Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PERCEIVING SPEECH PRODUCED WITH FACE MASKS IN COMPETING TALKER ENVIRONMENTS

This paper examines the perception of speech produced with face masks in everyday multi-talker environments. Three groups of participants listened to English target sentences produced with or without a face mask in the presence of English or Lithuanian competing speech. Participants were monolingual English listeners, and second language English listeners with either Lithuanian or Mandarin Chinese as first language (L1). Lithuanian listeners also completed the experiment with Lithuanian target sentences. Participants were generally more accurate perceiving sentences produced without a face mask, and when listening in L1. Competing speech in a language matching the target lowered perception accuracy. Exceptionally, only when Lithuanian participants (with both English and Lithuanian knowledge) listened for Lithuanian targets was there no added challenge from matching language of target and competing speech. We conclude that acoustic distortions from face masks present an across-the-board difficulty while linguistic knowledge can reduce distraction from competing speech.
Conditions on Adaptation to an Unfamiliar Lexical Tone System: The Role of Quantity and Quality of Exposure

Variation in lexical tone systems across dialects presents a perceptual challenge to speech adaptation. For instance, several Mandarin regional dialects have four phonological tones, but the phonetic realization of those tones differs considerably. Previous studies have demonstrated that listeners readily accommodate dialectal variation in lexical tone systems through incidental exposure. The present study examined whether adaptation was facilitated through the presence of explicit minimal-pair tone contrasts or increased exposure to the dialect. We found that rapid adaptation to the novel tone system was persistent even when minimal-pair sentences were removed from the stimuli and about one minute of incidental exposure was available with no repetition. Minimal-pair contrast was not necessary for adaptation. Increased exposure through repeated trials reliably enhanced sensitivity to the novel tone system.
The Mouseion at the JAXlibrary The Mouseion at the JAXlibrary

Immuno-oncology (IO)- based therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, bi-specific antibodies, and CAR- T-cell therapies have shown significant success in the treat-ment of several cancer indications. However, these therapies can result in the development of severe adverse events, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Currently, there is a paucity of in vivo models that can evaluate dose-response relationships for both tumor control and CRS-related safety issues. We tested an in vivo PBMC humanized mouse model to assess both treatment efficacy against specific tumors and the concurrent cytokine release profiles for individual human donors after treatment with a CD19xCD3 bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE). Using this model, we evaluated
Responses to Ten Generations of Divergent Selection for Tibial Dyschondroplasia in Broiler Chickens : Growth , Egg Production , and Hatchability

Continued genetic selection for improved BW gain has met an obstacle of skeletal disorders in broiler chickens. Two broiler chicken lines (HTD and LTD) were developed by 10 generations of divergent selection for tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) incidence originating from commercial primary breeders. The reference population was a randombred control line maintained along with the selected lines. Relationships of TD incidence with BW, egg production (EP), and hatchability were assessed using these lines. The response of TD to selection was asymmetric, favoring an increased TD incidence. Mean TD incidence increased 7.6 percentage points per generation during Generation 1 through 10 in males and 9.1 percentage points in females of the HTD line but did not change significantly in the LTD line at 4 wk of age. Responses of the HTD line in early (1 to 4) generations were greater than in later (6 to 10) generations, in contrast to nonsignificant responses for both durations in the LTD line. The 4-wk BW of the HTD line was slightly heavier than or similar to that of the LTD line within generations. The HTD line birds tended to decrease 7-wk BW with advancing generations. The trend of changes in BW was not as clear in the LTD line as in the HTD line. The variability of 7-wk BW had an increased trend with advancing generations in the HTD line, accompanied by a decreased additive genetic variability of TD due to continued selection. The average EP in the LTD hens was 7.6 percentage points higher than in the HTD from Generations 1 through 10. Mean hatchability in the LTD line did not differ from that in the HTD line within generation. Responses of EP and hatchability, components associated with fitness, appeared slower towards increased fitness than towards decreased fitness. (
The Lateglacial to early Holocene tephrochronological record from Lake Hämelsee, Germany: a key site within the European tephra framework

Here we present the results of a detailed cryptotephra investigation through the Lateglacial to early Holocene transition, from a new sediment core record obtained from Lake Hämelsee, Germany. Two tephra horizons, the Laacher See Tephra (Eifel Volcanic Field) and the Saksunarvatn Ash (Iceland), have been previously described in this partially varved sediment record, indicating the potential of the location as an important Lateglacial tephrochronological site in northwest Europe. We have identified three further tephra horizons, which we correlate to: the c. 12.1 ka BP Vedde Ash (Iceland), the c. 11 ka BP Ulmener Maar tephra (Eifel Volcanic Field) and the c. 10.8 ka BP Askja‐S tephra (Iceland). Three additional cryptotephra deposits have been found (locally named HÄM_T1616, HÄM_T1470 and HÄM_T1456‐1455), which cannot be correlated to any known eruption at present. Geochemical analysis of the deposits suggests that these cryptotephras most likely have an Icelandic origin. Our discoveries provide age constraints for the new sediment records from Lake Hämelsee and enable direct stratigraphical correlations to be made with other tephra‐bearing sites across Europe. The new tephrostratigraphical record, within a partially varved Lateglacial sediment record, highlights the importance of Lake Hämelsee as a key site within the European tephra lattice.
9 Consumption, working and trade of Late Antique glass from north Adriatic Italy: An archaeometric perspective

The present chapter aims to investigate the circulation of glass in north Adriatic Italy during Late Antiquity. The assemblages considered are composed of vessels and working waste (including chunks) and come from Aquileia (sites: ‘Domus delle Bestie Ferite’ and ‘Domus of Tito Macro’) and Classe (sites: ‘Building 6’ and ‘US 4381’, located in the productive area of the harbour), both Late Antique cities located on the north Adriatic coast and connected with the Levant and North Africa by means of commercial routes. An integrated approach, which involves archaeological characterisation, geochemical study and statistical analysis, has been applied. In both cities glass of Late Antique compositional groups already established in the published literature – HIMT, série 3.2 and Levantine 1 – were identified. The trade of raw glass and the secondary working activities of glass of the HIMT and série 3.2 groups were attested in both locations while Levantine 1 glass, less represented in both cities, was probably worked only in Classe and no evidence of raw glass trade was identified. The chemical and isotopic results allow us to hypothesise, for the two cities, similar trade routes and analogous supply of raw materials and raw glass from the eastern Mediterranean.
DIFFERENT SENSITIVITY TO TEMPORAL AUDITORY FEEDBACK PERTURBATION IN ADULTS WHO STUTTER: SYLLABLE STRUCTURE EFFECTS

Ten adults who stutter (AWS) and ten fluent speakers were tested in three conditions with a real-time temporal auditory feedback perturbation paradigm (Onset, Vowel, and Coda Condition). In each condition, the perturbation target was stretched (either the onset consonant, the vowel, or the coda consonant of the German mono-syllabic word “Schaf”, /ʃa:f/, sheep ). No compensatory shortening for either of the stretched segments was observed, but both groups lengthened the segment(s) following the perturbed segment in the Onset and the Vowel Condition (reactive feedback control). In comparing both groups, the clearest tendency was that in the Onset Condition, AWS showed earlier and stronger responses by lengthening the following vowel. No group differences were observed in the Vowel or the Coda Condition. The data support the idea that persons who stutter use auditory feedback to a greater extent in onsets than fluent speakers and rely less on their internal representation.
The effect of L2 experience on Mandarin speakers’ production of Australian English short and long vowels

This study explores the effect of L2 experience on Mandarin speakers’ production of Australian English short/long vowel pairs: /ɪ - iː/, /ʊ - ʉː/, and /ɐ - ɐː/. Vowel quality (F1/F2 estimates, spectral overlap) and vowel duration are examined. /ɪ - iː/ is found to be produced with the greatest spectral overlap, followed by /ɐ - ɐː/ and then /ʊ - ʉː/, where /ʉː/ is fronted compared to /ʊ/, indicative of the potential influence from Australian English. Durational differences are significant only for /ɪ - iː/. Speakers who have more experience with Australian English (AusE) make greater spectral and durational distinction between the short/long vowels. The results reveal a more nuanced picture with different L2 sources influencing the speakers’ vowel production in addition to AusE. This calls for more studies that examine Mandarin L2 English within the ‘New Englishes’ paradigm.
SOCIOLINGUISTIC FACTORS PREDICTING SOUND CHANGE IN SWISS GERMAN

Swiss German dialects have changed substantially over the past few centuries. Previous literature provides ample evidence of sound change. However, most previous studies are limited either in the number of localities or variables, or in the sociolinguistic metadata obtained from participants. In the present contribution we provide a large-scale analysis of sound change, examining ten phonetic variables from 1000 speakers who come from 125 representative localities in German-speaking Switzerland. Factors such as age, mobility, and dialect identity appear to be the driving forces behind sound change, which is further patterned regionally and constrained by between-item variation. We discuss reasons for the sound change observed.
THE ROLE OF PRIOR KNOWLEDGE IN SECOND-LANGAUGE LEARNERS’ OVERNIGHT CONSOLIDATION OF CANTONESE TONES

This study examines the role of prior linguistic knowledge in the sleep-mediated memory consolidation of lexical ones. Memory consolidation is beneficial in learning new sounds in a second language. And new information consistent with the existing knowledge is consolidated better than that which is not during sleep. What remains unclear from the research is whether prior knowledge from a native language influences the overnight consolidation of lexical tones. The study adopts an overnight design, using two contrasts of Cantonese contour and level tones, for two perceptual learning experiments conducted separately on Mandarin and English-speaking learners. The results indicate that Mandarin-speaking participants successfully consolidated novel words contrasting in contour tones (but not in level tones) thanks to their prior knowledge of contour tones. Without prior knowledge of tones, English-speaking L2 learners did not show a difference in consolidating tones. The findings suggest a beneficial role of prior knowledge in overnight consolidation.
Perception of lexical pitch accent and rising shape in South Kyungsang Korean

This study investigates how South Kyungsang Korean (SKK) listeners perceive lexical pitch accents depending on three factors: f 0 rise shape, f 0 peak alignment, and segmental duration. Specifically, a two-alternative forced choice task was conducted to see how they categorize different f 0 contours as either H or LH for phrase-medial monosyllabic words. Results showed that f 0 rise shape and segmental duration influenced SKK listeners’ categorization, while no effect of peak alignment was observed. Interestingly, they responded to more convex shapes as LH, while more concave shapes, as H. Moreover, shorter duration induced an H categorization, while longer duration was related to LH. Results suggest that SKK listeners use both f 0 shape and segmental duration as important cues for tonal contrast, though f 0 shape shows stronger categorical effect than duration. Thus, f 0 shape information is important to determine phonological representation of pitch accents, as opposed to strict tonal alignment in Autosegmental-Metrical theory.
IS GESTURE-SPEECH PHYSICS AT WORK IN RHYTHMIC POINTING? EVIDENCE FROM POLISH COUNTING-OUT RHYMES

‘Gesture-speech physics’ refers to a possible biomechanical coupling between manual gesture and speech. According to this thesis, rapid gesturing leaves a direct imprint on acoustics (intensity, F0), as gesture accelerations/decelerations increase expiratory forces and therefore subglottal pressure, leading to higher amplitude envelope peaks and higher F0 values. This acoustic effect has been reported in lab experiments, spontaneous speech, clinical studies, and professional vocal performers. The current study investigates this phenomenon in Polish counting-out rhymes, using motion capture data and acoustic recordings from 11 native Polish speakers. Following the gesture-speech physics thesis, we expect acceleration/deceleration peaks to be correlated with speech intensity/F0. Through Bayesian analyses, we obtained a weak but reliable coupling of deceleration of the pointing hand and the nearest peak in the smoothed amplitude envelope.
WIDER Working Paper 2024/1 Does it matter who you ask for time-use data?

: Time-use statistics are sensitive to measurement error, especially errors that might be introduced based on whether the informant is reporting on herself or reporting on others in the household. In this paper, we use the nationally representative time-use survey in India and propensity score matching methods to investigate how self-and proxy reporting impact the reported time spent on various activities by men and women. Theoretically, we examine the mechanisms underpinning the differences in reporting and empirically test our hypothesis. Proxy informants tend to report higher time use for both men and women on employment activities (14– 26 per cent) and lower time use on production for self-consumption, unpaid domestic work, and care work (5–33 per cent) as compared to self-reports. On average, female proxies differ more from self-reports when reporting about both men and women in their households as compared to male proxies. Investigating the mechanisms, we find that the self–proxy differences are not due to random error but are systemic. Information asymmetry between the self and proxy respondents plays a key role—spouses and self–proxy respondents with similar characteristics have smaller reporting differences than non-spouses and other respondents. Gendered perception of what activities are classified as work also play a key role in the differences.
Phase relations between the tongue body and the jaw across rate modifications in younger and older speakers

The present study investigated the effects of age and speech rate on intergestural phasing patterns of oral articulators in younger and older speakers across three speech rates. 12 younger and 16 older speakers produced the target word ‘Kaia’ at a fast, typical and slow speech rate. Phase angles were used to quantify the spatiotemporal relations between the tongue body and the jaw. The timing of the jaw movement was referenced to the tongue body’s movement cycle during ‘Kai’. The results replicated previous studies on rate effects and showed that younger speakers systematically increased phase angles from fast to typical and further to slow speech. However, in older speakers such increased phase angles were only observed for comparisons of typical and slow speech as phase angles did not differ between fast and typical speech. The findings suggest that intergestural timing patterns may become less flexible with advancing age.
ORTHOGRAPHY AND THE MENTAL LEXICON: THE EFFECTS OF ENGLISH SILENT LETTERS ON FRENCH LEARNERS

Previous L2 research has shown that direct exposure to orthographic input increases orthographic effects in L2 speech. In our previous work, we demonstrated that French learners of English produce intrusive consonants in correspondence of silent letters when directly exposed to orthographic input. The present study investigates whether this persists when orthography is not provided. 91 French undergraduate students specialising in English and enrolled in various French universities performed a picture naming task and an AB audio preference task in which a phoneme had been added to each stimulus reflecting grapheme-phoneme correspondence (e.g., *[ˈsæ l mən] for salmon ). Results clearly confirm the strong effects of spelling on L2 pronunciation and phonological representations, therefore disclosing that:
The influence of declining sea ice on shipping activity in the Canadian Arctic

Significant attention has focused on the potential for increased shipping activity driven by recently observed declines in Arctic sea ice cover. In this study, we describe the first coupled spatial analysis between shipping activity and sea ice using observations in the Canadian Arctic over the 1990–2015 period. Shipping activity is measured by using known ship locations enhanced with a least cost path algorithm to generate ship tracks and quantified by computing total distance traveled in kilometers. Statistically significant increases in shipping activity are observed in the Hudson Strait (150–500 km traveled yr−1), the Beaufort Sea (40–450 km traveled yr−1), Baffin Bay (50–350 km traveled yr−1), and regions in the southern route of the Northwest Passage (50–250 km traveled yr−1). Increases in shipping activity are significantly correlated with reductions in sea ice concentration (Kendall's tau up to −0.6) in regions of the Beaufort Sea, Western Parry Channel, Western Baffin Bay, and Foxe Basin. Changes in multiyear ice‐dominant regions in the Canadian Arctic were found to be more influential on changes to shipping activity compared to seasonal sea ice regions.
Long-term partitioning of ammonium and nitrate among different components in an alpine meadow ecosystem

The fate of N-15-labeled ammonium and nitrate was determined in a Kobresia pygaea C. B. Clarke meadow after 11-13 months following N-15 additions in order to understand the role of alpine meadows in retention of deposited nitrogen X. It was shown that the fate of NO3--N-15 or NH4+-N-15 was distinctly different. In 11-13 months after N-15 additions, total N-15 recovery of NO3--N-15 was 92.83%, 92.64% and 79.96% while N-15 recovery of NH4+-N-15 was 49.6%, 63.33% and 66.22%. Their different fates were obviously shown on partitioning of N-15 among different components in alpine meadows. After 11-13 months following N-15 additions, more NO3--N-15 was recovered in plants than in soil organic matter or in soil microorganisms. N-15 retained in soil organic matter was also high and increased with time. N-15 immobilized in soil microorganisms was close to that retained in soil organic matter within 11-12 months while it decreased significantly after 13 months. When NH4+-N-15 was added, more N-15 was retained in soil organic matter than in plants or in soil microorganisms. N-15 taken up by plants was constant while that immobilized in soil microorganisms altered greatly. Eleven to thirteen months after N-15 additions, plants and soil microorganisms took up more NO3--N-15 than NH4+-N-15 while soil organic matter recovered more NH4+-N-15 than NO3--N-15. It indicates that alpine meadows play different roles in retention of deposited NO3- and NH4+ after a long time.
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL PUPILS' ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE STUDY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY IN CAPE COAST METROPOLIS OF GHANA

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the attitude of Junior High School pupils towards the study of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in selected schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in Ghana. Descriptive research design was employed in this study where questionnaire and observation guide were used to collect data from 203 pupils. The respondents were purposively drawn from three private and four public schools located in the Efutu, Pedu-Abura and Aboom circuits in the Cape Coast Metropolis. The schools were located in either urban or rural areas of the Metropolis. Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) version 18 for Windows was used to analyse data collected. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyse the biographical data and research question. The finding of the study revealed that pupils in the seven schools had much positive attitude towards the study of ICT.
Determinants Of Financial Performance Of Digital Banks In The Indonesia Stock Exchange

Financial transactions have become a necessity for almost everyone and organizations in the present day. The existence of digital banks utilizing financial technology for their operational activities greatly aids customers who seek fast, convenient, and time-saving transactions. This research aims to identify the factors influencing the financial performance of digital banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Financial performance is measured by Return on Asset. The research sample consists of 6 digital banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, using data from 2016 to 2022. The data is analyzed using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis. The results show that Foreign Ownership, Capital Adequacy and Operating Costs to Operating Revenue have an impact on financial performance, while Institutional Ownership and Loan to Deposit Ratio do not affect the financial performance of digital banks. This implies that foreign ownership, Capital Adequacy, and Operating Costs to Operating Revenue factors should be a consideration for investors planning to invest in digital banks.
Predicting Lamina Yield from Logs of Different Diameters for Cross Laminated Timber Production

The goal of this study was to predict lamina yield from logs of different diameter for production of cross laminated timber. Log characteristics of red pine ( Pinus densiflora ) and Japanese cedar ( Cryptomeria japonica ), including diameter, length, volume, and defects were used for statistical and geometrical analyses, along with the lamina characteristics, including width, thickness, and defects. Based on the data obtained, the strong factors influencing the yield and grade of lamina from the two species were statistically evaluated. A geometrical approach was used for analysis of the yield from logs of given diameters. Statistical analysis showed that lamina yield was dependent on target lamina size but the grade of lamina was not related to any of the log characteristics. The suggested yield equations from the geometrical approach indicated an accuracy of less than 20% difference.
Improving coastal management outcomes through science and the law

5 Acknowledgements . 7 Chapter 1: Introduction . 9 1.1 Science, the law and coastal management . 9 1.2 Aims and Objectives . 9 1.3 Background. 10 1.3. 1 Coastal Management . 11 1.3. 2 Science . 15 1.3. 3 Local councils. 17 1.4 Thesis Outline . 19 Chapter 2: Methods . 22 2.