K Means Segmentation of Alzheimers Disease in PET scan datasets: An implementation

The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan image requires expertise in the segmentation where clustering algorithm plays an important role in the automation process. The algorithm optimization is concluded based on the performance, quality and number of clusters extracted. This paper is proposed to study the commonly used K Means clustering algorithm and to discuss a brief list of toolboxes for reproducing and extending works presented in medical image analysis. This work is compiled using AForge .NET framework in windows environment and MATrix LABoratory (MATLAB 7.0.1)Comment: International Joint Conference on Advances in Signal Processing and Information Technology, SPIT201

Assessing the relationship between student teachers' computer attitudes and learning strategies in a developing country

The primary aim of this study is to investigate a possible correlation between the computer attitudes of student teachers and learning strategies in a developing country. The Ohio State University attitudes toward computer technology (OSUACT) scale and learning and study strategies inventory (LASSI) were administered to 124 student teachers. Descriptive results revealed that student teachers possessed positive computer attitudes. Correlational analyses showed that seven learning strategies - attitudes, motivation, time management, concentration, selecting main ideas, study aids and test strategy were associated with computer attitudes. Nevertheless, the results of the multiple regression indicated that the learning strategy that involved the selection of the main ideas was the sole predictor of computer attitudes. The results pointed to the importance of learning strategies in fostering more favourable computer attitudes among student teachers

One-dimensional compressible flow analysis : isentropic and normal shock

A computer program to compute and analyse one-dimensional isentropic compressible flow through variable cross-sectional area with or without a normal shock is developed. The program is written in the FORTRAN LANGUAGE . In this work, the area change is the predominant cause of change of flow condition. One of the advantage of this program is set on general uses for isentropic flow. In common practice, the values of the isentropic flow property ratios were tabulated or graphically presented as function of the Mach number with a specified specific heat ratio, K (normally K=1.40 was presented). With todays technology, the most versatile method is by implementation of computer programming method. The computer program presented can solve all the onedimensional isentropic flow problems and to analyse the flow characteristic and the flow patterns in converging nozzle and converging-diverging nozzle. The value of K can be assigned as any value as one\u27s requirement. All the solutions are computed within 0.1 error. For solving Mach number and location of normal shock inside the nozzle, ITERATION method is employed instead of numerical method. In most cases, a few iterations (less than ten) may arise a reasonable solutions

The widths of quarkonia in quark gluon plasma

Recent lattice calculations showed that the quarkonia will survive beyond the phase transition temperature, and will dissolve at different temperatures depending on the type of the quarkonium. In this work, we calculate the thermal width of the quarkonium at finite temperature before it dissolves into open heavy quarks. The input of the calculation are the parton quarkonium dissociation cross section to NLO in QCD, the quarkonium wave function in a temperature-dependent potential from lattice QCD, and a thermal distribution of partons with thermal masses. We find that for the J/psi, the total thermal width above 1.4 Tc becomes larger than 100 to 250 MeV, depending on the effective thermal masses of the quark and gluon, which we take between 400 to 600 MeV. Such a width corresponds to an effective dissociation cross section by gluons between 1.5 to 3.5 mb and by quarks 1 to 2 mb at 1.4 Tc. However, at similar temperatures, we find a much smaller thermal width and effective cross section for the upsilon.Comment: 7 pages, 13 figures, 2 tables, version to be published in Phys. Rev.

Modeling key drivers of e-learning satisfaction among student teachers

This study explored the key drivers of student teachers' e-learning satisfaction. Three hundred and eighty-seven participants completed a survey questionnaire measuring their self-reported responses to six constructs (tutor quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, course delivery, facilitating conditions, and course satisfaction). Data analysis was performed using structural equation modeling. The results of this study showed that, apart from facilitating conditions, all constructs were significant predictors of e-learning satisfaction. However, facilitating conditions was found to be a significant mediator of perceived ease of use and satisfaction. Some implications for e-learning and teacher education were discussed

Investigating the technology acceptance among student teachers in Malaysia : an application of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

This study investigated 245 Malaysian student teachers' self-reported intentions to use (ITU) computers. Using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a research framework, this study found perceived usefulness (PU) of computer technology, perceived ease of use (PEU), and attitude towards computer use (ATCU) to be significant determinants of ITU. Results obtained using structural equation modelling revealed that (I) PEU significantly influenced PU, (2) both PU and PEU significantly influenced ATCU, and (3) both PU and ATCU significantly influenced ITU. In essence, the results of this study present some evidence that TAM serves as a valid model to predict technology acceptance among student teachers in Malaysia

Internet and Facebook use among university students

The Malaysian government continues to invest heavily in computing and Internet resources in the belief that the Internet can improve the academic performance of students, offer e-learning for undergraduates, and provide the flexibility of distance learning for adult students. The use of the Internet and Facebook for educational purposes has been a topic of high interest among researchers in recent years. In Malaysia, Internet access is relatively easy, fast, and affordable. It is also a valuable source of information. Research shows that online consumers in Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines are the most likely to have engaged on social media sites such as Facebook. For this very reason, students must be well-equipped with the requisite skills to exploit to the full the benefits of the Internet and Facebook by the time they graduate. Such skills would certainly help to enhance their employability in the competitive labour market. This study seeks to examine relevant literature regarding the extent of Internet and Facebook use among university students. The literature review will also explore how the use of the Internet and Facebook has impacted the academic performance of university students