Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Envisaging the Needs for Designing L2 Pronunciation Assessment

The study aims to discuss the need analysis for understanding the EFL teachers and learners voices towards the integration technology to evaluate and assess their L2 pronunciation. This study was the preliminary study of the design-based research of the O‘Speak version 1.0. The O‘Speak version 1.0 is an android-based speaking test which has been developing for over six months. The O‘Speak integrated the Feuerstein’s Mediated Language Experience principles into the L2 testing. It is designed to respond to the local need of a speaking test which facilitates and helps teachers/lecturers to see the learners‘ speaking abilities in the EFL context. In this initial stage development of O‘Speak, this study was investigated under descriptive qualitative with three instruments used: observation and closed-ended questionnaire. These data were then analyzed used SPSS 25. Drawing on a series of analyses, the study has a major finding. This study urges the development of a tool to assess EFL learners' pronunciation ability. The developed tool should be integrated technology. In this context, a tool is proposed to have significances in their learnings.
Multiobjective Bike Repositioning in Bike-Sharing Systems via a Modified Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

With the expansion of the sharing economy, growing urban traffic, and increasing environmental pollution, bike-sharing systems (BSSs) are developing rapidly all over the world. A major operational issue in BSS is to reposition the bikes over time such that enough bikes and open parking slots are available to users. Especially during peak hours, it is essential to stabilize BSS in use. To cope with the issue, this article proposes a new approach integrating multiobjective optimization and a weighting factor based on the shortage event types of each station. In addition, the multiobjective artificial bee colony algorithm is modified according to the features of this work to find optimal solutions. The proposed approach is applied to the real-life repositioning of a BSS during peak hours to verify its feasibility and effectiveness. Also, the algorithm is compared with other frequently used multiobjective algorithms. For the comparative study, convergence metric and spacing are adopted to further measure the algorithm performance. The scalability of the proposed approach in addressing the multiobjective repositioning problems during peak hours is also verified by multiple trials. Note to Practitioners—This work deals with bike repositioning in bike-sharing systems (BSSs) during peak hours, which has major significance in the efficient operation of such systems. It builds a multiobjective optimization model and solves it through a modified multiobjective artificial bee colony algorithm. The existing single-objective optimization methods fail to solve the concerned problem. This work can find the optimal routes of the repositioning vehicles along with the number of desired parked bikes of corresponding stations. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method is highly effective and can greatly and readily help decision-makers better manage the BSS of a practical size.
Erosion and cathodic arc plasma of Nb–Al cathodes: composite versus intermetallic

Many properties of cathodic arcs from single-element cathodes show a correlation to the cohesive energy of the cathode material. For example, the burning voltage, the erosion rate, or, to a lesser extent, plasma properties like electron temperatures or average ion energy and charge states. For multi-element cathodes, various phases with different cohesive energies can initially be present in the cathode, or form due to arc exposure, complicating the evaluation of such correlations. To test the influence of morphology and phase composition of multi-element cathodes on cathodic arc properties, a Nb–Al cathode model system was used that includes: pure Nb and Al cathodes; intermetallic Nb3Al, Nb2Al and NbAl3 cathodes; and three composite Nb–Al cathodes with atomic ratios corresponding to the stoichiometric ratios of the intermetallic phases. Pulsed cathodic arc plasmas from these cathodes were examined using a mass-per-charge and energy-per-charge analyzer, showing that charge-state-resolved ion energy distributions of plasmas from the intermetallic and corresponding composite cathodes are nearly identical. An examination of converted layers of eroded cathodes using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy indicates the formation of a surface layer with similar phase composition for intermetallic and their corresponding composite cathode types. The average arc voltages do not follow the trend of cohesive energies of Nb, Al and intermetallic Nb–Al phases, which have been calculated using density functional theory. Possible reasons for this effect are discussed based on the current knowledge of multi-element arc cathodes and their arc plasma available in literature.
Dark Energy and Extreme CPA Laser Pulses for Non-thermal Igniting Laser Boron Fusion

The difficulty with pressures at equilibrium temperatures in the range of dozens of hundred millions of °C for igniting nuclear fusion, can be overcome by the non-thermal pressures from interacting electric and magnetic laser fields with varying optical constants at laser interaction shown by nonlinear forces. Their domination at the just reached picosecond CPA (chirped pulse acceleration) laser pulses at ultra-extreme powers led to measurements of laser fusion of hydrogen with boron-11 with orders of magnitudes higher energy gains than the earlier known classical low gains. These types of field densities without optical line radiation may be considered as an interstellar plasma state within galaxies representing the dark matter and dark energy.
Millimeter Waves Frequency Reconfigurable Antenna for 5G Networks

5G (Fifth Generation) is the next generation of data network, offering faster speeds and reliable connections on smart phones and other devices than ever before. These networks are still under development and expected to operate on 28 and 38 GHz bands. However, multiple antennas required for these 5G devices will increase the overall system size. Single antenna which can switch to operate on multiple bands is the solution to this problem. A novel frequency reconfigurable antenna for 5G communication networks is presented in this paper. The antenna was designed on a Roger R5880 substrate having dielectric constant 2.2 and loss tangent 0.0009. The proposed antenna consists of simple radiator on top layer and two slots in the ground layer. The frequency re-configurability is achieved by placing three PIN diodes in each slot of the ground. The operating frequency band of antenna is controlled by switching states of PIN diodes. The proposed antenna covers a wide band from 25.6-39.3 GHz by simply switching the diodes ON/OFF. Thus it can cover 28 and 38 GHz bands that are anticipated to be the two working bands for 5G communication. The overall size of the antenna is 10x7 mm2. In addition to being small this antenna has a good gain ranging from 6.5-8.4 dB as well as 85% efficiency in the two 5G bands. All simulations have been done in CST (Computer Simulation Technology) Studio Suite. This reconfigurable antenna can find applications in future 5G communication networks.
Nanopore sequencing reveals U2AF1 S34F-associated full-length isoforms

U2AF1 S34F is one of the most recurrent splicing factor mutations in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) and has been shown to cause transcriptome-wide pre-mRNA splicing alterations. While U2AF1 S34F-associated splicing alterations have been described, the function of altered mRNA isoform changes remains largely unexplored. To better understand the impact U2AF1 S34F has on isoform fate and function, we conducted high-throughput long-read cDNA sequencing from isogenic human bronchial epithelial cells with and without U2AF1 S34F mutation. We found that nearly 75% (49,366) of our long-read constructed multiexon isoforms do not overlap GENCODE or short-read assembled isoforms. We found 198 transcript isoforms with significant expression and usage changes caused by U2AF1 S34F mutation, including a novel lncRNA. Isoforms from immune-related genes were largely downregulated in mutant cells, none of which were found to have splicing changes. Finally, isoforms likely targeted by nonsense-mediated decay were preferentially downregulated in U2AF1 S34F cells, suggesting that the impact of observed isoform changes may alter the translational output of affected genes. Altogether, long-read sequencing provided additional insights into transcriptome alterations and downstream functional consequences associated with U2AF1 S34F mutation.
A Very Low Phase-Noise Transformer-Coupled Oscillator and PLL for 5G Communications in 0.12 $\mu$ m SiGe BiCMOS

This article presents a 9.9–12.45 GHz voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) designed in 0.12 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{m}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> SiGe BiCMOS with a focus on achieving the lowest possible phase noise using only a single core and maintaining the recommended Vdd of the technology. The oscillator consists of a cross-coupled design utilizing a transformer-coupled resonant tank, which takes advantage of tank parasitics to create harmonic resonances. An analysis is offered, which justifies the use of the transformer tank, noting its importance in mitigating the practical limits imposed during layout on equivalent <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$LC$ </tex-math></inline-formula> tanks. An excellent phase noise of −122 dBc/Hz is measured at 1 MHz offset from the carrier resulting in a figure of merit (FoM) and tuning FoM (FoMT) of −183 and −190 dBc/Hz, respectively. The VCO is incorporated into a type-II charge-pump-based phase-locked loop (PLL) with intent to be used as the local oscillator (LO) generation in a potential fifth-generation (5G) communication system.
Implementation of Bright Futures Health Screening Tools At a School-Based Health Center

A practice improvement project was conducted to implement the use of Bright Futures health screening tools at a rural school-based health center. Some healthcare issues may be difficult for an adolescent to disclose or the adolescent may not understand that the concern should be addressed. A good screening tool should assist a nurse practitioner to help students to disclose difficult information and to provide preventative health care services. It was determined that the Bright Futures Adolescent Supplemental Questionnaires were an effective and efficient tool in increasing relevant knowledge for the pediatric nurse practitioner in this setting. Students were willing and able to complete the forms and take part in screening for potential health concerns. Use of these screening tools led to the discovery of risk factors and problems that might not otherwise have come to light.
An International Study Piloting the MEasuring TeacheR Enacted Computing Curriculum (METRECC) Instrument

As the discipline of K-12 computer science (CS) education evolves, international comparisons of curriculum and teaching provide valuable information for policymakers and educators. Previous academic analyses of K-12 CS intended and enacted curriculum has been conducted via curriculum analyses, country reports, experience reports, and case studies, with K-12 CS comparisons distinctly lacking teacher input. This report presents the process of an international Working Group to develop, pilot, review and test validity and reliability of the MEasuring TeacheR Enacted Computing Curriculum (METRECC) instrument to survey teachers in K-12 schools about their implementation of CS curriculum to understand pedagogy, practice, resources and experiences in classrooms around the world. The Working Group reviewed and analysed pilot data from 244 teachers across seven countries (Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Scotland and the United States). We analysed the pilot results (n=244) and applied four validity tests: face validity, concurrent validity, population validity, sampling validity and construct validity, in addition to a focus group to further revised the instrument. This report presents the pilot results and outcomes of validity testing, as well as revisions made to the instrument. The resulting METRECC tool combines a country report template and a teacher survey that will provide K-12 teachers with a means to communicate their experience enacting CS curriculum. National and regional policymakers can use METRECC data to inform iterative curriculum revision and implementation. We provide open access to the METRECC instrument and data set.
National Culture, Affective Commitment, and Employee Performance: An Integrated Review and Call for Future Research Agenda

This study is aimed to explore the relationship between national culture (i.e., power distance, masculinity,collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation), affective commitment, and employee performance. Specifically, this paper proposes that national culture affects many aspects of the organization, such as improving organizational innovation capabilities, organizational commitment, and employee performance.A high level of employees’ affective commitment towards the organization, it is possible that they have a sense of belonging and enthusiasm to do their jobs and achieve the goals. Furthermore, the theoretical implications and future research agenda are discussed.
Clinical Gait Measures for Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Review

Purpose Valid and reliable measures of walking ability are needed to document the effectiveness of orthotic and therapeutic interventions for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP). Selection of measures suited to evaluating children with CP can be informed by evidence of a measure's clinical utility and psychometric performance in the population of interest. The purpose of this review was to identify clinical measures that have been used to evaluate gait of children with CP, to review measures' evidence of psychometric testing, and to determine which measures are most appropriate for use with children with CP in a clinical setting. Materials and Methods PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases were searched for measures with evidence of psychometric testing in children with CP. Results Eleven measures suitable for clinical administration were identified across 22 articles. Three measures had sufficient psychometric evidence to support clinical use in children with CP. Conclusions The 6-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test, and the Edinburgh Gait Scale are recommended for directly measuring walking capacity, speed, and rating walking form, respectively. Results of this review suggest that, although a range of measures exist for evaluating pediatric gait, additional work is needed to assess and document measures' psychometric properties in children with CP.
Molecular evolution of luciferase diversified bioluminescent signals in sea fireflies (Crustacea:Ostracoda:Cypridinidae)

Integrative studies of courtship signals provide rich opportunities to understand how biological diversity originates, but understanding the underlying genetics is challenging. Here we show molecular evolution of a single gene - luciferase - influenced diversification of bioluminescent signals in cypridinid ostracods, including their radiation into dozens of Caribbean species with distinctive courtship displays. We report emission spectra from twenty-one species, thirteen luciferases from transcriptomes, and in vitro assays that confirm function from four exemplar species. We found most sites in luciferase evolved neutrally or under purifying selection, including multiple sites that affect the color of bioluminescence in mutagenesis studies. Twelve sites in cypridinid luciferase evolved under episodic diversifying selection, including five that correlate with changes in kinetics and/or color of bioluminescence, phenotypes that manifest at the organismal level. These results demonstrate how neutral, pleiotropic, and/or selective forces may act on even a single gene and contribute to diversification of phenotypes.
Simplifying Reality: The Media’s Portrayal of the Private Prison Debate

Although the media gives considerable attention to prison privatization, there have been few assessments of how newspapers portray the debate about it and how that portrayal aligns with what is known empirically about private prisons. This study addresses this gap in the literature by undertaking a content analysis of newspaper articles (N = 131) about private prisons and private Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, respectively. The results show that few news stories discuss the broad range of factors that scholars highlight as important aspects of the privatization debate. It is also uncommon for news reports, especially those that discuss private immigration facilities, to refer to empirical research or its importance. The implications of this limited portrayal of private facilities are discussed.
An information retrieval model based on interaction features and neural networks / Fadel Alhassan

As the state-of-the-art for ad-hoc retrieval, the interaction-based approach represents the interaction between the query and the document through the semantic similarities of their words. The constructed interaction structure is then passed into a deep learning model for feature extraction which in turn are passed into another deep learning model for textual documents ranking. As far as we know, no study has yet identified how relevance matches may appear in the interaction structure and what features reflect that matches. Instead, the majority of the proposed models are based on the hypothesis that relevance matches are following some fixed visual patterns in the interaction matrix. Therefore, most of them are utilizing deep learning techniques for visual pattern recognition for features extraction. This features extraction approach affects the proposed models’ performance and simplicity. This work starts with an analytical study to identify a set of features called the interaction features which reflect how relevance matches may appear in the interaction matrix. Accordingly, a new approach for features extraction and documents ranking is proposed. Interestingly, the study found that the interaction features do not follow any specific visual pattern and therefore it suggests that deep learning techniques are not the most effective approach for the feature extraction task. Instead, a set of manually designed functions are proposed and a shallow neural ranking model was developed. The experiments results confirm the previous finding and show that, though less complex and more efficient, our model was able to outperform two baselines and give a close performance to the state-of-the-art model even without using some important IR factors like term importance.
Theoretical and Numerical Investigation on Perforation Resistance of Monolithic and Segmented Concrete Targets with Steel Liners under Normal Penetration

Steel-concrete composites are important armor protective materials with the increasing power of precision-guided weapons. In this study, the formula of residual velocity as well as the ratio between residual and initial kinetic energy (Er/E0) for concrete targets with a rear steel liner was derived. By establishing finite element models of steel liner concrete targets through ANSYS/LS-DYNA, the effect of the steel liner layout on the perforation resistance was analyzed for both monolithic and segmented concrete targets, which were compared in terms of projectile kinematics characteristics, projectile energy consumption, and target damages. Four main conclusions were drawn: (1) a residual velocity prediction model of concrete targets with a rear steel liner was accurately proposed for the first time when velocity reduction coefficient η was 0.15 and the derived Er/E0 could be used to evaluate their corresponding perforation resistance; (2) moving back the steel liners enhanced the perforation resistance of both monolithic and segmented targets, but the performance of the latter was inferior to that of the former, which was reduced by 10%–16% under the same conditions; (3) during middle- and low-speed perforations, the projectile impact force was more influenced by the contact stiffness than the impact velocity; and (4) regarding the segmented targets, the perforation resistance of the 2nd target was better than the 1st target, which consumed about 10%–20% more projectile kinetic energy.
Systems action design research : delineation of an application to develop hybrid local climate services

In this thesis, a Systems Action Design Research (SADR) model was developed, which allows the Action Design Research Paradigm to be extended to process hybrid systems of stationary or changing interacting systems; including both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The crucial challenge is to get the experts and grass-root end-users to work together actively in a participatory and cocreative way instead of the foremost current expert dominated practices. Hence the basic model is engaged with an epistemic Delphi entry process, which considers the particular application. This study delineates a unique application to develop hybrid local climate services, which take into account also humanitarian values and presents three case studies done in Mozambique, Kenya, and Tanzania conducted by design thinking.
An adaptive model predictive approach for automated vehicle control in fallback procedure based on virtual vehicle scheme

Purpose Automated driving systems (ADSs) are being developed to avoid human error and improve driving safety. However, limited focus has been given to the fallback behavior of automated vehicles, which act as a fail-safe mechanism to deal with safety issues resulting from sensor failure. Therefore, this study aims to establish a fallback control approach aimed at driving an automated vehicle to a safe parking lane under perceptive sensor malfunction. Design/methodology/approach Owing to an undetected area resulting from a front sensor malfunction, the proposed ADS first creates virtual vehicles to replace existing vehicles in the undetected area. Afterward, the virtual vehicles are assumed to perform the most hazardous driving behavior toward the host vehicle; an adaptive model predictive control algorithm is then presented to optimize the control task during the fallback procedure, avoiding potential collisions with surrounding vehicles. This fallback approach was tested in typical cases related to car-following and lane changes. Findings It is confirmed that the host vehicle avoid collision with the surrounding vehicles during the fallback procedure, revealing that the proposed method is effective for the test scenarios. Originality/value This study presents a model for the path-planning problem regarding an automated vehicle under perceptive sensor failure, and it proposes an original path-planning approach based on virtual vehicle scheme to improve the safety of an automated vehicle during a fallback procedure. This proposal gives a different view on the fallback safety problem from the normal strategy, in which the mode is switched to manual if a driver is available or the vehicle is instantly stopped.