Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-lingual Self-Supervised Speech Representations for Improved Dysarthric Speech Recognition

State-of-the-art automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems perform well on healthy speech. However, the performance on impaired speech still remains an issue. The current study explores the usefulness of using Wav2Vec self-supervised speech representations as features for training an ASR system for dysarthric speech. Dysarthric speech recognition is particularly difficult as several aspects of speech such as articulation, prosody and phonation can be impaired. Specifically, we train an acoustic model with features extracted from Wav2Vec, Hubert, and the cross-lingual XLSR model. Results suggest that speech representations pretrained on large unlabelled data can improve word error rate (WER) performance. In particular, features from the multilingual model led to lower WERs than filterbanks (Fbank) or models trained on a single language. Improvements were observed in English speakers with cerebral palsy caused dysarthria (UASpeech corpus), Spanish speakers with Parkinsonian dysarthria (PC-GITA corpus) and Italian speakers with paralysis-based dysarthria (EasyCall corpus). Compared to using Fbank features, XLSR-based features reduced WERs by 6.8%, 22.0%, and 7.0% for the UASpeech, PC-GITA, and EasyCall corpus, respectively.
Exemplar-based Pattern Synthesis with Implicit Periodic Field Network

Synthesis of ergodic, stationary visual patterns is widely applicable in texturing, shape modeling, and digital content creation. The wide applicability of this technique thus requires the pattern synthesis approaches to be scalable, diverse, and authentic. In this paper, we propose an exemplar-based visual pattern synthesis framework that aims to model the inner statistics of visual patterns and generate new, versatile patterns that meet the aforementioned requirements. To this end, we propose an implicit network based on generative adversarial network (GAN) and periodic encoding, thus calling our network the Implicit Periodic Field Network (IPFN). The design of IPFN ensures scalability: the implicit formulation directly maps the input coordinates to features, which enables synthesis of arbitrary size and is computationally efficient for 3D shape synthesis. Learning with a periodic encoding scheme encourages diversity: the network is constrained to model the inner statistics of the exemplar based on spatial latent codes in a periodic field. Coupled with continuously designed GAN training procedures, IPFN is shown to synthesize tileable patterns with smooth transitions and local variations. Last but not least, thanks to both the adversarial training technique and the encoded Fourier features, IPFN learns high-frequency functions that produce authentic, high-quality results. To validate our approach, we present novel experimental results on various applications in 2D texture synthesis and 3D shape synthesis.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) : investigating its application and delivery in England and Wales

This thesis has two aims. First, it examines how the principles of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) are practically applied by a representative sample of 28 Architectural Liaison Officers (ALOs) across England and Wales. Second, it investigates how CPTED is delivered across Greater Manchester by Greater Manchester Police Design for Security Consultancy (DFSC). The research demonstrates that when presented with a set of residential plans ALOs are, to varying extents, able to identify locations which time shows have higher levels of crime and disorder. Whilst there is a skill exhibited by ALOs, there is a wide range of performance with some ALOs tending to overstate the risks posed. The skill therefore requires finessing to ensure that ALO input is maximally useful. It is argued that those responsible for the application of CPTED should be afforded more training and resources to allow them to develop this skill. Research underpinning ALO advice also needs to be developed. The way in which CPTED is delivered across Greater Manchester is atypical when compared to other forces across England and Wales. CPTED in Manchester is applied by former built environment professionals and a fee is charged for the production of a Crime Impact Statement (CIS). The aim of the CIS is to ensure that CPTED is considered early in the design and planning process. The thesis reports on how the CIS process was delivered during a period of austerity and examines how DFSC liaise with key stakeholders in compiling the CIS. The associated police recorded crime data for four residential CIS developments is reviewed as a means of measuring the extent to which the developments experienced crime and disorder compared to the immediate surrounding area. During the period of analysis no burglary offences were recorded. Analysis reveals that the involvement of DFSC is dependent upon a client being aware of the policy requirement for a CIS to accompany major planning applications. Some clients request a CIS late in the design and planning process, which limits the time DFSC can appraise the scheme and provide a consultative service. The content and structure of the CIS’ varies depending upon when and by whom the CIS is written. Whilst CPTED is an important consideration for LPAs across Manchester, it is only one consideration, amongst others, for planning officers.
Large deviations, moment estimates and almost sure invariance principles for skew products with mixing base maps and expanding-on-average fibers

Abstract In this paper we show how to apply classical probabilistic tools for partial sums $\sum _{j=0}^{n-1}\varphi \circ \tau ^j$ generated by a skew product $\tau $ , built over a sufficiently well-mixing base map and a random expanding dynamical system. Under certain regularity assumptions on the observable $\varphi $ , we obtain a central limit theorem (CLT) with rates, a functional CLT, an almost sure invariance principle (ASIP), a moderate-deviations principle, several exponential concentration inequalities and Rosenthal-type moment estimates for skew products with $\alpha $ -, $\phi $ - or $\psi $ -mixing base maps and expanding-on-average random fiber maps. All of the results are new even in the uniformly expanding case. The main novelty here (in contrast to [2]) is that the random maps are not independent, they do not preserve the same measure and the observable $\varphi $ depends also on the base space. For stretched exponentially ${\alpha }$ -mixing base maps our proofs are based on multiple correlation estimates, which make the classical method of cumulants applicable. For $\phi $ - or $\psi $ -mixing base maps, we obtain an ASIP and maximal and concentration inequalities by establishing an $L^\infty $ convergence of the iterates ${\mathcal K}^{\,n}$ of a certain transfer operator ${\mathcal K}$ with respect to a certain sub- ${\sigma }$ -algebra, which yields an appropriate (reverse) martingale-coboundary decomposition.
Adversarial Robust Low Rank Matrix Estimation: Compressed Sensing and Matrix Completion

We consider robust low rank matrix estimation as a trace regression when outputs are contaminated by adversaries. The adversaries are allowed to add arbitrary values to arbitrary outputs. Such values can depend on any samples. We deal with matrix compressed sensing, including lasso as a partial problem, and matrix completion, and then we obtain sharp estimation error bounds. To obtain the error bounds for different models such as matrix compressed sensing and matrix completion, we propose a simple unified approach based on a combination of the Huber loss function and the nuclear norm penalization, which is a different approach from the conventional ones. Some error bounds obtained in the present paper are sharper than the past ones.
Public Library Patrons’ Views of Their Psychosocial Needs and How the Library Can Help

Public libraries are increasingly trying to meet patrons’ psychosocial needs, in response to shifting demographics and the changing requests of their users. These psychosocial needs include assistance with or referrals for mental health or substance misuse, physical health problems, or basic needs such as housing or financial assistance. In many cases, needs assessments are conducted before libraries begin to address psychosocial needs of patrons. Limitations of existing needs assessments include only surveying staff instead of patrons, asking about only specific needs like housing or mental health-related needs, or surveying community members who may not be actual library users. The current study fills a gap in the literature by surveying a large sample of public library patrons about their broadly defined self-identified needs and suggestions for the library to better meet their needs. Implications for public libraries are discussed.
Hospital-Based Healthcare Worker Perceptions of Personal Risk Related to COVID-19: One Year Follow-Up

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health care workers (HCW). Most research focused on the adverse mental health effects during the initial surge of cases; and yet little is known about approximately how workers are faring 1 year into the pandemic. The objective of this study is to examine stress, burnout, and risk perception in an academic medical system, 1 year after the start of the pandemic. Methods: HCW across care specialties participated in online surveys in Spring 2020 and Spring 2021. The surveys included questions related to workplace stress and risk perception related to COVID-19. Correlates of stress and burnout were explored using multivariable linear regression models. Professional Quality of Life Scale (PROQOL) questions were added to the second survey. Results: While HCW reported significantly fewer concerns about the risk of COVID-19 transmission to themselves and their families during the 2021 survey (compared with 2020), the percentage of workers who reported feeling excess stress at work or considered resigning stayed the same. One year into the pandemic, 57% of study participants met criteria for moderate or high levels of traumatic stress and 75% met criteria for moderate or high levels of burnout. As compared with participants who cared for no COVID-19 deaths, participants who cared for COVID-19 patients who died had significantly higher traumatic stress (1 to 10: Coef. = 2.7, P = .007; >10: Coef. = 6.7, P < .001) and burnout scores (1 to 10: Coef. = 2.7, P = .004; >10: Coef. = 2.6, P = .036). Conclusion: While Although perceptions of risk declined over the course of the year, levels of stress still remained high despite high vaccination rates. Those who witnessed more COVID-19 deaths were more likely to report increased burnout and post-traumatic stress. As our nation continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and new variants emerge it is imperative to focus on recovery strategies for high burnout groups to ensure the wellbeing of our health care workforce.
Verbalized Studying and Elaborative Interrogation in the Virtual Classroom: Students with Social Anxiety Prefer Working Alone, but Working with a Peer Does Not Hurt Their Learning

Due to public health measures enacted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, educators and students alike have been suddenly thrust into the realm of online learning. To better understand how active and collaborative learning methods can apply to students studying in isolation, we compared the effects of two teach-and-question assignments: one that utilizes the active learning method of reciprocal peer tutoring and a solo version that requires individual verbalized studying and elaborative interrogation. ABSTRACT Due to public health measures enacted in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, educators and students alike have been suddenly thrust into the realm of online learning. To better understand how active and collaborative learning methods can apply to students studying in isolation, we compared the effects of two teach-and-question assignments: one that utilizes the active learning method of reciprocal peer tutoring and a solo version that requires individual verbalized studying and elaborative interrogation. We used a quasi-experimental design, with student participants enrolled in an online introductory human anatomy course. The first treatment group completed regular teach-and-question study assignments virtually with a peer, and the second treatment group completed the same assignment independently. We found no differences in exam scores between treatments, even for students with high social anxiety; however, student attitudes about the social versus individual assignment did differ for specific types of students. Students who reported experiencing high social anxiety preferred completing the active learning exercise by themselves, and students with low scientific reasoning ability preferred the partnered assignment. This research has potential implications for online classrooms. For instance, our results indicate that students who study independently, or in isolation, may have learning outcomes similar to those of students who study with a peer as long as they study actively. Because we found no negative impact on examination results, it also could be that virtually partnered or independent teach-and-question assignments could be helpful for instructors teaching large online classes to ensure all students are getting individualized feedback and attention.
Role of Consumption Emotions Mediate Perceived Service Fairness to the Service Satisfaction and Its Impact on Customers' Behavioral Intentions

Considering that customers’ emotions toward received services are evaluated in light of fairness and equity theory, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of customers’ perceptions and emotions of received services on their behavioral intentions. Data were collected from 329 questioners that were distributed among Mellat bank customers, and hypotheses and the conceptual model were analyzed based on the data collected through structural equation modeling in AMOS 18. Results showed that three dimensions of interactional, procedural, and distributive justice affected customers’ emotions (negative and positive) and satisfaction. Customers’ emotions were also found to be having a mediating role in the relationship between perceptions of fairness (except procedural fairness) and customer satisfaction. The other results are the effect of customer satisfaction on behavioral intentions (repeat purchases and Word-of-mouth advertising). Finally, the study suggests some practical solutions and future research topics. pelanggan. (kecuali prosedural) kepuasan pelanggan intensi (pembelian word-of-mouth). penelitian
Human amniotic fluid as a source of stem cells

Abstract Human amniotic fluid collected during amniocentesis contains a heterogeneous population of differentiated and undifferentiated cells. Properties and number of these cells vary depending on the gestational age and the presence of potential fetal pathologies. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of maternal, fetal, and environmental factors on the success rates of amniotic fluid stem cell cultures, the number of human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSC), their growth rates in primary cultures, and the number of cell passages. The study included 355 patients qualified for genetic amniocentesis at the Prenatal Genetic Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Oncologic Gynecology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Medical College in Bydgoszcz in 2011–2017. The mean age of the study participants was 34 ± 6.2 years, and mean gravidity amounted to 2.48 ± 1.4. Amniotic fluid sample volume turned out to be a highly significant (p < 0.01) predictor of culture success, and the relationship was particularly evident in women older than 40 years. Another highly significant predictor of culture success was the presence of two cell populations in the sample (p < 0.01). The likelihood of culture success correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with the season of the year at the time of amniocentesis. The number of cell passages differed significantly depending on the maternal age (p < 0.01). The number of passages also showed a highly significant relationship with the season of the year the sample was obtained (p < 0.01). Younger maternal age was identified as a determinant of high passage number (≥3), and another highly significant determinant of high passage number was the presence of two cell populations in the amniotic fluid sample (p < 0.01). Percentage of successfully established hAFSC cultures and the number of passages depended on amniotic fluid volume, the presence of two cell populations within the sample, and the season of the year. Individual characteristics of the donors, such as age and gravidity, did not exert a significant effect on the number of isolated hAFSCs and the rate of their growth. Patients’ place of residence, fetal karyotype, transportation time, and purity of the samples did not affect the success rates for primary cultures and the number of passages.
Glucose-responsive nanogels efficiently maintain the stability and activity of therapeutic enzymes

Abstract To date, the encapsulation of therapeutic enzymes in a protective matrix is an optimized strategy for the maintenance of their stability, facilitating their clinical application. However, the stability and activity of therapeutic enzymes are often in tension with each other. A rigid protective matrix may effectively maintain the stability of therapeutic enzymes, but it can reduce the diffusion of substrates toward the therapeutic enzyme active site, dramatically affecting their catalytic efficiency. Here, we exploited a kind of nanogels by in situ polymerization on the arginine deiminase (ADI) surface with 3-acrylamido-phenylboronic acid (APBA) monomer. These nanogels efficiently improved the thermal stability (25–75℃), the pH stability (pH 1–13), and protease (trypsin) stability of ADI due to the strong rigidity of the surface poly(APBA) shell. And even after 60 days of storage, ∼60% of the activity of ADI encapsulated by nanogels remained. Furthermore, ADI encapsulated by nanogels could efficiently degrade arginine to increase the ratio of citrulline to arginine in mice plasma. That is because autologous glucose binds with APBA leading to the hydrophilicity increase of nanogels, and then, the arginine molecules can readily diffuse toward the encapsulated ADI. This nanogel platform eases the tension between the stability and activity of therapeutic enzymes. The resulting nanogels can efficiently maintain the in vitro stability and the in vivo activity of therapeutic enzymes, facilitating the exploitation of new therapeutic enzyme formulations, which can be transported and stored in vitro for a long time and be applied effectively in vivo.
The Roar of the Crowd: How Interaction Ritual Chains Create Social Atmospheres

Atmospheres are experiences of place involving transformations of consumers’ behaviors and emotions. Existing marketing research reveals how atmospheric stimuli, service performances, and ritual place-making enhance place experiences and create value for firms. Yet it remains unclear how shared experiences of atmosphere emerge and intensify among groups of people during collective live events. Accordingly, this article uses sociological interaction ritual theory to conceptualize “social atmospheres”: rapidly changing qualities of place created when a shared focus aligns consumers’ emotions and behavior, resulting in lively expressions of collective effervescence. With data from an ethnography of an English Premier League football stadium, the authors identify a four-stage process of creating atmospheres in interaction ritual chains. This framework goes beyond conventional retail and servicescape design by demonstrating that social atmospheres are mobile and cocreated between firms and consumers before, during, and after a main event. The study also reveals how interaction rituals can be disrupted and offers insight as to how firms can balance key tensions in creating social atmospheres as a means to enhance customer experiences, customer loyalty, and communal place attachments.
Omicron breakthrough infection drives cross-variant neutralization and memory B cell formation

Omicron is the evolutionarily most distinct SARS-CoV-2 variant (VOC) to date and displays multiple amino acid alterations located in neutralizing antibody sites of the spike (S) protein. We report here that Omicron breakthrough infection in BNT162b2 vaccinated individuals results in strong neutralizing activity not only against Omicron, but also broadly against previous SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and against SARS-CoV-1. We found that Omicron breakthrough infection mediates a robust B cell recall response, and primarily expands preformed memory B cells that recognize epitopes shared broadly by different variants, rather than inducing new B cells against strictly Omicron-specific epitopes. Our data suggest that, despite imprinting of the immune response by previous vaccination, the preformed B cell memory pool has sufficient plasticity for being refocused and quantitatively remodeled by exposure to heterologous S protein, thus allowing effective neutralization of variants that evade a previously established neutralizing antibody response. One Sentence Summary Breakthrough infection in individuals double- and triple-vaccinated with BNT162b2 drives cross-variant neutralization and memory B cell formation.
Olfactory Sensitivity Aligns with Caste Revealing Multipotential Minors and Specialized Soldier Majors in Camponotus floridanus Ants

Camponotus floridanus ant colonies are comprised of a single reproductive queen and thousands of sterile female offspring that consist of two morphologically distinct castes: smaller minors and larger majors. Minors perform most of the tasks within the colony, including brood care and food collection, whereas majors have fewer clear roles and have been hypothesized to act as a specialized solider caste associated with colony defense. The allocation of workers to these different tasks depends on the detection and processing of local information including pheromones and other chemical blends such as cuticular hydrocarbons. We examined the electrophysiological responses to general odorants, cuticular extracts, and a trail pheromone in adult minor and major C. floridanus workers, revealing that the repertoire of social behaviors is positively correlated with olfactory sensitivity. Minors in particular display primarily excitatory responses to olfactory stimuli, whereas major workers respond primarily with inhibitory signals. The notable exception to this paradigm is that both minors and majors display robust, dose-dependent excitatory responses to conspecific, non-nestmate cuticular extracts. Moreover, while both minors and majors actively aggress non-nestmate foes, majors display significantly enhanced capabilities to rapidly subdue and kill opponents. Overall, our data suggest that C. floridanus majors do indeed represent a physiologically and behaviorally specialized soldier caste and support a model in which caste-specific olfactory sensitivity plays an important role in task allocation and the regulation of social behavior in ant colonies. Significance Statement The detection and odor coding of chemical cues are essential components of the collective behavior observed in eusocial ants. To better understand the interdependent relationship between olfactory sensitivity and the allocation of worker castes to the various tasks critical for the success of the colony, a series of behavioral assessments and an electrophysiological survey of the antennae comprising general odorants, cuticular extracts, and a trail pheromone were undertaken. These studies reveal the behavioral repertoire of minors and majors aligned with profound shifts in olfactory sensitivity and odor coding. Our data support the hypothesis that minors are multipotential workers with broad excitatory sensitivity, and majors are dedicated soldiers with a highly specialized olfactory system for the detection of non-nestmate foes.