Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of custom vector accelerator for high-performance speech coding

The addition of custom vector instructions to the G.729A speech coding algorithm is shown to reduce significantly its computational complexity. The identified vector extensions are implemented in the form of a configurable vector accelerator, tightly coupled to a 32 bit Sparc V8-compliant reduced instruction set (RISC) processor. Architectural simulation demonstrates that a reduction in complexity of up 60%, for a vector length of sixteen 16 bit elements, is achievable in current VLSI technology.
Use of high‐resolution NWP rainfall and river flow forecasts for advance warning of the Carlisle flood, north‐west England

On the 8 January 2005 the city of Carlisle in north‐west England was severely flooded following 2 days of almost continuous rain over the nearby hills. Orographic enhancement of the rain through the seeder–feeder mechanism led to the very high rainfall totals. This paper shows the impact of running the Met Office Unified Model (UM) with a grid spacing of 4 and 1 km compared to the 12 km available at the time of the event. These forecasts, and forecasts from the Nimrod nowcasting system, were fed into the Probability Distributed Model (PDM) to predict river flow at the outlets of two catchments important for flood warning. The results show the benefit of increased resolution in the UM, the benefit of coupling the high‐resolution rainfall forecasts to the PDM and the improvement in timeliness of flood warning that might have been possible. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society, © Crown Copyright 2008.
Relevance and Priorities of ICT for Women in Rural Communities: A Case Study from Nigeria

Content of messages usually has to do with emergencies, family health, financial assistance for school fees, farm inputs, leaking roofs and communal violence. The most common means of communication used are verbal messages and letters, either to distant places or nearby; the danger always exists of inaccurate delivery of these urgent messages. Letters are sent by hand at the bus stops through willing drivers or passengers traveling in the direction of the messages’ destination. The problem with verbal messages is that the message may not be delivered as it was sent, or the content may be distorted – a message that “Mother’s cow is dead” might be delivered as “Mother is dead. ” Such messages can have drastic consequences for those affected. One of the women had used radio messages for news about her father’s health. Two had used telephones for similar reasons. No one had used these media for exchange of greetings: the cost was too high, and only emergency messages were delivered through them. All the women have heard of telegrams but have not used them and did not consider telegrams relevant to their daily lives. Those who used the telephone and radio messages are people who had once T he use and deployment of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Nigeria has been largely an urban and upper-class activity. It was therefore unusual for an NGO to attempt to promote ICT for rural communities and especially for women. Fantsuam Foundation uses Microfinance and ICT as complementary tools for poverty alleviation. The ICT program starts with two rooms provided by the community. One of the rooms is the Community Library and the second is the IT training room. This article reports the preliminary results of the evaluation of an information and communication technologies program for women in rural communities in Nigeria.
Selecting a neural network structure for ECG diagnosis

In this paper we discuss a number of approaches we have adopted to optimise a feedforward neural network for ECG diagnostic classification. Our goal was to design a classifier for categorising the Frank lead ECG as normal or one of six disease conditions. The database used in this study contained 500, 100% accurate Frank lead ECG recordings with each recording represented by 229 features. We chose to build a classifier which modelled the Bayesian posterior probabilities by using a neural network with no hidden units and a softmax output stage. Maximum likelihood estimates of the network parameters were established by minimising the log-likelihood error function. Two techniques were used to optimise the classifier. Firstly, outputs for multiple networks trained on random subsamples of the training data were combined and secondly, we looked at reducing the number of features processed by the classifier by using principle component analysis. We found that combining multiple networks increased accuracy but reducing the dimension of the feature data did not increase overall accuracy. Multiple runs of ten fold cross validation were used to determine the accuracy of the classifier and the best configuration of our classifier achieved an accuracy of 70.9/spl plusmn/0.6%.
Collecting Detailed User Evaluations of Software Interfaces

This paper describes the development and application of a methodlogy used to build an instrument for collecting detailed user evaluations. Although the methodology is general, the instrument developed was specifically intended for collecting user evaluations pertaining to text editors. The methodolody incorporated user suggestions and resulted in a matrix of 16 text editing functions and 17 adjective scales. The application of this matrix to an existing editor revealed that a consistent set of scales were appropriate for evaluating all 16 editing functions.
Treating Suicidal Behavior: An Effective, Time-Limited Approach.

Treating Suicidal Behavior: An Effective, Time-Limited Approach is a well-written, thorough, and comprehensive review of an important topic. While providing more information than many primary care providers may be willing to review or are able to utilize, the authors appear to make a conscious effort to present the contents of this volume as accessibly as possible by thoughtfully dividing the text into 2 major sections. The first section, “Establishing a Foundation for Treatment,” contains 3 chapters that review the literature related to suicidality, present an overview of cognitive-behavioral theory (CBT), and summarize the treatment process. These 3 chapters provide a useful orientation to providers wishing to increase their comfort level when dealing with suicidal patients prior to referral for more intensive psychiatric treatment. An understanding of the complexity of primary care is acknowledged by the authors' recognition and consideration of issues related to medical as well as psychiatric comorbidity. The second section, which includes the remaining 7 chapters, provides extensive detail, suggestions, and treatment advice for practitioners interested in learning more about the actual mechanics of the therapeutic process. The standard treatment framework presented is based on a series of 20 sessions that would typically take place over a 6-month time period. Guidelines are provided for topics and tasks to be addressed at each session, which are illustrated with a longitudinal case example. Individual chapters expand on topics introduced earlier such as initial evaluation, risk assessment, crisis intervention, behavioral management, and cognitive restructuring. The authors' obvious interest in providing clinically relevant information is seen throughout the text. Research reviews are chosen on the basis of their clinical orientation and are followed by summary statements discussing implications for clinical practice. CBT and its application to suicide prevention are presented in a clear yet concise manner, with a thoughtful recognition of the tension between theory and practice. Numerous clinical examples, tables, acronyms, and case studies are used to enhance retention and illustrate working concepts. In summary, this is a thoughtfully organized and well-developed text that is structured in such a way as to allow professionals with various levels of interest to improve their understanding of suicidal behavior and treatment. Information is clearly presented and organized in a manner that facilitates quick reference. Treating Suicidal Behavior is a useful guide for clinicians at any level of practice and an excellent tool for those interested in improving their psychotherapeutic skills in this area.
The End of ServQual in Online Services Research: Where to from here?

Service quality, and the ServQual model, with origins in face-to-face marketing before the age of the internet, has been drafted into the role of explaining the perceived outcomes of computer-mediated self-service encounters. These however differ in important ways from face-to-face service encounters. In this conceptual paper, we offer a number of arguments as to why researchers of computer-mediated services should not look back to ServQual for the basis of their theoretical constructs, models and survey items. We suggest by way of alternative that established information systems theory has greater salience and explanatory power for this phenomenon. We also offer some areas of theory that we believe have potential for the study of online service quality that have so far received little attention.
Detecting the split within heart sounds using a switched-capacitor filter

When making heart sound recordings, it is important to identify key features in real time, i.e. just prior and during the recording process. Hardware filtering on the incoming signal provides a means of getting a clearer picture. Using a switched-capacitor band-pass filter tuned to the characteristic domain frequency of the first heart sound, SI, enables observation of the split of SI into the Mitral and Tricuspic components M1 and T1. This contribution discusses results from setting up a practical system and what limitations were encountered.
Finding Common Ground: Sign Language and Gesture Research in Australia

This issue of AJL emerged from a workshop on issues in ‘nonverbal’ research held at the Australian Linguistics Society conference in Canberra in 2011. The workshop examined a range of issues inherent in analytic work on gesture, sign languages and, more generally, multimodal analysis. It brought researchers working on gesture and sign languages together with the goal of highlighting the differences and commonalities across differing theoretical perspectives and research domains. The aim was to search for common ground between Australian researchers with interests in diverse but related fields and it was, in fact, the very first time that Australian sign language and gesture specialists had come together in a forum of this kind. This collection of papers represents an important milestone for AJL: it is the first issue of the journal to include papers on Auslan (the natural sign language of the Australian deaf community) and on Indigenous Australian sign languages. The fields of gesture and sign language studies are both burgeoning areas in linguistics. It is now increasingly accepted that the study of co-speech gestures will lead to a greater understanding of human communication and cognition (Özyürek 2012). Gesture appears to occur whenever hearing individuals are communicating in face-to-face spoken interactions (Kendon 2004). Importantly, as Holler et al. (2011) point out, studies of co-speech gesture over the last two decades have shown conclusively that gesture is tightly integrated with the spoken message on the semantic, pragmatic and temporal levels during production (e.g. McNeill 2000) and comprehension (e.g. Kelly et al. 2010). Gesture studies are just as crucial for an understanding of the structure and use of sign languages, as both gesture and sign languages are expressed in the same visual-corporal channel. The properties that distinguish sign languages from co-speech gesture may, in fact, be those that represent core properties of language. Studies have shown that some of these properties begin to emerge when non-signers are asked to gesture without speech Australian Journal of Linguistics, 2014 Vol. 34, No. 2, 185–192, http://dx.doi. org/10.1080/07268602.2014. 887404
Comparison of correct responses and response latency for fixed and dynamic displays: performance of a learner with severe developmental disabilities

The relative efficiency of three types of graphic symbol displays was examined for an experienced augmentative system user. The learner matched photographs to symbols in displays that included fixed (all symbols appearing on one page), dynamic active (each symbol on one page electronically linked to a second page), and dynamic passive (two pages of symbols linked by a “go to” symbol). Accuracy and response time were measures used to determine if one type of symbol display was easier to learn and/or use than another. Response time was the fastest and accuracy was the greatest for the fixed and dynamic active display types. Differences between the three display types became more apparent after the addition of distractor symbols. The limitations of the findings of this single participant investigation are discussed along with implications for future research.
On the use of ratio likelihood and GNC for the restoration of SAR images

Several methods have already been developed in order to solve the problem of restoring blurred images corrupted by gaussian noise. The authors' goal is to adapt these methods to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. This kind of images has particular properties that they describe. Modifications to the methods are then suggested. The choice of the algorithm allowing the computation of the smoothed image is discussed. Some results on simulated and real images are then presented.
Records surveys in support of a framework for managing public records in Zimbabwe

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that records surveys are a critical function that supports a framework for managing public records. The study was motivated by the recognition that the key step in ensuring that records are properly managed on a continuing basis at each stage of the life cycle is to examine all records created and maintained by an office through, among other activities, conducting a records and information management survey. The study employed a quantitative methodology to gather data using self-administered questionnaires completed by registry supervisors working in government ministries, face-to-face interviews held with former and current National Archives of Zimbabwe archivists and records management assistants as well as content analysis of records survey reports. The findings revealed that records surveys are a strong pillar supporting the framework for managing public records in Zimbabwe. However, most public registries have not yet realized the benefits of records surveys due to the difficulties that hinder them from implementing the recommendations. The study recommends that key records management activities such as records appraisal, developing a vital records management programme and creating retention and disposal schedules may be effectively managed if the recommendations of records surveys are implemented by public registries in Zimbabwe.
Developing Practical Neural Network Applications Using Back‐Propagation

: In the past few years, neural networks have emerged as a problem-solving technique with capabilities suited to many civil engineering problems. Among the various neural network paradigms available, back-propagation is by far the most utilized for its relatively simple mathematical proofs and good generalization capabilities. Despite its capabilities, back-propagation suffers from several problems that hinder the development of practical neural network applications. These include slow training, ill-defined knowledge representation and problem structuring, and nonguided design of an optimal network configuration for adequate generalization. This paper represents an effort to guide the process of developing practical neural network applications using back-propagation. The paper starts with a brief description of back-propagation mathematics. Some of the heuristics and techniques used to overcome back-propagation problems, particularly lack of generalization, are identified and outlined, along with areas of potential improvements to the paradigm. An application development methodology is proposed utilizing the identified heuristics and techniques. The methodology provides a structured framework for designing and implementing practical neural network applications with less effort.
Technology‐led change: A study of the implementation of CADCAM

Many authors have emphasized that new technology implementations in organizations are predominantly ‘technology led' (e.g. Blacker & Brown, 1986; Clegg & Kemp, 1986). However, few analysts have attempted to account for this approach or, indeed, to spell out its consequences. In this study, we describe the implementation of a CADCAM system in a light engineering company over an 18-month period, focusing specifically on the reasons for the adoption of a technology-led implementation style. Using a variety of methods and data-gathering techniques, we argue that this ‘technology-led’ implementation is a form of ‘satisficing’ (March & Simon, 1961) and that this approach was adopted as a result of the differentiated and political environment, the scarcity of organizational resources, the existing managerial style and the complexity of the problem. We present a model of this implementation approach and its outcomes based on this interpretation.
Failure, Neuroscience and Success: Differentiating the pedagogies of music technology from electroacoustic composition

Although the pedagogy of music technology more closely resembles that of other academic subjects, the teaching of electroacoustic composition involves a significant degree of creativity, and thus relies on different creativity-specific parts of the brain and memory systems (Lehmann 2007). This paper reviews recent neuroscientific research that may assist differentiation between effective pedagogical approaches of these two subjects where knowledge is stored in separate, discrete and sometimes competing long-term memory locations (Cotterill 2001). It argues that, because of these differences, the learning of music technology and electroacoustic composition is best kept separate, at least in the beginning stages. These points are underscored by an example of a demonstrably failed pedagogical model for teaching electroacoustic composition contrasted with a subsequent highly successful model employed in the same university music programme; an experience that may translate well to other learning environments.
Generalised approach to the recognition of structurally similar handwritten characters using multiple expert classifiers

It is observed that a particular classifier using a particular set of features will generally exhibit a greater probability of confusion among certain character classes than among others. In general these confusion classes are a substantial source of error in the overall performance of the classifier. A productive way to deal with the problem is to separate these characters and reprocess them further in an independent secondary stage in the framework of a multiple expert configuration. The philosophy is to use multiple classifiers to re-evaluate these relatively difficult characters by treating them as special and specific problem cases. In extending special treatment to these characters, advantage can be taken of distinctive structural features to design tailor-made algorithms suited to a particular problem. Since such classifiers are required to deal only with a limited number of classes, very versatile classifiers can be implemented. The main difficulty of this philosophy is to devise a way to group characters together to make sure that these specialised classifiers receive a stream of input characters which indeed belong to the particular group of characters associated with that particular classifier. The authors present a general philosophy for multi-expert classification and deal with the specific problem of formation of distinctive character streams with a high degree of confidence. It then elaborates on other techniques and variations that can be adopted to make this type of multiple expert configuration more effective.
Enhanced visualization of inner ear structures

Recently surgery requires extensive support from imaging technologies in order to increase effectiveness and safety of operations. One of important tasks is to enhance visualisation of quasi-phase (transparent) 3d structures. Those structures are characterized by very low contrast. It makes differentiation of tissues in field of view very difficult. For that reason the surgeon may be extremly uncertain during operation. This problem is connected with supporting operations of inner ear during which physician has to perform cuts at specific places of quasi-transparent velums. Conventionally during such operations medical doctor views the operating field through stereoscopic microscope. In the paper we propose a 3D visualisation system based on Helmet Mounted Display. Two CCD cameras placed at the output of microscope perform acquisition of stereo pairs of images. The images are processed in real-time with the goal of enhancement of quasi-phased structures. The main task is to create algorithm that is not sensitive to changes in intensity distribution. The disadvantages of existing algorithms is their lack of adaptation to occuring reflexes and shadows in field of view. The processed images from both left and right channels are overlaid on the actual images exported and displayed at LCD's of Helmet Mounted Display. A physician observes by HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) a stereoscopic operating scene with indication of the places of special interest. The authors present the hardware ,procedures applied and initial results of inner ear structure visualisation. Several problems connected with processing of stereo-pair images are discussed.
Multilingual translation vs. English-fits-all in South African media

After the demise of apartheid, the ANC government in South Africa elevated nine African languages to the status of official languages, on a par with the two official languages during the apartheid regime (1948–1991), Afrikaans and English. With eleven official languages in this vast country, the home of some 50 million people, one may expect a high level of translational activities, as is seen in, for instance, the EU, with 23 official languages - one of which happens to be English. However, although English plays an important role in the European media, it has an all but dominant role in South African media. To the extent that translation is found in South African media, it tends to be either between English and Afrikaans or from an African language into English, not from English into an African language. This paper establishes a theoretical framework distinguishing between varying degrees of visibility in (media) translation, and exemplifies various translational phenomena typical of the special conditi.