Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A road to understanding: A qualitative study into why learners drop out of a blended language learning (BLL) environment

This paper addresses the views of students of blended language learning (BLL) – a particular learning and teaching environment, that combines face-to-face (f2f) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL). In this instance, the ‘blend’ consisted of learners’ independent self-study phases at a computer, with a CD-ROM, and traditional f2f classroom learning. This paper explores this BLL environment from the participants’ perspective and focuses on three learners who left the class. The aim of the study was to understand the reasons behind those students’ decision to leave, so that ideas might be developed for the successful implementation of BLL environments in the future that would appeal to all learners. The analysis showed that students left the class for three reasons: a perceived lack of support and connection/complementarity between the f2f and computer-assisted components of the ‘blend’; a perceived lack of usage of the paper medium for reading and writing; and the rejection of the computer as a medium of language learning. The paper concludes by pointing out implications for the possible future of BLL.
Pre-Attentive Processing of Musical Information in the Human Brain

The present review summarizes a series of studies determining how complex auditory information is pre-attentively encoded in the human brain and how these pre-attentive brain functions differ between subjects with different performance levels during active discrimination task. The data indicate that the temporal structure of continuously presented stimulation is pre-attentively stored in the auditory cortex, this encoding being more accurate in subjects who perform better in a cognitive musicality test. However, no such group difference was observed when subjects with absolute pitch were compared with musicians without absolute pitch. The location of the neural trace within the auditory cortex was found to differ as a function of stimulus complexity (simple vs. complex) and its informational content (phoneme vs. chord). In sum, the data indicate that relatively complex stimulus features can be encoded at the pre-attentive level, and, further, that those facilitated pre-attentive brain functions may lead t.
A Spam Filter System Based on Maximum Entropy Model Using Co-training with Spamminess Features and URL Features

This paper presents a spam filter system using co-training with spamminess features and URL features based on the maximum entropy model. Spamminess features are the emphasizing patterns or abnormal patterns in spam messages used by spammers to express their intention and to avoid being filtered by the spam filter system. Since spammers use URLs to give the details and make a change to the URL format not to be filtered by the black list, normal and abnormal URLs can be key features to detect the spam messages. Co-training with spamminess features and URL features uses two different features which are independent each other in training. The filter system can learn information from them independently. Experiment results on TREC spam test collection shows that the proposed approach achieves 9.1% improvement and 6.9% improvement in accuracy compared to the base system and bogo filter system, respectively. The result analysis shows that the proposed spamminess features and URL features are helpful. And an experiment result of the co-training shows that two feature sets are useful since the number of training documents are reduced while the accuracy is closed to the batch learning.
Science for society: delivering Earth system science knowledge for decision support in the year 2025

The Earth Science Enterprise Applications Program mission is as follows: expend and accelerate the realization of societal and economic benefits from Earth science, information, and technology. The application program serves its mission, the Earth science enterprise and the nation by benchmarking practical uses of NASA sponsored observation from remote sensing systems and predictions from scientific research for decision makers. This mission in 2003 will still need to be accomplished in 2025 as the understanding of Earth system science increases and as new and/or continuing challenges face the citizens of the home planet. The ESE applications strategy builds on the strategies and results of the ESE research program and of the ESE technology program. Therefore, as these programs develop a vision for the future, it is important for the applications program to consider the vision of NASA for 2025 and have its own vision for how the decision makers of 2025 may use the visionary observation and prediction products to serve society. This paper will propose an architecture for an Earth resources management infrastructure to serve decision makers in the year 2025.
Controller design for nonlinear multi-input – multi-output systems based on an algorithmic plant description

Complicated multi-domain systems are usually described in terms of modelling languages. These models are mainly used for simulation. We discuss the usage of an algorithmic plant description for nonlinear controller design based on differential geometric concepts. The design procedures themselves are often formulated in terms of Lie derivatives. These derivatives are typically computed symbolically. The symbolic manipulations require an explicit description of the plant by formulae and expressions. Moreover, the symbolic computations can be very time consuming for complex and large-scale systems. These problems can be circumvented by automatic differentiation. This paper is concerned with the controller design of algorithmically modelled plants utilizing automatic differentiation.
A Proposed Nonbinary Network Codes Applied in Wireless Broadcast

This paper proposes a new method of applying nonbinary network coding in wireless broadcast network. This network consists of T(T>2) users who receive common information independently from a common base station (BS). We assume that the transmission blocks are subject to block-fading with independent fading coefficients for each block, nonbinary network codes over finite fields are used on top of channel codes.We take two kinds of schemes, with ACK and without ACK, into consideration. In the first situation while considering ACK mechanism, the forward error correction (FEC) and retransmitted techniques are used and network code (NC) can diminish the retransmit count significantly. In the second situation while utilizing broadcast nature without ACK, the NC could help to rebuild losing packets, thus decrease block error ratio.We analyze the delay performance and block error ratio, and verify the analytical performance with simulation. Both simulation and analysis confirm the advantage of proposed scheme.
Digital encoding and filtering using delta modulation

Digital filters are described which are based on delta modulation rather than pulse code modulation. It is shown that delta modulation encoding may be combined with digital filtering to realize either nonrecursive or recursive types. Conventional digital filter design techniques are applicable in both cases. Simulation of such filters on a small computer is discussed. Quantization noise is considered and comparisons made with the noise performance of the conventional digital filter.
Where buses cannot go

No aspect of computer design is sacred, not even the system bus, which is giving way to switches in multiprocessing systems, where performance is key. System buses, which string computers together out of circuit boards, have come to strangle system performance in many cases. Another interconnection architecture, though, can free a system from the bus's clutch. Variously known as a switch, crossbar, or crosspoint, it has long been used in speciality computers and is now making its way into lower-cost machines. Meanwhile, silicon and packaging technology have been refined to the point that the crossbar architecture can vie with the system bus for a place in low-cost multiprocessors. More specifically, the crossbar is well suited to use in distributed memory systems, where there is a need for broad path ways for communications between the chunks of memory themselves. The roots of such an approach go deep. In fact, it may be said to have started with an idea for keeping as much data traffic as possible out of general circulation: cache memory. >
Probabilistic Bit Stream Neural Chip: Theory

A design for a neural network chip is proposed using probabilistic bit streams to represent real values. This paper analyzes the performance of the proposed neurons in this design and demonstrates that very simple operations can be used to obtain the desired functionality. It is also shown that a suitable ‘activation function’ for neurons of this type can be obtained using the interaction of two probability distributions. Finally, the paper introduces a variant of the back-propagation learning algorithm which involves computing the derivatives of the output with respect to individual weights in a network of such units.
Diversity of knowledge in patent co-authorship networks – case studies in the Victorian biotechnology industry

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of k-networks in knowledge creation, as existing literature argues that network structure does not provide sufficient explanation per se. This paper proposed diversity as an important construct to explain knowledge creation in SMEs’ k-networks. Design/methodology/approach – First, by reviewing the literature, this paper proposes a hypothesis that predicts a positive association of content and knowledge creation. Then, focusing on patent co-authorship networks of the biotechnology industry in Victoria, this research used an explanatory multiple case study approach to test the formulated hypothesis. Findings – By introducing new constructs, the results provide more insight on the positive association of knowledge content and knowledge creation. Based on the emergent constructs, rival hypotheses are also developed for further research. Originality/value – Beyond the role of network structure, which has dominated the knowledge network literature, t.
A Study on Keyword Extraction From a Single Document Using Term Clustering

ABSTRACT In this study, a new keyword extraction algorithm is applied to a single document with term clustering. A single document is divided by multiple passages, and two ways of calculating similarities between two terms are investigated; the first-orde r similarity and the second-order distributional similarity. In this experiment, the best cluster performance is achieved with a 50-term passage from the second-order distributional similarity. From t he results of first experiment, the second-order distribution similarity was also applied to va rious keyword extraction methods using statistic information of terms. In the second experiment,  (paragraph frequency) and × (term frequency by inverse paragraph frequency) were found to improve the overall performance of keyword extraction. Therefore, it showed that th e algorithm fulfills the necessary conditions which good keywords should have. 키워드 : 용어 클러스터링 , 키워드 추출 , 단일문서 , 2 차 분포 유사도 , 텍스트 마이닝 Term Clustering, Keyword Extraction, Single Document, Second-or der Similarity, Text Mining
Selection Dynamics in Language form and Language Meaning

This paper describes evolutionary dynamics in language and presents a genetic framework of language akin to those of Croft (2000) and Mufwene (2001), where language is a complex system that inhabits, interacts with and evolves in communities of human speakers. The novelty of the present framework resides in the separation between form (phonology and syntax) and meaning (semantics), which are described as two different selection systems, connected by symbolic association and by probabilistic encoding of information.
Shape Prediction Linear Algorithm Using Fuzzy

The goal of the proposed method is to develop shape prediction algorithm using fuzzy that is computationally fast and invariant. To predict the overlapping and joined shapes accurately, a method of shape prediction based on erosion and over segmentation is used to estimate values for dependent variables from previously unseen predictor values based on the variation in an underlying learning data set.
Message Expansion of Homomorphic Encryption Using Product Pairing

The Boneh, Goh, and Nissim (BGN) cryptosytem is the first homomorphic encryption scheme that allows additions and multiplications of plaintexts on encrypted data. BGN‐type cryptosystems permit very small plaintext sizes. The best‐known approach for the expansion of a message size by t times is one that requires t implementations of an initial scheme; however, such an approach becomes impractical when t is large. In this paper, we present a method of message expansion of BGN‐type homomorphic encryption using composite product pairing, which is practical for relatively large t. In addition, we prove that the indistinguishability under chosen plaintext attack security of our construction relies on the decisional Diffie–Hellman assumption for all subgroups of prime order of the underlying composite pairing group.
XBI: a Java-based interface to FPGA hardware

XBI(tm), the Xilinx Bitstream Interface is a set of Java (tm) classes which provide an Application Program Interface (API) into the Xilinx FPGA bitstream. This interface operates on either bitstreams generated by Xilinx design tools, or on bitstreams read back from actual hardware. This provides the capability of designing, modifying and dynamically modifying circuits in Xilinx XC4000 (tm) series FPGA devices. The programming model used by XBI is a 2D array of Configurable Logic Blocks (CLBs). Each CLB is referenced by a row and column, and all configurable resources in the selected CLB may be set or probed. Additionally, control of all routing resources adjacent to the selected CLB are made available. Because the code is written in Java, compilation times are very fast, and because control is at the CLB level, bitstreams can typically be modified or generated in times on the order of one second or less. This API has been used to construct complete circuits and to modify existing circuits. In addition, the object oriented support in the Java programming language has permitted a small library of parameterizable, object oriented macro circuits or Cores to be implemented. Finally, this API may be used as a base to construct other tools. This includes traditional design tools for performing tasks such as circuit placement and routing, as well as application specific tools to perform more narrowly defined tasks.
Public libraries and national information superstructures

The information revolution which we are approaching, the IT Information Revolution, is only the last of 4 major information revolutions which have punctuated man's own evolution. The upcoming IT revolution will make different demands on libraries; will offer them different opportunities. If these are not grasped then the eventual future for public libraries may be limited. Technology per se is not, in many senses, an important issue here — it is the way that technology is, or will be, utilized that will be the key. There will be a need to re‐draw operational models of libraries to reflect this revolution and its attendant information superstructures — and this will be far harder than getting access to, or learning to live with, the technology.
Complex Task Performance as a Basis for Developing Cognitive Engineering Guidelines in Adaptive Automation

This paper describes the first of a series of Cockpit Automation Studies (CAS-1). The study examines performance on two tasks performed separately and in combination. The tasks were selected to represent tasks found in a tactical aircraft cockpit and were derived from standard laboratory tasks. The results of the study have implications for the utility of resource theory in understanding and predicting complex task performance, and for the use of adaptive automation systems. On-going and planned research is also discussed.
New equalizer targets for sampled magnetic recording systems

In high density magnetic recording, signals are often equalized to a partial response target of the form (1-D)(1+D)/sup n/ and then detected by a Viterbi detector using Euclidean distance. The authors use the ideas presented by L.C. Barbosa (1989) to estimate the performance degradation of several different equalizer targets for a tape channel, for a thin film disk channel, and for an ideal Lorentzian channel at a range of densities. The target 1+0.25D-0.75D/sup 2/-0.5D/sup 3/ is shown to outperform the EPR4 target over a large range of densities. It is shown that in the absence of coding there exists little opportunity for performance improvements beyond those found with this target. <<ETX>>
Moving object detection in dynamic background

A new method of detecting moving object in dynamic background is proposed in this paper. At first, an adaptive threshold Harris algorithm is proposed in this paper to extract feature points, then, SIFT algorithm is used to describe these extracted feature points. The similarity function is used to match feature points and RANSAC algorithm is used to eliminate the pseudo matches. According to the correct matches, we get the affine transformation matrix which used to compensate the motion of background caused by camera motion, and update the dynamic background with the background model. Finally, the moving object can be detected by background subtraction method. Experimental results show that the method presented in this paper improves the accuracy of feature point extraction and detects moving target in dynamic background accurately.
Just Right Outsourcing: Understanding and Managing Risk

The risks associated with outsourcing have been the principal limitation on the growth of business process outsourcing, especially cross border outsourcing. Technological improvements in risk management have lead to the dramatic increase in outsourcing in India. Further progress now comes from redesigning work flows and dividing work among multiple vendors, increasing the range of tasks that are now appropriate candidates for outsourcing.
Detecting scale-space consistent corners based on corner attributes

Corner points are widely used as control points in computer vision, computer graphics, etc., because they are discrete and invariant to the scale and rotational change, which is an asset in many applications. Unfortunately, almost all the corner detectors failed to give consistent results over smoothing scale, which makes the use of the corners as control points unreliable for multi-resolution applications. To solve this, either adaptive smoothing or corner detection in multiple scales are applied. Both methods are very expensive computationally, and virtually impossible for real-time or time-constrained applications. From their study, the authors have reasons to believe that scale space persistent corners can be identified based on the the scale information. A new concept of significant value associated with a corner's detectability is introduced in this paper. A simple smoothing function is used to obtain analytical results. Such obtained results proved to be representative for general smoothing functions as well. The authors show that this value is strongly correlated with the scale-space behavior of corners and can be used to predict the corner behavior over the space scale. In other words, the authors are able to use this value to identify the scale space consistent corners based on the fine scale features only. The result is consistent with the studies of other literatures on this issue, and more important the scale space behavior of corners are quantified and measured by the corner attributes and neighboring features.
Introduction to the special issue on HRI system studies

Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) systems are often realized through a complex integration of relevant state-of-the-art algorithms, low-level software and robotic hardware. As such, advances in techniques and approaches for integrating components into a robotic system are essential to advance the field. To develop such techniques and systems requires one to address real-world challenges, particularly those arising from the complex nature of human-robot interaction embedded in a dynamic social and/or task environment. This special issue focuses on the concept of "systems", highlighting the importance of building actual HRI systems to validate and drive the science and technology in the field.
Analysis of Peer Review Comments: QM Recommendations and Feedback Intervention Theory

Because feedback is a critical component of the continuous improvement cycle of the Quality Matters (QM) peer review process, the present research analyzed the feedback that peer reviewers provided to course developers after a voluntary, nonofficial QM peer review of online courses. Previous research reveals that the effects of feedback on performance are not consistently positive; however, these findings are frequently ignored by those who assume that all feedback improves performance. Feedback Intervention Theory (FIT) organizes the wide variability in this body of research by outlining conditions when feedback can be expected to improve or impair performance. In the present research, peer review comments were analyzed in comparison to the QM guidelines for writing effective recommendations and FIT to evaluate the feedback from the peer review process. Results of this study are applied to inform future training and peer review implementation.
Numerical simulations of shading effect and road‐surface state

In winter road maintenance, accurate predictions of road-surface temperature and state (dry, wet, frost or ice) are valuable information for road authorities and organisations that decide where and when to salt or grit the road. The obstruction caused by bids, buildings and trees near the forecast site in daytime (the shading effect) largely reduces the accuracy of such predictions in daytime. This paper describes recent developments of the Icebreak Model and gives encouraging results of validation in surface temperature and state predictions of the model.
A high speed colour cheque image capture and processing system

This paper describes a potential implementation of a high speed colour cheque image processing system. The description starts with the overall architecture of a colour image capture system. The system's image processing capabilities include gray balancing, colour space conversion, colour image binarization to segment the text from the background and could include in the future cheque amount recognition from the binary image. An original algorithm based on colour clustering is introduced to improve the image binarization process. To test various components of the system, a prototype colour image capture system was built. Initial results on image binarization are shown.
Tools for Creating Custom Physical Computer Interfaces

The Hook-ups project introduces a new set of tools and activities intended to support children in creating physical computer input devices for computer programs they write. This project introduces a new approach to learning through design by providing opportunities for children to engage in both the physical and computational design concurrently. This demonstration proposal describes three types of Hookups (basic, repurposed, and fabricated) and introduces a set of puzzle piece-based building blocks called Scratch Patches that youth can connect to construct physical input devices. In this demonstration session, participants will have the opportunity to interact with existing Hook-ups interfaces, including several designed by youth, and construct their own Hook-ups.