Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE CHALLENGES OF INTEGRATING ICTS INTO THE MATHEMATICS CURRICULA IN THE SADC REGION: THE CASE OF BOTSWANA

The assumption for this paper is that mathematics is a problematic area for teachers and learners alike in the SADC countries. It reflects the author’s efforts in embarking on finding ways to help teachers make the curriculum more engaging to promote students’ conceptual understanding emanating from mathematical processes rather than procedural knowledge. The paper reflects the author’s efforts to integrate ICTs, specifically computers, into the Botswana Mathematics Curriculum and the challenges thereof by reporting on how mathematics teachers who have acquired the skills of using computers in the Mathematics curriculum are coping in schools. The work derives from action research where teacher-trainees (student-teachers) are exposed to a variety of strategies for using computers to teach mathematics and then followed up in the field to gauge the challenges they face when using the strategies. Three operational issues were conceptualized by the teachers as challenging in their endeavours to use ICTs to teach mathematics, namely limited access to resources, inadequate time allocated to mathematics and lack of administrative support. These factors were reportedly demoralizing teachers, making them lose confidence and falling back on the traditional absolutist teaching strategies common in Botswana classrooms (Prophet, 1995; Tabulawa, 2002). Findings from several recent studies indicate that ICTs such as computers can play an important role in motivating young people and encouraging them to engage in learning, within and beyond the classroom. Botswana’s three-year junior and twoyear senior secondary schools’ mathematics syllabi emphasise developing learners’ computer skills and an appreciation of the role of modern technology in mathematics. The Botswana Education system has adopted a postmodernist education approach whose main underlying learning theory is Constructivism which prompted the author’s desire to equip mathematics teachers with the skills and knowledge of employing the use of computers in mathematics teaching and learning.
Simultaneous Geometric Design of Mechanical Fingers for Coordinated Movement

This paper describes the application of our theory for kinematic synthesis of articulated systems with contact task specifications to the simultaneous synthesis of mechanical fingers for coordinated movements. The contact direction and curvature constraints between the fingers and a body are transformed into conditions on the velocity and acceleration of certain points using the task geometry. The addition of requirements on the accelerations allows for a more accurate definition of the tasks in the vicinity of the specified positions, thus considering the local motions of the fingertips and a grasped object and accounts for the smoothness of motion on the design level. The position and higher order motion specifications provide position, velocity and acceleration synthesis equations, which can be solved in order for the fingers to obtain the desired coordinated task. It should be noted that the use of kinematic synthesis as a first step in the design of the multi-fingered robotic hands has been applied to individual fingers, however a technique for doing this simultaneously for multiple fingers does not exist.
Integrating content-based image retrieval and deep learning to improve wafer bin map defect patterns classification

ABSTRACT Defect dies scattering on semiconductor wafer bin maps (WBM) tends to form specific patterns that point to particular manufacturing problems. The distribution of defect patterns from the shop floor is often highly imbalanced, leading to the challenge of having insufficient data about defect pattern types when building deep learning classification models. The method for completing such analysis in a timely manner with limited data is of critical interest. This study developed a method for applying content-based image retrieval (CBIR) and convolutional neural networking (CNN) to WBM defect patterns classification to solve the data imbalance problem and to improve accuracy when using relatively a small quantity of data. In this research, 3,600 WBMs featuring 12 defect pattern types were selected from the WM-811 K dataset for empirical validation. Using only 1,400 CNN training data elements, the overall classification accuracy reached 98.44%. Graphical abstract
Proposals for Changes in Surveying-Legal Procedures for the Needs of Cadastre in Poland

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present the need for changes of geodetic-legal procedures for the cadastre and real estate management. This problem was analyzed both in theoretical and practical terms. In order to better present the analyzed technical and legal procedures, a study of several cases of surveying documentation was made. On their example the problems associated with the surveying services were shows and the formal and legal procedures, on the basis of which described surveying works were done were verified. The problem presented is current and valid not only for the comfort of the surveyor's work, but also from the point of view of the structure and modernization of the real estate cadastre, constituting the backbone of the real estate management. The article emphasized the need to unify the databases of state registers and the digitization of the National Geodetic and Cartographic Resources (PZDGiK). Research has shown that despite the continuous changes of legislation, there are still many shortcomings and gaps, which often complicate the surveying works. The surveyor must analyze and verify all materials he uses, including those obtained from the Centre of Geodetic and Cartographic Documentation (ODGiK). The quality of the geodetic and cartographic elaboration depends largely on the work of the Centre of Geodetic and Cartographic Documentation. The need of modernization of the Land and Buildings Registry, which acts as a cadastre in Poland, has been demonstrated. Furthermore, the unification of data used as reference systems both for plane coordinates and elevation has been proposed.
Multi-agent control of urban transportation networks and of hybrid systems with limited information sharing

This thesis aims at developing efficient methods for control of large-scale systems by employing state-of-the-art control methods and optimization techniques. This thesis is divided into two parts. In the first part, we address dynamic traffic routing for urban transportation networks. In the second part, we address multi-agent model predictive control of a class of hybrid systems with limiting information sharing and subject to global hard constraints.
Modulatory Effects of a Lunasin-Enriched Soybean Extract on Immune Response and Oxidative Stress-Associated Biomarkers

: The immune system, inflammatory and oxidative processes are involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of chronic diseases. Soybean lunasin has emerged as one of the most promising food-derived peptides with positive impact on health. A soybean extract enriched in lunasin (LES) was obtained and characterized, evaluating its behavior under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Besides its in vitro radical scavenging capacity, the effects of LES on cell viability, phagocytic capacity, and levels of oxidative stress and inflammation-associated biomarkers were investigated in macrophages RAW 264.7. Different LES doses and treatment times were assayed. After extraction with an aqueous solvent, an enrichment with soluble proteins and small peptides, such as lunasin, was achieved. Lunasin was detected at the end of the simulated digestion, indicating its partial resistance to this process. LES showed radical scavenging activity. Moreover, at low doses, LES reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophages, while an oxidizing effect was observed at the highest concentration. LES exerted an immunomodulatory action, increasing the production of nitric oxide (NO) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and the phagocytic activity at short treatment times. LES also had a modulatory action on the secretion of proinflammatory (interleukin IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines.
Applied Research of Convolution and Correlation in Digital Image Processing

Convolution and correlation operations are important tools to solve application problems in the field of signal processing, digital image filtering, earthquake detection, etc. As of today, however, there are no materials that can systematically and completely cover the concept and the specific application of convolution and correlation. From the perspective of mathematics and application with digital image processing, this article presents a detailed explanation on the concept and specific application of convolution and correlation, to serve as a reference for relevant study and applications.
Integrated Lexicographic Platform for the Russian Language

This paper deals with the first phase of building an integrated lexicographic platform for the Russian language which can be used for various linguistic purposes. The aim of this paper is to present the main ideas of the lexicographic platform and linked projects (digitization of explanatory dictionaries of Russian, design and implementation of a database of citations) and to describe the current state of the data sources and lexicographic tools for Russian. This project is realized in cooperation between the Philological Faculty, St. Petersburg State University, Institute for Linguistic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Faculty of Informatics, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. The ultimate aim is to provide new lexicographic software tools for developing explanatory dictionaries of the Russian language.
Efficient Deformations Using Custom Coordinate Systems

Author(s): Teng, Yun | Advisor(s): Kim, Theodore; Hollerer, Tobias | Abstract: Physics-based deformable object simulations have been playing an increasingly important role in 3D computer graphics. They have been adopted for humanoid character animations as well as special effects such as fire and explosion. However, simulations of large, complex systems can consume large amounts of computation and mostly remain offline, which prohibits their use for interactive applications.We present several highly efficient schemes for deformable object simulation using custom spatial coordinate systems. Our choices span the spectrum of subspace to full space and both Lagrangian and Eulerian viewpoints.Subspace methods achieve massive speedups over their “full space” counterparts by drastically reducing the degrees of freedom involved in the simulation. A long standing difficulty in subspace simulation is incorporating various non-linearities. They introduce expensive computational bottlenecks and quite often cause novel deformations that are outside the span of the subspace.We address these issues in articulated deformable body simulations from a Lagrangian viewpoint. We remove the computational bottleneck of articulated self-contact handling by deploying a pose-space cubature scheme, a generalization of the standard “cubature” approximation. To handle novel deformations caused by arbitrary external collisions, we introduce a generic approach called subspace condensation, which activates full space simulation on the fly when an out-of-basis event is encountered. Our proposed frameworkefficiently incorporates various non-linearities and allows subspace methods to be used in cases where they previously would not have been considered.Deformable solids can interact not only with each other, but also with fluids. Wedesign a new full space method that achieves a two-way coupling between deformable solids and an incompressible fluid where the underlying geometric representation is entirely Eulerian. No-slip boundary conditions are automatically satisfied by imposing a global divergence-free condition. We are able to simulate multiple solids undergoing complex, frictional contact while simultaneously interacting with a fluid. The complexity of the scenarios we are able to simulate surpasses those that we have seen from any previous method.
A Qualitative Study of Older Adults’ Experiences of Embedding Physical Activity Within Their Home Care Services in Ireland

Purpose Physical activity has been shown to improve older adults’ functional capacity, independence, and quality of life. In a feasibility study, we embedded a movement approach within older adults existing home care services through “Care to Move” (CTM). The aim of this qualitative study is to explore older adults’ experiences of CTM within their home care support services and to identify the strengths and barriers of engaging in CTM from the perspective of the older recipient. Materials and Methods We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 13 older adults and one informal carer. Topics covered included participants’ overall experiences of CTM, changes to their overall activity and participation, aspects of CTM that they found valuable and issues that were challenging. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed thematically to capture barriers and facilitators to the approach delivery. Results Four themes were developed: i) “I have good days and bad days”, ii) “safety and security is the name of the game”, iii) “we’re a team as it stands’, iv) “it’s [COVID-19] depressing for everybody at the moment”. Older adults identified benefits of CTM engagement including improvements in physical and psychological wellbeing. However, subjective frailty and self-reported multimorbidity influenced overall engagement. Participants expressed concerns around the logistics of delivering CTM and competing care staff interests. The broader role of care staff in supporting CTM was highlighted, as well as the emotional support that staff provided to older adults. Care staff continuity was identified as a barrier to ongoing engagement. The impact of COVID-19 on older adults physical and mental health negatively impacted the delivery of the approach. Conclusion Our findings suggest that embedding CTM within home care services is feasible and that older adults enjoyed engaging in CTM. Addressing care staff continuity and adopting individual approaches to CTM delivery may enhance the implementation of services.
Research on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Workers in Chongqing, China—Based on Structural Equation Model

Background Influenza is associated with a large number of disease burdens, and it is generally recommended that all healthcare workers (HCWs) get an influenza vaccination. However, the vaccination rates among HCWs are still low. This study aimed to assess HCWs' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) about the influenza vaccine, and by establishing a structural equation model (SEM) to explore the influencing factors of medical personnel's influenza vaccination in Chongqing, China. Methods From September to November 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in four sentinel hospitals and four non-sentinel hospitals in Chongqing, China. We calculated knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores for each study participant and assessed the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior of the medical staff. An SEM was used to evaluate the relationship between latent variables, and the path graph between knowledge, attitude, and behavior was established. Results A total of 1,412 valid questionnaires were collected in this survey, including four sentinel hospitals (N = 606, 42.92%) and four non-sentinel hospitals (N = 806, 57.08%). Women (N = 1,102, 78.05%) were more than men (N = 310, 21.95%), with an average age of 32.36 ± 7.78 years old and under 30 years old (N = 737, 52.20%), respectively. Nurses (741, 52.48%) were the main subjects, followed by physicians (457, 32.37%). The final SEM model was obtained after the model was modified and adjusted. A bootstrap analysis of path coefficients was carried out on the final model. Knowledge has a direct influence on behavior. The normalized path coefficient is 0.071 (95% CI: 0.002–0.161), and the value of P of the hypothesis test result of the path coefficient is 0.042. The direct influence of knowledge on attitude standardization was 0.175 (95% CI: 0.095–0.281). The direct influence of attitude on practice standardization was 0.818 (95% CI: 0.770–0.862). The indirect effect of knowledge on the standardization of practice through attitude was 0.144 (95% CI: 0.076–0.235). Conclusions According to the SEM, there is a direct positive correlation between KAP and the influenza vaccine. The indirect influence of knowledge on the standard of behavior through attitude is about two times as much as the direct influence on behavior, indicating that attitude plays a strong mediating role between knowledge and practice.
Chemical-free exfoliation of hexagonal boron nitride via cavitation-bubble plasma in water

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) sheets have numerous applications, but current low-cost, environmentally friendly techniques for h-BN exfoliation yield undesirably small sheet sizes. We have developed a novel chemical-free method to prepare large h-BN nanosheets (BNNSs) by the exfoliation of h-BN using plasma with cavitation bubbles in water, named here as cavitation-bubble plasma. Unlike ordinary liquid exfoliation methods, which reduce the sheet size of BNNSs compared with that of the starting h-BN, the cavitation-bubble plasma process exfoliated h-BN without reducing the sheet size. Furthermore, the plasma dramatically improved the exfoliation yield.
Shake table tests of unattached, asymmetric, dual‐body systems

Systems of unattached, or freestanding, structures are highly vulnerable to damage and/or collapse during an earthquake, as evidenced during numerous past events. This class of structural system includes statue–pedestal systems, multidrum columns, radiation shields, unreinforced masonry walls, and other mechanical and electrical equipment. While a number of studies have analyzed the response of the single rocking block, very few have tested the response of multiple block systems subjected to earthquakes. Therefore, this paper details an extensive shake table testing campaign in which the seismic response of a pair of stiff, unattached blocks, herein referred to as a dual‐body system, was evaluated. Experimental variables include the geometry, including asymmetry, of both top (tower) and bottom (pedestal) bodies, input motion, and the coefficient of friction beneath the system. Furthermore, the tower structures were tested both in dual‐body configurations as well as in single‐body configurations allowing an understanding of the effect of the pedestal. The tests indicate that the presence of a pedestal increases the likelihood of collapse and amplitude of rocking demands, in general. However, certain geometric and interface combinations yield a more stable tower in a dual‐body configuration compared to a single‐body configuration, because of the dependence of the pedestal response on the geometry of the tower. Furthermore, a low‐friction interface beneath the pedestal reduces demands on the tower. However, this low‐friction interface may still transfer long‐period contributions of the input motion to the tower, which may be detrimental to its response. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital Forensic Investigations: Issues of Intangibility, Complications and Inconsistencies in Cyber-crimes

The use of the Internet and computing resources as vital business tools continue to gain prominence day-by-day. Computing resources are utilized to create innovative and value-added products and services. Associated with this trend is the extent of cyber-crimes committed against or using computers. Experts anticipate that the extent and severity of cyber-attacks have increased in recent times and are likely to explode, unless some mitigation measures are instituted to curb the menace. As a response to the growth of cyber-crimes, the ﬁeld of digital forensics has emerged. Digital forensic investigations have evolved with the passage of time and it’s impacted by many externalities. A number of key challenges ought to be addressed, such as the intangibility, complications and inconsistencies associated with the investigations and presentation of prosecutorial artefacts. The digital evidence is usually intangible in nature, such as an electronic pulse or magnetic charge. The question is how can the intangibility of computer crime complicate the digital forensic investigations? To what extent can inconsistencies during the investigation mar the permissibility or admissibility of the evidence?
Portugal's experience in landscape conservation and planning

Motives: The landscape is one of the key resources that not only reflects the society’s behaviour, but also affects the quality of life and well-being of citizens. Great care of landscape protection is visible in Portugal – a country with rich natural and cultural values. As a signatory of the European Landscape Convention, the country is obliged, among others, to integrate spatial planning with landscape issues. Aim: The aim of this paper is to indicate Portugal’s experience in implementing the European Landscape Convention in national legislation and public participation. Landscape protection is an important element of spatial planning at all levels there: national, regional and local. Results: The experience of Portugal may be an interesting example for Poland, where, although in particular voivodeships the implementation of a new instrument that is landscape audit is being carried out, there are no documents at the national level.
Enabling Energy Harvesting-Based Wi-Fi System for an e-Health Application: A MAC Layer Perspective

The adverse impacts of using conventional batteries in the Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as cost-effective maintenance, numerous battery replacements, and environmental hazards, have led to an interest in integrating energy harvesting technology into IoT devices to extend their lifetime and sustainably effectively. However, this requires improvements in different IoT protocol stack layers, especially in the MAC layer, due to its high level of energy consumption. These improvements are essential in critical applications such as IoT medical devices. In this paper, we simulated a dense solar-based energy harvesting Wi-Fi network in an e-Health environment, introducing a new algorithm for energy consumption mitigation while maintaining the required Quality of Service (QoS) for e-Health. In compliance with the upcoming Wi-Fi amendment 802.11be, the Access Point (AP) coordination-based optimization technique is proposed, where an AP can request dynamic resource rescheduling along with its nearby APs, to reduce the network energy consumption through adjustments within the standard MAC protocol. This paper shows that the proposed algorithm, alongside using solar energy harvesting technology, increases the energy efficiency by more than 40% while maintaining the e-Health QoS requirements. We believe this research will open new opportunities in IoT energy harvesting integration, especially in QoS-restricted environments.
A novel obstacle avoidance model on UAVs for ubiquitous power Internet of Things

With the advancement of technology, unmanned method has become a promising approach for data collection from the ubiquitous Internet of Things (IoT) in the power industry. However, making autonomous obstacle avoidance on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a challenging problem. It is much harder when the UAV is small since only very lightweight sensors can be carried on. In this paper, we focus on this problem and propose a novel model through deep reinforcement learning to achieve autonomous obstacle avoidance for UAVs. Different from prior similar works, the proposed model adopts the policy iteration-based method and requires only raw RGB images obtained by a monocular camera. Simulation results show that the proposed model performs better when compared to the other models based on value iteration.