Reviewerly/exHarmony huggingface dataset:
EMG Signal Classification Using Deep Learning and Time Domain Descriptors-Based Feature Extraction for Hand Grip Movement Recognition

Electromyogram (EMG) signals are very important in recognizing hand and finger movements and controlling prosthesis movements.In recent years, EMG signals have become popular in designing and controlling human-machine interactions and rehabilitation equipment such as robotic prostheses.This study aims to develop an innovative model based on EMG signal in the classification of basic hand grip movements that can improve prosthetic hand movements for individuals who have lost some limbs for various reasons.The proposed approach consists of Time Domain Descriptors (TDD), convolutional neural network (CNN), Long short-term memory (LSTM) techniques, Selection Minimum Redundancy Maximum Relationship (MRMR), and Support Vector Machine (SVM).First, it is applied to TDD, CNN, and LSTM models to extract features from EMG signals.It is then applied as input to MRMR to select the most effective features from the obtained features.Finally, SVM is applied to classify different hand grip movements.The effectiveness of the proposed model was evaluated with the EMG hand gestures dataset in the publicly available UCI repository.In experimental studies, a 95.63% accuracy rate was achieved in the first two of the five subjects and 100% accuracy in the remaining three subjects.As a result, it achieved an average specificity of 99.66% and an accuracy of 98.34% for five subjects.In addition, the experimental results of the proposed hybrid model show that when compared to the most advanced methods using the same dataset, the model achieves a higher classification rate and produces superior results compared to several previous studies.Therefore, this study reveals that it can be used as a low-cost control unit that can accurately classify hand grips from EMG signals with high accuracy.
Enhanced Average Filtering Technique for Mitigating Salt and Pepper Noise in High-Resolution Color Images

Digital color images play a crucial role in various critical applications, necessitating the development of effective noise reduction techniques to preserve image quality and characteristics.Salt and pepper noise, in particular, can significantly degrade digital image quality, with the extent of the impact contingent upon image size and noise ratio.Existing methods reliant on arithmetic mean and median filtering have proven inadequate for addressing high noise ratios.In this study, we propose and implement a novel average filter-an enhancement over traditional mean filters-to efficiently mitigate salt and pepper noise, specifically in cases with high noise ratios.Our results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed filter in terms of preserving image quality and reducing noise, as evidenced by improved maximum auto-correlation factors and peak signal-to-noise ratios.
Accelerated FPGA-Based Vector Directional Filter for Real-Time Color Image Denoising with Enhanced Performance

This paper presents an accelerated implementation of the Vector Directional Filter (VDF) on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) for real-time denoising of color images. The VDF effectively suppresses noise while preserving edges and fine details, making it ideal for a range of applications such as satellite and multispectral biomedical imaging. However, the filter's high computational complexity poses challenges for real-time processing. Existing solutions either fail to meet real-time execution requirements or compromise image quality through hardware implementation approximations. To overcome these challenges, we first model the VDF using C/C++ programming, and subsequently design an efficient floating-point hardware architecture employing the High-Level Synthesis (HLS) flow. Optimal directives are selected using the Xilinx Vivado HLS tool. The VDF architecture is then integrated as a coprocessor with the Cortex-A53 hardcore processor in the XCZU9EG FPGA. To enhance data bandwidth between software and hardware components, three Direct Memory Access (DMAs) units are utilized to transfer three image lines in parallel. Furthermore, internal memory is implemented on the XCZU9EG FPGA, providing increased flexibility for managing the restored image. The VDF Software/Hardware (SW/HW) design's robustness and accuracy are validated through experimental studies on the ZCU102 board. Our design accelerates the filtering process by 21 times, maintaining visual quality and effectively removing noise from color images compared to the VDF SW design. Additionally, our solution outperforms existing approaches in terms of filtered image quality and processing time, showing a 24% improvement in the worst-case scenario.
A Novel Image Recognition-Based Assessment System for Elderly Independent Living Ability and Its Applications

In an aging population, the gradual decline in cognitive, comprehensive, and mobility abilities poses a significant challenge for the independent living of the elderly.Accurate assessment of such abilities becomes crucial, not only for facilitating care-giving but also for policy-making related to elder care.To address this need, this study presents a novel image recognition-based assessment system designed to accurately evaluate the independent living ability of the elderly.The system construction and subsequent real-world applications constitute the initial focus of this study.Significant efforts have been made to detect key points of the skeletal structure in elderly individuals.The skeleton extraction process has been methodically divided into five distinct steps: detection of key points, matching and connecting joint points, generating coordinates of joint points and their connection maps, measuring correlations between key point pairs, and calculating optimal matching results using a bipartite graph approach.In the latter part of the study, an advanced model integrating an attention mechanism with a Graph Convolutional Neural Network (GCNN) has been developed and implemented for elder behavior recognition.The effectiveness and validity of this approach have been assessed through rigorous experimental validation.This study's findings can potentially revolutionize the quality of life assessment for the elderly and provide valuable insights for relevant policy-making.Further research in this direction is deemed necessary for enhancing the assessment system and expanding its applications.
Effectiveness of Implementing Active Learning Strategies in Enhancing EFL Learners’ Motivation, Attitudes, Aptitudes and Skills

This study aimed at investigating the effect of implementing active learning strategies in enhancing EFL learners' motivation, attitudes, aptitudes and skills. To achieve the objective of this study, the researchers attempted to answer these questions: 1- What do the students in the English classroom need to learn? 2- Will the active learning strategies help students promoting their language skills? 3- Will the designed activities help maximizing students' participation and interaction in the classroom? 4- To what extent do active learning strategies affect English learners' performance in the English language? The researchers used the quasi- experimental approach. Two instruments were employed for data collection: a questionnaire besides a pre and post- test. (30) female English majors' students of Arts Faculty-Shamli Branch -University of Hail, served as subjects for the study. The participants were distributed into two groups. The first group represented the control group of (15) students; while the second one represented the experimental one of (15) students. The active learning strategies were implemented in teaching the experimental group, and the traditional teaching method was utilized with the control group. A combination tests out of (25) questions, covered all skills (Reading, listening, writing and speaking.) was designed to be used as a pre and post- test. The data analysis of the post-test results showed that there were statistically significant differences between mean results of the experimental and the control group favoring the experimental group; Thus, the experimental group outperformed the control group. Consequently, the use of the active learning strategies proved to have a positive role and effect on EFL Learners' Motivation, Attitudes, Aptitudes and Skills. In their responses to the questionnaires, they reported a very good and positive attitude towards learning English language through using active learning strategies.
A Generic Architecture for Building a Domain Name Reputation System

Due to the significant increase in the number of newly registered domains (nearly 100 million in a year), and to the rise in the number of malicious domains that pose a threat to DNS servers, there is a need for an automated monitoring solution for evaluating the reputation of a domain name.This paper aims to present the architecture of an automatic monitoring platform, which could dynamically establish the reputation level for each .rodomain, and also for other domains.The primary objective of this paper is to enhance the trustworthiness of .rodomains against malicious activities in the Internet space through automatic monitoring and by offering solutions for data protection.If the reputation level of a .rodomain is determined, its future owners (including authorities, public institutions, private companies, natural persons, etc.) could have a clear understanding of the degree of trust associated with that domain, thereby creating a safer online environment.
Peer-feedbacks based application in teaching speaking and students’ perception towards peer-feedbacks

Most of the students in EFL classes have less exposure and chances to speak with friends and colleagues in English. In the present study, students were situated on video. The peer feedback-based application was employed for guiding students to provide comments on peers' speaking performance. In order to investigate peer feedback, an online observation was conducted in the English education study program, online class. The online questionnaire was also done to recognize the students’ perceptions of peer feedback. The study results reveal some steps done in doing the peer-feedback-based application in terms of the learners' speaking aspects including pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary, and fluency. Moreover, it was found that the students can give feedback comprehensively to their peers. The perception of students toward peer feedback is positive and significantly helps students to improve their speaking ability. In conclusion, students have to think about their feedback before sending it to their peers. Future research should find the effectiveness of teacher feedback-based application and the correlation with the type of feedback.
Enhancing Personalization and Experiential Learning in Higher Education through the VR Mobile Application, I’m IN - HKUST

The present project aims to break the physical limitation of job interview practices for students in LABU2060 Effective Communication in Business, the last required CLE course of the Business School’s program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). The pandemic has intensified the need for incorporating emerging technologies, e.g., virtual reality (VR), in Higher Education. A VR job interview mobile application was implemented in LABU2060 in 2022. Surveys, field observations and focus group interviews were conducted within HKUST. It was found most students were satisfied with the usability and their learning experience gained through using the application in the 2D mode. Students participated in the field tests, utilizing the application in the VR mode (N=17). The findings revealed that the VR job interview application successfully helped students practice and prepare for their job interviews. Students preferred the VR mode to the 2D mode thanks to the immersiveness and authenticity of the VR job interview practices.
When a test-taking strategy is better? An approach from the paradigm of scheduling under explorable uncertainty

In this article, we adopt the paradigm of scheduling under explorable uncertainty to explore test-taking strategies to solve standardized tests in terms of maximizing the correct questions answered. From this approach, a test taker considers a number of questions and has the possibility to read in order to obtain the difficulty of the question. Later, he/she has the option, for example, to answer the question or to skip the one that seemed difficult and read the next question in the test. Specifically, we state the problem definition by considering two test-taking strategies, formulate and implement a mathematical model, and generate computational experiments in order to determine the dominance of one strategy over another. The results show that the dominance depends directly on the design of the test and the maximum time to perform it, so knowing these parameters allow us to provide algorithmic insights to address this problem.
The use of TAM in evaluating the effectiveness of network simulation tools in Internet Technologies subject

by using educational tools to assist students with practical work. This became evident when higher learning institutions reached a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effectiveness of these educational tools in teaching and learning remains unknown. This research aims to use the technology acceptance model to guide the analysis of the effectiveness of a network simulator called a packet tracer. This study was conducted in November 2022 with 82 Internet technology students. A quantitative method was used in this study. Data were collected through observations and survey questionnaires. Cross-tabulation was used to analyze the data. The results revealed that Packet Tracer, as a virtual learning tool, has proven to be an effective software for supporting the teaching and learning of Internet technology students. This contributes to the body of knowledge and technology in the education discipline.
Cybersecurity education in European higher education institutions

This research paper presents some of the findings of an ongoing Cyber Citizen Initiative project (2022–24), which benchmarked civic cybersecurity education and training in all European Union (EU) member states. The research paper focuses on cybersecurity education in higher education. The study concluded that cybersecurity education varies across the EU. Whereas some countries have dozens of higher education institutes providing education in cybersecurity, some others have only a few institutions and educational programmes for the topic. In general, the educational programmes tend to be specific and focus on technical skills. A wider understanding of cybersecurity as a societal concern, civic cybersecurity skills, and discipline geared cybersecurity competence building may be lacking from curricula.
Data-Driven Project-Based Learning in Specialized Translation Classes – The Case of Comparable Corpora

The aim of this study is to contribute to data-driven project-based learning in Translation Studies in the context of Higher Education. Based on the implementation of a corpus-based project, a group of second year Master’s students in Specialized Translation was actively involved in the compilation and exploration of comparable text corpora in vulgarization of medical science. Comparable corpora are becoming increasingly significant in the field of Language Technology and represent an essential basis for the extraction of terminological and phraseological units. The study falls within the scope of medical eponyms in English and Portuguese corpora. In this context, special attention was paid to the importance of corpus building for the dissemination of medical information to the general public. Against this backdrop, the project enhanced proactive learning by familiarizing students with corpus methodologies, textual conventions, style and register. By compiling and analyzing comparable corpora, students became autonomous researchers and developed skills and competencies for their future professional practice.
About change: How institutionally aligning online pedagogy, design and technology impacts higher education teachers

Emerging empirical evidence in e-learning research is revealing the advantages of aligning learner-centred pedagogical practice with social learning-based instructional designs and appropriate interactive technologies to bring about systemic changes to learning online. This inquiry forms part of a larger qualitative action research study. Our aim was to to determine the impact of such a cross institutional change initiative on a group of instructors, teaching in multi-disciplinarian fields in a higher education technical institute in Chile. Findings from questionnaires, field notes and in-depth faculty interviews revealed that evolvement towards teachers’ roles as mediators and identities as empowered faciltators and community builders occurring over the initial years of the initiative were accompanied by encouraging signs of the development of 21st century skills and identities on the part of students. In our post pandemic era, as online learning becomes more the norm, understanding such effective pathways to excellence in digital spaces is paramount.
Let’s Experience Learning in the Metaverse

The metaverse and learning experience design (LXD) are shaping the future of learning and teaching in higher education. The metaverse is a virtual extension of the physical world that frees learning from time and space constraints while LXD is a learn-centric approach to design technology-mediated learning. LXD focuses on cognitive and affective engagement of learners with the learning experience; and the metaverse promises the adaptive infrastructure and flexible design space to realize digital learning as a journey of a series of ongoing, intensively personalized, immersive, adaptive, and competency-based experiences. In this paper, we discuss and reflect on how the potentials of metaverse can expand the effectiveness of LXD to address certain aspects of learning experience such as the influence of prior experiences, emotions, motivation, and attention. The metaverse presents unique opportunities to manage these aspects and to offer more attractive environments for learning activities.
A Systematic Review: Foundations for Online Course Design in Higher Education

The purpose of this study was to select specific best practice indicators for improving online course design based on the recent research findings shared during and post COVID-19 pandemic. PRISMA guidelines were used during the search process to identify qualifying studies. EbscoHost, Academic Search Ultimate, Educational Research Information Center (ERIC), Google Scholar and JSTOR were the six databases searched for selecting articles that met the following criteria: a) written in Spanish or English, b) peer-reviewed studies and indexed journals c) higher education level and d) online courses design best practices. The database searches identified a total of fifteen relevant studies. The findings of this study demonstrate four core indicators of online course design: planning course alignment, using templates for framework design, developing articulated connections and continuous cyclical review. These essential indicators are critical for online course planning as they have shown to be vital to student achievement, retention, and satisfaction.
Special Needs Pre-Service Teachers Digital Competencies: An Exploratory Study at the University of Foggia

In Italy, K-12 teachers and school institutions’ digital comptencies were under the average in the OECD Countries (Talis Survey, 2018), and they struggled during the lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has forever changed the way in which the didactic is provided.The University of Foggia Learning Science hub (LSh), in Italy, works on designing and planning new methodologies to teach digital skills to pre-service teachers (especially special needs teachers), in order to enhance their knowledge and use of digital skills in planning and providing interventions, lessons and courses.To guide the designing and planning activities, we have administered the DigComp 2.2, the newest version of the self-report questionnaire of the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens created by the European Commission, to 338 teachers attending a specialization course to become special needs teachers at the University of Foggia in the current Academic Year (2022/2023).In the present study, the collected results of the survey will be analyzed and discussed, becoming the cornerstone of LSh research in this field. At the end of the specialization course, the survey will be proposed again, to compare teachers’ digital skills at the beginning and the end of the course.
Anticipate Password Security with Burp Suite Using the Brute Force Attack Method

Website is one of the information and communication media that requires internet to run. Password generation is still less aware of user security. This provokes cyber criminals to carry out attacks to retrieve user login passwords. One possible attack is a brute force attack by experimenting with all possible passwords. This research aims to discuss brute force attack techniques and how to prevent them so that users can be more careful in creating passwords and be more aware of the security of their passwords. This research shows that the brute force method can work perfectly if there is no Captcha on the web login, limiting logins that do not block accounts for a long time, and not using Two Factor Authentication.
Design of a Web-Based Personnel Administration Management Information System at Politeknik Piksi Ganesha

The background of this research is that the management of personnel administration at the Piksi Ganesha Polytechnic campus still uses conventional methods, is considered not optimal, and is very prone to viruses and data loss. In this study, the authors used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. In contrast, the software development method used was the Prototyping Method using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) system modeling, which was applied using the PHP programming language with the Laravel framework and MYSQL database. This study resulted in a web-based Personnel Administration Management Information System or Personnel Information System (SIMPEG), which has features starting from automatic employee data management, centralized employee filing, and integrated attendance with validation of devices in the campus's Public IP network. It can be accessed on mobile by employees.
Design and Implementation of Slipper Loan and Safety Systems Using Ultrasonic Sensors and Internet of Things Based RFID Sensors

The comfort of the mosque is a top priority, so visitors feel comfortable when praying. For example, borrowing sarongs and safety sandals still uses a manual system. Borrowing mosque sarongs, for the most part, cannot known how many of them are available, and the safety of the sandals makes it familiar for visitors to exchange sandals and even lose their sandals. So digitization is needed as displayed on the LCD screen or website in designing this system, using the prototype method to detect system errors more quickly. In addition, this system was built using the PHP language with a more flexible website appearance and testing using a black box. So that by making this system, mosque visitors become more comfortable in carrying out worship.