Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning To Be Literate: A Comparison of Five Urban Early Childhood Programs.

Using naturalistic inquiry and case study contrasts, the authors found variation in the literacy support available to children. In income-eligible preschools, curricula and pedagogy reflected a limited view of children as learners. Children had less access to print, fewer opportunities to participate in literacy, and little experience listening to or discussing culturally relevant literature. The authors argue that poor children and children of color are socialized to practice a different literacy, one that offers limited experiences with books and is less connected to personal and community identity. If publicly funded early childhood programs, already isolated by class, are to provide an equitable foundation for literacy and schooling for children of low-income families, more challenging curricular and pedagogical frameworks are needed.
Mathematical modeling and numerical analysis of reinforced composite beams

This paper is devoted to modeling the properties of composite materials and reinforced composite beams. Mathematical relations describing the nonlinear elastic three-point bending of isotropic and reinforced beams with account of different strength and stiffness behavior in tension and compression are obtained. An algorithm for numerical solution of corresponding boundary-value problems is proposed and implemented. Results of numerical analysis were compared to acquired data for polymer matrix and structural carbon fiber reinforced plastics.
University education: a potential health promotion intervention for Australian baby boomers

ABSTRACT It is forecast that ageing baby boomers will have a substantial impact on future health expenditure. The primary aim of this study is to explore the perceived health benefits of later life university study for baby boomers. An online survey of Australian baby boomers examined their beliefs regarding the health benefits of studying at university in later life and related barriers. Data from 261 respondents revealed the main benefits to be gained from later life university study were improved critical thinking and decision-making skills. The main motivators were personal fulfilment and mental or intellectual stimulation, and financial cost the most important barrier. The results from this study suggest that university study in later life should be considered as a health promotion intervention for older adults seeking mental/intellectual stimulation. Enhancement of cognitive function through such interventions may have significant positive impacts on health outcomes across short, medium and long-term timeframes.
The Effects of Surface Anisotropy on Reaction Dynamics

Reaction dynamics of meta-diiodobenzene (mDIB) and trifluoromethyl (CF3) was studied on the anisotropic Cu(110) surface at 4.6 K using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM). Both systems were modeled by Density Functional Theory (DFT). The surface anisotropy, given by rows of Cu-atoms along the [1 1̅0] direction, was found to give three previously unreported outcomes: product rotation, bond-selectivity, and ‘surface-molecular-beams’. In the electron-induced reaction of mDIB, iodophenyl product rotation was observed following single C-I bond dissociation in the major pathway. The rotation was shown to be caused by the attraction between the I-atom of the iodophenyl and the raised Cu-rows. In a minor pathway both C-I bonds were broken concurrently to give I-atoms from an un-rotated mDIB attributable to short iodophenyl lifetime. Since the extent of the iodophenyl rotation correlated with its rotational lifetime, the observed rotation could be used with the aid of theory to ‘clock’ the reaction
In Situ Monitoring of the Antibacterial Activity of a Copper–Silver Alloy Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and pH Microsensors

The antibacterial efficacy of a copper–silver alloy coating under conditions resembling build up of dry surface bacterial biofilms is successfully demonstrated according to US EPA test methods with a ≥99.9% reduction of test organisms over a 24 h period. A tailor‐made confocal imaging protocol is designed to visualize in situ the killing of bacterial biofilms at the copper–silver alloy surface and monitor the kinetics for 100 min. The copper–silver alloy coating eradicates a biofilm of Gram‐positive bacteria within 5 min while a biofilm of Gram‐negative bacteria are killed more slowly. In situ pH monitoring indicates a 2‐log units increase at the interface between the metallic surface and bacterial biofilm; however, the viability of the bacteria is not directly affected by this raise (pH 8.0–9.5) when tested in buffer. The OH− production, as a result of the interaction between the electrochemically active surface and the bacterial biofilm under environmental conditions, is thus one aspect of the contact‐mediated killing of the copper–silver alloy coating and not the direct cause of the observed antibacterial efficacy. The combination of oxidation of bacterial cells, release of copper ions, and local pH raise characterizes the antibacterial activity of the copper–silver alloy‐coated dry surface.
What Personality Scales Measure: A New Psychometrics and Its Implications for Theory and Assessment

Classical psychometrics held that scores on a personality measure were determined by the trait assessed and random measurement error. A new view proposes a much richer and more complex model that includes trait variance at multiple levels of a hierarchy of traits and systematic biases shaped by the implicit personality theory of the respondent. The model has implications for the optimal length and content of scales and for the use of scales intended to correct for evaluative bias; further, it suggests that personality assessments should supplement self-reports with informant ratings. The model also has implications for the very nature of personality traits.
EXAMINING THE BENEFITS OF SOMATOSENSORY GAME MACHINE ON SENIORS WITH DEMENTIA-TAKING THE EXAMPLE OF ONE YUNLIN COUNTY'S DAYCARE CENTER WITH SENIORS

This research adopted a quasi-experimental design in which purposive sampling was used. The research site was the National Cheng Kung University Hospital Dou-Liou Branch dementia daycare center, from which 30 patients with dementia who were ≥ 65 years old were recruited. During the research, participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control groups. During the research, eight participants withdrew due to personal reasons; 22 participants completed the research. The research spanned 12 weeks, from 21 September to 31 December 2017. The experimental group included four male dementia patients (76.25 ± 6.61 years), of which three had mild dementia and one had moderate dementia; and seven female dementia patients (80.14 ± 6.38 years), of which four had mild dementia and three had moderate dementia. In the control group, there were five seniors male dementia patients (80.8 ± 1.6 years), of which three had mild dementia and two had moderate dementia; and six female dementia patients (82.83 ± 8.93 years), of which three had mild dementia and three had moderate dementia. The present research employed an interactive drum-beating somatosensory game, “Taiko no Tatsujin”. Results showed that differences in the experimental group across the 12-week program reached statistical significance (p =.046*). The Jamar dynamometer was used to measure the grip strength of both hands of the participants; the experimental group showed significant improvement across the 12 weeks (p≦.001***). The Minnesota manual dexterity test was used to measure bilateral hand coordination of the participants. Though there were significant differences in the performance between the experimental and control groups (p≦.001***), both groups improved the time taken to complete the test across the 12 weeks.
The Proficiency in the Complete Jawi Spelling System (CJSS) Among Islamic Studies Teachers in Malacca

The effectiveness of teaching practice is closely related to the teachers’ proficiency on the contents of the subject taught. For Jawi subject, the contents refer to the teachers’ proficiency on the Complete Jawi Spelling System (CJSS). The teachers’ proficiency of CJSS will highly affect the students' proficiency in Jawi reading and writing and their knowledge in Islamic Studies subject indirectly. However, the study found that the students’ proficiency in Jawi is still low and moderate. The shortcomings were found to be stemmed from poor proficiency in the contents of CJSS among Islamic Studies teachers. Thus, this study aims to examine the level of knowledge and skill acquisition of CJSS of Islamic Studies teachers in Malacca. This quantitative research used descriptive statistics, which were percentage and mean value to report the finding. The questionnaire used a five-point Likert scale conducted on 217 respondents. The results showed that the proficiency level of CJSS of Islamic Studies teachers was high (mean = 4.074, sd = 0.350). In general, it can be concluded that the Islamic Studies teachers in Malacca have mastered the contents of Jawi lessons, which was CJSS.
Structure behavior analysis and diagnostic

The paper describes application of developed methodology for analysis and diagnostic of structure behavior. The basement of the analysis represents static, dynamic and thermal estimation by FME. Presented methodology has functions of load, stress and deformation energy distribution in the structure at static and thermal calculation. Kinetic and potential energy distribution on main oscillating modes is determined at dynamic calculation. Own developed software KOMIPS (about 30000 computer lines) installed on PC platform support developed methodology. Paper gives brief description of matrix equations and their application in developed methodology.
Characterization of Bamboo Based Carbon Powder Applicable for Fabrication of Low-Cost Counter Electrodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Low-cost carbon powder prepared by carbonization of bamboo wood was characterized by means of X-rays diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The structural analysis of the carbon powder shows that the material is the composite of amorphous and graphitic forms of carbon. Furthermore, the carbon powder was used as the counter electrode material of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) and the electric property of the bamboo carbon based counter electrode was investigated by obtaining current-voltage (I-V) curve of the DSC.
Factors Affecting Consumer-Based Brand Equity from the Perspective of Turkish Consumers

This paper contributes to the consumer-based brand equity literature by researching what brand equity means for Turkish consumers and by defining factors that, from their perspective, affect Consumer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE). According to our literature review, although some important cross-cultural studies about CBBE can be found, some aspects of this topic require further research. The target population of the study is households in the Western Black Sea Region. This region was chosen because it is a manageable size, geographically close to the researchers, and statistically representative of the Turkish people. Turkish panel furniture (PF) brands were chosen as the sample, and a stratified sampling method was used to determine the questionnaires sample size. Data were analysed in SPSS, incorporating statistical tests such as factor analysis, correlation analysis and chi-square tests. Factors that affected CBBE were marketing activities, perceived quality, brand awareness, brand association and price.
A new forward model for diffuse optical tomography

We propose a nonlocal diffusion equation (NDE) as a new forward model, which uses the concepts of differential operators under the nonlocal vector calculus. The discretization of the NDE is performed using an effective graph-based numerical method (GNM). We evaluate the proposed forward modelling method on a homogeneous slab where the analytical solution is available. Our experiments show that the results of the NDE (discretized by GNM) is quantitatively comparable to the analytical solution. The proposed method has an identical implementation for geometries in two and three dimensions due to the nature of the graph representation.
Free vibration of frame structures made of Zener type viscoelastic material

A method for determining the dynamic characteristics of structures made of viscoelastic material is presented. The fractional Zener model is used to the describe the rheological properties of materials. All of the elements of a structure must be built of material with identical rheological properties. The solution to the linear eigenvalue problem for some elastic structure and the solution to a single nonlinear algebraic equation are needed to obtain the dynamic characteristics of a viscoelastic structure. Moreover, the frequency response functions are determined in a very efficient way. The results of a representative calculation are presented and briefly discussed.
Analysis and Synthesis of Nonuniformly Sampled Systems

Sampled-data control theory is the mathematical foundation required for the analysis and design of sampled-data systems. An important assumption in the development of conventional sampled-data control theory is that measurement sampling periods are uniform. However, with the widespread use of networked and embedded control systems it is not possible or practically feasible to have constant measurement sampling periods. Consequently, the conventional sampled-data theory needs to be re-evaluated before designing this class of control systems. Motivated by this, this thesis develops mathematical approaches for the analysis and synthesis of sampled-data systems with nonuniform sampling periods. Two types of variations in sampling period are considered. For the first type, we assume that the measurement is sampled irregularly but the input is updated regularly. For the second type, we assume that both measurement sampling and input updating occur synchronously but with nonuniform intervals. These timing models are general enough to capture many different types of variations in sampling periods. Both state estimation and control problems are considered. For state estimation, two types of filters are developed: a sampling period dependent for the first type of variations and a robust one for the second type of variations. A novel Markov model of the irregular sampling process together with the theory of Markovian jump systems lead to the design of the first type of filter. The second filter is designed by modelling the nonuniform sampling system as uncertain feedback system with linear fractional transformation uncertainty. For the control problem, a dynamic robustly stabilizing output feedback controller and a robust H∞ controller are developed. Both controllers are designed for the second type of variations in sampling period and analysis is based on modelling the nonuniform sampling system as uncertain feedback system. All theoretical development in this thesis is in discrete time and design conditions are formulated as linear matrix inequalities (LMI’s). Many solvers, such as the LMI toolbox of MATLAB, exist and can solve these convex optimization problems very efficiently. Most constant-parameter filters or controllers designed are easily implemented. The effectiveness of the proposed filters or controllers is demonstrated using simulation results.
Social Innovation, Value Penetration, and the Power of the Nonprofit Sector: Workers’ Co-Operative Societies in Hong Kong

Using Care Store as a case study, this research examines the innovative development and value penetrations of workers’ co-operative societies in Hong Kong. Care Store operates through the practices of equality and mutual care, in the unfriendly neoliberalist social order of Hong Kong. The society penetrates the dominant models of labor organization and consumption process. But the penetration of structural inequalities is limited, because the female workers of the society remain low-income laborers, social boundary and exclusion still take place, and the workers internalize their cultural inferiority. In comparison with innovative organizations in other regions, workers’ co-operative societies in Hong Kong have little opportunity to rely on or collaborate with the public and private sectors, and they explore a more progressive path of penetration in development. Practices strengthening this path can not only sustain these young organizations but also enrich the understanding of the true potentials of the nonprofit sector.
Resonance-enhanced harmonics in mixed laser-produced plasmas

The enhancement of high-order harmonics of ultrashort pulses is crucial for application of coherent extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pulses in optoelectronics. Strong resonances of ionic species are useful for enhancement of the yield of single harmonic in EUV region. Another attractive concept is the quasi-phase matching (QPM) allowing the growth of conversion efficiency of the groups of harmonics in different ranges of EUV. Here we demonstrate simultaneous enhancement of 9th, 13th and 17th harmonics of 800 nm, 30 fs pulses in laser-produced plasmas (LPP) created on the surfaces of Zn, In and Sn targets. The enhancement of harmonics is attributed to the resonance transitions of singly charged particles of those materials. Strong 9th harmonic is generated in Zn plasma in a broad range of the delays between heating and probe laser pulses. We analyze strong even harmonics enhanced in Zn + In and Sn + In LPP at the conditions of two-color pump. We also show the concurrence of micro- and macroscopic processes in indium plasma by analyzing the resonance conditions for 13th harmonic and QPM for 21st and 31st harmonic using different configurations of LPP. We find the phase differences of harmonics generated in indium and zinc plasma, and show the pronounced effect of the resonances on the attosecond timing of the harmonic emission.
Investigating Shielded Enclosures with Double-layer Walls

In this paper the use of double-layers walls for shielded enclosures is proposed to increase the shielding effectiveness of them. The effect of distance between two layers and the offset between two apertures in the shielding effectiveness is investigated. The usefulness of inserting a box between two layers around apertures is also presented. To analyze enclosures with double-layers wall, the eigenvector expansion and the Bethe’s approximation have been used.
Using infrared HOG-based pedestrian detection for outdoor autonomous searching UAV with embedded system

Pedestrian detection (PD) is an important application domain in computer vision and pattern recognition. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have become a major field of research in recent years. In this paper, an algorithm for a robust pedestrian detection method based on the combination of the infrared HOG (IR-HOG) feature and SVM is proposed for highly complex outdoor scenarios on the basis of airborne IR image sequences from UAV. The basic flow of our application operation is as follows. Firstly, the thermal infrared imager (TAU2-336), which was installed on our Outdoor Autonomous Searching (OAS) UAV, is used for taking pictures of the designated outdoor area. Secondly, image sequences collecting and processing were accomplished by using high-performance embedded system with Samsung ODROID-XU4 and Ubuntu as the core and operating system respectively, and IR-HOG features were extracted. Finally, the SVM is used to train the pedestrian classifier. Experiment show that, our method shows promising results under complex conditions including strong noise corruption, partial occlusion etc.
The fatigue effect of femtosecond laser-induced damage in high-reflective coatings at low repetition rate

This work is dedicated to the study of fatigue effects upon femtosecond laser-induced damage of Ta2O5/HfO2/SiO2 highreflective coatings irradiated by pulse train at 1Hz (65 fs, 800 nm). Upon on comparative measurements of different pulse numbers involving between 10 and 300 pulses, laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) decreases and the multipulse LIDT decreased to the level of 70~75% of the single pulse LIDT. In addition, we found that the probability of damage performs an increasing trend with the number of pulse increases when the coating is irradiated with the same fluence. The evolution of LIDT and 100% damage probability threshold under multipulse irradiations revealed that fatigue effects were affected by both laser fluence and shot numbers. The deep defects play an important role in the multi-shot mode. A correlative theory model based on critical conduction band electron density is constructed to elucidate the experimental phenomena.
Trust Modeling in Wireless Sensor Networks: State of the Art

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is the backbone of the new generation of internet of things (IoT). WSNs are growing rapidly and security threats are increasingly growing as well. Trust computing plays a crucial role in WSN security modeling. In WSN node trust is important to keep the network safe and operational. This paper presents the state-of-the-art techniques in WSN Trust modeling. Comparison and analysis of most recent solutions were conducted. Direction and trends of current and future research approaches are also presented.
Development of a minaturised forwards looking imager using deep learning for responsive operations

This work presents the design and prototyping work of a miniaturised camera system with integrated ‘deep learning’ neural network capabilities, developed within a framework for implementing autonomous data processing onboard small and nanosatellites. The framework targets low-resource algorithms developed in other sectors including autonomous vehicles and commercial machine learning. For proof of concept, the system has been initially trained for real time cloud detection and classification, looking 1 min ahead of the satellite to enable responsive decision making for Earth observation and telecommunication applications. The design has been miniaturised and modularised to allow accommodation on small and nanosatellite systems. Flight representative and heritage components have been selected for prototyping. Compatibility of the autonomy framework with ECSS and CCSDS standards and existing off-the-shelf flight software was evaluated. A simulator to facilitate end to end testing of the system has been developed using existing data sets as input, incorporating distortions to test robustness. Results show that a competitive low power < 2 W system can be delivered, with the chain < 5 seconds from capture to input into the onboard planning and with timing consistent with continuous real time decision-making.
How semantic is automatic semantic priming

Priming for semantically related concepts was investigated using a lexical decision task designed to reveal automatic semantic priming. Two experiments provided further evidence that priming in a single presentation lexical decision task (McNamara & Altarriba, 1988) derives from automatic processes. Mediated priming, but no inhibition or backward priming was found in this type of lexical decision task. Experiments 3 and 4 demonstrated that automatic priming was found only for associated word pairs, as determined by word association norms, and not for word pairs that are semantically related but not associated. It is argued that automatic priming in the lexical decision task occurs at a lexical level not at a semantic level.