Convergence Between Platforms in the Newsroom

Through ethnographic observation and content analysis, this study aims to classify the Al-Jazeera Mubasher (AJM) newsroom according to the Schantin model of newsrooms, describe the network’s convergence level based on the Dailey, Demo, and Spillman Dynamic Scale Model, and present a unique model elucidating how, specifically, convergence works at AJM. Based on the Schantin model of newsrooms, AJM can be classified as a second-generation newsroom, a “cross-media platforms newsroom.” Convergence among the different platforms of AJM is considerable, but still below full convergence level. Accordingly, the AJM newsroom can be classified into the fourth level of the Dailey et al. Dynamic Scale Model — “content sharing.” The unique AJM-specific model presented near the end of this paper depicts the ways in which different AJM platforms function and interact inside the newsroom, explains the degree of convergence between platforms, and classifies the newsroom in terms of its convergence level.     

Monitoring Coagulation Proteins During Progression of Liver Disease

This work was designated to monitor the coagulation abnormalities associated with the gradual progression of liver diseases. The study included fifty patients; forty were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis with different stages categorized according to the Childs-Pugh classification and another ten patients were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Haemostatic variables including fibrinogen (FI), calcium (FIV), transglutaminase (FXIII), prothrombin time (PT) and platelet count were estimated in patients and compared with the baseline levels of healthy subjects (n = 10). The results demonstrated that the fibrinogen level was progressively decreased, whereas PT was progressively prolonged in Child A, Child B and Child C groups. The maximum deterioration was observed in HCC patients. Calcium significantly increased in mild (Child A) and moderate (Child B) but not in Child C cirrhosis and HCC patients. FXIII level did not show any significant changes in cirrhotic patients compared to healthy group. Some of the haemostatic variables we investigated were correlated with serum albumin and bilirubin but not with aminotransferases (ALT and AST). The results indicated that the haemostatic abnormalities in fibrinogen, calcium and PT (but not FXIII) were deteriorated in parallel with the gradual regression of the constitutional function of liver.     

Hybrid sliding mode observer for switched linear systems with unknown inputs

This paper addresses the state observation and unknown input estimation of a class of switched linear systems with unknown inputs. This class of systems may have modes in which the state is not fully observable. A state transformation allows implementing two suitable reduced-order observers. The first one, based on second order sliding mode techniques, is proposed to reconstruct the discrete state in the presence of unknown inputs. The second one, based on gathering partial information from individual modes of the switched system and on higher order sliding mode techniques, is introduced to estimate the continuous state. Then, the observer injection signal of the first second order sliding mode observer is used to estimate the unknown inputs. Simulation results highlight the efficiency of the proposed method.     

一种车联网多跳视频传输实验系统的设计与实现(英文)

提出一种在车辆自组织网络(VANET)中应用的无线多跳视频传输实验系统的设计和实现方案及其对应的传输控制和路由选择协议.该系统将嵌入式Linux与IEEE 802.11n传输协议集成到ARM内核,由S3C6410主控模块、无线局域网网卡及LCD屏等构成.针对VANET的无线多跳视频传输场景,对视频编译码分别采用H.264和JPEG两种标准实现并对它们的压缩比、时延、传输丢包率等性能进行了理论分析和实验比较,进行了室内室外多种不同场景的实际测试.结果表明:所设计的多跳视频传输实验系统方案能够适应VANET等多种场景的应用,所提出的传输控制和路由选择协议能够保证视频传输的多跳和实时性要求.     

Contrasting perceptions of an innovation in engineering education

There has been considerable criticism about the effectiveness and appropriateness of degree courses in engineering over recent years. In part the criticism have related to inadequate preparation for the profession and in part to the traditional methods of teaching. As a reaction to these criticism, attempts were made at one particular technological institution to change the way in which parts of one particular course were taught. The first problem was created by a relatively high failure rate in examinations. In addition, it was felt that problem-solving was an important skill which had been inadequately taught through the conventional lecture course. Previous research had suggested that audiotapes on which students could work and take notes at their own pace might improve the examination results and help with problem-solving skills relevant to the professional engineer. The innovator found evidence for the success of the innovation in terms of a decreased failure rate and his own satisfaction with the changed emphasis in his part of the degree course. However, an independent evaluation based on interviews and observation found that other members of staff, and the students, all held different perceptions of the effectiveness of the innovation. The contrasting perceptions reflected, in part, the extent to which the staff had been involved with the innovation, and the purposes of the students in using the innovative materials and techniques. The study points up difficulties in introducing an innovation into higher education and shows the importance of the very different perceptions held by those who come into contact with the innovation. Implications for understanding the impact of learning environments on student learning, and for the introduction of innovations, are discussed.     

Preparing teachers for a mobile world,to improve access to education

Recent statistics on the use of mobile technology proclaim that the world is becoming mobile. People use their phones to socialize, to conduct business, to search for information, and more. For the first time in history, people around the world have the potential to learn from any location at their own convenience. But first, education systems must change, to facilitate mobile access to education. As this article describes, the most important change will be training teachers, both in pre-service programmes and through professional development, to use the technology to design and deliver education and to create bridges to informal learning. The article also describes some projects around the world that are helping to prepare teachers for the mobile world, and some pilot projects using the technology. Most such research, however, is limited to short-term studies focusing on learners’ satisfaction with mobile learning. Future studies must consider its long-term benefits and its impacts on performance and retention. As mobile technologies emerge, teachers have to keep up with the changes so that they can take advantage of the power of the technology to design and deliver education.     

Correlation and Multiple Regression Analyses of Pituitary Growth Hormone and Hepatic Activities in Hepatitis C Infection and Interferon Response

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection varies across the world, with the highest percent of infections reported in Middle East, increasingly in Egypt. The current study aimed at examining the bio-statistical correlation and multiple regression analyses of pituitary growth hormone (GH) and liver activities among HCV genotype-4 patients treated with PEG-IFN-α plus RBV therapy. Herein, the current study was conducted on 100 HCV genotype-4 infected patients and 50 healthy controls. Patients received PEG-IFN-α/RBV for 24 weeks. Host RNA was isolated from patients’ sera for HCV genotyping and viral load determination. Moreover, the enzymatic activities of the liver, AFP, GH, PT, and CBC were performed in all volunteers. The present study resulted that the activities of the hepatic enzymes among HCV genotype-4 patients correlated together significantly. While, human GH showed a significant positive regression with pre-treatment ALT concentration in responders. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis for GH showed a significant positive correlation with pre-treatment ALT in HCV genotype-4 infected patients. We concluded that there were a putative significant relation between GH and pre-treatment ALT activity in HCV infection and response to IFN-based therapy.     

Higher education strategy in digital transformation

Education and Information Technologies - Digital transformation in the global higher education industry determines the future roadmap to a sustainable education management strategy. This research...