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Due to increased use of computer-based assessments, comparability studies are moving beyond paper-and-pencil versus computer-based assessments to analyze variances with computers. It is therefore practically important to determine whether screen size and definition of the device affect students' performance. Using data from a large school district giving tests on either Macs with large, high-definition screens or Chromebooks with standard 14-inch screens, this study compared assessment results between devices by grade, subject, and item type. Results showed no significant evidence supporting a large and high-definition screen's positive impact on students' performance. Likewise, there was no relationship between the impact of screen size and grade level as well as item types. Limitations and future studies were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tzeng et al. proposed a new threshold multi-proxy multi-signature scheme with threshold verification. In their scheme, a subset of original signers authenticates a designated proxy group to sign on behalf of the original group. A message m has to be signed by a subset of proxy signers who can represent the proxy group. Then, the proxy signature is sent to the verifier group. A subset of verifiers in the verifier group can also represent the group to authenticate the proxy signature. Subsequently, there are two improved schemes to eliminate the security leak of Tzeng et al.’s scheme. In this paper, we have pointed out the security leakage of the three schemes and further proposed a novel threshold multi-proxy multi-signature scheme with threshold verification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Product-oriented policies gain more and more attention in environmental policies. In this framework, we studied cases (here presented only housing and computers and paper) in a life cycle perspective in order to determine their environmental impacts (in terms of GHG emissions, resource use and waste production) over the period 1990–2010. We also evaluated their potential for improvement up to 2010 by applying product-oriented strategies. We identified clear technical (theoretical) potential for improvement, especially for housing, packaging and computers and paper in offices. We then carried out a Delphi-based survey among stakeholders in order to investigate potential measures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, computer-based testing (CBT) has grown in popularity, is increasingly being implemented across the United States, and will likely become the primary mode for delivering tests in the future. Although CBT offers many advantages over traditional paper-and-pencil testing, assessment experts, researchers, practitioners, and users have expressed concern about the comparability of scores between the two test administration modes. To help provide an answer to this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the administration mode effects of CBTs and paper-and-pencil tests on K-12 student reading assessments. Findings indicate that the administration mode had no statistically significant effect on K-12 student reading achievement scores. Four moderator variables—study design, sample size, computer delivery algorithm, and computer practice—made statistically significant contributions to predicting effect size. Three moderator variables—grade level, type of test, and computer delivery method—did not affect the differences in reading scores between test modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a new method to improve re performance of intra-field interpolation which is the mos~ important element of deinterlacing method. Traditional edge- based methods were poor at determining accurate edge iirection which decides interpolation performance. The 7roposed method decides the direction and slope of edge based on locally adaptive-thresholded binary image to mprove efficiency and accuracy, and it also increased the ~orizontal size of search window to 15 for better direction ietermination at gentle slope. Compared to traditional edge- based methods, interpolation based on binary image, which is ,`enerated using the proposed method, leads to great erformance improvement. With computer simulations for a ~`ariety of images, this paper shows the new approach is much ~etter than traditional methods.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an implementation of an ~daptive beamformer in a hands-free unit. The proposec~ ~daptive beamformer suppresses stationary noise an~ nterference sound. The adaptive beamformer and acoustic `cho canceller were implemented in a compact hands-free mit with a low-cost DSP. Experimental results demonstrate he noise reduction performance of the hands-free unit'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As Chinese characters (hanzi) have three aspects — as a technical writing system, an aesthetic visual art (Chinese calligraphy), and a highly-charged cultural symbolic system — changing them is a complex process. In the 1950s when language planning campaigns were launched to modernise Chinese through hanzi standardisation, names were set aside as too difficult to reform. But over the last two decades the increasingly acute need for effective modern communication based on a stable standard written system has increased the pressure for name reform. This paper discusses the standardisation of personal and geographical name-related hanzi, detailing the socio-cultural and political factors that make the job of language reform much more difficult than it once was for language planning practitioners. The central theme is the conflict between standardisation and diversity, i.e. technological convenience for personal names and modernisation for geographic names vs compatibility with the traditional heritage. In this new historical context, the focus has changed from top-down technical solutions to multiple standards and bottom-up prestige and image planning as ways of addressing hanzi naming dilemmas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the problem of providing a fully predictable execution environment for critical and hard real-time applications on embedded and DSP-based platforms is studied from the viewpoint of system architecture and operation. We introduce a set of homogenous models for time, signals and tasks, which will further serve as a basis for describing the architecture and operation of a particular hard real-time kernel – “HARETICK”. The kernel provides support for concurrent operation of hard real-time tasks (the HRT execution environment), using non-preemptive scheduling algorithms, along with soft real-time tasks (the SRT environment), using classical, preemptive, priority-based scheduling algorithms. A set of applications has been developed to test the correct operation of the HARETICK kernel according to the theoretical models and to evaluate its abilities to provide high predictability of execution for critical applications. Some of the main testing results are also discussed in the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When skin-prick tests (SPTs) are used quantitatively, the circumference of the weal and/ or the flare is outlined using a felt tip pen. and transferred to paper by adhesive tape. The aim of the study was to develop and validate a procedure, objectively and precisely determining these areas after transfer to paper. A system was developed enabling the drawing of the area of weal or flare to be read by a hand-held scanner and calculated on a personal computer. Areas in the 5-500 mm2 range could be determined with day-to-day and interoperator coefficients of variation (CVs) of 3.1% and 1.8%, respectively. Accuracy was determined in two ways: by correlation to cutting/weighing of four times enlarged SPT areas (r2 = 0-999, P<0.001) and by measuring standardized areas (deviations less than intra-assay CV, i.e. 1.2%). For comparison, CVs of alternative methods were also determined: eight different areas (9-76 mm-) were evaluated in quadruplicate using the SPT-scanner (CV=l-4%). by cutting/weighing of paper (CV = 2.3%), by digitizing (CV = 4.4%) or by measuring longest and orthogonal diameters (CV= 13.6%). In conclusion, the scanning device and software provides an objective and reproducible procedure for rapid determination of SPT areas. When areas are determined by scanning, digitizing or cutting/weighing the variations in area determination becomes negligible compared to the variations of the entire skin test procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prediction of 15 years ago regarding a "paperless society" has proven to be 100 percent incorrect. This brief look at paper and how we use it will lead you to only one conclusion-we need more forests! [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article deals with the continued consumption of paper. It was assumed that computer technology has the potential of reducing the use of paper. However, every country in the Western world uses more paper as of December 2005, on a per-capita basis, that it did ten years ago. Cognitive psychologists and ergonomics experts argued that paper persisted for very good reasons: when it comes to performing certain kinds of cognitive tasks, paper has many advantages over computers. The fundamental confusion about the role of paper makes people feel dismayed at the sight of a disorganized desk.