Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Access to information on the World Wide Web for blind and visually impaired people

The Internet gives access for blind and visually impaired users to previously unobtainable information via Braille or speech synthesis interpretation. This paper looks at how three search engines, AltaVista, Yahoo! and Infoseek presented their information to a small group of visually impaired and blind users and how accessible individual Internet pages are. Two participants had varying levels of partial sight and two Subjects were blind and solely reliant on speech synthesis output. Subjects were asked for feedback on interface design at various stages of their search and any problems they encountered were noted. The barriers to access that were found appear to come about by lack of knowledge and thought by the page designers themselves. An accessible page does not have to be dull. By adhering to simple guidelines, visually impaired users would be able to access information more effectively than would otherwise be possible. Visually disabled people would also have the same opportunity to access knowledge as their sighted colleagues.
Exploring the use of tablet technology as a teaching tool at Kolej Matrikulasi Perak

The use of technology in teaching and learning (T&L) of mathematics is gaining popularity these days. There are various technologies that are designed to facilitate the process of learning, such as graphic calculators, three-dimensional projectors and multimedia softwares. Tablet is a portable technology used as a tool for communication and information search. In addition, it can also be used as a teaching aid. Galaxy Tab (tab) is a tablet produced by the giant company SAMSUNG which uses Android operating system. For this study, the researcher had to download and install the two softwares, SynSpace and Google + into the tab. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of tabs in the T&L of mathematics and get the students' perceptions. This study is divided into five phases. In Phase One, the researcher prepared the lesson plan. In the Second Phase, a workshop was conducted to introduce the students to the basic use of tab which contained two modules: Module 1 was on Syncspace Applications and Module.
Concentrations Of PM2.5 In The Northwest OfMexico City: 2004–2006 And 2008–2012

The Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City with an approximate surface area of 7854 square kilometers, is located in the Valley of Mexico whose boundaries are marked by four mountainous masses that form a basin with hollows and plains. There are more than 29 million people and an approximate of 9 million registered automobiles in the Metropolitan Area. Furthermore, Mexico City is the principal industrial center in the Country with more than 46,000 industries, among them we find cement, metal processing and chemical plants. Sampling of respirable particles PM2.5 was done using an Airmetrics Minivol Portable Sampler and the mass of particles was determined gravimetrically. Particles samples were collected during 24 hours from Monday to Tuesday and from Thursday to Friday. The data of particles concentrations were correlated with the wind velocity and relative humidity. The particles were collected during the years 2004 to 2006 and 2008 to 2012 excepting the year 2007, obtaining a total of 323 samples. Sampling showed that PM2.5 concentration has been increasing through the years of monitoring. Since 2011, PM2.5 concentration has registered a considerable rise when compared with previous years, possibly due to the increase in the vehicle fleet in the Metropolitan Zone of Mexico City, according to data obtained by INEGI. The relative humidity remained at a range from 40 to 80%, during all the years of the sampling campaign, by comparing relative humidity against PM2.5 concentration, it was observed that the higher the relative humidity, the lower the PM2.5 concentration.
Real-Time and Robust Stereo Visual Navigation Localization Algorithm Based on ORB

The biggest challenge of visual navigation localization is feature extraction and association. Currently, the most widely used method is simple corner feature and simple matching strategy based on SAD or NCC. Another option is scale invariant feature and rotation invariant descriptor, typically as SIFT, SURF. Feature extraction and matching methods based on the SIFT or SURF are accurate and robust. However, its computational complexity is too high and not suitable for the real-time navigation localization task. This paper presents a new fast, accurate, robust stereo vision navigation localization method, based on a new developed ORB feature and descriptor. First, we presented our matching method based on ORB. Then, we obtained matching inliers and an initial motion estimation parameters using RANSAC and three points motion estimation method. Finally, nonlinear motion refinement method was used to polish the solution. Experimental results show that our method is robust, accurate and real-time.
Effects of Computer Programming on Cognitive Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Although claims regarding the cognitive benefits of computer programming have been made, results from existing empirical studies are conflicting. To make a more reliable conclusion on this issue, a meta-analysis was performed to synthesize existing research concerning the effects of computer programming on cognitive outcomes. Sixty-five studies were located from three sources, and their quantitative data were transformed into a common scale—Effect Size. The analysis showed that 58 or 89 percent of the study-weighted effect sizes were positive and favored the computer programming group over the control groups. The overall grand mean of the study-weighted effect size for all 432 comparisons was 0.41; this suggests that students having computer programming experiences scored about sixteen percentile points higher on various cognitive-ability tests than students who did not have programming experiences. In addition, four of the seven coded variables selected for this study (i.e., type of publication, grade level, language studied, and duration of treatment) had a statistically significant impact on the mean study-weighted effect sizes. The findings suggest that the outcomes of learning a computer language go beyond the content of that specific computer language. The results also suggest to teachers a mildly effective approach for teaching cognitive skills in a classroom setting.
A high-frequency electronically tunable quadrature oscillator

An architecture composed of mutually regenerative oscillators is introduced. It has been used to design a low-noise high-frequency voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) capable of producing two output signals in quadrature with essentially identical properties. The phase relation between the quadrature outputs is frequency dependent and extremely stable. A novel way of coupling the regenerative oscillators is suggested in order to improve the frequency stability of the coupled oscillator system. Results obtained from a test chip have verified the viability of the oscillator concept. The oscillator circuit has been realized in a medium-frequency bipolar process. The tuning range extends to 500 MHz. At an oscillation frequency of 200 MHz, measured phase noise was -121 dBc/Hz at 1-MHz distance from the carrier. >
Systematic performance measurement for university libraries in Vietnam

Purpose – Higher education reform in Vietnam has recently required university libraries to improve their quality, to evaluate their performance, and to be accountable for the purpose of quality assessment and accreditation. Systematic performance measurement is an integral part of this process. The aims of this paper are: to provide an overview of the current state of performance development in Vietnamese university libraries; to address issues related to the measurement of library performance; and to propose an approach to evaluation for university libraries in Vietnam.Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the literature on library performance measurement, with particular focus on university libraries in Vietnam. Relevant documents relating to performance measurement were examined, and two case studies of performance measurement in university libraries in Vietnam were carried out.Findings – It is critical that university libraries in Vietnam develop systematic performance measures and apply dif.
A statistical language modeling approach integrating local and global constraints

A new framework is proposed to integrate the various constraints, both local and global, that are present in language. Local constraints are captured via n-gram language modeling, while global constraints are taken into account through the use of latent semantic analysis. An integrative formulation is derived for the combination of these two paradigms, resulting in several families of multi-span language models for large-vocabulary speech recognition. Because of the inherent complementarity in the two types of constraints, the performance of the integrated language models, as measured by perplexity, compares favorably with the corresponding n-gram performance.
An efficient motion estimation technique for ultrasonic subaperture imaging

Ultrasonic subaperture processing based on multi-element synthetic aperture approach permits low-cost imaging systems, but is susceptible to motion artifacts. In this study, an adaptive subaperture processing technique with motion compensation is proposed. The technique is based on correlation processing using highly correlated reference signals collected from neighboring subapertures exhibiting high signal redundancy. The proposed technique is tested on experimental data acquired from two different phantoms using 3.5 MHz, 128-element transducer array. The technique can effectively compensate transducer-tissue motion of up to a quarter of a wavelength, in real-time medical imaging.
Prediction Accuracy Impact of Data Communication Messages for Trajectory-Based Operations

An investigation into the trajectory prediction accuracy impact of Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) messages to Trajectory-Based Operations (TBO) is presented. It is expected that clearances communicated via CPDLC will provide input to a ground-based trajectory prediction for use by decision support automation. Many of the clearances defined in existing and emerging standards for CPDLC messages produce ambiguity and inaccuracy in the resulting trajectory prediction. This paper quantifies these inaccuracies for a subset of messages and provides guidance on how to determine suitability of messages for TBO. This paper also discusses the complexity of translating clearances into trajectory representations that enable trajectory reconformance and candidate uses for CPDLC downlink messages in trajectory prediction.
Neuro-fuzzy control of underwater robot based on disturbance compensation

Adaptive nonlinear output feedback control of GD-FNN(generalized dynamic fuzzy neural network) for underwater robot motion control using forming filter for wave disturbance is presented. This method completely construct nonlinear and uncertain parts of underwater robot by online adaptive learning algorithm without knowing fuzzy neural structure and training phase in advance. Output feedback control guarantees initial stability of system. The speed that controller needs is got by dynamic compensation and Kalman filter, which solve coupling problem between freedom. Closed-loop stability of system is proved by Lyapunov and structure of controller is simple without accurate mathematical model of system. Finally, an underwater robot model is adopted to verify the effectiveness of the method.
Imposing a Networked Vibrotactile Communication System for Improvisational Suggestion

This paper describes the implementation of NeVIS, a local network system that establishes communication between individual performers, as well as between laptop and performers. Specifically, this is achieved by making use of vibrotactile feedback as a signalling tool within an improvisational setting. A discussion of the current developments regarding the use of networks within improvisation is presented, followed by an outline of the benefits of utilising the haptic feedback channel as a further sensory information pathway when performing digital music. We describe a case study of the system within the context of our computer-mediated improvisational duo Můstek, involving piano, percussion and live electronics. Here, a cueing system or framework is imposed over the improvisation and is transmitted directly to the skin of the performers via tiny vibrations. Additionally, performers may make use of simple vibrotactile signals to enhance traditional visual cues that are often employed within performance. A new work, Socks and Ammo, was created using NeVIS, and was presented at various international conferences and festivals. We also tested the system itself within a group of postgraduate researchers and composers. Qualitative evaluation of the musical outcomes as experienced both by the performers and by the listeners at these events is offered, as well as implications about the nature of collaborative music-making.
Interactive digital environment: A symbiosis of hypertext fiction and reader

In 1965, when Theodore Nelson and Douglas Engelbart developed Vannevar Bush’s idea of an efficient information retrieval device called Memex and coined the term “hypertext,” least did they realize that the revolutionary system would result in radical changes to human thoughts from the production of texts and its form to the reading experience of these electronic texts in the digital platform. The purpose of this paper is to account for multiplicity of readings in interactive narrative structure of hypertext fiction and its comparison to that of linear printed text. Additionally, this study involves changing role of a reader which is reinforced in an interactive environment while navigating narrative structures of hypertext fictions.
Avatar-augmented online conversation

One of the most important roles played by technology is connecting people and mediating their communication with one another. Building technology that mediates conversation presents a number of challenging research and design questions. Apart from the fundamental issue of what exactly gets mediated, two of the more crucial questions are how the person being mediated interacts with the mediating layer and how the receiving person experiences the mediation. This thesis is concerned with both of these questions and proposes a theoretical framework of mediated conversation by means of automated avatars. This new approach relies on a model of face-to-face conversation, and derives an architecture for implementing these features through automation. First the thesis describes the process of face-to-face conversation and what nonverbal behaviors contribute to its success. It then presents a theoretical framework that explains how a text message can be automatically analyzed in terms of its communicative function based on discourse context, and how behaviors, shown to support those same functions in face-to-face conversation, can then be automatically performed by a graphical avatar in synchrony with the message delivery. An architecture, Spark, built on this framework demonstrates the approach in an actual system function from behavior, and the concept of an avatar agent, responsible for coordinated delivery and continuous maintenance of the communication channel. A derived application, MapChat, is an online collaboration system where users represented by avatars in a shared virtual environment can chat and manipulate an interactive map while their avatars generate face-to-face behaviors. A study evaluating the strength of the approach compares groups collaborating on a route-planning task using MapChat with and without the animated avatars. The results show that while task outcome was equally good for both groups, the group using these avatars felt that the task was significantly less difficult, and the feeling of efficiency and consensus were significantly stronger. An analysis of the conversation transcripts shows a significant improvement of the overall conversational process and significantly fewer messages spent on channel maintenance in the avatar groups. The avatars also significantly improved the users' perception of each others' effort. Finally, MapChat with avatars was found to be significantly more personal, enjoyable, and easier to use. The ramifications of these findings with respect to mediating conversation are discussed.
Viscous layer meshes from level sets on cartesian meshes

The long term goal of our work is to enable rapid prototyping design optimization to take place on geometries of arbitrary size in a spirit of a real time computer game. In recent papers we have reported the integration of a Level Set based geometry kernel with an octree-based cut-Cartesian mesh generator, RANS flow solver and post-processing all within a single piece of software - and all implemented in parallel with commodity PC clusters as the target. This work has shown that it is possible to eliminate all serial bottlenecks from the CED Process. This paper reports further progress towards our goal; in particular we report on the generation of viscous layer meshes to bridge the body to the flow across the cut-cells. The Level Set formulation, which underpins the geometry representation, is used as a natural mechanism to allow rapid construction of conformal layer meshes. The guiding principle is to construct the mesh which most closely approximates the body but remains solvable. This apparently novel approach is described and examples given.
Reconciliation of Inconsistent Perspectives in Collaborative GIS

Collaborative GIS provides a spatially referenced negotiation environment for decision makers to put forward their perspectives, discuss their differences, and, ultimately, make decisions. Recent research has focused on enabling the representation of, and selection from among, different opinions, while discussion among people has been ignored. This paper reports on a discussion process aimed at reconciling inconsistent perspectives in distributed workgroups. The Speech Act Theory (SAT) of Austin was extended to define both non-spatial and spatial speech acts in the context of a negotiation. A coordination process was modeled by these speech acts. Then, inconsistent perspectives were reconciled using detection of inconsistency, or initial integration of perspectives, or reconciliation of collaborators. The method we propose makes it possible to effectively describe the speech acts and use them to naturally represent the reconciliation process. A prototype system based on this approach was implemented in experiments. Their results demonstrate that a good abstraction of the negotiation process will facilitate the coordination of discussion among people and provide a criterion for system designers.
An Analysis of Collision Avoidance Effectiveness by Using the Information Displayed in Driver's Peripheral Vision

The collision avoidance system has a potential to reduce traffic accidents and expected to become widely used. From the driver’s point of view, it is important to present a collision warning which does not disturb driver’s concentration on driving. This paper describes the effectiveness of the collision avoidance system which uses the information displayed in driver’s peripheral vision in right turn at an intersection. In order to analyze the effectiveness of the peripheral vision information, the authors evaluated the collision avoidance ratio and the effect of over-trust behavior when the information was missed. The analysis was conducted through the driving simulator experiment and the numerical simulation by the Time Series Reliability Model, which is a driver-model the authors proposed. The result showed that the peripheral vision information is effective to avoid the collision and the over-trust behavior did not appear even when the information is missed.
Potentials for Biosurfactant Enhanced Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil and Water–A Review

Bioavailability of Hydrophobic Organic Compounds (HOCs) to microorganisms could be a limiting factor during the biodegradation process. Application of surfactants to contaminated soil and water, at concentrations above their Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) values, can potentially reduce the interfacial tension, increase the solubil ity and bioavailability of HOCs and thus, facilitate their biodegradation. Studies with respect to enhanced bioremed iation by surfactant addition have greatly focused on chemically synthetic surfactants. This paper reviews the potentials of
Influence of Information About Agrochemicals Provided via Internet-Enabled Mobile Phones on Consumer Valuation of Food

This study examined the effectiveness of Internet-enabled mobile phones in informing consumers about food safety. Identical questions about place of origin and specially grown tomatoes were asked of 142 Japanese consumers via an Internet-enabled mobile phone before and after providing information about the frequency of agrochemical applications to specially and conventionally grown tomatoes in some prefectures. Although participants changed their evaluations in response to the information, some could not understand it because of the notably large amount of content included in the descriptions. Further research is needed to establish the practicality of communicating food safety information to lay consumers via Internet-enabled mobile phones.
Reverse DRC channel performance analysis for 1xEV-Do: third generation high-speed wireless data systems

In systems based on the 1xEV-Do standard (also known as IS-856), the access terminal (AT) measures the channel condition and reports it through the reverse-link data rate control (DRC) channel to accommodate asymmetric high-speed forward-link data traffic. Although a high DRC rate can provide better forward-link channel estimation, resulting in a more accurate channel assignment, the rise in generated noise on the reverse link degrades the reverse-link capacity. To understand the impact on forward-link and reverse-link capacity, link-level simulations were performed to determine the required E/sub b//N/sub 0/ for a given slot-error-rate criterion in the DRC channel. The tradeoff between the erasure rate and the required E/sub b//N/sub 0/ in the DRC channel was also determined based on a simple DRC threshold setting mechanism. For different DRC lengths, the impact on the forward-link and the reverse-link throughputs is discussed.
A new approach to pattern recognition of remote sensing image using artificial neural network

The performance is analyzed of Multilayered Neural Networks (MLNs) and its training rule-back propagation (BP) algorithm. Some new methods are used to improve its training speed and to avoid local minima. Spatial information is introduced into pattern recognition of remote sensing image using MLNs. The authors use three-layer modified MLNs as classifiers in pattern recognition of remote sensing images (Landsat-4 TM Data). The experimental results verify the usefulness of the approach. <<ETX>>
Exploring Strategies for Vocabulary Learning and Teaching for ESL Learners–A Literature Review

There is much interest about how ESL vocabulary should be taught to learners, particularly at the elementary level in an attempt to give learners a good foundation of the target language and to enable them to deal with spoken and written texts with confidence. In this paper we discuss the issues surrounding vocabulary learning and teaching, namely, context, number of repetitions, type of words chosen, number of words chosen and level of processing. We then build upon that discussion to provide a literature review of the strategies adopted for the teaching of ESL vocabulary and which have been found to produce favourable results in the contexts they were applied. Implicit learning and explicit teaching notions are examined and incidental and intentional vocabulary learning strategies are explored as probable options that could be supported to suit individual needs.