Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Vowel length impact on locus equation parameters: an investigation on jordanian Arabic

Investigations of changes in speech rate and speaking style have reported that locus equation parameters are sensible to temporal variation though they usually do not evidence any ma-jor impact on place of articulation classification. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of vowel length con-trasts on locus equation parameters in Jordanian Arabic (JA) speech production in order to study the influence of intrinsic temporal changes (vowel length contrasts) on locus equation parameters. Statistical analyses of slopes and intercepts show that the locus equation parameters of a consonant produced with long vowels are significantly different from those of the same consonant produced with short vowels. Though this obseva-tion confirms the impact of time variations on locus equations, further analyses will need to address issues related to the po-tential impact of duration-related spectral modifications and the role these changes may play on the perceptual categorization of consonantal place of articulation.
Iterative learning control for discrete-time systems with exponential rate of convergence

An algorithm for iterative learning control is proposed based on an optimisation principle used by other authors to derive gradient-type algorithms. The new algorithm is a descent algorithm and has potential benefits which include realisation in terms of Riccati feedback and feedforward components. This realisation also has the advantage of implicitly ensuring automatic step-size selection and hence guaranteeing convergence without the need for empirical choice of parameters. The algorithm achieves a geometric rate of convergence for invertible plants. One important feature of the proposed algorithm is the dependence of the speed of convergence on weight parameters appearing in the norms of the signals chosen for the optimisation problem.
The Meatiq dome (Eastern Desert, Egypt) a Precambrian metamorphic core complex: petrological and geological evidence

The Meatiq basement, which is exposed beneath late Proterozoic nappes of supracrustal rocks in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, was affected by three metamorphic events. The ophiolite cover nappes show only the last metamorphic overprint. The M1 metamorphic event (T ≥750 °C) is restricted to migmatized amphibolite xenoliths within the Um Ba′anib orthogneiss in the structurally lowest parts of the basement. Typical upper amphibolite facies M2 mineral assemblages include Grt–Zn‐rich Spl–Qtz±Bt, Grt–Zn‐rich Spl–Ms–Kfs–Bt–Sil–Qtz and locally kyanite in metasedimentary rocks. The mineral assemblages Ms–Qtz–Kfs–Sil in the matrix and Sil–Grt in garnet cores indicate that peak M2 P–T conditions exceeded muscovite and staurolite stabilities. Diffusional equilibration at M2 peak temperature conditions caused homogeneous chemical profiles across M2 garnets. Abundant staurolite in garnet rims and the matrix indicates a thorough equilibration during M2 at decreasing temperature conditions. M2 P–T conditions ranged from 610 to 690 °C at 6–8 kbar for the metamorphic peak and 530–600 °C at about 5.8 kbar for the retrograde stage. However, relic kyanite indicates pressures above 8 kbar, preceeding the temperature peak. A clockwise P–T path is indicated by abundant M2 sillimanite after relic kyanite and by andalusite after sillimanite. M2 fluid inclusions, trapped in quartz within garnet and in the quartz matrix show an array of isochores. Steepest isochores (water‐rich H2O‐CO2±CH4/N2 inclusions) pass through peak M2 P–T conditions and flatter isochores (CO2‐rich H2O‐CO2±CH4/N2 inclusions) are interpreted to represent retrograde fluids which is consistent with a clockwise P–T path for M2. The M3 assemblage Grt–Chl in the uppermost metasedimentary sequence of the basement limits temperature to 460 to 550 °C. M3 temperature conditions within the ophiolite cover nappes are limited by the assemblage Atg–Trem–Tlc to<540 °C and the absence of crysotile to >350 °C. The polymetamorphic evolution in the basement contrasts with the monometamorphic ophiolite nappes. The M1 metamorphic event in the basement occurred prior to the intrusion of the Um Ba′anib granitoid at about 780 Ma. The prograde phase of the M2 metamorphic event took place during the collision of an island arc with a continent. The break‐off of the subducting slab increased the temperature and resulted in the peak M2 mineral assemblages. During the rise of the basement domain retrograde M2 mineral assemblages were formed. The final M3 metamorphic event is associated with the updoming of the basement domain at about 580 Ma along low‐angle normal faults.
Nonlinear Dynamics and the Synthesis of Zebra Finch Song

Behavior emerges as the interaction between a nervous system, a peripheral biomechanical device and the environment. In birdsong production, this observation is particularly important: songbirds are an adequate animal model to unveil how brain structures reconfigure themselves during learning of a complex behavior as song. Therefore, it is important to understand which features of behavior are controlled by independent tuning of neurophysiological parameters, and which are constrained by the biomechanics of the peripheral vocal organ. In this work, we show that many of the acoustic features in the Zebra finch song are in fact conditioned by the biomechanics involved.
Endoscopic Evacuation of Basal Ganglia Hemorrhage via Keyhole Approach Using an Adjustable Cannula in Comparison with Craniotomy

Neuroendoscopic (NE) surgery as a minimal invasive treatment for basal ganglia hemorrhage is a promising approach. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NE approach using an adjustable cannula to treat basal ganglia hemorrhage. In this study, we analysed the clinical and radiographic outcomes between NE group (21 cases) and craniotomy group (30 cases). The results indicated that NE surgery might be an effective and safe approach for basal ganglia haemorrhage, and it is also suggested that NE approach may improve good functional recovery. However, NE approach only suits the selected patient, and the usefulness of NE approach needs further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate.
Intake of Fruit Juice and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Several prospective studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between fruit juice intake and risk of incident type 2 diabetes, but results have been mixed. In the present study, we aimed to estimate the association between fruit juice intake and risk of type 2 diabetes. Methods PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to December 2013. All prospective cohort studies of fruit juice intake with risk of type 2 diabetes were included. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for highest vs. lowest category of fruit juice intake were estimated using a random-effects model. Results A total of four studies (191,686 participants, including 12,375 with type 2 diabetes) investigated the association between sugar-sweetened fruit juice and risk of incident type 2 diabetes, and four studies (137,663 participants and 4,906 cases) investigated the association between 100% fruit juice and risk of incident type 2 diabetes. A higher intake of sugar-sweetened fruit juice was significantly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes (RR = 1.28, 95%CI = 1.04–1.59, p = 0.02), while intake of 100% fruit juice was not associated with risk of developing type 2 diabetes (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.91–1.18, p = 0.62). Conclusions Our findings support dietary recommendations to limit sugar-sweetened beverages, such as fruit juice with added sugar, to prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Ganglionic Plexus Ablation During Pulmonary Vein Isolation - Predisposing to Ventricular Arrhythmias?

Catheter ablation is increasingly used to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Ablation of ganglionic plexi is often performed to reduce vagal innervation and has been shown to confer a better long-term outcome in terms of AF recurrence. We report a case of a patient having AF ablation with a profound vagal response, suggesting ganglionic plexus ablation, who subsequently developed ventricular fibrillation after programmed ventricular stimulation. Reduced vagal modulation is known to predispose to ventricular arrhythmias and vagal denervation following AF ablation may predispose to ventricular arrhythmias and requires further study.
THE NUMÉRAIRE PROPERTY AND LONG‐TERM GROWTH OPTIMALITY FOR DRAWDOWN‐CONSTRAINED INVESTMENTS

We consider the portfolio choice problem for a long‐run investor in a general continuous semimartingale model. We combine the decision criterion of pathwise growth optimality with a flexible specification of attitude toward risk, encoded by a linear drawdown constraint imposed on admissible wealth processes. We define the constrained numéraire property through the notion of expected relative return and prove that drawdown‐constrained numéraire portfolio exists and is unique, but may depend on the investment horizon. However, when sampled at the times of its maximum and asymptotically as the time‐horizon becomes distant, the drawdown‐constrained numéraire portfolio is given explicitly through a model‐independent transformation of the unconstrained numéraire portfolio. The asymptotically growth‐optimal strategy is obtained as limit of numéraire strategies on finite horizons.
Assessing International Efficiency 1

This paper is structured in three parts. The first part outlines the methodological steps, involving both theoretical and empirical work, for assessing whether an observed allocation of resources across countries is efficient. The second part applies the methodology to the long-run allocation of capital and consumption in a large cross section of countries. We find that countries that grow faster in the long run also tend to save more both domestically and internationally. These facts suggest that either the long-run allocation of resources across countries is inefficient, or that there is a systematic relation between fast growth and preference for delayed consumption. The third part applies the methodology to the allocation of resources across developed countries at the business cycle frequency. Here we discuss how evidence on international quantity comovement, exchange rates, asset prices, and international portfolio holdings can be used to assess efficiency. Overall, quantities and portfolios appear consistent with efficiency, while evidence from prices is difficult to interpret using standard models. The welfare costs associated with an inefficient allocation of resources over the business cycle can be significant if shocks to relative country permanent income are large. In those cases partial financial liberalization can lower welfare. keywords: International risk sharing, Long-run risk, Long-run growth, International business cycles, Real exchange rate jel classification codes: F21, F32, F36, F41, F43, F44 Draft prepared for the Handbook of International Economics, Volume 4. We thank the editors Gita Gopinath and Ken Rogoff for their suggestions and their patience, Karen Lewis and Maury Obstfeld for insightful discussions, Alberto Polo for outstanding research assistance, and seminar participants at the Handbook Conference in Cambridge for great comments. Perri thanks the European Research Council for financial support under grant RESOCONBUCY. The data sets and computer codes used in the paper are available on the authors’ websites. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis or the Federal Reserve System.
Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis for Streptococcus pneumoniae: Comparison with PFGE and MLST

In the era of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, surveillance of pneumococcal disease and carriage remains of utmost importance as important changes may occur in the population. To monitor these alterations reliable genotyping methods are required for large-scale applications. We introduced a high throughput multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and compared this method with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The MLVA described here is based on 8 BOX loci that are amplified in two multiplex PCRs. The labeled PCR products are sized on an automated DNA sequencer to accurately determine the number of tandem repeats. The composite of the number of repeats of the BOX loci makes up a numerical profile that is used for identification and clustering. In this study, MLVA was performed on 263 carriage isolates that were previously characterized by MLST and PFGE. MLVA, MLST and PFGE (cut-off of 80%) yielded 164, 120, and 87 types, respectively. The three typing methods had Simpson's diversity indices of 98.5% or higher. Congruence between MLST and MLVA was high. The Wallace of MLVA to MLST was 0.874, meaning that if two strains had the same MLVA type they had an 88% chance of having the same MLST type. Furthermore, the Wallace of MLVA to clonal complex of MLST was even higher: 99.5%. For some isolates belonging to a single MLST clonal complex although displaying different serotypes, MLVA was more discriminatory, generating groups according to serotype or serogroup. Overall, MLVA is a promising genotyping method that is easy to perform and a relatively cheap alternative to PFGE and MLST. In the companion paper published simultaneously in this issue we applied the MLVA to assess the pneumococcal population structure of isolates causing invasive disease in the Netherlands before the introduction of the 7-valent conjugate vaccine.
Protein translocation without specific quality control in a computational model of the Tat system

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system transports folded proteins of various sizes across both bacterial and plant thylakoid membranes. The membrane-associated TatA protein is an essential component of the Tat translocon, and a broad distribution of different sized TatA-clusters is observed in bacterial membranes. We assume that the size dynamics of TatA clusters are affected by substrate binding, unbinding, and translocation to associated TatBC clusters, where clusters with bound translocation substrates favour growth and those without associated substrates favour shrinkage. With a stochastic model of substrate binding and cluster dynamics, we numerically determine the TatA cluster size distribution. We include a proportion of targeted but non-translocatable (NT) substrates, with the simplifying hypothesis that the substrate translocatability does not directly affect cluster dynamical rate constants or substrate binding or unbinding rates. This amounts to a translocation model without specific quality control. Nevertheless, NT substrates will remain associated with TatA clusters until unbound and so will affect cluster sizes and translocation rates. We find that the number of larger TatA clusters depends on the NT fraction f. The translocation rate can be optimized by tuning the rate of spontaneous substrate unbinding, &Ggr; U ? > . We present an analytically solvable three-state model of substrate translocation without cluster size dynamics that follows our computed translocation rates, and that is consistent with in vitro Tat-translocation data in the presence of NT substrates.
Organizational Website Usability and Attractiveness Effects on Viewer Impressions

Previous research on the rapidly growing field of Internet recruitment has operated under the implicit assumption that recruitment websites can and do influence viewers’ opinions of recruiting organizations. This study empirically tested this assumption using a pre/post-test experimental design. Results indicated that viewers’ ratings on company familiarity, favorability, image as an employer, and organizational attractiveness were affected by organizations’ recruitment websites. Moreover, changes in viewers’ evaluations of these companies were directly related to the usability and attractiveness of their websites. Specifically, greater increases in favorable evaluations from the pre- to post-test measures occurred with companies that maintained websites that were easy to navigate and that were appealing in terms of their colors, fonts, and images.
A Comparative Study of Axis I Antecedents before Age 18 of Unipolar Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia

Background: Despite a large scientific literature on early clinical precursors of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and unipolar depression, few data are available on axis I disorders preceding the adult onset of these illnesses. Sampling and Methods: Disorders before the age of 18 years were retrospectively assessed with a structured interview in 3 groups of consecutive adult inpatients with DSM-IV diagnoses of schizophrenia (n = 197), major depressive disorder (n = 287) and bipolar disorder (n = 132). Only patients with adult onset of schizophrenia and of mania/hypomania were included. A sample of the general population served as control group (n = 300). Results and Conclusion: The clinical groups significantly outnumbered the control sample on the majority of early axis I diagnoses. Schizophrenia was significantly associated (1) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD inattentive subtype, ADHD hyperactive subtype and primary nocturnal enuresis, compared to unipolar depression, and (2) with social phobia and ADHD inattentive subtype, compared to bipolar disorder. Oppositional defiant disorder was significantly associated with bipolar disorder, compared to the other clinical and control groups. The ADHD hyperactive subtype predicted the adult onset of bipolar disorder compared to unipolar depression. Externalizing disorders seem of special importance as regards the clinical pathways toward schizophrenia.
Query-drift prevention for robust query expansion

Pseudo-feedback-based automatic query expansion yields effective retrieval performance on average, but results in performance inferior to that of using the original query for many information needs. We address an important cause of this robustness issue, namely, the query drift problem, by fusing the results retrieved in response to the original query and to its expanded form. Our approach posts performance that is significantly better than that of retrieval based only on the original query and more robust than that of retrieval using the expanded query.
Content-Aware Geometry Image Resizing

Polygonal meshes are widely used to represent the shape of 3D objects and the generation of multi-resolution models has been a significant research topic in computer graphics. In this paper, we demonstrate how to generate multi-resolution models through 2D image processing techniques. The goal of generating multi-resolution models is accomplished by resizing the corresponding geometry images of 3D models. By defining appropriate energy on 2D images reflecting the importance of 3D vertices, we propose a modified content-aware image resizing algorithm suitable for geometry images, which achieves the preservation of salient structures and features in 3D models as well. We evaluate various image resizing techniques and show experimental results to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Passivity-based controller design of electric dehydrator

Electric dehydrator plays an important role in oil and chemical industrial production. Control law design method for electric dehydrator is introduced in this paper. A new mathematical model of the power circuit of electric dehydrator is developed. DC side voltage control and unity power factor control based on the passivity-based control technique in the electric dehydrator are investigated in details. Electric dehydrator controlled by the proposed passivity-based control strategy has many advantages, such as, enhancing robustness under model uncertainties, decoupling current-loop dynamics, guaranteeing zero steady-state error and asymptotic rejection of dynamic load disturbance. The results of 60KW prototype electric dehydrator simulation with MATLAB/ SIMULINK show that the passivity-based control strategy is feasible.
Opportunities denied, opportunities diminished : racial discrimination in hiring

A hiring audit in two cities sent pairs of job seekers, matched in terms of job-readiness but not race, to apply for the same jobs. It found that black applicants were less likely to receive an interview than their white counterparts. If they got an interview, they were likely to have a shorter one and to encounter more negative remarks. They were more likely to be denied a job and more likely to be steered to less desirable jobs.
LS channel estimation assisted from chirp sequences in OFDM communications

A least-squares (LS) channel estimation technique is investigated to extend pseudo-random-postfix orthogonal-frequency-division multiplexing (PRP-OFDM) techniques onto mobile applications in rapidly time-variant frequency-selective fading environments. The proposed method exploits self-interference cancellation to effectively reduce a variety of interferences; and thus, it can overcome not only frequency-selectivity caused by multipath reception but also time-selectivity caused by mobility; in particular, OFDM communications are often expected to operate in the presence of both wide Doppler spread and long delay spread. As a result, the proposed technique can achieve lower channel estimation errors and lower bit error probabilities than the conventional techniques exploiting a time-averaging method. Since sufficiently long PRP sequences have never been found in the previous works regarding PRP-OFDM, an application of the proposed technique using chirp signals for mobile PRP-OFDM communication is investigated because the chirp signals exhibit good training properties.
Monetary policy research and the financial crisis: strengths and shortcomings: a speech at the Federal Reserve Conference on Key Developments in Monetary Policy, Washington, D.C., October 9, 2009

The first two volumes of the Handbook of Monetary Economics were published in 1990. It is fitting that the Federal Reserve Board should hold a conference showcasing the chapters of the third volume of the Handbook. Since 1990, there has been a sharp increase in the degree of interaction between academic economists and central bank economists in the field of monetary analysis. The beginnings of this trend were evident in the author list of volume one of the Handbook, which featured two chapters coauthored by economists Athanasios Orphanides and Daniel Sichel, who went on to have long careers at the Federal Reserve Board. It is reflected today in the planned contents for volume three, which feature additional collaborations between central bank and academic economists.
A PDE approach to finite time approximations in Ergodic Theory

For dynamical systems defined by vector fields over a compact invariant set, we introduce a new class of approximated first integrals based on finite-time averages and satisfying an explicit first order partial differential equation. Referring to the PDE framework, we detect their viscosity robustness with respect to stochastic perturbations of the vector field. We formulate this approximating device also in the Lyapunov exponents framework. In such a case, we compare the operative use of the introduced approximated first integrals to the common use of the Fast Lyapunov Indicators to detect the phase space structure of quasi-integrable systems.