Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combination of Recognizers and Fusion of Features Approach to Missing Data ASR Under Non-Stationary Noise Conditions

The difficulty of ASR under non-stationary noise conditions is a major contributing factor hindering the widespread deployment of ASR systems. Bottom up techniques such as speech noise separation and top down methods to adapt the acoustic model to the environment have been applied to address the issue. The missing data approach to ASR improves upon existing techniques basing recognition solely on the reliable components of the signal and has been demonstrated as an effective method to handle non-stationarity. Proposed in this paper is a novel technique whereby ASR using missing data theory under non-stationary noise conditions is improved by use of a fusion of models at the decision level. This fused model introduces more resilient features to the missing data decode process. The fused decoder is found to significantly increase recognition performance over conventional missing data techniques. A major finding in this paper is when the fused decoder exhibits the fusion of bottom up and top down processes. Under this condition, the proposed combination of recognizers technique is found to outperform all other tested ASR systems.
Isolation and 16S DNA Characterization of Soil Microorganisms from Tropical Soils Capable of Utilizing the Herbicides Hexazinone and Tebuthiuron

Six non‐fermentative bacteria were isolated from Colombian (South America) and Hawaiian (USA) soils after enrichment with minimal medium supplemented with two herbicides, hexazinone (Hex) and tebuthiuron (Teb). Microscopic examination and physiological tests were followed by partial 16S DNA sequence analysis, using the first 527 bp of the 16S rRNA gene for bacterial identification. The isolated microorganisms (and in brackets, the herbicide that each degraded) were identified as: from Colombia, Methylobacterium organophilum [Teb], Paenibacillus pabuli [Teb], and Microbacterium foliorum [Hex]; and from Hawaii, Methylobacterium radiotolerans [Teb], Paenibacillus illinoisensis [Hex], and Rhodococcus equi [Hex]. The findings further explain how these herbicides, which have potential for illicit coca (Erythroxylum sp.) control, dissipate following their application to tropical soils.
Molecular Analysis of Non-Specific Protection against Murine Malaria Induced by BCG Vaccination

Although the effectiveness of BCG vaccination in preventing adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has been highly variable, epidemiologic studies have suggested that BCG provides other general health benefits to vaccinees including reducing the impact of asthma, leprosy, and possibly malaria. To further evaluate whether BCG immunization protects against malarial parasitemia and to define molecular correlates of this non-specific immunity, mice were vaccinated with BCG and then challenged 2 months later with asexual blood stage Plasmodium yoelii 17XNL (PyNL) parasites. Following challenge with PyNL, significant decreases in parasitemia were observed in BCG vaccinated mice relative to naïve controls. To identify immune molecules that may be associated with the BCG-induced protection, gene expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in i) naïve controls, ii) BCG-vaccinated mice, iii) PyNL infected mice and iv) BCG vaccinated/PyNL infected mice at 0, 1, 5, and 9 days after the P. yoelii infection. The expression results showed that i) BCG immunization induces the expression of at least 18 genes including the anti-microbial molecules lactoferrin, eosinophil peroxidase, eosinophil major basic protein and the cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP); ii) an active PyNL infection suppresses the expression of important immune response molecules; and iii) the extent of PyNL-induced suppression of specific genes is reduced in BCG-vaccinated/PyNL infected mice. To validate the gene expression data, we demonstrated that pre-treatment of malaria parasites with lactoferrin or the cathelicidin LL-37 peptide decreases the level of PyNL parasitemias in mice. Overall, our study suggests that BCG vaccination induces the expression of non-specific immune molecules including antimicrobial peptides which may provide an overall benefit to vaccinees by limiting infections of unrelated pathogens such as Plasmodium parasites.
Perpetual Care in Cyberspace: A Portrait of Memorials on the Web

This study describes memorials in the newly created “virtual cemeteries. ” Web memorials (N = 276) from three cemeteries were coded for demographics about the deceased, characteristics of authors, and issues of content, audience, and theme. While memorials were extremely varied, they were written frequently for the young (M age = 47, SD = 24) and for more males than females. Most deaths were recent, but 7.3 percent had occurred more than twenty years prior to the posting of their memorials. Authors included family members, friends, and others who were typically younger or from the same cohort as the deceased. Most memorials were addressed to the community, but 28.3 percent were written to the dead. The majority of memorials were written as stories or celebrations but other primary themes included: grief/missing the dead, retelling the circumstances of the death, and guilt. Web memorials are discussed as a resource to the bereaved and researchers alike, providing the bereaved with an opportunity to create a public memorial regardless of their relationship to the deceased, time elapsed since the death or message content and allowing researchers better access to personal writings undertaken during bereavement.
Family physicians' utilization of a brief smoking cessation program following reinforcement contact after training: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have examined methods of delivery of brief interventions and reinforcement contact and their effects on physicians' utilization of smoking cessation interventions. In this study the objectives were: (1) to determine the ongoing utilization by family physicians of a brief smoking cessation intervention 6 months after a training workshop and (2) to examine the effect of reinforcement contact on physician utilization. A supplementary aim was to assess point prevalence abstinence among patients identified as ready to quit smoking. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial of family physicians (98 in the Contact and 100 in the Noncontact group). Training was conducted in a 2-hr workshop. Doctors in the Contact group received three brief telephone calls at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 4 months after training. Main outcome measures were: (1) utilization, determined by responses to a mailed questionnaire about use of the program, and (2) the number of booklets distributed by full-time doctors, collected by practice secretaries or research assistant. RESULTS At 6 months 88% of physicians (93% of the Contact group and 84% of the Noncontact group, P = 0.06) were current users of the smoking cessation intervention. Full-time physicians in the Contact group distributed significantly more booklets (40.1) over 6 months than those in the Noncontact group (32.8) (P < 0.05). Twenty-one percent of patients reported not smoking at follow-up at an average of 9.9 months after intervention. CONCLUSIONS Most doctors continued to use the program 6 months after training and reinforcement contact encouraged greater recruitment of patients.
External Auditors' Reliance on the Internal Audit Function: The Role of Second-Order Belief Attribution

The purpose of the current study is to examine the degree of reliance external auditors are willing to place on the work of the internal audit function (IAF) when the IAF's objectivity might be compromised. Experienced external auditors (N = 142) participated in a 2 (reporting relationship: audit committee of the board of directors [ACBOD] or chief finance officer [CFO]) by 2 (IAF involvement in the area being audited: low or high) between-participant experiment. The findings indicated that when the IAF reported to the ACBOD, external auditor reliance was lower when the IAF’s involvement was higher; however, when the IAF reported to the CFO, the opposite results obtained. The unusual pattern in the CFO condition can be explained via secondorder belief attribution theory; that is, the external auditors believed that the CFO must have allowed the IAF’s involvement to be low (high) because the CFO had relatively low (high) confidence in the IAF’s competence in the area being audited. The results suggest that the external auditor participants appear to have impounded, at least partially, their second-orderderived beliefs into their own cognitive schema and acted accordingly, as perceptions of decreased objectivity associated with high involvement and the reporting structure were more than offset by high competency beliefs when the IAF reported to the CFO. The study findings hold implications for both theory and practice in the area of external auditor reliance on the work of others.
Cumulative Damage Model for Glass-Fiber Reinforced Composites under Two Blocks Loading

A fatigue damage accumulation model for composite materials is proposed. There is unanimity on the complex nature of the mechanisms of damage inherent to these types of materials. This led to proposals for nonlinear models, but relatively expensive in experimental requirements and determination of parameters. Thus, the proposed model is simple and does not require parameters apart the ultimate strength and the fatigue curve. A program is developed to allow the follow-up of the damage evolution during the cycles of loading. The proposed model is applied to E-Glass/Epoxy [0°/90°] under two blocks loading. Prediction results are relatively good and fit well with the experimental results compared to similar models.
More Iterations per Second, Same Quality - Why Asynchronous Algorithms may Drastically Outperform Traditional Ones

In this paper, we consider the convergence of a very general asynchronous-parallel algorithm called ARock, that takes many well-known asynchronous algorithms as special cases (gradient descent, proximal gradient, Douglas Rachford, ADMM, etc.). In asynchronous-parallel algorithms, the computing nodes simply use the most recent information that they have access to, instead of waiting for a full update from all nodes in the system. This means that nodes do not have to waste time waiting for information, which can be a major bottleneck, especially in distributed systems. When the system has $p$ nodes, asynchronous algorithms may complete $\Theta(\ln(p))$ more iterations than synchronous algorithms in a given time period ("more iterations per second"). Although asynchronous algorithms may compute more iterations per second, there is error associated with using outdated information. How many more iterations in total are needed to compensate for this error is still an open question. The main results of this paper aim to answer this question. We prove, loosely, that as the size of the problem becomes large, the number of additional iterations that asynchronous algorithms need becomes negligible compared to the total number ("same quality" of the iterations). Taking these facts together, our results provide solid evidence of the potential of asynchronous algorithms to vastly speed up certain distributed computations.
Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology The importance of DNA methylation in prostate cancer development

After brieﬂy reviewing the nature of DNA methylation, its general role in cancer and the tools available to interrogate it, we consider the literature surrounding DNA methylation as relating to prostate cancer. Speciﬁc consideration is given to recurrent alterations. A list of frequently reported genes is synthesized from17studiesthathavereportedonmethylationchangesinmalignantprostatetissue,andwechartthe timing of those changes in the diseases history through amalgamation of several previously published data sets. We also review associations with genetic alterations and hormone signalling, before the practicalities of investigating prostate cancer methylation using cell lines are assessed. We conclude by outlining the interplay between DNA methylation and prostate cancer metabolism and their regulation by androgen receptor, with a speciﬁc discussion of the mitochondria and their associations with DNA methylation.
On the role of context in probabilistic models of visual saliency

In recent years, many principled probabilistic definitions for the determination of visual saliency have been proposed. Moreover, there has been increased focus on the role of context in the determination of visual salience. Prior efforts have shed some light on how context may help in predicting the location of, or presence of features associated with an object in the context of detection or recognition. Nevertheless, there remains a variety of manners in which context may be exploited towards providing better judgements of salient content. In this light, we investigate the role of context in the probabilistic determination of salience while presenting a number of potential avenues for future research.
Effects of the Apolipoprotein E Genotype on the Therapeutic Response in Alzheimer's Disease Patients in

Background: This retrospective research was conducted to analyze the impact of the apolipoprotein (Apo) Ee4 gene on the clinical response to donepezil among Taiwanese patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Results: In total, 76 AD patients with a mean age of 75.4 years ± 8.4 years were eventually recruited for this study. Twenty patients (26.3%) were ApoEe4 positive. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of the time to functional decline for the ApoEe4-negative and the ApoEe4-positive groups were compared. Log- rank test results indicated that the ApoEe4-positive group had poorer treatment response with significant difference when function was measured using the CASI and global CDR (p = 0.017 and p < 0.010 respectively). After adjustment for age, sex, and educational attainment, the ApoEe4 status still affected the time to functional decline. Conclusion: In the Taiwanese population, ApoEe4 may be negatively associated with the treatment response in AD patients treated with donepezil. These findings suggest that a genotype test for ApoE in AD patients may facilitate therapeutic decision making by physicians and care-givers.
Faith and LGBTQ Inclusion: Navigating the Complexities of the Campus Spiritual Climate in Christian Higher Education

ABSTRACT In an era of rapid societal change, institutions of higher education are grappling with how to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are safe and supported on campus. Many challenges remain as LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff are subject to continued acts of discrimination and subtle microaggressions on a regular basis, according to national assessments of campus climate. When religion and spirituality are salient on campus or in the lived experiences of LGBTQ people, the complexities of faith as it intersects with sexuality and gender identity become increasingly apparent. In this essay, we portray current issues concerning the campus climate in an effort to imagine how Christian higher education leaders might respond in light of institutional aims to promote the spiritual growth of all members of their campus communities.
Gene Expression Deficits in a Subclass of GABA Neurons in the Prefrontal Cortex of Subjects with Schizophrenia

Markers of inhibitory neurotransmission are altered in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of subjects with schizophrenia, and several lines of evidence suggest that these alterations may be most prominent in the subset of GABA-containing neurons that express the calcium-binding protein, parvalbumin (PV). To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the expression of mRNAs for PV, another calcium-binding protein, calretinin (CR), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) in postmortem brain specimens from 15 pairs of subjects with schizophrenia and matched control subjects using single- and dual-label in situ hybridization. Signal intensity for PV mRNA expression in PFC area 9 was significantly decreased in the subjects with schizophrenia, predominately in layers III and IV. Analysis at the cellular level revealed that this decrease was attributable principally to a reduction in PV mRNA expression per neuron rather than by a decreased density of PV mRNA-positive neurons. In contrast, the same measures of CR mRNA expression were not altered in schizophrenia. These findings were confirmed by findings from cDNA microarray studies using different probes. Across the subjects with schizophrenia, the decrease in neuronal PV mRNA expression was highly associated (r = 0.84) with the decrease in the density of neurons containing detectable levels of GAD67 mRNA. Furthermore, simultaneous detection of PV and GAD67 mRNAs revealed that in subjects with schizophrenia only 55% of PV mRNA-positive neurons had detectable levels of GAD67 mRNA. Given the critical role that PV-containing GABA neurons appear to play in regulating the cognitive functions mediated by the PFC, the selective alterations in gene expression in these neurons may contribute to the cognitive deficits characteristic of schizophrenia.
terbinafine and itraconazole , voriconazol or amphotericin B against dematiaceous 2 molds 3 Running title : In vitro antifungal combination for dematiaceous molds 4 5 6 7 8

20 In vitro associations using the checkerboard microdilution method indicated lower 21 MIC ranges and MIC median values for each drug in association than that obtained for each 22 single drug. FIC results showed 100% of synergism in the association of terbinafine with 23 voriconazole, 96.5% with amphotericin B and 75.9% with itraconazole. Drug combinations 24 may be useful on treatments of dematiaceous molds infections as an alternative to enhance 25 the effectiveness of each drug. 26 Copyright © 2011, American Society for Microbiology and/or the Listed Authors/Institutions. All Rights Reserved. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. doi:10.1128/AAC.01015-10 AAC Accepts, published online ahead of print on 20 June 2011 on Jne 6, 2017 by gest httpaac.asm . rg/ D ow nladed fom
Heuristics, learning and the business angel investment decision-making process

ABSTRACT This paper extends the literature on the investment decision-making of business angels. Using insights from the emerging body of research on entrepreneurial learning processes, particularly the use of heuristics and the nature of learning from meagre experience, we explore whether angels learn from experience, how they learn and what they learn. These issues are addressed using verbal protocol analysis, a methodology for examining decision-making in real time, with three groups of business angels with differing levels of investment experience, and with follow-up debriefing interviews with these angels. This reveals some differences in the speed of decision making and the emphasis given to various investment criteria. There is some evidence for the use of heuristics in the decision making process, and for the critical role played by vicarious learning from the experience of others. Learning in the individual angel decision making process is a social as well as an individual phenomenon.
Evaluation of the sensitivity of a digital plaque imaging system on different tooth surfaces.

OBJECTIVE The study aimed to test the sensitivity of digital plaque imaging in distinguishing the effectiveness of test and control mouthwashes for different groups of tooth surfaces. METHODS The study was a double-blind, parallel, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Sixty subjects underwent scaling and polishing after recruitment, and attended their baseline examination after a washout phase of a minimum of seven days. They were then randomly assigned to one of two mouthwashes: 1) 0.05% CPC mouthwash; and 2) matching placebo mouthwash without CPC. Both groups were asked to use their assigned mouthwash and to refrain from any other oral hygiene measures for a period of eight days. At the baseline and day 8 visits, digital images of tooth surfaces were captured using Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) imaging, and plaque area as a percentage of the tooth surface was measured. Comparisons were carried out between the products for different groups of tooth surfaces. The data generated by the software were validated by a manual plaque outlining technique. RESULTS Fifty-eight (58) subjects completed the study. More plaque was detected on the facial surfaces for the whole mouth (42.88% coverage for CPC and 46.45% for placebo) than the whole mouth lingual surfaces (7.23% coverage for CPC and 11.10% for placebo). Significant differences were observed between the products for the following areas: all tooth surfaces (p = 0.032), anterior lingual (p = 0.005), posterior lingual (p = 0.003), and whole mouth lingual (p = 0.001), whereas there were no differences between the products for anterior facial, anterior (facial & lingual), posterior facial, posterior (facial & lingual), and whole mouth facial. A strong correlation (R = 0.793, p < 0.001) was observed between the data (mean difference of percentage plaque coverage) generated by the analyzing program and that from the manual plaque outlining technique. CONCLUSION The digital plaque imaging system was able to distinguish between the products when looking at the whole mouth. Digital imaging was better able to separate the groups when examining the lingual surfaces than facial.
Potential Association between Breakfast Skipping and Concomitant Late-Night-Dinner Eating with Metabolic Syndrome and Proteinuria in the Japanese Population

Skipping breakfast is considered to be an unhealthy eating habit linked to predispositions to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Because eating dinner late at night can elicit subsequent breakfast skipping, we investigated if skipping breakfast concomitant with late-night-dinner eating (LNDE) was associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and proteinuria in the general Japanese population. We examined self-reported habitual breakfast skipping and LNDE, MetS (modified ATP-III criteria), and proteinuria in a cross-sectional study of 60,800 Japanese adults aged 20–75 years. A total of 14,068 subjects (23.1%) skipped breakfast, of whom approximately half (52.8%) skipped breakfast alone (without LNDE). The percentages of subjects who skipped breakfast showed a J-shaped relationship with body mass index (BMI). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that skipping breakfast concomitant with LNDE (n = 6,645) was significantly associated with MetS and proteinuria, even after adjusting for relevant confounders (odds ratio (95% CI), 1.17 (1.08–1.28), P = 0.0003, and 1.37 (1.24–1.52), P < 0.0001, resp. ). Skipping breakfast alone and LNDE alone were not associated with MetS and proteinuria, respectively. In conclusion, habitual breakfast skipping concomitant with LNDE may represent poorer eating behavior than skipping breakfast alone, associated with MetS, asymptomatic proteinuria, obesity, and low body weight in the general Japanese population.
INTEGRATING CREATIVE PROBLEM BASED LEARNING WITH AUTHENTIC MEDIA AND READING TO ENHANCE ACADEMIC WRITING.

his article presents a recent research study which aimed to bridge the wide gap that exists in pedagogical approaches, curriculum, and available materials on the relevance of integrating two macro skills namely listening and writing. Even though several fields of pedagogy acknowledge the fact that listening plays and takes up most of a person's daily activity, it has not been focused on. In this study, collaborative PBL-Problem Based Learning activities were integrated and implemented with authentic reading texts, and complementary media, followed by a writing task. The aim was to ascertain that such a confluence would enhance the academic writing skills of 19 Undergraduate English major freshmen students from a University in Northern Thailand. Based on the positive findings the researcher posits that a three-skilled integrated approach needs to be implemented along with cognitively challenging problem based learning tasks in second language curriculum to enhance academic writing skills.