Measuring Quality of State of Arkansas Websites

The value of a website for a Fortune 500 company can be measured entirely by the profits generated through sales or by the savings from customer support delivered online. Commercial companies can use tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights to evaluate whether their site can easily be improved. Note that this is not the only site which verifies that the website was built using best practices.

You may examine any site by first going to https://pagespeed.web.dev/ and then entering the URL of the site you wish to test. If I enter www.arkansas.gov, it gives me a report: 

• https://pagespeed.web.dev/analysis/https-www-arkansas-gov/wy1ka8wfgl?form_factor=mobile

The PageSpeed Insights are designed to be easy to understand by a layman; no special expertise is required. 

www.arkansas.gov

The www subdomain was redirected to the portal subdomain, 

• The score on Best Practices were 100%. No security issues.
•  The SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) score was 92% due to the news feed not having meta descriptions for its links. Still, this is quite good.
• The Accessibility Score was 92%, which is good, but there is room for improvement, and the report suggests precisely what needs to be fixed.
• The Performance Score is 51%. For my students, a 70% score is passing, and at the end of the semester, they all achieved scores from 92-99%. Speed is important because of what I call the 9-second insanity rule: if a user clicks a button and nothing happens for 9-seconds, they go insane and start pressing random buttons or cancel the process. According to Google research, mobile users start cancelling loads at 3 seconds and rarely wait till 9-seconds. This site on 4G in a rural area is more than 10 seconds. Fail.
  
  The biggest problem that I can see is that this page is in a state of rapid prototyping, and any minor change can be deployed immediately without delay. The correct procedure is to make and test your changes and then compile the CSS and JS into the site and page packets before deployment. The person who deployed this page skipped the final step. So when you view the site on a mobile phone, you are waiting for all the CSS and JS to load from a plethora of files, including the CSS and JS that are not being used, so this site is wasting our time and our bandwidth. This final step is one that I have automated on my sites. When the source code has been pushed to be published, the entire process is completed in less than 6 minutes, so for me, this is just part of my workflow.

humanservices.arkansas.gov/

https://pagespeed.web.dev/analysis/https-humanservices-arkansas-gov/egw7b6uyh4?form_factor=mobile

• Best Practices 96%, the site is broken.
• Accessability 95%
• SEO 92%
• Performance 34%

The performance score of 34% is because they are using a 23-year-old blogging platform and a web design framework.

WordPress is often avoided due to high maintenance requirements, significant security vulnerabilities stemming from popular plugins, and slow performance caused by code bloat. It frequently requires constant updates, specialised hosting, and faces scaling limitations for complex, high-traffic, or custom sites.

Here in the USA, WordPress has nearly a 60% market share among small businesses. Practically none of that market share is with Fortune 100 companies that are targeting users on mobile phones. More than half of all web traffic is on mobile platforms. It can be difficult to get WordPress performance over 50% and almost impossible to get over 72%. ArDHS having a score of 34% is just embarrassing.

www.tylertech.com

https://pagespeed.web.dev/analysis/https-www-tylertech-com/d9i8ldgzlw?form_factor=mobile

This is the company that helped build the ArDHS website. They won an award for their very pretty design of ArDHS, and yet the performance is so bad that it is useless for more than half of all Arkansas citizens. How did they do when building their own site?

With a Performance of 22% and a Best Practices of 73%, it seems that their company website is also a train wreck. 

Considering that for four years the ArDHS site was completely broken, having a pretty desktop version is an improvement. If someone claims to be qualified as a web developer, just run PageSpeed Insights on their web pages to see if you really want to hire them.

Top 30 AI Tools

Notable AI Tools

In the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, numerous tools have emerged to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and empower users across various industries. Here’s a look at 30 of the most notable AI tools currently in use, along with links to their websites for more information.

• 1. OpenAI's ChatGPT

  A conversational AI for generating human-like text responses, ideal for customer service and content creation.

  Visit ChatGPT

• 2. Google AI

  A collection of AI tools offering powerful natural language processing and machine learning services.

  Explore Google AI

• 3. Hugging Face

  A hub for NLP models and a vibrant community that simplifies the deployment of AI projects.

  Check out Hugging Face

• 4. IBM Watson

  An advanced analytics and AI platform tailored for various industry solutions.

  Learn more about IBM Watson

• 5. Microsoft Azure AI

  A comprehensive suite of AI services integrated into Microsoft's cloud platform for machine learning and cognitive services.

  Discover Azure AI

• 6. Salesforce Einstein

  AI capabilities embedded within Salesforce to analyze customer data and automate processes.

  Visit Salesforce Einstein

• 7. Amazon SageMaker

  A robust platform to build, train, and deploy machine learning models efficiently.

  Explore SageMaker

• 8. DataRobot

  An automated machine learning platform that simplifies predictive model development.

  Check out DataRobot

• 9. TensorFlow

  An open-source library designed for building deep learning models, widely adopted by developers.

  Learn about TensorFlow

• 10. RapidMiner

  A user-friendly data science platform for creating predictive models without extensive coding.

  Visit RapidMiner

• 11. Knime

  An open-source platform for data analytics and reporting, optimizing workflow visualization.

  Explore Knime

• 12. Alteryx

  Provides data blending and preparation tools that boost analytics capabilities.

  Learn more about Alteryx

• 13. H2O.ai

  An open-source platform focused on machine learning that prioritizes performance and scalability.

  Check out H2O.ai

• 14. Microsoft Power BI

  An interactive data visualization and business intelligence tool with AI capabilities.

  Discover Power BI

• 15. Qlik Sense

  An analytics platform that simplifies data visualization with AI-driven insights.

  Visit Qlik Sense

• 16. C3.ai

  An enterprise platform for deploying AI solutions across various business applications.

  Learn more about C3.ai

• 17. Zia by Zoho

  An AI assistant integrated into Zoho’s applications for data insights and task automation.

  Explore Zia

• 18. Grammarly

  AI improves writing through grammar checks, style suggestions, and tone adjustments.

  Visit Grammarly

• 19. Jasper

  An AI writing assistant tailored for marketers and content creators.

  Check out Jasper

• 20. Lumen5

  A platform that transforms text into engaging videos, ideal for social media.

  Explore Lumen5

• 21. PandaDoc

  Automates document creation and streamlines contracts and proposals.

  Learn more about PandaDoc

• 22. X.AI (Amy and Andrew)

  AI scheduling assistants that manage calendars and meetings seamlessly.

  Discover X.AI

• 23. Canva's Magic Write

  An AI feature that helps create written content while designing visuals.

  Visit Canva

• 24. ChurnZero

  A customer success tool that helps reduce churn through behavioural insights.

  Learn more about ChurnZero

• 25. Airtable

  Combines database functionalities with AI features for enhanced project management.

  Explore Airtable

• 26. SentiOne

  A social listening tool leveraging AI to monitor sentiment and audience engagement.

  Visit SentiOne

• 27. Clarifai

  Provides AI-powered image and video recognition services, useful for media analysis.

  Check out Clarifai

• 28. MonkeyLearn

  A text analysis platform that utilizes machine learning to extract insights from text data.

  Learn more about MonkeyLearn

• 29. Synthesia

  AI-generated videos from text inputs, making personalized content creation simpler.

  Visit Synthesia

• 30. Loom

  A video messaging tool for async communication.

  Check out Loom

Davsk Programming Standards

As we gear up for completing the latest version of Universe, Universe v5.0.0 we are implementing some new standards.

• SemVer.org v[Major].[Minor].[Patch]  as in v[breaking],[feat],[fix]
• ConventionalCommits.org git commit -m "fix(parser): Plural Bug" or "feat(email): Added subject detail"
• https://www.ada.gov/title-ii-web-rule/ these are best practices that need to be followed on all websites.
  

Neural Information Processing Systems

https://nips.cc/ 

Integrating Music Entrainment into Game Mechanics for Enhanced Learning Outcomes

1. Rhythmic Feedback Loops

Incorporate rhythmic feedback loops that adapt to the player’s actions. For instance, when a player successfully completes a task, the game can respond with a musical cue that aligns with the desired brainwave state. This creates a positive reinforcement cycle, encouraging continued engagement and focus.

2. Dynamic Soundscapes

Develop dynamic soundscapes that change based on the player’s progress and performance. By using algorithms to adjust the tempo and rhythm of the background music, the game can help maintain optimal brainwave states for learning. For example, slower rhythms can be used during complex problem-solving tasks to promote calm and focus, while faster rhythms can energize and motivate during more straightforward activities.

3. Personalized Music Profiles

Implement personalized music profiles that adapt to individual players. By analyzing player data, the game can tailor the music to match each player’s unique brainwave patterns and learning preferences. This customization ensures that the entrainment is as effective as possible for each user.

4. Interactive Music Challenges

Create interactive music challenges that require players to engage with the rhythm and tempo of the music. These challenges can be designed to reinforce educational content, such as timing math problems to the beat or matching historical events to musical cues. This not only makes learning more engaging but also leverages the entrainment effect to enhance memory retention.

5. Real-Time Brainwave Monitoring

Integrate real-time brainwave monitoring using wearable technology. By tracking the player’s brainwave activity, the game can adjust the music in real-time to maintain optimal entrainment. This ensures that the player remains in the ideal cognitive state for learning throughout the gameplay experience.

6. Collaborative Learning Environments

Develop collaborative learning environments where multiple players can interact and synchronize their brainwaves through shared musical experiences. This can foster a sense of community and enhance the overall learning experience by leveraging the social aspects of music entrainment.

7. Gamified Progress Tracking

Incorporate gamified progress tracking that uses music to signal achievements and milestones. By associating specific musical themes with progress, players can develop a stronger emotional connection to their learning journey, making it more memorable and motivating.

---

By integrating these elements, we can create educational games that not only engage and entertain but also harness the power of music entrainment to significantly enhance learning outcomes. This approach combines the best of game design and neuroscience to create a truly innovative educational experience.

Harnessing Music Entrainment for Enhanced Learning in Educational Games

Introduction

• Why I need it: Over the years, I have grappled with the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms, enduring its challenges for two decades. The detrimental loss of neurons due to plaque accumulation has the potential to result in a profound impact, leading to a decline in vocabulary and cognitive skills. Yet, understanding the brain's plasticity, along with the virtues of proper nutrition, exercise, and mental eustress, has allowed me to continually rejuvenate my cognitive abilities. Although my brain may resemble a mosaic of holes akin to Swiss cheese atop scrambled eggs, through unwavering determination, I have been able to restore nearly full cognitive functionality.
• Brief Overview: In the labyrinthine corridors of the human mind, where memories and thoughts intertwine like the delicate threads of a spider’s web, there exists a phenomenon as enchanting as it is profound: music entrainment. This entrainment, a harmonious synchronization of brainwaves to the rhythmic cadence of music, beckons us to explore the intricate dance between sound and cognition.

  Imagine, if you will, the gentle undulations of a melody, each note a whisper that caresses the very fabric of our neural architecture. As these auditory waves traverse the labyrinth of our auditory cortex, they resonate with the oscillations of our brainwaves, creating a symphony of synchronized rhythms. This entrainment, akin to the delicate interplay of light and shadow in a Proustian reverie, holds the power to influence our cognitive functions in ways both subtle and profound.

  The brain, a maestro conducting an orchestra of neurons, responds to these rhythmic stimuli with a grace that belies its complexity. Alpha waves, those gentle harbingers of relaxation, may slow their tempo in response to a soothing lullaby, while the more frenetic beta waves, guardians of our focused attention, might quicken their pace to the beat of an invigorating march. It is within this delicate balance of frequencies that the true magic of music entrainment unfolds.

  In the realm of education, where the quest for knowledge is both a solitary and communal journey, the application of music entrainment offers a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of rhythmic synchronization, we can create educational experiences that are not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally resonant. Imagine a computer game designed to teach complex concepts, its soundtrack meticulously crafted to guide the player’s brainwaves into states of heightened focus and retention. Here, the music becomes a silent tutor, its rhythms a gentle nudge towards cognitive clarity.

  Thus, in the grand tapestry of human experience, music entrainment stands as a testament to the profound connection between sound and mind. It is a reminder that much like the evocative prose of Proust, the rhythms of our lives are shaped by the melodies that accompany them.

• Purpose: When we talk about integrating music entrainment into educational computer games, we’re essentially looking at a strategic investment in the future of learning. The goal here is to leverage the power of rhythmic synchronization to enhance cognitive functions such as memory, focus, and attention.

  Think of it like this: just as a well-managed portfolio can yield significant returns over time, a well-designed educational game that uses music entrainment can yield substantial benefits in terms of learning outcomes. By aligning the brain’s natural rhythms with the game’s music, we create an environment where students are more engaged and better able to absorb information.

  In the world of investing, we seek out opportunities that offer a competitive edge. Similarly, in education, music entrainment provides that edge by making learning more effective and enjoyable. It’s about creating value, not just in financial terms, but in the intellectual and emotional growth of students.

  So, integrating music entrainment into educational games is like investing in a high-potential asset. It requires careful planning and execution, but the returns—in terms of enhanced learning and student engagement—can be truly remarkable.

Understanding Music Entrainment

• Definition: Describe music entrainment as the synchronization of brainwaves to external rhythmic stimuli, such as music1.
• Mechanisms: Explain how different types of brainwaves (e.g., alpha, beta, theta) can be influenced by rhythmic patterns1.

Neuroscientific Basis

• Brainwave Entrainment: Discuss the neurophysiological phenomenon where brain activity aligns with rhythmic stimuli1.
• Impact on Learning: Highlight research showing how music can enhance cognitive functions, such as memory and attention2.

Application in Educational Games

• Game Design: Integrating Music into Game Mechanics
• Case Studies: Provide examples of existing games or research that have successfully used music for cognitive training3.

Benefits of Music Entrainment in Education

• Enhanced Focus and Attention: Explain how rhythmic music can help maintain students’ focus during gameplay.
• Improved Memory Retention: Discuss studies showing improved memory retention through music entrainment2.
• Emotional Engagement: Describe how music can create an emotionally engaging learning environment, making education more enjoyable4.

Challenges and Considerations

• Technical Challenges: Address the difficulties in accurately synchronizing music with brainwave patterns.
• User Variability: Discuss how individual differences in musical preference and brainwave patterns can affect the efficacy of music entrainment.

Future Directions

• Innovative Technologies: Explore emerging technologies that could further enhance the integration of music entrainment in educational games.
• Research Opportunities: Suggest areas for future research to better understand and optimize the use of music in educational settings.

Conclusion

• Summary: Recap the key points discussed in the blog post.
• Call to Action: Encourage readers to explore and support the development of educational games that utilize music entrainment.

 

Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability

Overview

An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists because of overly permissive Access Control Lists (ACLs) on multiple system files, including the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) database. An attacker who successfully exploited this vulnerability could run arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights.

Test for Vulnerability

To check if your Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation is affected, you can open a command prompt and enter the following command:

icacls c:\windows\system32\config\sam

If the output displays the following permission, your Windows installation is affected by the vulnerability.

BUILTIN\Users:(I)(RX)

Workaround

Restrict access to the contents of %windir%\system32\config

Windows PowerShell (Run as administrator):

icacls $env:windir\system32\config\*.* /inheritance:e

How can I delete Volume Shadow Copies?

To delete all shadow copies of the system drive, run the following command:

 vssadmin delete shadows /for=%systemdrive% /Quiet

To confirm that all shadow copies were deleted, you may run this command again: 

 vssadmin list shadows /for=%systemdrive%

If there are no shadow copies on your system drive, you will receive output that says:

vssadmin 1.1 - Volume Shadow Copy Service administrative command-line tool
(C) Copyright 2001-2013 Microsoft Corp.
No items found that satisfy the query.

Create a Restore Point

Since all restore points have been erased, you may wish to create a new restore point after you have fixed the vulnerability.

Attributions

• https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/new-windows-10-vulnerability-allows-anyone-to-get-admin-privileges/
  
• https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2021-36934
• https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/topic/kb5005357-delete-volume-shadow-copies-1ceaa637-aaa3-4b58-a48b-baf72a2fa9e7