Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pitch affects voice onset time (VOT): A cross-linguistic study

Recent research into the acoustics of infant-directed speech (IDS) in English and Korean suggests that voice-onset time (normalized for varying speech rate) in word-initial aspirated stops are shorter than in adult-directed speech. The present study reports results from experiments conducted to explore the source of this VOT variation in IDS. Female English speakers (n=10) and female Korean speakers (n=10) recorded sentences with words varying in laryngeal condition (English: voiced/voiceless; Korean: plain, tense, aspirated) at three different pitches (low, medium, and high). Results suggest that as speakers' pitch increases, the duration of VOT in aspirated stops decreases. Voiced stops (in English) and tense stops in Korean showed no difference in VOT across varying pitch conditions. Regression models suggest that VOT becomes less predictive of laryngeal state as speaker pitch increases. Results are discussed in terms of the physiological explanation of the pitch-VOT effect as well as the implications .
ournal of C osmology and A stroparticle P hysics

The bright polarized synchrotron emission, away from the Galactic plane, originates mostly from ﬁlamentary structures. We implement a ﬁlament ﬁnder algorithm which allows the detection of bright elongated structures in polarized intensity maps. We analyse the sky at 23 and 30 GHz as observed respectively by WMAP and Planck . We identify 19 ﬁlaments, 13 of which have been previously observed. For each ﬁlament, we study the polarization fraction, ﬁnding values typically larger than for the areas outside the ﬁlaments, excluding the Galactic plane, and a fraction of about 30% is reached in two ﬁlaments. We study the polarization spectral indices of the ﬁlaments, and ﬁnd a spectral index consistent with the values found in previous analysis (about − 3 . 1) for more diﬀuse regions. Decomposing the polarization signals into the E and B families, we ﬁnd that most of the ﬁlaments are detected in P E , but not in P B . We then focus on understanding the statistical properties of the diﬀuse regions of the synchrotron emission at 23 GHz. Using Minkowski functionals and tensors, we analyse the non-Gaussianity and statistical isotropy of the polarized intensity maps. For a sky coverage corresponding to 80% of the fainter emission, and on scales smaller than 6 degrees ( ‘ > 30), the deviations from Gaussianity and isotropy are signiﬁcantly higher than 3 σ . The level of deviation decreases for smaller scales, however, it remains signiﬁcantly high for the lowest analised scale ( ∼ 1 . 5 ◦ ). When 60% sky coverage is analysed, we ﬁnd that the deviations never exceed 3 σ . Finally, we present a simple data-driven model to generate non-Gaussian and anisotropic simulations of the synchrotron polarized emission. The simulations are ﬁtted in order to match the spectral and statistical properties of the faintest 80% sky coverage of the data maps.
Acceptability of decentralizing childhood tuberculosis diagnosis in low-income countries with high tuberculosis incidence: Experiences and perceptions from health care workers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia

Background Decentralizing childhood tuberculosis services, including diagnosis, is now recommended by the WHO and could contribute to increasing tuberculosis detection in high burden countries. However, implementing microbiological tests and clinical evaluation could be challenging for health care workers (HCWs) in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and even District Hospitals (DHs). We sought to assess the acceptability of decentralizing a comprehensive childhood tuberculosis diagnosis package from HCWs perspective. Design/Methods We conducted implementation research nested within the TB-Speed Decentralization study. HCWs from two health districts of Cambodia, Cameroon, Cote dIvoire, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Uganda implemented systematic screening, nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) and stool sample collection with molecular testing, clinical evaluation and chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation. We investigated their experiences and perceptions in delivering the diagnostic package components in 2020-21 using individual semi-structured interviews. We conducted thematic analysis, supported by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results HCWs (n=130, 55% female, median age 36 years, 53% nurses, 72% PHC-based) perceived that systematic screening, although increasing workload, was beneficial as it improved childhood tuberculosis awareness. Most HCWs shared satisfaction and confidence in performing NPA, despite procedure duration, need to involve parents/colleagues and discomfort for children. HCWs shared positive attitudes towards stool sample-collection but were frustrated by delayed collection associated with cultural practices, transport and distance challenges. Molecular testing, conducted by nurses or laboratory technicians, was perceived as providing quality results, contributing to diagnosis. Clinical evaluation and diagnosis raised self-efficacy issues and need for continuous training and clinical mentoring. HCWs valued CXR, however complained that technical and logistical problems limited access to digital reports. Referral from PHC to DH was experienced as burdensome. Conclusion HCWs at DH and PHC-levels perceived and experienced decentralized childhood tuberculosis diagnosis as acceptable. Implementation however could be hampered by feasibility issues, and calls for innovative referral mechanisms for patients, samples and CXR.
Determination of Gain and Loss Mechanisms in Semiconductor Lasers Using Pressure Techniques

Both the gain and loss mechanisms in semiconductor lasers are determined in large part by the band structure of the laser active region and the surrounding material layers. Uniaxial stress measurements confirm the predicted variation of gain and threshold characteristics due to the incorporation of axial strain, with large tensile or compressive strain reducing the carrier and current density required to reach threshold. The combination of hydrostatic pressure measurements and band structure calculations enables identification of the dominant loss mechanisms in semiconductor lasers, identifying leakage from the active to the cladding region as the dominant loss mechanism in GaInP/AIGaInP visible lasers, and Auger recombination as the dominant loss mechanism and cause of the temperature sensitivity of long wavelength (1.3 to 1.55 μm) lasers.
Some insights into slamming forces: Compressible and incompressible phases

Abstract In the present paper the slamming force occurring in the free-fall impact of cylindrical bodies over the water surface is analysed in both compressible and incompressible stages. In the compressible phase the hydrodynamic analysis is carried out by the acoustic approximation and a closed-form expression for the impact force is recovered. The incompressible stage is approached through an unsteady boundary element method to compute the free surface evolution and the slamming force on the body. In both cases the hydrodynamic force is coupled to the rigid body motion to update the entry velocity of the body. The combined effect of the increasing wetted area and the reducing entry velocity leads to a maximum in the impact force that depends on the body mass. A parametric investigation shows that in the impact of a wedge section, if the maximum is reached either in the compressible or in the incompressible stages, a similar square root trend characterizes the dependence of this maximum on a non-dimensional mass parameter.
Deriving solar X ray irradiance from Yohkoh observations

The soft X ray telescope (SXT) on Yohkoh produces calibrated images which are used to derive X ray irradiance and coronal temperature. In this paper we compute the mean temperature and spectral irradiance for 25 coronal differential emission measure (DEM) models ranging from very quiet solar conditions to the main phase of large flares. These results are compared to what would have been derived from an SXT observation of the solar conditions represented by the DEM models. After applying an empirical correction algorithm, derived as part of this work, 24 of 25 SXT filter-ratio temperatures fall within 0.1 in log10(T) of the mean DEM temperatures. The irradiance error depends both on the chosen spectral band and the spectrum, here represented by a single plasma temperature. As expected, the irradiance is more accurate and less sensitive to spectrum for bands that match the band pass of the sensor. Even a crude color temperature approximation to the coronal X ray spectrum greatly improves the accuracy of derived radiance over values derived for an assumed temperature of 3 × 106 K: the mean temperature of all DEM. An RMS improvement of a factor of 12–17 was found for the cases studied. For two bands, which match the sensor band pass, the RMS accuracy is better than 10%. Yohkoh X ray irradiance data, converted with SXT color temperatures, will be placed in the National Geophysical Data Center for use by the solar and atmospheric physics communities.
Effect of Carrier Traps in Polyethylene under Gamma‐Ray Irradiation

Stimulated currents are detected with increasing temperature in polyethylene films following the irradiation with high‐energy electron beams at 77°K. A peak current occurs at about 200°K in low‐density specimens and 250°K in high‐density ones.Induced currents I under gamma‐ray irradiation of polyethylene at room temperature depend on dose rate R via I ∝ RΔ. In high‐density polyethylene preirradiation by electron beams of about 5×107 rads at room temperature Δ increases from 0.5 to 0.84 and is accompanied by a decrease of induced current. In the low‐density specimens Δ decreases from 0.8 to 0.6 and the induced current increases with the same preirradiation. After boiling the preirradiated specimen for 5 min, Δ becomes 0.5 in both cases, and in the high‐density specimens the induced current I returns to that of the nonirradiated sample. This behavior suggests that the increase and decrease of carrier traps by these treatments influence the induced current characteristics. Another factor influencing the indu.
Spatial inequality and explaining the urban-rural gap in obesity in India: Evidence from 2015–16 population-based survey

Objective This study assessed the spatial dimension of urban-rural disparity in obesity prevalence and identified the determinants explaining the urban-rural gap in obesity prevalence in India. Methods Using cross-sectional survey data from the 2015–16 National Family Health Survey, the prevalence rates of obesity were calculated for aged 15–49 years. Two multiscale geographically weighted regressions were performed separately from rural and urban spaces for Indian districts to examine the spatial relationship of the outcome variable and covariates at different geographical scales. Fairlie decomposition analysis was carried out to explore the contribution of each variable in the urban-rural gap. Results The rural-urban obesity prevalence difference has increased in a decade time for India from 13.0 to 14.6. Urban counterparts tended to have more people with excess weight. 15 states had an urban-rural prevalence ratio of 2 or higher. The MGWR model showed that varying covariates operated at different scales, i.e. global, regional and local scales, and determined the spatial heterogeneity of obesity prevalence. The only variable, i.e. age (9.49 per cent), had contributed in reducing the gap. Conversely, the socioeconomic variables, i.e. income (96.39 per cent), education (4.95 per cent), caste (4.78 per cent) and occupation (3.11 per cent), had widened the gap. Conclusions Even though this study evidenced the rural-urban gap in obesity prevalence, it indicated the gap’s closing shortly, as it was witnessed in a few states. It is urgent to address the obesity epidemic, especially in urban India, due to its higher prevalence and prevent the further increase of prevalence in rural India, mainly because it shelters nearly 70 per cent of the Indian population.
Apoplexy in pituitary metastasis revealing a lung carcinoma

Pituitary metastasis (PM) is an uncommon manifestation of systemic malignant tumours. It is the least common site of intracranial metastases. As PM has no clinical or radiological pathognomonic features, their diagnosis is challenging. Herein, we present a rare case of a PM unveiling lung cancer. A 60‐year‐old male with no medical history of malignancy was admitted with a sudden headache, retro‐orbital pain, and a severe loss of both eyes' visual acuity. After proper investigations and endoscopic resection of the sellar mass, the diagnosis was confirmed to be pituitary metastasis of lung carcinoma. PM can be the initial presentation of an otherwise unknown malignancy. Their diagnosis and management are complex and depend on many factors. Endoscopic surgical resection provides histopathological proof, helps with symptomatic relief, and improves the quality of life but has no effect on survival.
Children of the grave: Investigating non-adult feeding practices in medieval and early modern Estonia through stable isotope analysis

Studying infant diet and feeding practices through stable isotope analysis provides direct insight into the life and health of vulnerable population groups in the past. Although the general diet in medieval and early modern Livonia has been reconstructed from written sources, little is known about childhood diet during this tumultuous period of Eastern European history. This study presents a comparative investigation of the staple non-adult diet in urban/rural communities during the 13th-17th centuries AD, with a special focus on feeding practices. We aim to reveal the impact of socio-economic circumstances on early childhood nutrition, which affects the physical development and overall survival of this susceptible population group. Bone collagen samples from 176 individuals between the fetal and the 7–15 age categories from four urban/rural South-Estonian cemeteries were cross-sectionally analyzed via EA-IRMS (Elemental Analysis with Isotope Ratio Mass Spectroscopy) for δ13C and δ15N. Results suggest that South-Estonian children had a staple terrestrial C3 diet integrated with animal proteins. Significant divergences were observed between urban and rural sites and slight variation occurred among rural subgroups, possibly resulting from a wider food choice available in towns, different consumption of C4 foods, and/or secular changes. This study provides the first data regarding infant feeding practices in medieval and early modern Livonia. These practices were similar among the different contexts, indicating comparable cultural traditions in child rearing. Breastfeeding was likely practiced for 1–2 years, with supplementary foods introduced around 1 year of age. The weaning process was probably concluded around the age of 3. The δ13C and δ15N values of older children are comparable to those of the adults from the same sites, indicating their diets became similar after weaning, when they started working and obtained a more mature social status.
rimary vaccination with the LiESP / QA-21 vaccine CaniLeish ® ) produces a cell-mediated immune response hich is still present 1 year later

Canine leishmaniasis, an important zoonotic disease of dogs, is the result of an ineffective and inappropriate immune response to infection with Leishmania infantum. It is widely accepted that the appropriate immune response is characterised by a T-helper (Th)1dominated profile in an overall mixed Th1/Th2 response. The absence of a strong Th1 response is associated with progression to the clinical disease. Thus, there is a need for an effective vaccine that could modulate the immune response to a more appropriate profile against the parasite. In this study we measured the impact of the LiESP/QA-21 canine vaccine, recently launched commercially in Europe, on selected humoral and cellular immune markers for one year after a primary vaccination course. The humoral response to vaccination was characterised by a predominantly IgG2 profile. Vaccinated dogs developed long-lasting cell-mediated immune responses against L. infantum, specifically with itric oxide a stronger ability of macrophages to reduce intracellular parasite burdens in co-culture with autologous lymphocytes compared to control dogs (p = 0.0002), which was correlated with induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and production of nitric oxide (NO) derivatives. These results confirm that vaccination with LiESP/QA-21 is capable of inducing an appropriate Th1-dominated immune profile which persists for a full year. The Aut © 2014 Abbreviations: BrdU, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine; CMLA, Canine acrophage Leishmanicidal Assay; ELISpot, Enzyme-Linked Immunospot ssay; IFAT, immunofluorescent antibody test; iNOS, inducible nitric xide synthase; LiESP, L. infantum excreted-secreted proteins; LTT, Lymhoblastic Transformation Test; NO, nitric oxide; PSA, parasite surface ntigen; SLA, Soluble Leishmania Antigens. ∗ Corresponding author. Tel. : +33 492 08 71 00; fax: +33 492 08 71 65. E-mail address: david.mcgahie@virbac.com (D. McGahie). 165-2427 © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. ttp://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.vetimm. 2014.01. 011 Open access under CC BY hors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Comparison of thermal oxidation and plasma oxidation of 4H-SiC (0001) for surface flattening

The thermal oxidation and water vapor plasma oxidation of 4H-SiC (0001) were investigated. The initial oxidation rate of helium-based atmospheric-pressure plasma oxidation was six times higher than that of thermal oxidation. The oxide-SiC interface generated by plasma oxidation became flatter with increasing thickness of the oxide, whereas the interface generated by thermal oxidation was atomically flat regardless of the oxide thickness. Many pits were generated on the thermally oxidized surface, whereas few pits were observed on the surface oxidized by plasma. After the oxide layer generated plasma oxidation was removed, an atomically flat and pit-free SiC surface was obtained.
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM stadium patient evacuation: A system testing simulation-based exercise

Background: As the State of Qatar is soon to host the Federation International of Football Associations (FIFA) 2022 World Cup tournament, the health sector has also been preparing for the event to increase its capacity to meet the expected additional health demand. The readiness of the health sector is being tested and improved through a number of simulation-based exercises. In this case, it relates to testing in a realistic manner the complete evacuation process of a patient using two very different modes of transportation, from a distant FIFA stadium up to the handover phase in the main trauma center in the State of Qatar. Method: In this controlled simulation-based pilot study, the total evacuation time of a patient from the 60,000-fan capacity Al Bayt Stadium (ABS), situated in a rural northern part of Qatar, to Hamad General Hospital (HGH) Trauma Resuscitation Unit (TRU) situated approximately 50 km away, was compared when transported by helicopter and by ambulance. The Scenario for the simulation was based on a player who sustained a fractured lower leg and a concussion during a football match and needed urgent evacuation from the ABS Players’ Medical Clinic near Al Khor to HGH in Doha. The same Scenario was enacted twice, the first time with a ground Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service (HMCAS) ambulance and the second time with an HMCAS LifeFlight helicopter. Results: The transportation phase for Scenario 2 (LifeFlight helicopter) was 63% faster than for Scenario 1 (ground ambulance). However, upon arrival at HGH, the patient arrived sooner at the TRU in Scenario 1 compared with Scenario 2. The overall mission time was thus only 6 minutes and 22 seconds faster by LifeFlight helicopter as compared with the ground ambulance. Conclusions: According to this simulation-based pilot study, using a helicopter to transport patients 50 km from the ABS 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium to the HGH TRU was only marginally faster by helicopter than using a ground-based ambulance. In addition, the ambulance was not using emergency driving operations, which when used would have further reduced the time taken for the ambulance to reach HGH TRU. Therefore, having a helicopter on standby there would not significantly improve the transport time of a critically ill/injured patient’s access to definitive care and will not be available during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM unless it is called upon to respond to a mass casualty incident or bring additional Critical Care Paramedic resources to the stadium.
Motorcycle Accident Scenarios and Post-Crash Kinematics of Motorcyclists in Thailand

This paper unveils a classification of motorcycle accident data in Thailand to identify common accident scenarios and impact parameters for multibody dynamics simulation of motorcycle crashes. The simulation results were analysed in terms of kinematics of riders and passengers as well as head impact locations. Motorcycle accident data revealed that rolling over without any contact with other vehicles was the most common scenario, while the side swipe was the most common type of crash involving other vehicles. The majority of accidents involved passenger cars with riders' age ranging between 10-29 years. Serious and severe injuries accounted for 20% of the total number of casualties whereas minor abrasions and bruise accounted for 41%. Four common accident scenarios were identified together with a range of impact speeds, impact angles and impact points to generate impact conditions for multibody simulations. The simulation results revealed two patterns of global kinematics including (i) the rider together with the child pillion passenger were laterally projected towards the other vehicle as the other vehicle hit the lateral side of the motorcycle; and (ii) the rider together with the child pillion were launched forward in the direction of impact when the front wheel of the motorcycle hit the other vehicle. The vehicle hood was found to be the most frequently impacted area by the rider's and child passenger's head. The car windshield was the second most frequently impacted location for the rider's head. For pick-up truck, the passenger window was the second most frequent area of impact. There was a moderate number of A-pillar contact on the car but such a situation was rare for the pick-up truck.
Pneumomediastinum in association with Covid-19: A less commonly considered differential diagnosis for worsening respiratory failure

We have reported here two cases of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients aged 29 and 68 years who were diagnosed with pneumomediastinum (PM). PM is a rare complication that is being reported in association with COVID-19. Patients with COVID-19 can present with a variety of etiologies that make them vulnerable to PM. Respiratory complications due to COVID-19 are widely known, and it presents as mild to severe and critical illness. Spontaneous PM is a known complication of COVID-19. Despite seeming to be a lesser-known condition, PM can have a significant impact on disease progression and prognosis. We have presented here two contrasting cases of PM. The first patient was young and with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia and PM, while the second one was an old man with severe COVID-19 pneumonia manifestations. Both patients were diagnosed with PM, but their outcomes were completely different.