Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speaker Verification Using Adapted Gaussian Mixture Models

Reynolds, Douglas A. , Quatieri, Thomas F. , and Dunn, Robert B. , Speaker Verification Using Adapted Gaussian Mixture Models, Digital Signal Processing10(2000), 19Â? 41.In this paper we describe the major elements of MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based speaker verification system used successfully in several NIST Speaker Recognition Evaluations (SREs). The system is built around the likelihood ratio test for verification, using simple but effective GMMs for likelihood functions, a universal background model (UBM) for alternative speaker representation, and a form of Bayesian adaptation to derive speaker models from the UBM. The development and use of a handset detector and score normalization to greatly improve verification performance is also described and discussed. Finally, representative performance benchmarks and system behavior experiments on NIST SRE corpora are presented.
Assessing the Role of the T Cell Receptor β Gene Enhancer in Regulating Coding Joint Formation during V(D)J Recombination*

To assess the role of the T cell receptor (TCR) β gene enhancer (Eβ) in regulating the processing of VDJ recombinase-generated coding ends, we assayed TCRβ rearrangement of Eβ-deleted (ΔEβ) thymocytes in which cell death is inhibited via expression of a Bcl-2 transgene. Compared with ΔEβ, ΔEβ Bcl-2 thymocytes show a small accumulation of TCRβ standard recombination products, including coding ends, that involves the proximal Dβ-Jβ and Vβ14 loci but not the distal 5′ Vβ genes. These effects are detectable in double negative pro-T cells, predominate in double positive pre-T cells, and correlate with regional changes in chromosomal structure during double negative-to-double positive differentiation. We propose that Eβ, by driving long range nucleoprotein interactions and the control of locus expression and chromatin structure, indirectly contributes to the stabilization of coding ends within the recombination processing complexes. The results also illustrate Eβ-dependent and -independent changes in chromosomal structure, suggesting distinct modes of regulation of TCRβ allelic exclusion depending on the position within the locus.
Consumer vulnerability: are older people more vulnerable as consumers than others?

The aging population is an important consumer policy concern. And one relevant question to ask is: are there reasons to worry about consumer vulnerability among older people? The aim of the project was twofold: First, to gain insight into what makes people vulnerable as consumers, more precisely to reveal significant vulnerability drivers. Second, if possible, to distinguish particularly vulnerable consumer groups and their needs for targeted consumer policy measures. The project builds on a qualitative pilot study among older people, followed by a large nationally representative survey among people living in Norway, between 18 and 95 years old. Based on the analysis of 2100 telephone interviews, this paper rejects our a priori assumption, that older people constitutes a vulnerable consumer group. Although older people have several reduced capabilities that could act as vulnerability drivers, older people appeared to be less likely than other age groups to make unfortunate decisions in the markets. Older people also show a much more environmentally friendly consumption pattern than younger generations. The main individual vulnerability drivers appeared to be; poor economic awareness and lack of time. The results also indicate that people who lack calculating skills, as well as people living in households with scarce financial resources, are more likely than others to make economically unfortunate consumer choices.
The sources of bullying–psychological work environment and organizational climate

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the work-related risks of bullying in the psychological work environment and the organizational climate. Also the role of some individual and personality characteristics in becoming a victim of bullying were investigated. Altogether 949 municipal employees answered a mailed questionnaire; 10.1% of them felt themselves bullied. Especially some features in the functioning of the work unit, e.g. poor information flow, an authoritative way of settling differences of opinion, lack of mutual conversations about the tasks and goals of the work unit, and insufficient possibilities to influence matters concerning oneself can all promote bullying. Both the victims and the observers of bullying perceived deficiencies in these aspects at their workplace. Gender and age did not explain bullying. The victims of bullying felt that envy, a weak superior, competition for tasks or advancement, and competition for the supervisor's favour and approval were the most common reason.
The effects of transformational leadership on teacher attitudes and student performance in Singapore

Summary Transformational leadership theory was examined in 89 schools in Singapore using a split sample technique (N = 846 teachers). The study sought to examine the influence of transformational leader behavior by school principals as it related to organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, teacher satisfaction with leader, and student academic performance. Attitudinal and behavioral data were collected from both teachers and principals; student academic performance was collected from school records. School level analyses showed that transformational leadership had significant add-on effects to transactional leadership in the prediction of organizational commitment, organizational citizenship behavior, and teacher satisfaction. Moreover, transformational leadership was found to have indirect effects on student academic achievement. Finally, it was found that transactional leadership had little add-on effect on transformational leadership in predicting outcomes. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Introducing GOLDMine: A new galaxy database on the WEB

The new World Wide Web site "GOLDMine" (Galaxy On Line Database Milano Network) (http:// goldmine.mib.infn.it) contains a multiwavelength data-base of an optically selected sample of 3267 galaxies in the Virgo cluster and in the Coma Supercluster. It is designed for professional astronomers who wish to find data and images for these galaxies. Data gathered in 15 years of observational campaigns by the authors or taken from the literature include general parameters (catalogue names, celestial coordinates, morphological type, recessional velocity etc.), multiwavelength continuum photometry (total UV, U, B, V, J, H, K, FIR and radio magnitudes/flux densities), line photometry (HI, H2 ,H ), dynamical parameters (rotational velocity from the HI and H lines, velocity dispersion) and structural parameters (light concentration index, eective radius and brightness, asymptotic magnitude) in the optical (B and V) and Near Infrared (H or K) bands. Images include finding charts, optical (B and V), H, Near Infrared (H and/or K) and true color RGB frames (when available). Radial light profiles obtained from the B, V, H or K band images are also available. Integrated optical spectra along with broad Spectral Energy Distributions (SED) from the UV to the radio domain are given. All images can be obtained in JPG format, but the original (reduced) FITS images can be downloaded as well. The database will be updated regularly and will be extended to other local clusters and superclusters. Astronomers who wish to have their images included in GOLDMine are strongly encouraged to send us their material.
Postoperative Pulmonary Complications after Laparotomy

Background: The frequency of, and risks for, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after laparotomy are incompletely understood. The wide-ranging incidence of PPCs in the literature reflects methodological issues including variable definitions of PPCs and varied patient populations. Objectives: We sought to elucidate the incidence of PPCs after laparotomy and clarify risks for their development. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all laparotomies in adult patients on the general surgery service at our university-affiliated hospital in 2004. The definition of PPCs was rigorous and relevant in terms of key outcomes (morbidity, mortality, length of stay). We used a template for the review of medical records to identify PPCs and their consequences. Results: Twenty-five PPCs (7.0%) occurred in 359 laparotomies. Logistic regression modeling identified the following independent predictors of risk: upper abdominal incisions (OR 15.3; p = 0.025), reoperation (OR 7.1; p = 0.013), emergency surgery (OR 6.3; p = 0.001) and nasogastric tubes (OR 5.4; p = 0.008). PPCs were associated with increased mortality (OR 6.17; p = 0.01), intensive care unit care (OR 13.0; p = 0.001), increased mean hospital length of stay (17.7 days longer; p = 0.001) and longer mean postoperative length of stay (15.2 days longer; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of PPCs after laparotomy in this study is lower than in many prior reports and reflects the relevant definition of PPCs used. Upper abdominal surgery carried the greatest risk. Reoperation was a risk not identified previously. Emergency procedures and the use of nasogastric tubes were confirmed as key risks. Morbidity, mortality and lengths of stay were significantly increased after PPCs.
Functional lateralization of temporoparietal junction – imitation inhibition, visual perspective‐taking and theory of mind

Although neuroimaging studies have consistently identified the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) as a key brain region involved in social cognition, the literature is far from consistent with respect to lateralization of function. For example, during theory‐of‐mind tasks bilateral TPJ activation is found in some studies but only right hemisphere activation in others. Visual perspective‐taking and imitation inhibition, which have been argued to recruit the same socio‐cognitive processes as theory of mind, are associated with unilateral activation of either left TPJ (perspective taking) or right TPJ (imitation inhibition). The present study investigated the functional lateralization of TPJ involvement in the above three socio‐cognitive abilities using transcranial direct current stimulation. Three groups of healthy adults received anodal stimulation over right TPJ, left TPJ or the occipital cortex prior to performing three tasks (imitation inhibition, visual perspective‐taking and theory of mind). In contrast to the extant neuroimaging literature, our results suggest bilateral TPJ involvement in imitation inhibition and visual perspective‐taking, while no effect of anodal stimulation was observed on theory of mind. The discrepancy between these findings and those obtained using neuroimaging highlight the efficacy of neurostimulation as a complementary methodological tool in cognitive neuroscience.
Making ‘space’: young people put at a disadvantage re-engaging with learning

Young people who disengage or disconnect from school are often demonised within the media and the wider public imagination, from a largely individualized and pathological positioning. Policy explanations and responses are often unhelpful in their focus on a range of ‘deficit’ attributes – poverty, poor parenting, dysfunctional families, low familial achievement, aspiration and motivation, and other ‘at risk’ categories. This paper offers a different explanatory framework that foregrounds the experiences of some young people who had disengaged from school and resumed learning under a very different set of conditions to the ones that had exiled them from schools in the first place. Using a socio-spatial framework, the paper explores the notion of ‘relational space’ as it was appropriated and reclaimed by these young people, in explaining how they saw themselves as constructing viable and sustainable learning identities for themselves.
Physical activity patterns and preferences among Latinos in different types of public parks.

BACKGROUND Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data suggest that Latinos are less likely to be physically active and more likely to be overweight and suffer from resulting complications than are Whites and that within the Latino population, Latina women are especially at risk. Therefore, promoting physical activity among Latinos, and understanding gender participation patterns within that population, is particularly important. One strategy for encouraging physical activity is to promote active uses of public parks. METHODS A national, multiyear, multisite study funded by the USDA Forest Service sought to understand use of public parks by Latinos and Latinas in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Chicago. RESULTS More than 50% of our sample visited parks to engage in physical activity, and in part, activity choice was related to gender. Furthermore, nearly half of all respondents walked to city park sites, whereas few or none walked to state or regional park sites. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that Latinos are using some parks repeatedly and, in the case of city parks, are using them for physical as well as social activity. Therefore, we suggest specific ways that parks could be managed to encourage more physical activity while taking into account gender variations.
Isokinetic dynamometry of the knee extensors and flexors in Iranian healthy males and females

Background: This paper explores the gender-related bilateral differences of extensor and flexor torques of the knee joint at low and high angular velocities in Iranian healthy males and females. Methods: 70 healthy subjects (29 males (26.61±4.34 yrs and 41 females with average age of 23.07±3.70 yrs)) were participated in this study. Isokinetic peak torque values for knee extensors and flexors in concentric and eccentric contraction modes were measured and flexors and extensors strength ratios (HQR) computed among both dominant and non-dominant legs in lying position at 60 and 180°. s-1angular velocities. Results: There was significant gender-velocity interactions detected for knee flexor to extensor strength ratios presenting that increasing velocity escaled this, ratios in females more than males (p<0.05). There was no gender- velocity-leg side interaction (p>0.05). Bilateral differences were found for eccentric flexor peak torques (p<0.05). By increasing velocity, peak torque values decreased and HQR was increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Measurement procedures including test position is an important factor when interpreting genderrelated and bilateral differences of isokinetic knee strength ratios in healthy individuals.
Send Orders of Reprints at Reprints@benthamscience.org Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Aging of the T-cell Immune Response

T-lymphocytes play a central role in the effector and regulatory mechanisms of the adaptive immune response. Upon exiting the thymus they begin to undergo a series of phenotypic and functional changes that continue throughout the lifetime and being most pronounced in the elderly. The reason postulated for this is that the dynamic processes of repeated interaction with cognate antigens lead to multiple division cycles involving a high degree of cell differentiation, senes-cence, restriction of the T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, and cell cycle arrest. This cell cycle arrest is associated with the loss of telomere sequences from the ends of chromosomes. Telomere length is reduced at each cell cycle, and critically short telomeres recruit components of the DNA repair machinery and trigger replicative senescence or apoptosis. Repetitively stimulated T-cells become refractory to telomerase induction, suffer telomere erosion and enter replicative senes-cence. The latter is characterized by the accumulation of highly differentiated T-cells with new acquired functional capabilities , which can be caused by aberrant expression of genes normally suppressed by epigenetic mechanisms in CD4+ or CD8+ T-cells. Age-dependent demethylation and overexpression of genes normally suppressed by DNA methylation have been demonstrated in senescent subsets of T-lymphocytes. Thus, T-cells, principally CD4+CD28 null T-cells, aberrantly express genes, including those of the KIR gene family and cytotoxic proteins such as perforin, and overexpress CD70, IFN-, LFA-1 and others. In summary, owing to a lifetime of exposure to and proliferation against a variety of pathogens, highly differentiated T-cells suffer molecular modifications that alter their cellular homeostasis mechanisms.
Rethinking Occupational Deprivation and Boredom

Boredom is associated with a range of problematic feelings and behaviour, and may be on the increase. There is a popular assumption supported by occupational science which suggests that the experience arises from a lack of occupation, however, it is not clear why boredom should still exist when most people in affluent societies have more opportunity for engagement than ever before. This paper explores boredom in literature from the arts as well as from research which indicates that boredom may be a malady of those who have plenty as well as individuals who are deprived of resources. Boredom seems to be associated with poor attentional capacity combined with negative attitudes, resulting in an inability to become involved with any occupation. The usual way of dealing with boredom is to provide more stimulating activities. The author suggests that a more effective way would be to encourage the development of mindful activity. Mindfulness is a particular way of focusing attention, with openness and acceptance. It is recommended that boredom and its relationship to mindfulness may be an important area of research for occupational scientists, as a decrease in boredom could have wider benefits for society and the environment. Unanswered questions relating to boredom concern how it arises, and what can be done to overcome this problematic state of mind.
Expectation States Theory and Research

Over the past 50 years, the expectation states research program has generated a set of interrelated theories to explain the relation between performance expectations and social influence. Yet while the relationship between performance expectations and social influence is now axiomatic, the reported effects do differ in magnitude, sometimes widely. The authors present results from the first formal meta-analysis of expectation states research on social influence. Their findings indicate that theoretically unimportant study-level differences alter expectation states and the baseline propensity to accept or reject social influence. Data from 26 separate experiments reveal that protocol variations, including the use of video and computer technology, sample size, and the number of trials, have important but previously unrecognized effects. The authors close by discussing the more general implications of their research for future investigators.
Maternal Blame

Participants (N = 126) read one of four scenarios depicting an incident of child physical abuse inflicted by the father. Scenarios varied history of wife abuse (present vs. absent) and severity of child abuse (battering vs. death). Overall, the father was held highly responsible. Greater maternal culpability was assigned when a history of wife abuse was present. The degree to which the mother should have been able to predict the incident of child abuse and maternal responsibility were mitigated when the abuse resulted in the death of her child. Perceptions of maternal psychological stability were jeopardized as a function of the presence of wife abuse. Implications are discussed.
Adjusting the police occupational cultural landscape: the case of An Garda Síochána

A central area of interest yet controversy within policing over many decades has been the extent to which there exists a pernicious and pervasive occupational culture which operates in stark contrast to the aims of a principled police force. This article seeks to analyse the contentious issue of the culture of a police force under the pressure of organisational reform, with particular reference to An Garda Síochána, the Irish National Police Service. It draws upon an analysis of interviews conducted with police officers working across a range of units in one division of the national police service of the Republic of Ireland – an organisation that has not long ago been the subject of a post-scandal suggested internal reform agenda, driven by the Morris Tribunal's investigation of a major policing scandal. It presents an appraisal of officer perceptions relating to the key features of An Garda Síochána's ‘adjusted’ operational-level occupational culture as they may be. These imply that the outcomes embedded in a number of reforms might well have altered the ‘expected’ cultural expressions of the police, thereby, challenging the suitability of ‘conventional’ themes of police characteristics and practices in relation to Irish police experience on the ground. It seems Irish police officers share an outlook that views formal rules as self-serving and normative orders designed to regulate their professional conduct. Garda culture may be characterised by its relative adoption or adaptation of new approaches, methods and techniques in public service delivery. So too it looks as if conventional values relating to police solidarity and loyalty, may have been ‘conditionally’ adjusted, in accordance with a changing accountability framework.
Exploring Knowledge-Cultures: Precision Farming, Yield Mapping, and the Expert–Farmer Interface

Over recent years the concept of ‘knowledge’ in the singular has been increasingly challenged by ideas of differentiated, contextualized ‘knowledges’. In this paper we propose the concept of ‘knowledge-cultures’ as a way of exploring the fluidity of diverse forms of knowledge and the rules, norms, and values that enable or constrain their production. Elaborating on Shotter's idea of knowledge-from-within, we argue that knowledge-cultures are social achievements that equip those who embody them with a relational–responsive kind of understanding of events and surroundings built on multiple knowledge-forms. To explore this contextual nature of knowledge-culture construction and illustrate our arguments, we draw on detailed empirical research of farmers' experiences with the precision-farming technique of yield mapping in the English counties of Lincolnshire and Suffolk.
A Crime Script Analysis of the Online Stolen Data Market

This work was supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate, Cyber Security Division (DHSS and T/CSD) Broad Agency Announcement 11.02, the Government of Australia and SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific (N66001-13-C-0131 to A.H.); and the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, US Department of Justice (2010-IJ-CX-1676, 2010, to T. H.). The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect those of the aforementioned agencies.
Cognitive control in media multitaskers

Chronic media multitasking is quickly becoming ubiquitous, although processing multiple incoming streams of information is considered a challenge for human cognition. A series of experiments addressed whether there are systematic differences in information processing styles between chronically heavy and light media multitaskers. A trait media multitasking index was developed to identify groups of heavy and light media multitaskers. These two groups were then compared along established cognitive control dimensions. Results showed that heavy media multitaskers are more susceptible to interference from irrelevant environmental stimuli and from irrelevant representations in memory. This led to the surprising result that heavy media multitaskers performed worse on a test of task-switching ability, likely due to reduced ability to filter out interference from the irrelevant task set. These results demonstrate that media multitasking, a rapidly growing societal trend, is associated with a distinct approach to fundamental information processing.