of GG to improve salt tolerance of higher plants, the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was transformed with the ggpPS gene from the g-proteobacterium Azotobacter vinelandii coding for a combined GG-phosphate synthase/phosphatase. The heterologous expression of the ggpPS gene led to the accumulation of high amounts of GG. Three independent Arabidopsis lines showing different GG contents were characterized in growth experiments. Plants containing a low (1–2 mmol g FM) GG content in leaves showed no altered growth performance under control conditions but an increased salt tolerance, whereas plants accumulating a moderate (2–8 mmol g FM) or a high GG content (around 17 mmol g FM) showed growth retardation and no improvement of salt resistance. These results indicate that the synthesis of the compatible solute GG has a beneficial effect on plant stress tolerance as long as it is accumulated to an extent that does not negatively interfere with plant metabolism.
Exploring motion visual-evoked potentials for multi-objective gaze-independent brain-computer interfaces

In order to improve information transfer rate, the gaze-independent Brain-computer Interfaces (BCIs) flash several stimuli at same time instead of just flashing one stimulus. Studies had reported that the performance of multi-objective gaze-independent BCIs under covert attention conditions were lower than Matrix speller BCIs under overt attention conditions. Motion visually evoked potentials (mVEPs) was recently introduced as stimuli for visual patterns in BCIs. Combination of motion-onset and color had been explored for a single-objective gaze-independent BCI. But the situation of multi-objective hadn't been discussed. Hence, it is needed to exploring whether or not mVEPs can enhance the performance of multi-objective gaze-independent BCIs. For exploration of the above problem, two spells developed from Geometric Speller (GeoSpell) have been built. Ten healthy participants had participated in this study. Results show that motion-onset cannot improve the performance of multi-objective gaze-independent BCIs in terms of event-related potentials (ERPs), when visual angle doesn't exceed 1 degree.
RUASN: A Robust User Authentication Framework for Wireless Sensor Networks

In recent years, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have been considered as a potential solution for real-time monitoring applications and these WSNs have potential practical impact on next generation technology too. However, WSNs could become a threat if suitable security is not considered before the deployment and if there are any loopholes in their security, which might open the door for an attacker and hence, endanger the application. User authentication is one of the most important security services to protect WSN data access from unauthorized users; it should provide both mutual authentication and session key establishment services. This paper proposes a robust user authentication framework for wireless sensor networks, based on a two-factor (password and smart card) concept. This scheme facilitates many services to the users such as user anonymity, mutual authentication, secure session key establishment and it allows users to choose/update their password regularly, whenever needed. Furthermore, we have provided the formal verification using Rubin logic and compare RUASN with many existing schemes. As a result, we found that the proposed scheme possesses many advantages against popular attacks, and achieves better efficiency at low computation cost.
Configurable Redundant Routing for Network on Chip

In the deep sub-micron era, reliability is one of the most important concerns VLSI design. In this paper, we propose a new fault tolerant routing algorithm to achieve in-order and reliable transmission for NoC. 1) The algorithm takes the advantage of inherent spatial redundancy of NoC by sending two copies of a packet through two non-intersecting paths. 2) According to the importance of transmitted data, a tradeoff between performance and reliability is achieved by sending critical data using XY and YX routing while sending non-critical data by either XY or YX routing. Experimental results verified that the proposed algorithm RRPID is scalable for tradeoff between reliability and performance and hardware costs.
Modeling exogenous moral norms

This paper considers the possibility of a robust and general formulation of a model of choice for the representation of a variety of moral norms. It starts by reviewing several recent models of deontological (or rule-based) norms that retain the basic elements of the economic model of choice. It briefly examines the achievements and drawbacks of each model, and while no model is identified as the most accurate or robust, the most appealing aspects of each model contribute to the construction of a tout-ensemble utility function proposed in the final section. This representation of preferences aims to incorporate the most common qualities of both consequentialist and deontological moral norms in order to represent decision making under their influence.
Printed in Nigeria EFFECT OF CYTOKININS COMBINATION ON THE PROLIFERATI ON OF FLUTED PUMPKIN

The preference of the female plants of fluted pumpk in for leaves and fruits production necessitated th e investigation into the effect of cytokinins in the proliferation of fluted pumpkin nodal explants. In two consecutive trials, nodal cuttings of fluted pumpki n were first cultured in-vitro on MS – Murashige and Skoog (1962) basal medium supplemented with seven c oncentrations of BA [Nbenzyladenine] (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg l ) and Kin [Kinetin] (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mgl ) separately. The result of the first trial indicated that BA and Kin concentration higher than 1 and 2 mg l -1 respectively resulted in high callus formation. Consequently, in the second trial, BA at (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg l ) and Kin at (0, 0.5 and 1 mg l ) were combined in a factorial design. At 21 days a fter culture (DAC), it was observed that BA and Kin at 0.5 and 1.0 mg l -1 respectively gave the highest number of shoots with the least callus formation.
Estimation of volume and maturity of sweet lime fruit using image processing algorithm

The assessment of fruit quality is important for the cultivator and the consumer. The paper describes the image processing technique to estimate the volume and maturity of sweet lime. Spherical shape fruit is only considered for this analysis. The image is captured using a high resolution digital camera and cell phone. An algorithm is developed in MATLAB for finding the volume and maturity of the sweet lime. Volume of the fruit is computed by estimating the radius of the image. Maturity is determined with the RGB color coding based on RG ratio. The results are validated experimentally by measurement using Vernier Calipers.
Adaptive downlink beamforming for multiuser MISO systems combined with user selection

We consider adaptive downlink beamforming strategy for multiuser Multi-Input Single-Output(MISO) systems. It is well known that the non-linear dirty paper coding (DPC) can entirely eliminate the interference of the other users, but it is computationally prohibitive. The Zero-Forcing Beamforming(ZFBF) is an filternative solution also with high complexity due to the inversion of composite channel matrix. In our proposed adaptive downlink beamforming method, we first estimate the singular value and singular matrices of selected channel matrix, which is obtained using Semi-orthogonal User Selection(SUS). Then the optimal downlink beamforming matrix can be derived using such matrices. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Some Remarks on Stabilizability of Linear Stochastic Hybrid Systems

Abstract The problem of the stabilizability of stochastic linear and bilinear hybrid systems is considered. Construction methods of stabilizing control signals for a class of linear and bilinear systems are derived. Also, the possibility of stabilizing of unstable dynamic systems with the hybrid control signal given in the form of a signal switching is discussed. The obtained results are illustrated by examples and simulations.
How Firm Are You? A Study of the Stability of Individual Activity-Travel-Location Patterns Using the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index

This paper describes how, using Herfindahl-Hirschman Index and the Mobidrive and Thurgau, a six-week travel diary dataset examines the stability of individuals’ choices of their daily activity-travel-location combinations within multi-day period. The results show that the stability of individual activity-travel-mode-location combinations is highly influenced by the individuals’ out-of-home commitments, the intra-household conditions and the availability and the accessibility of the activity locations. Different type of activity gives different pattern of stability. The stability of individual’s daily activity-travel pattern is less correlated to the travel mode choice, but more to the individuals’ commitments and obligations. The stability of mode choices is more related to the conditions or the accessibilities of the location of the activity, but not directly to the activity itself.
The Method for a Summarization of Product Reviews Using the User's Opinion

As the number of transactions in E-market places is growing, more and more product information and product reviews are posted on the Internet. Because customers want to purchase good products, product reviews became most important information. But, because of the massive volume of reviews, customers can’t read all reviews. In order to solve this problem, a lot of research is being carried out in Opinion Mining. Through the Opinion Mining, we can know about contents of whole product reviews. Traditionally research on Natural Language Processing was applied to the Opinion Mining area in early stage. Recently, the computational statistics are applied to handle massive volume of reviews. In this research, we suggest a method for summarization of product reviews using the user’s opinion, feature occurrences, and the rate of review in order to improve the performance of existing methods. With this method, we can handle massive volumes of reviews in a short time efficiently. We guarantee the correctness of the review summary by finding out the semantic meaning of reviews. Besides, we show these advantages through some experiments.
Corruption: a deviance, or change in economic norms of Pakistani society.

The major objective of this research study was to assess the impact of corruption upon the prevalent social values in Peshawar city, Pakistan. A sample size of 150 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling to ascertain respondent’s attitudes towards phenomena under investigation through Likert scale as measurement tool. Both uni-variate and bi-variate analyses were carried out to determine outcomes. The dependent variable’s (corruption perception) effects were assessed on the independent variable (Social Values in Economic Institutions) by using Chi-square test. In addition, Gamma () statistics were applied to determine the strength and direction of the relationship. The study found a significant and positive association of corruption perception with fair chances of employment (P=0.000), punishment of corrupt people (P=0.000), transparency in government departments (P=0.000), religious practices like “Ushr” and “Zakat" (P=0.000) and promotion of religious teachings in economic institutions (P=0.000) as strongly associated with corruption perception. Some of the additional contributing factors included insufficient salaries of government servants (P=0.000), fair and just distribution of family resources (P=0.047). It is concluded that the social values are deteriorating, being replaced by corruption which is getting the rank of a rising social value and is largely in practice amongst members of society, especially in various economic aspects of social life. Nevertheless, people still believed that prevalent social order is strong enough to combat this shifting dynamics, by generating a morality based environment.
NACK-Oriented Reliable Multicast for Routing Table Distribution in Decentralized Routers

The requirements on IP routers are increasing for every new generation of designs. The driving forces behind this development are growing traffic volumes and demands for new services. We believe that a modular decentralized router design is well-suited to meet future requirements. However, a distributed design may, compared to a centralized system, introduce an additional cost for internal communication between the elements. In this paper we evaluate different transaction mechanisms for the internal communication. We study the suitability of reliable multicast for the internal distribution of large amounts of routing information. In particular, we evaluate NORM (NACK-Oriented Reliable Multicast) as a candidate protocol for our purposes.
Fast Craniofacial Surgery Simulation Using Laser-Scanned Depth Data

A fast, high-resolution method for simulating craniofacial surgery using laserscanned depth data is presented. The method exploits the two-dimensional nature of the scanned data, allowing the use of established 2D image processing methods for solving the resulting minimisation problem. A separable elastic tissue model is used and the resulting energy minimisation problem is solved using recursive lters. The results demonstrate that visually realistic simulations can be achieved using an O(N) algorithm as opposed to the existing O(N) methods.
Per Capita Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Convergence or Divergence?

Understanding and considering the distribution of per capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is important in designing international climate change proposals and incentives for participation. I evaluate historic international emissions distributions and forecast future distributions to assess whether per capita emissions have been converging or will converge. I find evidence of convergence among 23 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), whereas emissions appear to be diverging for an 88-country global sample over 1960–2000. Forecasts based on a Markov chain transition matrix provide little evidence of future emissions convergence and indicate that emissions may diverge in the near term. I also review the shortcomings of environmental Kuznets curve regressions and structural models in characterizing future emissions distributions.
Performance analysis of image compression using wavelet thresholding

In this recent multimedia world, the significant challenges are the optimized use of storage space and Bandwidth. In order to reduce the storage space of images and transmission of information with limited Bandwidth availability, Image compression plays a imperative role by diminishing the size of image and to utilize the Bandwidth in economical and valuable manner without degrading the quality of image. In this paper we explore the performance analysis of different wavelet function for compression of images using wavelet thresholding. The wavelets used here are Biorthogonal 4.4, Haar, for decomposition of image. Hard and Soft thresholds are used for neglecting certain wavelet coefficients and the threshold methods used here are Global and Local thresholding. We analyzed the performance of this technique using metrics Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Square Error (MSE) and Compression Ratio (CR). The obtained results shows that local thresholding provides better reconstruction of image than Global thresholding.
Enterprise Information Systems Strategy and Planning

In order to gain competitive advantage in the knowledge-based economy, businesses are focusing on the value creation along the demand and supply chains. Information systems strategies have also evolved from the focus of automation of discrete transactions to the enablement of the optimization of the value chain. The new paradigm requires the alignment of information systems strategies with business strategies across the entire value chain. An integrated model is required to allow the coordination of activities and sharing of information amongst different organizations and systems through various processes across the extended enterprise. This paper proposes an enterprise framework for the development of information systems strategies and plans. It further presents an approach for IS planning that has been practiced and refined through many IS/IT planning projects.
Instantaneous Conventions

Humans can communicate even with few existing conventions in common (e.g., when they lack a shared language). We explored what makes this phenomenon possible with a nonlinguistic experimental task requiring participants to coordinate toward a common goal. We observed participants creating new communicative conventions using the most minimal possible signals. These conventions, furthermore, changed on a trial-by-trial basis in response to shared environmental and task constraints. Strikingly, as a result, signals of the same form successfully conveyed contradictory messages from trial to trial. Such behavior is evidence for the involvement of what we term joint inference, in which social interactants spontaneously infer the most sensible communicative convention in light of the common ground between them. Joint inference may help to elucidate how communicative conventions emerge instantaneously and how they are modified and reshaped into the elaborate systems of conventions involved in human communication, including natural languages.
Visual target tracking in occlusion condition: A GM-PHD-based approach

The Gaussian mixture probability hypothesis density (GM-PHD) filter has recently been proposed for multiple target tracking in the presence of some uncertainties including miss detection. However, the performance of this filter degrades in occlusion where miss detection occurs for a several consecutive frames. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to address this issue of GM-PHD filter. The proposed method estimates the probability of detecting of each target during tracking dynamically, and incorporates this information to cope with occlusion. The experimental results provided for real dataset as well as simulated dataset show that the suggested method improves the performance of GM-PHD for tracking video targets in occlusion.