LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Average-Voice-Based Speech Synthesis

This thesis describes a novel speech synthesis framework " Average-Voice-based Speech Synthesis. " By using the speech synthesis framework, synthetic speech of arbitrary target speakers can be obtained robustly and steadily even if speech samples available for the target speaker are very small. This speech synthesis framework consists of speaker normalization algorithm for the parameter clustering, speaker normalization algorithm for the parameter estimation, the transformation/adaptation part, and modification part of the rough transformation. In the parameter clustering using decision-tree-based context clustering techniques for average voice model, the nodes of the decision tree do not always have training data of all speakers, and some nodes have data from only one speaker. This speaker-biased node causes degradation of quality of average voice and synthetic speech after speaker adaptation, especially in prosody. Therefore, we firstly propose a new context clustering technique, named " shared-decision-tree-based context clustering " to overcome this problem. Using this technique, every node of the decision tree always has training data from all speakers included in the training speech database. As a result, we can construct decision tree common to all training speakers and each distribution of the node always reflects the statistics of all speakers. However, when training data of each training speaker differs widely, the distributions of the node often have bias depending on speaker and/or gender and this will degrade the quality of synthetic speech. Therefore, we incorporate " speaker adaptive training " into the parameter estimation procedure of average voice model to reduce the influence of speaker dependence. In the speaker adaptive training, the speaker difference between training speaker's voice and average voice is assumed to be expressed as a simple linear regres-i ii sion function of mean vector of the distribution and a canonical average voice model is estimated using the assumption. In speaker adaptation for speech synthesis, it is desirable to convert both voice characteristics and prosodic features such as F0 and phone duration. Therefore, we utilize a framework of " hidden semi-Markov model " (HSMM) which is an HMM having explicit state duration distributions and we propose an HSMM-based model adaptation algorithm to simultaneously transform both state output and state duration distributions. Furthermore, we also propose an HSMM-based speaker adaptive training algorithm to normalize both state output and state duration distributions of average voice model at the same time. Finally, we explore several speaker adaptation algorithms to transform more effectively the average voice …
Sedimentation in a dilute polydisperse system of interacting spheres. Part 1. General theory

Small rigid spherical parti&es are settling under gravity through Newtonian fluid, and the volume fraction of the particles ($) is small although sufficiently large for the effects of interactions between pairs of particles to be significant. Two neighbouring particles interact both hydrodynamically (with low-Reynolds-number flow about each particle) and through the exertion of a mutual force of molecular or electrical origin which is mainly repulsive; and they also diffuse relatively to each other by Brownian motion. The dispersion contains several species of particle which differ in radius and density. The purpose of the paper is to derive formulae for the mean velocity of the particles of each species correct to order 4, that is, with allowance for the effect of pair interactions. The method devised for the calculation of the mean velocity in a monodisperse system (Batchelor 1972) is first generalized to give the mean additional velocity of a particle of species i due to the presence of a particle of speciesj in terms of the pair mobility functions and the probability distribution pii(r) for the relative position of an i and a j particle. The second step is to determine pii(r) from a differential equation of Fokker-Planck type representing the effects of relative motion of the two particles due to gravity, the interparticle force, and Brownian diffusion. The solution of this equation is investigated for a range of special conditions, including large values of the Ptclet number (negligible effect of Brownian motion); small values of the Ptclet number; and extreme values of the ratio of the radii of the two spheres. There are found to be three different limits forpij(r) corresponding to different ways of approaching the state of equal sphere radii, equal sphere densities, and zero Brownian relative diffusivity . Consideration of the effect of relative diffusion on the pair-distribution function shows the existence of an effective interactive force between the two particles and consequently a contribution to the mean velocity of the particles of each species. The direct contributions to the mean velocity of particles of one species due to Brownian diffusion and to the interparticle force are non-zero whenever the pairdistribution function is non-isotropic, that is, at all except large values of the PCclet number. The forms taken by the expression for the mean velocity of the particles of one species in the various cases listed above are examined. Numerical values will be presented in Part 2. cp v i : qe, ?J&,, I y o : r37 'I"p 467-193
Accelerating recurrent neural network training using sequence bucketing and multi-GPU data parallelization

An efficient algorithm for recurrent neural network training is presented. The approach increases the training speed for tasks where a length of the input sequence may vary significantly. The proposed approach is based on the optimal batch bucketing by input sequence length and data parallelization on multiple graphical processing units. The baseline training performance without sequence bucketing is compared with the proposed solution for a different number of buckets. An example is given for the online handwriting recognition task using an LSTM recurrent neural network. The evaluation is performed in terms of the wall clock time, number of epochs, and validation loss value.
Self-as-doer for diabetes: development and validation of a diabetes-specific measure of doer identification.

BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale to measure the level of self-care behavior "doer identity" in persons with diabetes.


METHODS
Persons with diabetes (N = 355) completed questionnaires assessing self-as-doer identity and other related constructs. Principle components and parallel analyses and tests of reliability and validity were performed.


RESULTS
A 7 factor solution explained 55.24% of the total variance on behaviors. Cronbach's alpha was .93 for the overall scale. Extracted components moderately correlated with one another and theoretically similar constructs. Self-as-doer identity significantly predicted all self-care behaviors (except for blood glucose monitoring) and glycemic control over and above related variables for persons with type 1 diabetes. Self-as-doer identity also predicted diet behaviors for persons with type 2 diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence for a reliable and valid factor structure of the Self-as-doer-Diabetes measure was demonstrated.
Tryptophan depletion in SSRI-recovered depressed outpatients

Rationale: Recently, a number of studies have challenged the finding that acute tryptophan depletion (TD) increases depressive symptoms in medicated, formerly depressed patients. The present study examined the effects of acute nutritional TD on remitted depressed patients currently treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In an attempt to clarify conflicting earlier findings, the effects of a number of clinical variables on outcome were also investigated. Methods: Ten patients underwent TD in a double-blind, controlled, balanced crossover fashion. The control session followed the procedure of Krahn et al. (1996 Neuropsychopharmacology 15:325–328). Sessions were 5–8 days apart. Results: TD was significantly related to increased scores on clinician-rated depression and anxiety scales, and on self-rated depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. The control challenge had no effect, despite the fact that the reductions in plasma tryptophan during the control session were unexpectedly high. Some evidence was found for a threshold in the relationship between reduction of plasma tryptophan and mood response. Conclusions: The mood effect of TD in medicated, formerly depressed patients was confirmed. A threshold may exist for mood effects following TD, implying that recent negative findings may have been caused by insufficient depletion. No other predicting or mediating factors were identified, although the variable "history of response pattern to medication" deserves further study.
Integrative Literature Reviews : Guidelines and Examples

The integrative literature review is a distinctive form of research that generates new knowledge about the topic reviewed. Little guidance is available on how to write an integrative literature review. This article discusses how to organize and write an integrative literature review and cites examples of published integrative literature reviews that illustrate how this type of research has made substantive contributions to the knowledge base of human resource development.
Updated Three-Column Concept in surgical treatment for tibial plateau fractures - A prospective cohort study of 287 patients.

PURPOSE
This study introduces an updated Three-Column Concept for the classification and treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures. A combined preoperative assessment of fracture morphology and injury mechanism is utilized to determine surgical approach, implant placement and fixation sequence. The effectiveness of this updated concept is demonstrated through evaluation of both clinical and radiographic outcome measures.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
From 2008 to 2012, 355 tibial plateau fractures were treated using the updated Three-Column Concept. Standard radiographic and computed tomography imaging are used to systematically assess and classify fracture patterns as follows: (1) identify column(s) injured and locate associated articular depression or comminution, (2) determine injury mechanism including varus/valgus and flexion/extension forces, and (3) determine surgical approach(es) as well as the location and function of applied fixation. Quality and maintenance of reduction and alignment, fracture healing, complications, and functional outcomes were assessed.


RESULTS
287 treated fractures were followed up for a mean period of 44.5 months (range: 22-96). The mean time to radiographic bony union and full weight-bearing was 13.5 weeks (range: 10-28) and 14.8 weeks (range: 10-26) respectively. The average functional Knee Society Score was 93.0 (range: 80-95). The average range of motion of the affected knees was 1.5-121.5°. No significant difference was found in knee alignment between immediate and 18-month post-operative measurements. Additionally, no significant difference was found in functional scores and range of motion between one, two and three-column fracture groups. Twelve patients suffered superficial infection, one had limited skin necrosis and two had wound dehiscence, that healed with nonoperative management. Intraoperative vascular injury occurred in two patients. Fixation of failure was not observed in any of the fractures treated.


CONCLUSION
An updated Three-Column Concept assessing fracture morphology and injury mechanism in tandem can be used to guide surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Limited results demonstrate successful application of biologically friendly fixation constructs while avoiding fixation failure and associated complications of both simple and complex tibial plateau fractures.


LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level II, prospective cohort study.
Biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas: A review

Biodiesel has attracted considerable attention during the past decade as a renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic fuel alternative to fossil fuels. Biodiesel can be obtained from vegetable oils (both edible and non-edible) and from animal fat. Jatropha curcas Linnaeus, a multipurpose plant, contains high amount of oil in its seeds which can be converted to biodiesel. J. curcas is probably the most highly promoted oilseed crop at present in the world. The availability and sustainability of sufficient supplies of less expensive feedstock in the form of vegetable oils, particularly J. curcas and efficient processing technology to biodiesel will be crucial determinants of delivering a competitive biodiesel. Oil contents, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition of J. curcas reported in literature are provided in this review. The fuel properties of Jatropha biodiesel are comparable to those of fossil diesel and confirm to the American and European standards. The objective of this review is to give an update on the J. curcas L. plant, the production of biodiesel from the seed oil and research attempts to improve the technology of converting vegetable oil to biodiesel and the fuel properties of the Jatropha biodiesel. The technological methods that can be used to produce biodiesel are presented together with their advantages and disadvantages. The use of lipase as biotechnological solution to alkali and acid catalysis of transesterification and its advantages is discussed. There is need to carry out research on the detoxification of the seed cake to increase the benefits from J. curcas. There is also need to carry out life-cycle assessment and the environment impacts of introducing large scale plantations. There is also still a dearth of research about the influence of various cultivation-related factors and their interactions and influence on seed yield. Many other areas that need to be researched on Jatropha curcas L. are pointed out in this review.
A survey based on Smart Homes system using Internet-of-Things

Internet-of-Things (IoT) is the expansion of internet services. Applications of IoT are increasing. Uses of new technologies in IoT environment are increasing rapidly. It has been already developed in Industrial Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). A smart home is also one of the applications of IoT. Rapid growth in technologies and improvements in architecture comes out many problems that how to manage and control the whole system, Security at the server, security in smart homes, etc. This paper presents the architecture of IoT. Smart homes are those where household devices/home appliances could monitor and control remotely. When these household devices in smart homes connect with the internet using proper network architecture and standard protocols, the whole system can be called as Smart Home in IoT environment or IoT based Smart Homes. Smart Homes ease out the home automation task. This paper presents not only the problems and challenges come in IoT and Smart homes system using IoT but also some solutions that would help to overcome on some problems and challenges.
The effect of a yoga intervention on alcohol and drug abuse risk in veteran and civilian women with posttraumatic stress disorder.

BACKGROUND
Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often exhibit high-risk substance use behaviors. Complementary and alternative therapies are increasingly used for mental health disorders, although evidence is sparse.


OBJECTIVES
Investigate the effect of a yoga intervention on alcohol and drug abuse behaviors in women with PTSD. Secondary outcomes include changes in PTSD symptom perception and management and initiation of evidence-based therapies.


MATERIALS AND METHODS
The current investigation analyzed data from a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing a 12-session yoga intervention with an assessment control for women age 18 to 65 years with PTSD. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT) were administered at baseline, after the intervention, and a 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to test the significance of the change in AUDIT and DUDIT scores over time. Treatment-seeking questions were compared by using Fisher exact tests.


RESULTS
The mean AUDIT and DUDIT scores decreased in the yoga group; in the control group, mean AUDIT score increased while mean DUDIT score remained stable. In the linear mixed models, the change in AUDIT and DUDIT scores over time did not differ significantly by group. Most yoga group participants reported a reduction in symptoms and improved symptom management. All participants expressed interest in psychotherapy for PTSD, although only two participants, both in the yoga group, initiated therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Results from this pilot study suggest that a specialized yoga therapy may play a role in attenuating the symptoms of PTSD, reducing risk of alcohol and drug use, and promoting interest in evidence-based psychotherapy. Further research is needed to confirm and evaluate the strength of these effects.
Complex PTSD - a better description for borderline personality disorder?

OBJECTIVE
To consider the use of the diagnostic category 'complex posttraumatic stress disorder' (c-PTSD) as detailed in the forthcoming ICD-11 classification system as a less stigmatising, more clinically useful term, instead of the current DSM-5 defined condition of 'borderline personality disorder' (BPD).


CONCLUSIONS
Trauma, in its broadest definition, plays a key role in the development of both c-PTSD and BPD. Given this current lack of differentiation between these conditions, and the high stigma faced by people with BPD, it seems reasonable to consider using the diagnostic term 'complex posttraumatic stress disorder' to decrease stigma and provide a trauma-informed approach for BPD patients.
Emerging roles for telemedicine and smart technologies in dementia care

Demographic aging of the world population contributes to an increase in the number of persons diagnosed with dementia (PWD), with corresponding increases in health care expenditures. In addition, fewer family members are available to care for these individuals. Most care for PWD occurs in the home, and family members caring for PWD frequently suffer negative outcomes related to the stress and burden of observing their loved one's progressive memory and functional decline. Decreases in cognition and self-care also necessitate that the caregiver takes on new roles and responsibilities in care provision. Smart technologies are being developed to support family caregivers of PWD in a variety of ways, including provision of information and support resources online, wayfinding technology to support independent mobility of the PWD, monitoring systems to alert caregivers to changes in the PWD and their environment, navigation devices to track PWD experiencing wandering, and telemedicine and e-health services linking caregivers and PWD with health care providers. This paper will review current uses of these advancing technologies to support care of PWD. Challenges unique to widespread acceptance of technology will be addressed and future directions explored.
Subsets of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis in community-dwelling older adults in the United Kingdom: prevalence, inter-relationships, risk factor profiles and clinical characteristics at baseline and 3-years

OBJECTIVE
To compare the population prevalence, inter-relationships, risk factor profiles and clinical characteristics of subsets of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) with a view to understanding their relative frequency and distinctiveness.


METHOD
1076 community-dwelling adults with hand symptoms (60% women, mean age 64.7 years) were recruited and classified into pre-defined subsets using physical examination and standardised hand radiographs, scored with the Kellgren & Lawrence (K&L) and Verbruggen-Veys grading systems. Detailed information on selected risk factors was obtained from direct measurement (Body Mass Index (BMI)), self-complete questionnaires (excessive use of hands, previous hand injury) and medical record review (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes). Hand pain and disability were self-reported at baseline and 3-year follow-up using Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN).


RESULTS
Crude population prevalence estimates for symptomatic hand OA subsets in the adult population aged 50 years and over were: thumb base OA (22.4%), nodal interphalangeal joint (IPJ) OA (15.5%), generalised hand OA (10.4%), non-nodal IPJ OA (4.9%), erosive OA (1.0%). Apart from thumb base OA, there was considerable overlap between the subsets. Erosive OA appeared the most distinctive with the highest female: male ratio, and the most disability at baseline and 3-years. A higher frequency of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome was observed in this subset.


CONCLUSION
Overlap in the occurrence of hand OA subsets poses conceptual and practical challenges to the pursuit of distinct phenotypes. Erosive OA may nevertheless provide particular insight into the role of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in the pathogenesis of OA.
Multi-automated vehicle coordination using decoupled prioritized path planning for multi-lane one- and bi-directional traffic flow control

Within the context of autonomous driving, this paper presents a method for the coordination of multiple automated vehicles using priority schemes for decoupled motion planning for multi-lane one- and bi-directional traffic flow control. The focus is on tube-like roads and non-zero velocities (no complete standstill maneuvers). We assume inter-vehicular communication (car-2-car) and a centralized or decentralized coordination service. We distinguish between different driving modes including adaptive cruise control (ACC) and obstacle avoidance (OA) for the handling of dynamic driving situations. We further assume that any controllable vehicle is equipped with proprioceptive and exteroceptive sensors for environment perception within a particular range field. In case of failure of the inter-vehicle communication system, the controllable vehicles can act as autonomous vehicles. The motivation is the control of a) one-directional multi-lane roads available for automated as well as unautomated objects with potentially, but not necessarily, varying reference speeds, and b) bi-directional traffic flow control making use of all available lanes, allowing, in general, object- and direction-wise variable reference speeds. For the one-directional case, we discuss a suitable deterministic priority scheme for throughput maximization and quickly reaching of a platooning state. For the bi-directional scenario, we derive a binary integer linear program (BILP) for the assignment of lanes to one of the two road traversal directions that can be solved optimally via linear programming (LP). The approach is evaluated on three numerical simulation scenarios.