Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dept. for Speech, Music and Hearing Quarterly Progress and Status Report Acoustic-phonetic Recognition of Continuous Speech by Artificia Neural Ne Acoustic-phonetic Recognition of Continuous Speech by Artificial Neural Networks

This paper describes an artificial neural network that recognizes phonemes in continuous speech, based on error back-propagation training. The recognition is performed by two connected nets. First, a coarse feature network is trained to recognize seven quasi-phonetic features from 10 ms spectral frames of a Bark-scaled filter bank having 16 filters in the range 200 to 5000 Hz. The features need not be binary but may take any values between 0 and 1. The feature net is shown to be relatively insensitive to changing the spcaker or even the language. The outputs of the feature net as well as the spectral outputs of the filter bank are used as input to the second net, the phone net, which recognizes phonemes. A seven frames wide symmetric window of the feature net output is used to include the context of the frame being classified. Some provision is taken to make this information resistant to changes in speed of articulation by adding hidden nodes that have some extent of overlap in their input from the feature net. The outputs of the phone are also used as inputs to a segmentation network. Fifty sentences of one speaker were used for training the different nets, and ten more were used for testing. The features of the coarse net were recognized with 80% lo 95% accuracy. Correct phones were recognized with 64% accuracy and in 82% of the cases, the correct phone was among the best three candidates. The segmentation net was compared to a human segmentation, and 82% of the segments were placed at the correct segment or at a displacement of +/-10 ms; 18% of the segments were deleted and 54% were inserted.
19 Things We Learned from the 2016 Election

ABSTRACT We can all agree that the presidential election result was a shocker. According to news reports, even the Trump campaign team was stunned to come up a winner. So now seems like a good time to go over various theories floating around in political science and political reporting and see where they stand, now that this turbulent political year has drawn to a close. In the present article, we go through several things that we as political observers and political scientists have learned from the election, and then discuss implications for the future.
LİSE ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN EPİSTEMOLOJİK İNANIŞLARININ KİMYA DERSİ AKADEMİK BAŞARISINA ETKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ

Bu arastirmanin temel amaci, lise ogrencilerinin epistemolojik inanclarinin kimya dersi akademik basarilarina etkisini incelemektir. Arastirmanin calisma grubunu 2014-2015 ogretim yilinda Adiyaman ili Esentepe Anadolu Lisesi’nin 10. sinifinda ogrenim gormekte olan toplam 110 ogrenci olusturmaktadir. Arastirmada veri toplamak amaciyla Acar (2008) tarafindan gelistirilen “Asitler ve Bazlar Unitesi Akademik Basari Testi” ve Kaymak (2010) tarafindan Turkce’ye uyarlanan “Genel Epistemolojik Inanis Olcegi” kullanilmistir. Bagimsiz gruplar t-testi, Pearson korelasyon testi, Ancova testi, Frekans, Yuzde, Aritmetik ortalama ve Standart sapma ile veriler cozumlenmistir. Calismada lise ogrencilerinin her seviyede epistemolojik inanislara sahip oldugu, epistemolojik inanislarla cinsiyet arasinda sadece tek bir alt faktorlerde anlamli fark oldugu, diger alt faktorlerde ise anlamli fark olmadigi, ogrencilerin epistemolojik inanislarinin akademik basarilari uzerine anlamli bir etkisi olmadigi ve ogrencilerin epistemolojik inanislarinin gelismemis duzeyde oldugu sonuclarina ulasilmistir. Calismanin sonuclarina gore onerilerde bulunulmustur. Anahtar Kavramlar: Epistemolojik inanis, Kimya, Fen egitimi.
WCDMA-the radio interface for future mobile multimedia communications

This paper presents the wide-band code-division multiple-access (WCDMA) radio interface chosen by the ETSI as the basic radio-access technology for the universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS). A detailed description of the physical layer of ETSI WCDMA is given together with an overview UMTS of the higher layers of the WCDMA radio interface. Finally, the WCDMA performance, based on results from the ETSI evaluation of UMTS radio interface candidates, is presented.
Electricity Diversity Profiles for Energy Simulation of Office Buildings

This paper presents diversity factors recommended for use in energy simulation programs that require the input of hourly usage of electricity for lighting, and receptacle loads relative to the installed lighting/equipment capacity. Typical weekday and weekend profiles are presented for small, medium and large office buildings. The diversity profiles were developed from year-long records from 46 channels of hourly or 15-minute data recorded in 32 buildings. This data was acquired and analyzed under ASHRAE Research Project 1093-RP. In addition to the typical profiles developed, weekday and weekend profiles are presented for each of the 46 channels of data analyzed.
Patterns of genetic diversity and biogeographical history of the tropical wetland tree, Pterocarpus officinalis (Jacq.), in the Caribbean basin

Studies examining intraspecific variation in plant species with widespread distributions and disjunct populations have mainly concentrated on temperate species. Here, we determined the genetic structure of a broadly distributed wetland tropical tree, Pterocarpus officinalis (Jacq.), from eight Neotropical populations using amplified length fragment polymorphisms (AFLP). AFLPs proved highly variable with almost half (48%) of the genetic variation at these loci occurring among individuals within populations. Nonetheless, there was a strong geographical pattern in the distribution of AFLP variation within P. officinalis. Caribbean and continental populations fell into two well‐defined genetic clusters supported by the presence of a number of unique AFLP bands. Within these two regions, there were also strong genetic differences among populations, caused mainly by frequency differences in AFLP bands, making it difficult to determine the evolutionary relationships among populations. In addition, our analysis of P. officinalis revealed striking differences in the levels of AFLP variation among the eight populations sampled. In general, Caribbean populations had lower genetic diversity than continental populations. Moreover, there was a clear loss in AFLP diversity with distance from the continent among Caribbean populations. The overall genetic pattern within P. officinalis suggests that past colonization history, coupled with genetic drift within local populations, rather than contemporary gene flow are the major forces shaping variation within this species.
Modulation of Asymmetric Flux in Heterotypic Gap Junctions by Pore Shape, Particle Size and Charge

Gap junction channels play a vital role in intercellular communication by connecting cytoplasm of adjoined cells through arrays of channel-pores formed at the common membrane junction. Their structure and properties vary depending on the connexin isoform(s) involved in forming the full gap junction channel. Lack of information on the molecular structure of gap junction channels has limited the development of computational tools for single channel studies. Currently, we rely on cumbersome experimental techniques that have limited capabilities. We have earlier reported a simplified Brownian dynamics gap junction pore model and demonstrated that variations in pore shape at the single channel level can explain some of the differences in permeability of heterotypic channels observed in in vitro experiments. Based on this computational model, we designed simulations to study the influence of pore shape, particle size and charge in homotypic and heterotypic pores. We simulated dye diffusion under whole cell voltage clamping. Our simulation studies with pore shape variations revealed a pore shape with maximal flux asymmetry in a heterotypic pore. We identified pore shape profiles that match the in silico flux asymmetry results to the in vitro results of homotypic and heterotypic gap junction formed out of Cx43 and Cx45. Our simulation results indicate that the channel's pore-shape established flux asymmetry and that flux asymmetry is primarily regulated by the sizes of the conical and/or cylindrical mouths at each end of the pore. Within the set range of particle size and charge, flux asymmetry was found to be independent of particle size and directly proportional to charge magnitude. While particle charge was vital to creating flux asymmetry, charge magnitude only scaled the observed flux asymmetry. Our studies identified the key factors that help predict asymmetry. Finally, we suggest the role of such flux asymmetry in creating concentration imbalances of messenger molecules in cardiomyocytes. We also assess the potency of fibroblasts in aggravating such imbalances through Cx43-Cx45 heterotypic channels in fibrotic heart tissue.
In-Between Languages: Language Shift/Maintenance in Childhood Bilingualism

This paper examines structural consequences of intensive language contact on simultaneous L1 and L2 child language development in an L2-dominant environment. Based on the assumption that structural processes in language contact are operating at and determined by abstract complex lexical structure, various structural configurations in bilingual speech (e.g., codeswitching, convergence, and a Composite Matrix Language) are explained in terms of three levels of abstract lexical structure: the lexical-conceptual structure, predicate-argument structure, and morphological realization patterns. Empirical evidence from Hungarian/English bilingual speech demonstrates that as a result of a turnover in the Matrix Language abstract lexical structure can be “split” and “recombined” in such a way that surface structure is projected by an underlying grammatical system which is a composite. Prevalent changes and patterns of linguistic structure are interpreted in relation to ongoing language shift to L2, or L1 maintenance/attrition.
The Roman Government of Britain

Anthony Birley, retired from a chair in Germany and currently honorary professor in the department of classics and ancient history, University of Durham, England, is one of the foremost authorities on Roman Britain and on the biographies of the Roman emperors. The purpose of the present book is to assemble and analyze all the available evidence for identifiable individuals who held senior appointments in the Roman administration in Britain over the centuries of Roman rule. In 1981 Birley published The Fasti of Roman Britain, the forerunner of the present book, which immediately became an essential reference work for anyone interested in the structure of Roman Britain. There was no rival, and has not been until now. However, the intricate scholarship required by the nature of the sources—inscriptions from all over the empire, often fragmentary, plus fleeting references in Greek and Latin texts themselves subject to the uncertainties of manuscript transmission—produced a book impossible to read through. The new book brings the source material up-to-date by incorporating recent discoveries and research and displaying admirably restrained judgement at points of uncertainty, but it does much more than that. Birley has transformed it by a number of structural changes. First, the classical texts are now translated (those in Latin are also given in the original language). Second, the arrangement of materials has been altered and supplemented. Consequently, it is now possible to read the entries through in a logical sequence as a fresh and illuminating way of appreciating the narrative of Roman Britain through the history of individuals. Moreover, for the reader with interest in the Romans in general, the enduring administrative practice of posting men for relatively short tours of duty in different parts of the empire combines with the fact that many of these people were close to the emperor of the day to invest these biographies with considerable significance for understanding the workings of the empire at large and how it changed over the centuries. This book is a product of the Oxford tradition of ancient history—total immersion in the written sources—which will make it immediately attractive to specialist ancient historians. Many general readers (including archaeologists relatively unfamiliar with these techniques) may still find it at first sight daunting. However, even if Birley sometimes overestimates the degree of background knowledge to be assumed, he writes well and there is an excellent glossary. Nonspecialists with reasonable familiarity with the Roman world can be encouraged to take the plunge.
The outcome of surgically treated traumatic unstable pelvic fractures by open reduction and internal fixation

Abstract: Background: This study was performed to evaluate functional and radiological results of pelvic ring fractures treatment by open reduction and internal fixation. Methods: Thirty eight patients with unstable pelvic fractures, treated from 2002 to 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean patients’ age was 37 years (range 20 to 67). Twenty six patients were men (4patients with type B and 22 patients with type C fracture) and 12 women (7 patients with type B and 5 patients with type C fracture). The commonest cause was a road traffic accident (N=37, about 97%). Internal fixation was done by plaque with ilioinguinal and kocher-langenbeek approaches for anterior, posterior pelvic wall and acetabulum fracture respectively. Quality of reduction was graded according to Majeed score system. Results: There were 11 type-C and 27 type-B pelvic fractures according to Tile’s classification. Thirty six patients sustained additional injuries. The commonest additional injury was lower extremity fracture. The mean follow-up was 45.6 months (range 16 to 84 months). The functional outcome was excellent in 66%, good in 15%, fair in 11% and poor in 7% of the patients with type B pelvic fractures and functional outcome was excellent in 46%, good in 27%, fair in 27% and poor in 0% of the patients with type C pelvic fractures. There were four postoperative infections. No sexual functional problem was reported. Neurologic problem like Lateral cutaneous nerve of thigh injury recovered completely in 2 patients and partially in 2 patients. There was no significant relation between functional outcome and the site of fracture (P greater than 0.005). Conclusions: Unstable pelvic ring fracture injuries should be managed surgically by rigid stabilization. It must be carried out as soon as the general condition of the patient permits, and even up to two weeks.
Fighting Corruption in Education: What Works and Who Benefits?

We investigate the distributional consequences of a corruption-fighting initiative in Romania targeting the endemic fraud in a high-stakes high school exit exam, which introduced CCTV monitoring of the exam and credible punishment threats for teachers and students. We find that the campaign was effective in reducing corruption and, in particular, that monitoring increased the effectiveness of the punishment threats. Estimating the heterogeneous impact for students of different poverty status we show that curbing corruption led to a worrisome score gap increase between poor and non-poor students. Consequently, the poor students have reduced chances to enter an elite university.
Viability of the "Technology Acceptance Model" in Multimedia Learning Environments: A Comparative Study

In recent years, more and more higher education institutions have interests of integrating internetbased technologies in the classroom as part of the learning environment. Compared to studies on other information technologies, users’ behavior towards this type of systems, however, has not been assessed and understood thoroughly. In order to get more experience about human behaviors on multimedia learning environment, we conducted a comparative study consisting of 362 students, which is almost three times the sample size of the previous study, participating to test the theoretical model. Results suggest that TAM is a solid theoretical model where its validity can extend to the multimedia and e-learning context. The study provides a more intensive view of the multimedia learning system users and is an important step towards a better understanding of the user behavior on the system and a multimedia acceptance model.
Attenuation of Ischemic Brain Edema by Pentobarbital after Carotid Ligation in the Gerbil

The efficacy of pentobarbital in the treatment of ischemic cerebral edema was evaluated in 160 gerbils. Animals underwent carotid ligation under ether or pentobarbital (50 mg/kg) anesthesia. The pentobarbital anesthetized group received an additional dose of 30 mg/kg 4 h after ligation. Animals were evaluated for neurologic deficit at 4 and 8 h post-ligation, then sacrificed. Water content of each hemisphere and swelling percentage were calculated from the wet and dry weights of the hemispheres. Swelling percentage in animals anesthetized with ether was 6.374 ± 0.89 SE, whereas gerbils who underwent sham carotid ligation showed a negligible (0.491 ± 0.15) swelling percentage (p < 0.01). Pentobarbital animals had a swelling percentage of 3.359 ± 0.68. This represents a significant edema reduction compared to ether-anesthetized animals (p < 0.01). Neurologic deficit was decreased by 56.7< (17/60 vs 30/60) in pentobarbital animals compared with ether animals (p ± 0.025). Mortality at 8 hours was reduced by 75< (2/60 vs 8/60) in pentobarbital animals (p < 0.05).
Monte Carlo evaluation of the impact of subsequent strokes on backflashover rate

The paper deals with the impact of subsequent strokes on the backflashover rate (BFOR) of HV overhead transmission lines (OHLs), assessed by means of an ATP-EMTP Monte Carlo procedure. The application to a typical 150 kV Italian OHL is discussed, simulating three different tower grounding system arrangements. Subsequent strokes parameters are added to the statistical simulation variables: peak current, front time, time-to-half value, lightning polarity, line insulation withstand, lightning location and phase angle of the power frequency voltage. The input data are fed to an ATP-EMTP circuit model of the OHL, including line insulation, lightning representation and tower grounding system, the latter simulated by a pi-circuit model able to simulate the effects due to propagation and soil ionization. Numerical results evidence a non-negligible BFOR increase for the simulated, spatially concentrated grounding systems due to subsequent strokes, especially for low grounding resistances.
3 0 A pr 2 01 8 Identifying Effects of Multivalued Treatments

Multivalued treatment models have typically been studied under restrictive assumptions: ordered choice, and more recently unordered monotonicity. We show how treatment effects can be identified in a more general class of models that allows for multidimensional unobserved heterogeneity. Our results rely on two main assumptions: treatment assignment must be a measurable function of threshold-crossing rules, and enough continuous instruments must be available. We illustrate our approach for several classes of models.
Subjunctive, Habituality and Negative Polarity Items

Since the seminal work of Fauconnier ( 1 975) and Ladusaw ( 1980), it is standardly assumed that negative polarity items (NPIs) occur only in scale reversing contexts, sentence negation being one such context. Ladusaw (1 980) identifies downward entailment (or, monotone decreasingness (MD» as the semantic property giving rise to scale reversal. MD functions are order reversing functions as shown in definition ( 1) :
Apolipoprotein(a) Inhibits In Vitro Tube Formation in Endothelial Cells: Identification of Roles for Kringle V and the Plasminogen Activation System

Elevated plasma concentrations of lipoprotein(a) are associated with increased risk for atherothrombotic diseases. Apolipoprotein(a), the unique glycoprotein component of lipoprotein(a), is characterized by the presence of multiple kringle domains, and shares a high degree of sequence homology with the serine protease zymogen plasminogen. It has been shown that angiostatin, a proteolytic fragment of plasminogen containing kringles 1–4, can effectively inhibit angiogenesis. Moreover, proteolytic fragments of plasminogen containing kringle 5 are even more potent inhibitors of angiogenesis than angiostatin. Despite its strong similarity with plasminogen, the role of apolipoprotein(a) in angiogenesis remains controversial, with both pro- and anti-angiogenic effects reported. In the current study, we evaluated the ability of apolipoprotein(a) to inhibit VEGF- and angiopoietin-induced tube formation in human umbilical cord endothelial cells. A 17 kringle-containing form of recombinant apo(a) (17K), corresponding to a well-characterized, physiologically-relevant form of the molecule, effectively inhibited tube formation induced by either VEGF or angiopoietin-1. Using additional recombinant apolipoprotein(a) (r-apo(a)) variants, we demonstrated that this effect was dependent on the presence of an intact lysine-binding site in kringle V domain of apo(a), but not on the presence of the functional lysine-binding site in apo(a) kringle IV type 10; sequences within in the amino-terminal half of the molecule were also not required for the inhibitory effects of apo(a). We also showed that the apo(a)-mediated inhibition tube formation could be reversed, in part by the addition of plasmin or urokinase plasminogen activator, or by removal of plasminogen from the system. Further, we demonstrated that apo(a) treated with glycosidases to remove sialic acid was significantly less effective in inhibiting tube formation. This is the first report of a functional role for the glycosylation of apo(a) although the mechanisms underlying this observation remain to be determined in the context of angiogenesis.
Do Threatening Messages Change Intentions to Give Up Tobacco Smoking? The Role of Argument Framing and Pictures of a Healthy Mouth Versus an Unhealthy Mouth1

Do preventive-behavior framing and outcomes of action framing moderate behavioral intention to stop smoking when health messages are illustrated by pictures? We manipulated arguments about preventive action (presence or absence), as well as arguments about the outcome of action (gain or loss), and the pictures that illustrated outcome action (healthy or unhealthy mouths). Behavioral intention was higher when pictures of unhealthy mouths were presented, regardless of framing, and when pictures of healthy mouths illustrated the presence of preventive action. Applications of this study on tobacco risk health campaigns based on text and pictures are discussed.
Dawn of a new decade? The 16th and 17th sessions of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

The 16th and 17th sessions of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child took place at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in November 2010 and March 2011, respectively. This article provides an overview of these sessions, together with the Civil Society Organisations Fora that preceded these sessions. These sessions featured significant developments in the work of the Committee. The first relates to a new collaboration between a network of five non-governmental organisations and the Committee to promote the work of this treaty body. Secondly, the Committee delivered its first communication, finding against the government of Kenya in regard to the right to nationality (amongst other rights) of Nubian children in Kenya. These two activities are major highlights for the Committee in the execution of its mandate. It is argued that, despite the challenges faced by the Committee, it is at the threshold of a new era through which it may be established as a significant regional human rights treaty body.