Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Performance improvements through combining phone- and syllable-scale information in automatic speech recognition

Combining knowledge derived from both syllable(100-250 ms) and phone-length (40-100 ms) intervals in the automatic speech recognition process can yield performance superior to that obtained using information derived from a single time scale alone. The results are particularly pronounced for reverberant test conditions that have not been incorporated into the training set. In the present study, phoneand syllable-based systems are combined at three distinct levels of the recognition process — the frame, the syllable and the entire utterance. Each strategy successfully integrates the complementary strengths of the individual systems, yielding a significant improvement in accuracy on a small-vocabulary, naturally spoken, telephone speech corpus. The syllable-level combination outperformed the other two methods under both relatively pristine and moderately reverberant acoustic conditions, yielding a 20-40% relative improvement over the baseline.
Prosody and speaker state: paralinguistics, pragmatics, and proficiency

Prosody—suprasegmental characteristics of speech such as pitch, rhythm, and loudness—is a rich source of information in spoken language and can tell a listener much about the internal state of a speaker. This thesis explores the role of prosody in conveying three very different types of speaker state: paralinguistic state, in particular emotion; pragmatic state, in particular questioning; and the state of spoken language proficiency of non-native English speakers. Paralinguistics. Intonational features describing pitch contour shape were found to discriminate emotion in terms of positive and negative affect. A procedure is described for clustering groups of listeners according to perceptual emotion ratings that foster further understanding of the relationship between acoustic-prosodic cues and emotion perception. Pragmatics. Student questions in a corpus of one-on-one tutorial dialogs were found to be signaled primarily by phrase-final rising intonation, an important cue used in conjunction with lexico-pragmatic cues to differentiate the high rate of observed declarative questions from proper declaratives. The automatic classification of question form and function is explored. Proficiency. Intonational features including syllable prominence, pitch accent, and boundary tones were found to correlate with language proficiency assessment scores at a strength equal to that of traditional fluency metrics. The combination of all prosodic features further increased correlation strength, indicating that suprasegmental information encodes different aspects of communicative competence.
No Sentence Is Too Confusing To Ignore

We consider sentences of the form No X is too Y to Z, in which X is a noun phrase, Y is an adjective phrase, and Z is a verb phrase. Such constructions are ambiguous, with two possible (and opposite! ) interpretations, roughly meaning either that "Every X Zs", or that "No X Zs". The interpretations have been noted to depend on semantic and pragmatic factors. We show here that automatic disambiguation of this pragmatically complex construction can be largely achieved by using features of the lexical semantic properties of the verb (i.e., Z) participating in the construction. We discuss our experimental findings in the context of construction grammar, which suggests a possible account of this phenomenon.
Brief Behavioural Couples Therapy: A Preliminary Evaluation

The marital satisfaction of sixteen maritally distressed couples who received three sessions of Brief Behavioural Couples Therapy (BBCT), and 24 couples who received 12 to 15 sessions of Traditional Behavioural Couples Therapy (TBCT), were compared before and after treatment in a quasi-experimental design. A 2 way ANOVA of treatment (BBCT versus TBCT) by time (pre- and post-treatment) showed both conditions produced significant increases in marital satisfaction, but there were no significant differences between the effects of the two treatments. The results need replication within a true experimental evaluation, but suggest that brief behavioural couples therapy may be a viable treatment option for some distressed couples.
G-Protein–Coupled Receptor Mas Is a Physiological Antagonist of the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor

Background—We previously identified the G-protein–coupled receptor Mas, encoded by the Mas proto-oncogene, as an endogenous receptor for the heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7); however, the receptor is also suggested to be involved in actions of angiotensin II. We therefore tested whether this could be mediated indirectly through an interaction with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, AT1. Methods and Results—In transfected mammalian cells, Mas was not activated by angiotensin II; however, AT1 receptor–mediated, angiotensin II–induced production of inositol phosphates and mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ was diminished by 50% after coexpression of Mas, despite a concomitant increase in angiotensin II binding capacity. Mas and the AT1 receptor formed a constitutive hetero-oligomeric complex that was unaffected by the presence of agonists or antagonists of the 2 receptors. In vivo, Mas acts as an antagonist of the AT1 receptor; mice lacking the Mas gene show enhanced angiotensin II–mediated vasoconstriction in mesenteric microvessels. Conclusions—These results demonstrate that Mas can hetero-oligomerize with the AT1 receptor and by so doing inhibit the actions of angiotensin II. This is a novel demonstration that a G-protein–coupled receptor acts as a physiological antagonist of a previously characterized receptor. Consequently, the AT1-Mas complex could be of great importance as a target for pharmacological intervention in cardiovascular diseases.
Premixed Combustion Under Electric Field in a Constant Volume Chamber

The effects of electric fields on outwardly propagating premixed flames in a constant volume chamber were experimentally investigated. An electric plug, subjected to high electrical voltages, was used to generate electric fields inside the chamber. To minimize directional ionic wind effects, alternating current with frequency of 1 kHz was employed. Lean and rich fuel/air mixtures for both methane and propane were tested to investigate various preferential diffusion conditions. As a result, electrically induced instability showing cracked structure on the flame surface could be observed. This cracked structure enhanced flame propagation speed for the initial period of combustion and led to reduction in flame initiation and overall combustion duration times. However, by analyzing pressure data, it was found that overall burning rates are not much affected from the electric field for the pressurized combustion period. The reduction of overall combustion time is less sensitive to equivalence ratio for methane/air mixtures, whereas the results demonstrate pronounced effects on a lean mixture for propane. The improvement of combustion characteristics in lean mixtures will be beneficial to the design of lean burn engines. Two hypothetical mechanisms to explain the electrically induced instability were proposed: 1) ionic wind initiated hydrodynamic instability and 2) thermodiffusive instability through the modification of transport property such as mass diffusivity.
The Effect of an Enamel Matrix Derivative (Emdogain) Combined with Bone Ceramic on Bone Formation in Mandibular Defects: A Histomorphometric and Immunohistochemical Study in the Canine

Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the combination of an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and an osteoconductive bone ceramic (BC) in improving bone regeneration. Materials and Methods. Four cylindrical cavities (6 × 6 mm) were prepared bilaterally in the mandible in three dogs. The defects were randomly assigned to four different treatments—filled with EMD/BC and covered with a nonresorbable membrane, filled with EMD/BC without membrane, membrane coverage only, or control (left untreated)—and healed for 2, 4, or 6 weeks. Harvested specimens were prepared for histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Results. Sites treated with EMD/BC with or without membrane showed more total bone formation and lamellar bone formation than membrane-only and control defects. There were no statistically significant differences in total bone formation between EMD/BC with or without membrane. Conclusion. EMD with BC might improve bone formation in osseous defects more than membrane coverage alone; the use of a membrane had no significant additive effect on total bone formation.
Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand Student Attitudes and Constraints Toward Attending Field Trips

The objective of this article is to understand students' underlying attitudes, perceived constraints, and key social influences toward field trips using the theory of planned behavior as a theoretical framework. A total of 31 students who participated in a field trip as part of their hospitality and tourism degree program were interviewed. Results from the exploratory research revealed several positive attitudes, social groups, and perceived difficulties identified as potential influences of field trip behavior. Enhancing understanding of course materials was the key motivator mentioned by students. Findings of this study have important implications for institutions organizing field trips for students in tourism-related degrees.
Cross-Cultural Gateway to Recovery: A Qualitative Study of Recovery Experiences in International AA Online Groups

This ethnographic case-study explored people’s use of online Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups with a global membership. The main objective was to explore AA members’ preferences for using online AA groups, or not. Main queries were: Do participants use only online AA groups or both face-to-face and online groups? If they use only online groups, how do they explain their preference? If they use both, how do they view the online alternative? Finally, how do the AA members experience the global membership in the online groups? Can they identify with each other? The empirical basis for the discussion comprises data from participant observation in two international online AA groups for 1 year, involving content analysis of discussion threads, and a limited number of e-mail interviews. The result of the analysis is presented as a summary of what is gained from participation in online vs. F2F AA groups. The discussion of emerging themes suggests that online AA members can easily identify with each other despite their cultural differences. The majority of AA members in this study seem to prefer a combination of face-to-face and online AA groups. The plethora of AA resources on the Internet also seems to have provided AA members the opportunity to “customise” their recovery program and support network in a way that suits their particular needs and life situations, and in ways that transcend their native culture.
Role of PknB Kinase in Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence in Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Strain USA300

ABSTRACT The regulation of cellular processes by eukaryote-like serine/threonine kinases is widespread in bacteria. In the last 2 years, several studies have examined the role of serine/threonine kinases in Staphylococcus aureus on cell wall metabolism, autolysis, and virulence, mostly in S. aureus laboratory isolates in the 8325-4 lineage. In this study, we showed that the pknB gene (also called stk1) of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain COL and the community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) strain USA300 is involved in cell wall metabolism, with the pknB mutant exhibiting enhanced sensitivity to β-lactam antibiotics but not to other classes of antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, ciprofloxacin, bactrim, and other types of cell wall-active agents (e.g., vancomycin and bacitracin). Additionally, the pknB mutant of USA300 was found to be more resistant to Triton X-100-induced autolysis and also to lysis by lysostaphin. We also showed that pknB is a positive regulator of sigB activity, resulting in compromise in its response to heat and oxidative stresses. In association with reduced sigB activity, the expression levels of RNAII and RNAIII of agr and the downstream effector hla are upregulated while spa expression is downmodulated in the pknB mutant compared to the level in the parent. Consistent with an enhanced agr response in vitro, virulence studies of the pknB mutant of USA300 in a murine cutaneous model of infection showed that the mutant was more virulent than the parental strain. Collectively, our results have linked the pknB gene in CA-MRSA to antibiotic resistance, sigB activity, and virulence and have highlighted important differences in pknB phenotypes (virulence and sigB activity) between laboratory isolates and the prototypic CA-MRSA strain USA300.
The Leadership of the Improvement Teaching and Learning: Lessons from Initiatives with Positive Outcomes for Students

The purpose of this study was to examine how leaders foster school renewal by facilitating and participating in the types of teacher professional learning and development that improve student academic and non-academic outcomes. The methodology involved a backward mapping strategy that takes as its starting point, not theories of leadership, but professional development initiatives that have made a demonstrable impact on the students of the teachers involved. Seventeen studies with evidence of such impact were analysed for descriptions of the leadership practices involved in each initiative. Through an iterative process of review and critique, these descriptions were categorised into the leadership dimensions associated with teacher professional learning that resulted in improved student outcomes. The analysis revealed five leadership dimensions that were critical in fostering teacher and student learning: providing educational direction; ensuring strategic alignment; creating a community that learns how to improve student success; engaging in constructive problem talk; and selecting and developing smart tools. The analysis showed that leadership of the improvement of learning and teaching is highly distributed in terms of both who leads and how it is enacted. Such leadership is embedded in school routines that are aligned to improvement goals, and involves the use of smart tools that are designed to assist teachers' learning of more effective pedagogical practices.
Integration and dissociation of limb elements in flying vertebrates: a comparison of pterosaurs, birds and bats

Flapping flight has evolved independently in three vertebrate clades: pterosaurs, birds and bats. Each clade has a unique flight mechanism involving different elements of the forelimb. Here, patterns of limb integration are examined using partial correlation analysis within species and matrix correlation analysis across species to test whether the evolution of flapping flight has involved developmental dissociation of the serial homologues in the fore‐ and hind limb in each clade. Our sample included seven species of birds, six species of bats, and three species of pterosaurs for which sufficient sample sizes were available. Our results showed that, in contrast to results previously reported for quadrupedal mammals, none of the three clades demonstrated significant integration between serial homologues in the fore‐ and hind limb. Unexpectedly, there were few consistent patterns of within‐forelimb correlations across each clade, suggesting that wing integration is not strongly constrained by functional relationships. However, there was significant integration within the hind limbs of pterosaurs and birds, but not bats, possibly reflecting the differing functions of hind limbs (e.g. upright support vs. suspension) in these clades.
Metamodel Instance Generation: A systematic literature review

Modelling and thus metamodelling have become increasingly important in Software Engineering through the use of Model Driven Engineering. In this paper we present a systematic literature review of instance generation techniques for metamodels, i.e. the process of automatically generating models from a given metamodel. We start by presenting a set of research questions that our review is intended to answer. We then identify the main topics that are related to metamodel instance generation techniques, and use these to initiate our literature search. This search resulted in the identification of 34 key papers in the area, and each of these is reviewed here and discussed in detail. The outcome is that we are able to identify a knowledge gap in this field, and we offer suggestions as to some potential directions for future research.
A survey of the use of 2D ultrasound guidance for insertion of central venous catheters by UK consultant paediatric anaesthetists

Background and objective: National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance states that 2D imaging ultrasound guidance should be used when inserting internal jugular venous lines in adults and children in the elective situation and should be considered in most clinical circumstances requiring central venous catheter insertion. This survey explored the availability, training and use of ultrasound devices by consultant paediatric anaesthetists in the UK. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to UK members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland. Results: There was a response rate of 63% and of those responding, 212 (81%) inserted paediatric central venous catheters. Ultrasound devices were available in the workplace of 216 (82%) and the average number of devices available per department was two. For elective paediatric theatre cases, 26% of paediatric anaesthetists with access to an ultrasound device always used it when inserting an internal jugular central venous line. The majority (74%) of respondents had received training in the use of 2D ultrasound. Conclusions: National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance on the use of ultrasound locating devices for placing central venous catheters is not universally adhered to. Among the reasons for this are problems with availability of equipment, lack of training in the use of ultrasound and non‐acceptance of the guidelines.
Psychological Foundations of Coaching: Similarities and Differences among Intercollegiate Wrestling Coaches

This study was designed to assess the psychological principles used by coaches and to determine if various categories of coaches differed in the psychological skills and strategies they employed. Intercollegiate wrestling coaches (N=101) completed an extensive survey that assessed their opinions concerning the importance of, use of, frequency of problems arising with, and degree of success they feel they have had in changing or developing 21 psychological skills. Descriptive statistics revealed that the psychological attributes of mental toughness, positive attitude, individual motivation, and attention-concentration were judged to be most important for success in wrestling. Anxiety-stress control, attention-concentration, lack of confidence, and mental toughness were reported as the areas in which wrestlers most frequently experienced problems. The coaches indicated that the strategies most easily developed with their athletes were goal setting, team cohesion, and mental practice-imagery. Finally, the co.
Visceral leishmaniasis in Somalia: A review of epidemiology and access to care

Somalia, ravaged by conflict since 1991, has areas endemic for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a deadly parasitic disease affecting the rural poor, internally displaced, and pastoralists. Very little is known about VL burden in Somalia, where the protracted crisis hampers access to health care. We reviewed evidence about VL epidemiology in Somalia and appraised control options within the context of this fragile state’s health system. VL has been reported in Somalia since 1934 and has persisted ever since in foci in the southern parts of the country. The only feasible VL control option is early diagnosis and treatment, currently mostly provided by nonstate actors. The availability of VL care in Somalia is limited and insufficient at best, both in coverage and quality. Precarious security remains a major obstacle to reach VL patients in the endemic areas, and the true VL burden and its impact remain unknown. Locally adjusted, innovative approaches in VL care provision should be explored, without undermining ongoing health system development in Somalia. Ensuring VL care is accessible is a moral imperative, and the limitations of the current VL diagnostic and treatment tools in Somalia and other endemic settings affected by conflict should be overcome.
Compliance or Obscurity? Online Anonymity as a Consequence of Fighting Unauthorised File-sharing

The European Union directive on Intellectual Property Rights Enforcement (IPRED) was implemented in Sweden on April 1, 2009, and was meant to be the enforcement needed to achieve increased compliance with intellectual property online, especially copyright. This, therefore, was the manifest function of the directive. The article empirically shows changes in levels of use of Online Anonymity Services (OAS) as a result of the implementation of IPRED in Sweden, as being a latent dysfunction of the implementation The data consists of two surveys of about 1,000 people between 15 and 25 years of age, where the first survey was conducted two months prior to the implementation of IPRED, and the second one seven months afterwards. This data is complemented with OAS statistics as well as Google search engine statistics in Sweden during 2009 on a selection of phrases related to online anonymity, revealing the link between encrypted anonymity fluctuations and copyright enforcement. The article suggests that a key to understand any relationship between IPRED and fluctuations in online anonymity can be found in the law’s relationship to social norms and levels of perceived legitimacy. The implementation of illegitimate laws is likely to spur dysfunctional (for the law) counter-measures. In the case of copyright enforcement and encryption technologies, the first seems to drive the other to some extent, affecting the balance of openness and anonymity on the Internet, possibly and at worst leading to that the enforcement of legislation that has a weak representation among social norms negatively affects the enforcement of legislation that has a strong representation among social norms. (Less)
V beta 6-bearing T cells are involved in resistance to Trypanosoma cruzi infection in XID mice.

BALB.xid mice, carrying an X-linked mutation leading to the absence of CD5+ B cells, are highly resistant to Trypanosoma cruzi infection. These mice clear blood parasites in the acute phase of infection and do not develop the inflammatory infiltration characteristically observed in the chronic phase of susceptible strains of mice. We have shown that the resistance of BALB.xid is dependent on the production of high levels of IFN-gamma. Natural (adoptive foster) or artificial (in vivo injection of blocking antibodies) treatments of BALB.xid induced deletion of CD4+ and CD8+ cells bearing V beta 6 TCR. The absence of V beta 6 lymphocytes considerably reduced resistance to infection. Furthermore, in BALB.xid lacking this minor fraction of the T cell repertoire, almost 50% of the IFN-gamma production is lost. This indicates that V beta 6-bearing T cells are either directly or indirectly involved in the production of IFN-gamma and, thus, important for an effective immune response during the acute phase of experimental Chagas' disease.