Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating soundscapes perception through acoustic scenes simulation

This paper introduces a new experimental protocol to study mental representations of urban soundscapes through a simulation process. Subjects are asked to create a full soundscape by means of a dedicated software tool, coupled with a structured sound data set. This paradigm is used to characterize urban sound environment representations by analyzing the sound classes that were used to simulate the auditory scenes. A rating experiment of the soundscape pleasantness using a 7-point bipolar semantic scale is conducted to further refine the analysis of the simulated urban acoustic scenes. Results show that 1) a semantic characterization in terms of presence / absence of sound sources is an effective way to characterize urban soundscapes pleasantness, and 2) acoustic pressure levels computed for specific sound sourcesbetter characterize the appraisal than the acoustic pressure level computed over the overall soundscape.
The Lived Experience of Brazilian Immigrants in Connecticut and Crimmigration

Crimmigration, or the criminalization of immigration that intensified after the attacks of September 11, 2001, has impacted the lives of many immigrants living in the United States. After 9/11 there was an acceleration of the merger of immigration law and criminal law, and its enforcement, at the local, state, and federal levels. These restrictive laws have resulted in the increased incarceration, detainment, and mass deportation of immigrants throughout the United States. This qualitative study focused on the lived experience of Brazilian immigrants living in Connecticut. A critical phenomenological design was used to understand how crimmigration and other factors such as the economy shapes the lived experiences of Brazilian immigrants. Twenty participants were interviewed twice (for a total of 40 interviews). Seven themes emerged from participants’ interviews centered on: immigration experiences (initial and subsequent), trabalho (work), crimmigration, discrimination, emotions, transnational social networks, and racial/ethnic identity. Brazilians are economic migrants coming to the United States in search of a better life. Brazilians’ experiences with work in the United States are a central facet of their “lived experience. ” Participants’ work experiences are molded by historical and political events Walter J. Belsito—University of Connecticut, 2016 shaping the national debate on immigration. This study also argues that crimmigration in the United States poses one of the most important human rights challenges today. Critical race theory posits that crimmigration is primarily directed at the growing Latino population of the United States. As agents of change committed to social justice on behalf of oppressed and vulnerable populations, social workers are in a unique position to advocate for immigrants affected by crimmigration, to fight for the human rights of immigrant families and their children torn apart by crimmigration, and to be at the forefront of the immigration debate in the United States.
Causes and remedies.

In Africa there is little experience in dealing with injury as a public health problem. Public health personnel are often not prominently involved even in countries that respond actively to events such as road traffic accidents. The project described in this article has several goals: 1) to identify the magnitude of the injury problem; 2) to establish who is affected by which types of injuries; 3) to identify risk factors and potential interventions; 4) to assess which injuries to focus upon as a matter of priority; and 5) to implement and evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of interventions introduced. Two sites are identified: Zimbabwe where injury-prevention work is taking place on a national level; and the township of Alexandra in Johannesburg South Africa where the focus is local and more community-based. Preliminary findings from the studies are shared in this report. Overall is noted that the studies point the way towards reducing the human and financial toll of injuries.
Fen Bilgisi Öğretmen Adaylarının Drama Yöntemiyle Fen ve Teknoloji Dersinin İşlenmesine Yönelik Öz-Yeterlik ve Tutumları

Fen ve Teknoloji dersi bireyleri bilissel, duyussal ve devinissel alanda gelistiren temel derslerden biridir. Drama yontemi ise aktif ogrenme tekniklerine uygun, Fen ve teknoloji dersinde bireylerin gelisimini destekleyen ve yaraticiligini artiran bir yont emdir. Bu arastirma, 2010 - 2011 yili bahar doneminde Erciyes Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Ilkogretim Bolumu Fen Bilgisi Ogretmenligi Anabilim Dali 3. ve 4. siniflarinda ogrenim goren 190 ogretmen adayinin (120 kiz ve 70 erkek), fen ve teknoloji dersinin dr ama yontemi ile islenmesine iliskin oz - yeterlik ve tutumlarini belirlemek amaciyla yapilmistir. Arastirmada yazarlar tarafindan gelistirilen ve ogretmen adaylarinin drama yontemine iliskin oz - yeterliklerini belirlemek amaciyla 10 madde, drama yontemiyle f en ve teknoloji dersinin islenmesine yonelik tutumlarini belirlemek amaciyla 17 maddeden olusan ve ayrica guvenirlik katsayisi (Cronbach Alfa) 0.91 olarak hesaplanan 5’li Likert tipi olcek kullanilmistir. Verilerin analizi SPSS 17.0 paket programi ile yapi lmistir. Yapilan analiz sonucunda ogretmen adaylarinin, drama yontemine iliskin ortalama oz - yeterlik puani ise =3.13, drama yontemiyle fen ve teknoloji dersinin islenmesine yonelik ortalama tutum puani =3.63 olarak bulunmustur. Tutum puanlarinin, sinif d uzeyine gore anlamli bir farklilik gostermedigi, cinsiyet degiskenine gore kizlarin lehine ve drama egitimi alma degiskenine gore ise drama egitimi alan ogrencilerin lehine anlamli bir farklilik (p
Game programming courses for non programmers

Teaching art and design students to program was very difficult and seemed unnecessary; however, as the need for multimedia and interactive contents increases there are increasing demands for people who can do both content design and programming. In addition, by learning to program the art and design students can communicate better with the programmers in their future jobs, especially in the game industry, where programmers and artists must work very closely to get their works done. In our experiences of teaching game programming courses for art/design students, we found that programming tools with graphical interfaces such as Virtools and Quest3D are very helpful. They can learn programming in an interactive way without hundreds of compilation errors. The students can make complete games, not just oversimplified exercises or simple walk-through scenes, and they built the fundamental programming knowledge enough to take intermediate programming courses for their future careers.
Optimal control problem in correlation between smoking and epidemic of respiratory diseases

Smoking appears to be a risk factor that may increase the number of different pulmonary infections. This link is likely to be mediated by smoking adverse effects on the respiratory defenses. A mathematical model to describe correlation between the number of smokers and its effect on the number of infected people suffer from respiratory disease like influenza is constructed in this paper. Promotion of healthy life is accounted in the model as an optimal control problem to reduce the number of smokers. In this work, the transition rates from smokers to non-smokers and from non-smokers to smokers are regarded as the control variables. Assuming the control variables are constant, equilibrium points of the model can be obtained analytically. The basic reproductive ratio as the endemic threshold is taken from the spectral radius of the next-generation matrix. Using numerical simulation, we show that the healthy life promotion can reduce the number of infected person significantly by reducing the number of smoke.
Statin Therapy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Hungary.

Aim: The benefit of statin administration in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is well documented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the characteristics of lipid lowering therapy and the attainment of target values. Study Design: Retrospective data analysis. Place and Duration of Study: Between 2009 and 2011, Hungary. Methodology: The study was conducted on the patients with T2DM and established cardiovascular events of general practitioners and specialists from the MULTI GAP (MULTI Goal Attainment Problem) survey in Hungary using standardized, structured questionnaires. Data collection was performed in 2009 (1582 patients, 55.0% men), in 2010 (1159 patients, 58.4% men) and in 2011 (668 patients, 59.1% men). Results: In this study all patients received statins, the most frequently used was atorvastatin, followed in 2009 by simvastatin and 2011 by rosuvastatin. Fibrates were taken by 9.3–11.3% of patients and ezetimibe by 8.0–15.9% of patients. The total cholesterol (TC) values in 2009, in 2010 and in 2011 were 5.27±1.23 mmol/l, 4.90±1.30 mmol/l, 4.88±1.29 mmol/l, respectively (p>0.05). The LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) values were 2.94±1.04 mmol/l, 2.73±0.95 mmol/l, 2.69±1.03 mmol/l, respectively (p>0.05). The proportion of patients at LDL-C target value of <2.5 mmol/l was 35.2%, 42.8%, 47.8% (p<0.001 vs values in 2009) while that of <1.8 mmol/l was 10.6%, 15.9% and 16.8%, respectively (p<0.001 vs values in 2009). There was a linear correlation between the patient compliance estimated by the physicians and the LDL-C achievement rate. Conclusions: In 2009-2011, a slight improvement in serum cholesterol levels and a significant increase of patients at target TC or LDL-C values were documented among patients with T2DM and cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the authors find very important to improve the quality of lipid lowering treatment in order to increase the number of patients achieving their target lipid values.
The Use of First Language in the Second-Language Classroom: A Support for Second Language Acquisition.

This action research project was carried out in order to identify the role of first language in the second-language classroom. This study was conducted in a Colombian international school with an English immersion program for kindergarten students attending their first year of school. The purpose of this study was to identify if the use of the mother tongue in the classroom increases comprehension and facilitates the second language acquisition process. Two lesson plans were designed: the first one using only English as the language of instruction, and the second one using both languages, Spanish and English. The results demonstrate that students do benefit from the use of the first language in the classroom, transferring concepts from their mother tongue to the new language.
Comment to: Epidemiology of primary amebic meningoencephalitis-related deaths due to Naegleria fowleri infections from freshwater in Pakistan: An analysis of 8-year dataset

Dear Editor, It was a great effort by the authors that will urge researchers to investigate the factors involved in the occurrence of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) from different dimensions. We ought to take this public health issue on broader context instead of focusing merely on chlorination and ablution. Although authors also mentioned some other possible factors but an emphasis was mostly on the levels of chlorine and ablution. A study conducted in Australia demonstrated for the first time that drinking water pipes are the source of Naegleria fowleri infection. This study found that N. fowleri can persist in a field drinking water distribution biofilm and exerts resistance despite chlorination. The presence of N. fowleri in biofilms of drinking water pipes needs thirty times the standard chlorine dose to kill this thermophilic organism. [1] Another study recommended the physical removal of these free-living amebae from the drinking water distribution systems which act as a reservoir for human pathogens. [2] We need to conduct studies, especially in Karachi on biofilms of water pipelines that may provide valuable findings in future. A recently published study also highlighted the common practice of the residents of Karachi to store water in overhead tanks which is then utilized on a daily need basis, and during extreme hot weather, it promotes an excystation of free-living ameba into its pathogenic form. [3]
The Effect of Vitamin C and E on Lipid Profile in People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders that cause micro- and macro-vascular complications. Because of cardiovascular disease is common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), lipid abnormalities should be evaluated in diabetes patients. Aim: Since vitamin C, E are known for their helpful effects on plasma lipids and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), we evaluated the effect of these vitamins on blood glucose, plasma lipids in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: The study was carried out in 170 T2DM on consumption of vitamin C, E, combination of C & E and placebo. The subjects comprised of two main groups, supplementation and placebo group which supplementation group consists of 3 sub-groups. Each subgroup received three capsules per day for a period of three months. HbA1c, glucose and lipid profile were determined in baseline and after three months with receiving supplement. Results: A significant decrease (p<0.001) in FBS, TG, LDL, cholesterol and HbA1c was seen in the supplemented groups after three months. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with T2DM after three months consumption of vitamins C, E and C&E showed significantly lowered hypertension and improved insulin action and decrease lipid profile.
Advances in the treatment of geriatric depression

Late-life depression is a rather difficult and complicated issue. Although there have been significant advances in our knowledge in this area, a large number of questions still remain unanswered. The aim of this review is a critical presentation of the current evidence for treatment of depression in the elderly. We summarize the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of a range of proposed treatments, including pharmacological, psychological and alternative therapies and lifestyle changes. The treatments with best evidence of effectiveness are antidepressant pharmacotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, cognitive–behavioral therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, reminiscence therapy, problem-solving therapy and exercise. Implications for future research are discussed.
Are downloads and readership data a substitute for citations? The case of a scholarly journal

With the advent of e-journals more than one decade ago and the increasing use of social media also by academics in recent years, cita­tions are not the only data anymore for measuring scholarly com­mu­ni­cation. Indeed, so-called altme­trics are a further source for metering science. In our previous research we have already ex­plored commonalities of and differences between citations, downloads and so-called readership data from Mendeley for two information systems journals. This contribution presents a replication of the previous study for a linguistics journal inves­tigating the following research questions: Is there a strong correlation between cita­tions, downloads and readership frequen­cies? Could downloads and readership counts be a substitute for citations, or do they measure complementary aspects of schol­arly communication? Do citations and downloads have differ­ent obsolescence characteristics? Are there other aspects in which citations, down­loads and readership data differ? The comparison of the results for the linguistic journal with those of the information systems jour­nals enables us to identify also possible disci­pli­­nary differ­ences. We used a scientometric approach when ana­lyzing cita­tions, downloads and readership data, which were provided at article level. The major results show that there is a clear but not a very high rank correlation between citations and down­loads (r=0.59) which was lower between down­loads and readership counts (r=0.53) and between citations and readership counts (r=0.51). Citations and downloads have different obsoles­cence char­acteristics. While the download maxi­mum usually occurs for recent articles, it takes several years after publication until the citation max­i­­mum is reached. The correlations were slight­ly higher for the information systems jour­nals. Interestingly, older articles were more often downloaded for them than for Journal of Phonetics. Keywords : citations, downloads, Mendeley, alt­metrics, linguistics, Journal of Phonetics.
Exploring the relationship between situated activity and CALL learning in teacher education

Abstract Situated learning is often proposed as a model for CALL teacher education. However, we know little about how students perceive situated CALL coursework and activities, and the nature of the relationship between situated learning and CALL learning. This exploratory case study addresses these issues. Survey, questionnaire, and open-ended data were collected from 21 MA TESOL students enrolled in a CALL course in South Korea. The results showed that students perceived that the course offered many elements of situated learning environments, and that some course activities were more situated than others. Additionally, the relationship between situated learning and CALL was strong and positive. Implications for research into situated learning and CALL teacher education are discussed.
KAJIAN PEMBUATAN EDIBLE FILM TAPIOKA DENGAN PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN PEKTIN BEBERAPA JENIS KULIT PISANG TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK FISIK DAN MEKANIK

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakterisitik fisik (kelarutan, ketebalan, laju transmisi uap air) dan karakteristik mekanik edible film (pemanjangan, kuat regang putus) yang terbuat dari tapioka dan pektin beberapa jenis kulit pisang. Dalam penelitian ini digunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL). Data yang diperoleh dari hasil penelitian dianalisa dengan software SPSS 17.0 for windows dengan menggunakan analisis variansi (ANOVA) yang dilanjutkan dengan Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) pada taraf signifikansi α 0,05. Kata kunci :Edible Film, Tapioka, Pektin, Kulit Pisang
A class of fault-tolerant cellular permutation networks

A scheme for fault-tolerant triangular cellular interconnection networks is proposed. A fault model is defined which unifies the concept of usable and unusable faulty components. An algorithm for testing these networks with a minimal number of tests (8) is presented. This result is extended to other cellular networks. A constant number of tests independent of the network size (at most 8) is added, in order to locate the faulty cell in the triangular cellular interconnection networks. Then, by considering networks of n+2 instead of n inputs/outputs, any single faulty cell can be tolerated. Neither the complexity of the cell nor that of the links is increased. The programming of the fault tolerant network is of the same complexity as that of the fault-free network and the relative silicon area overhead decreases with n and is proportional to 4/n. <<ETX>>
Changes in Blood Coagulation: Before and After Hepatectomy or Transplantation in Dogs and Man

ON MARCH 1, 1963, orthotopic liver homotransplantation was performed in a 3-year-old child with congenital biliary atresia. Immediately after revascularization of the hepatic homograft, uncontrollable bleeding developed which resulted in death a few hours later. Blood studies obtained at the time of the hemorrhagic crisis revealed an exceedingly sharp increase of plasma fibrinolytic activity, as well as hypofibrinogenemia. As a result of this experience, laboratory investigations were undertaken to define with more predictability the changes in coagulation to be expected during and after canine hepatic homografting procedures. In addition, a collateral study of fibrinolytic activity was carried out in dogs subjected to total hepatectomy without homotransplantation. Finally, the opportunity eventually became available to study some aspects of the clotting process in four additional patients who received whole-organ hepatic homografts after removal of their diseased livers. From this composite laboratory and clinical experience, a clear idea has emerged concerning the coagulation
Priority queueing system with fixed-length packet-train arrivals

A discrete-time priority queueing system is studied, in which two different classes of fixed-length packet-trains arrive according to independent batch geometric streams. The packets in each packet-train arrive at the rate of one packet per slot (train arrivals), resulting in a correlated arrival stream. The service time of one packet is deterministic of one slot. The motivation for the work comes from ATM networks with diverse traffic sources and correlated packet arrival stream. Using the probability generating function method, the joint distribution of queue lengths and the waiting time distribution are obtained for each class. Numerical results are presented. Comparision is made with the case of ‘batch arrivals’, where all packets of a packet-train arrive simultaneously at the buffer.
Questionário de qualidade de vida em pacientes com hiperidrose primária

BACKGROUND: Hyperhidrosis or excessive sudoresis is a chronic disease associated with important subjective distress. OBJECTIVE: To propose a specific questionnaire to evaluate the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. METHODS: From October 1995 to March 2002, 378 patients (234 females), with a mean age of 26.8 years, were evaluated before and after video-assisted thoracic sympathectomy. RESULTS: Therapeutic success was obtained in 90% of the procedures. The recurrence rate was 10% for palmar and 11% for axillary hyperhidrosis; 27% of the patients who had recurrence were re-operated successfully. No serious complications were reported. Of the total number of patients, 91% answered to the quality of life questionnaire, and 86% of them reported improvement after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic sympathectomy is a therapeutic method capable of changing the quality of life of patients with hyperhidrosis. The questionnaire applied has shown these changes.