Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving Dysarthric Speech Segmentation With Emulated and Synthetic Augmentation

Acoustic features extracted from speech can help with the diagnosis of neurological diseases and monitoring of symptoms over time. Temporal segmentation of audio signals into individual words is an important pre-processing step needed prior to extracting acoustic features. Machine learning techniques could be used to automate speech segmentation via automatic speech recognition (ASR) and sequence to sequence alignment. While state-of-the-art ASR models achieve good performance on healthy speech, their performance significantly drops when evaluated on dysarthric speech. Fine-tuning ASR models on impaired speech can improve performance in dysarthric individuals, but it requires representative clinical data, which is difficult to collect and may raise privacy concerns. This study explores the feasibility of using two augmentation methods to increase ASR performance on dysarthric speech: 1) healthy individuals varying their speaking rate and loudness (as is often used in assessments of pathological speech); 2) synthetic speech with variations in speaking rate and accent (to ensure more diverse vocal representations and fairness). Experimental evaluations showed that fine-tuning a pre-trained ASR model with data from these two sources outperformed a model fine-tuned only on real clinical data and matched the performance of a model fine-tuned on the combination of real clinical data and synthetic speech. When evaluated on held-out acoustic data from 24 individuals with various neurological diseases, the best performing model achieved an average word error rate of 5.7% and a mean correct count accuracy of 94.4%. In segmenting the data into individual words, a mean intersection-over-union of 89.2% was obtained against manual parsing (ground truth). It can be concluded that emulated and synthetic augmentations can significantly reduce the need for real clinical data of dysarthric speech when fine-tuning ASR models and, in turn, for speech segmentation.
Human Resources Management and the Impact of the Restaurant Opening Hours: An Exploratory Study

The hospitality sector is struggling with a generalized shortage of manpower to cope with the post-pandemic economic recovery. Furthermore, the work-life balance has become a very important issue when it comes to choose a place to work. This has been creating huge constraints in the hospitality industry in running and/or developing new businesses due to lack of qualified human resources. Considering the importance of this sector in the Portuguese economy, it is of paramount importance to better understand the origin of such constraints and how businesses can adapt to a new labour market reality. An exploratory study was conducted to understand how restaurant opening hours, as a top-level management decision, affects the work-life balance in the industry thus contributing to enrich the attractiveness of the jobs offered. To develop the study two groups of restaurants were studied. The first group is comprised of limited opening-hours restaurants, and the second group (as a control group), a non-limited opening hours restaurant. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with proprietors and/or top-level managers to ascertain how the decision on opening hours was weighed in the work-life balance concerns and what are the most important managerial implications, business profitability impacts, and staff retention indicators. Preliminary results seem to indicate that restaurant opening hours are one important top-level management decisions and the work-life balance has played a crucial role in the definition of the business model of the studied restaurants. By choosing limited opening hours, managers are able to schedule staff much easier and respect, as much as possible their work-life balance which then contributes to a more stable and motivated workforce. The results also show that this is only possible because restaurants manage to be profitable within the limited opening hours period. Further studies should be conducted to better understand how these new business model approaches could be used in larger-scale restaurants with non-limited opening hours.
Gene networks and the evolution of olfactory organs, eyes, hair cells and motoneurons: a view encompassing lancelets, tunicates and vertebrates

Key developmental pathways and gene networks underlie the formation of sensory cell types and structures involved in chemosensation, vision and mechanosensation, and of the efferents these sensory inputs can activate. We describe similarities and differences in these pathways and gene networks in selected species of the three main chordate groups, lancelets, tunicates, and vertebrates, leading to divergent development of olfactory receptors, eyes, hair cells and motoneurons. The lack of appropriately posited expression of certain transcription factors in lancelets and tunicates prevents them from developing vertebrate-like olfactory receptors and eyes, although they generate alternative structures for chemosensation and vision. Lancelets and tunicates lack mechanosensory cells associated with the sensation of acoustic stimuli, but have gravisensitive organs and ciliated epidermal sensory cells that may (and in some cases clearly do) provide mechanosensation and thus the capacity to respond to movement relative to surrounding water. Although functionally analogous to the vertebrate vestibular apparatus and lateral line, homology is questionable due to differences in the expression of the key transcription factors Neurog and Atoh1/7, on which development of vertebrate hair cells depends. The vertebrate hair cell-bearing inner ear and lateral line thus likely represent major evolutionary advances specific to vertebrates. Motoneurons develop in vertebrates under the control of the ventral signaling molecule hedgehog/sonic hedgehog (Hh,Shh), against an opposing inhibitory effect mediated by dorsal signaling molecules. Many elements of Shh-signaling and downstream genes involved in specifying and differentiating motoneurons are also exhibited by lancelets and tunicates, but the repertoire of MNs in vertebrates is broader, indicating greater diversity in motoneuron differentiation programs.
Components and Mechanisms of Hydrologic Cycle Changes over North America at the Last Glacial Maximum

This study examines the differences in the moisture budget over North America between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and modern climate, as simulated by nine models from Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project phase 3. The results help elucidate the components and mechanisms of the LGM hydrologic cycle. The models predict substantial increases in winter precipitation minus evaporation ( P − E) over the ice-free parts of western North America with respect to the modern climate, primarily because of increases in moisture convergence by the mean flow. In summer they predict P − E increases from the Great Plains to the southeastern margin of the ice sheet—driven by large decreases in E—that are due to a combination of increased convergence by the mean flow and transient eddies. In both seasons, the LGM–modern changes in P − E are dominated by changes in the circulation, rather than by changes in atmospheric water vapor. Compared to a proxy reconstruction of LGM–modern changes in P, the simulated P responses show modest skill. They generally reproduce the reconstruction in the western part of North America but underestimate the indicated drying of the eastern part. The models that score best tend to simulate more drying of the eastern part as a result of increased moisture divergence by the mean flow. In various regions, there are trade-offs between contributions from the mean flow and transient eddies, pointing to changes in variability during the LGM; however, further work to examine such changes requires higher-frequency model output.
Carbon processing by the benthic ecosystem and benthic C fixation in methane-rich sediments on the South Georgia margin

Abstract As bottom water warms, destabilisation of gas hydrates may increase the extent of methane-rich sediments. The authors present an assessment of organic carbon processing by the benthic community in methane-rich sediments, including one of the first investigations of inorganic C fixation in a non-hydrothermal vent setting. This topic was previously poorly studied, and there is much need to fill the gaps in knowledge of such ecosystems. The authors hypothesized that benthic C fixation would occur, and that a high biomass macrofaunal community would play a substantial role in organic C cycling. Experiments were conducted at a 257 m deep site off South Georgia. Sediment cores were amended with 13C and 15N labelled algal detritus, or 13C labelled bicarbonate solution. In the bicarbonate experiment, labelling of bacteria-specific phospholipid fatty acids provided direct evidence of benthic C fixation, with transfer of fixed C to macrofauna and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). In the algae experiment, macrofauna played an active role in organic carbon cycling. Compared to similar experiments, low temperature supressed the rates of community respiration and macrofaunal C uptake. While benthic C fixation occurred, the biological processing of organic carbon was dominantly controlled by low temperature and high photic zone productivity.
EB1089 Increases the Antiproliferative Response of Lapatinib in Combination with Antiestrogens in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells

HER2-positive breast cancer is associated with aggressive behavior and reduced survival rates. Calcitriol restores the antiproliferative activity of antiestrogens in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells by re-expressing ERα. Furthermore, calcitriol and its analog, EB1089, enhance responses to standard anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, we aimed to investigate EB1089 effects when added to the combined treatment of lapatinib and antiestrogens on the proliferation of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. BT-474 (ER-positive/HER2-positive) and SK-BR-3 (ER-negative/HER2-positive) cells were pre-treated with EB1089 to modulate ER expression. Then, cells were treated with EB1089 in the presence of lapatinib with or without the antiestrogens, and proliferation, phosphorylation array assays, and Western blot analysis were performed. The results showed that EB1089 restored the antiproliferative response to antiestrogens in SK-BR-3 cells and improved the inhibitory effects of the combination of lapatinib with antiestrogens in the two cell lines. Moreover, EB1089, alone or combined, modulated ERα protein expression and reduced Akt phosphorylation in HER2-positive cells. EB1089 significantly enhanced the cell growth inhibitory effect of lapatinib combined with antiestrogens in HER2-positive breast cancer cells by modulating ERα expression and Akt phosphorylation suppression. These results highlight the potential of this therapeutic approach as a promising strategy for managing HER2-positive breast cancer.
Macro mineral status in soil, plant and dairy cattle in Andaman group of islands.

Samples of soil, composite plants and cattle blood serum each totalling 102 were collected from Prothrapur, Ferrargunj, Little Andaman, Diglipur, Rangat and Mayabunder blocks of the Andaman group of Island and analysed for macro minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na and K). The soil was deficient in Ca, P and Mg. The overall mean concentration of Mg (135.81±17.4 ppm) and P (9.42±0.59 ppm) in soil differed significantly (P<0.01) among the blocks whereas in plants the overall mean of P (2913±470 ppm) and Na (3330±323 ppm) differed significantly (P<0.01) among the blocks. The composite plant samples was found to be deficient in Mg and dairy cattle blood serum was found to be deficient in Ca, P and K across the blocks. Overall incidence (%) of deficiency in cattle blood serum was found to be 75.49, 33.33, 74.50, 100.00 and 15.69% in Ca, Mg, P, K and Na, respectively. The incidence of deficiency of Ca, P and K in cattle blood serum was found to be above 70% in Diglipur and Rangat blocks. In cattle blood serum, Ca (6.83±0.530 mg/dL), Mg (1.82±0.110 mg/dL), P (2.90±0.380 mg/dL) and Na (519.58±54.940 mg/dL) differed significantly (P<0.01) among six blocks. Significant (P<0.01; P<0.05) positive correlation was found between soil and plant for Ca, Na, K and between plant and cattle for Ca, Na. K and P whereas such correlation was obtained between soil and cattle only for Ca.
Analysis of Meat Mineral Content in Cemani Chicken with Homozygous (Fm/Fm) and Heterozygous (Fm/fm+) Genotypes

Cemani chicken is an Indonesian native chicken with black hyperpigmentation on feathers, skin, beak, comb, and flesh. Hyperpigmentation in chickens is called Fibromelanosis. Fibromelanosis in Cemani chickens is semiâ€“dominant, producing two genotypes: homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+). Cemani chicken meatâ€™s black color may indicate a higher mineral content than regular chicken meat. The studyâ€™s is aims are to detect genotype homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) mutations and to determine the mineral content of Cemani chickens with homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) genotypes. In the Cemani chicken population (n = 32), the Fmâ€“specific allele genotype was detected using a Polymerase Chain Reactionâ€“Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCRâ€“RFLP) and the MluI restriction enzyme. The mineral contents of Cemani chicken tested were Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se. The results showed that homozygous Cemani chickens (Fm/Fm) had higher Fe and Zn mineral content. However, the homozygous (Fm/Fm) and heterozygous (Fm/fm+) Cemani chicken were not different in mineral content of Se and Mn. This study found that different genotypes of Cemani chicken had different mineral compositions. In the future, this analysis supports the selection of chicken strains with high antioxidant levels.
Basic Football Skill Instruments for Indonesian Junior Players

Football skills instruments are needed by football coaches or practitioners to identify talents and evaluate the training process of each player. Currently, there are many types of football skill instruments, but instruments that are in accordance with the characteristics of Indonesian players and the Indonesian Football Development Curriculum (Filanesia) are not yet available. The purpose of this study was to analyze the development of football skills instruments that are suitable for Filanesia in order to obtain information on the needs, urgency, benefits, and draft models of these instruments. This research approach uses mixed methods, namely quantitative and qualitative. A total of 30 respondents were involved in this study, consisting of 25 football coaches and 5 expert lecturers in the field of football. Data was collected using questionnaires distributed through g-forms and through Focus Group Discussion (FGD) activities. Questionnaire results were analyzed using quantitative descriptive statistics. Apart from this analysis, data triangulation was used to analyse the result of the interviews and discussions during FGD. The results of this study indicate that a football skill instrument is very useful for coaches and players, and the urgency of developing a Filanesia-based football skill instrument model is very high. Thus, a draft instrument model has been produced for two levels of age groups (10–12 years and 13–16 years). Of course, this is an opportunity for further research, namely to validate the two draft models and measure their reliability so that the two test models can be used by football school coaches.
Healthy Lifestyle and Cancer Risk: Modifiable Risk Factors to Prevent Cancer

Cancer has become a serious problem worldwide, as it represents the main cause of death, and its incidence has increased over the years. A potential strategy to counter the growing spread of various forms of cancer is the adoption of prevention strategies, in particular, the use of healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet; being physically active; avoiding smoking, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure; and vitamin D supplementation. These modifiable risk factors are associated with this disease, contributing to its development, progression, and severity. This review evaluates the relationship between potentially modifiable risk factors and overall cancer development, specifically breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer, and highlights updated recommendations on cancer prevention. The results of numerous clinical and epidemiological studies clearly show the influence of lifestyles on the development and prevention of cancer. An incorrect diet, composed mainly of saturated fats and processed products, resulting in increased body weight, combined with physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and smoking, has induced an increase in the incidence of all three types of cancer under study. Given the importance of adopting correct and healthy lifestyles to prevent cancer, global institutions should develop strategies and environments that encourage individuals to adopt healthy and regular behaviors.
Ecological studies on bryophytes along altitudinal zonations in Genting Highlands, Peninsular Malaysia / Cheah Yih Horng

The present research investigated the species richness of epiphytic and terrestrial bryophytes along an altitudinal gradient on a mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. Bryophyte communities found at different elevations and their association with various ecological factors was analyzed. Study plots were laid along the altitudinal gradient at 300 m intervals, resulting in six different elevation zones, from the foothills to the summit of Gunung Ulu Kali (1758 m), in the Genting Highlands. A total of 453 bryophyte species comprising 283 liverworts and 170 mosses were recorded from 18 study plots of 0.04 hectare each, with three study plots at each elevation zone. A total of 106 liverwort species reported in the present study are new to Peninsular Malaysia, of which 54 species are new to the country (including Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak). In general, liverworts were more diverse than mosses in all elevation zones. Epiphytic bryophytes were largely represented by Calymperaceae, Lejeuneaceae, Lepidoziaceae, Lophocoleaceae, Plagiochilaceae, and Sematophyllaceae, whereas ground bryophytes were mainly Aneuraceae, Lejeuneaceae, Lepidoziaceae, Lophocoleaceae, and Sematophyllaceae. A few species were recorded exclusively at certain zones or even particular study plots, and could be good indicators where they occurred. In general, epiphytic bryophytes showed higher species evenness than ground bryophytes, and most of the bryophyte species, both epiphytic and terrestrial, were found to occupy only small areas, or present at low abundances. Epiphytic liverworts dominated the montane forests, especially the summit region, whereas epiphytic mosses were more abundant in the lowlands. A similar difference was observed for ground bryophytes species, except at the summit zone where both liverwort and moss coverage values were very similar in two of the study plots. Statistical analyses showed that host-epiphyte or substrate preferences for bryophytes were not important factors most of the time, suggesting that bryophyte assemblages within a forest were principally influenced by microclimatic conditions. Cluster dendrograms revealed that the bryophyte communities investigated in the present study were clustered according to the different forest types present along an altitudinal gradient, viz., the lowland forest, transition between lowland and lower montane forests, the lower montane forest, and the upper montane forest. Ambient temperature and relative humidity are apparently important factors in determining the distribution of different bryophyte species.
Velocities of shallow overland flow on semiarid hillslopes

A series of 188 rainfall plot simulations was conducted on grass, shrub, oak savanna, and juniper sites in Arizona and Nevada. A total of 897 flow velocity measurements were obtained on 3.6% to 39.6% slopes with values ranging from 0.007 m s‐1 to 0.115 m s‐1. The experimental data showed that shallow flow velocity on rangelands was related to discharge and ground litter cover and was largely independent of slope gradient or soil characteristics. A power model was proposed to express this relationship. These findings support the slope–velocity equilibrium hypothesis. Namely, eroding soil surfaces evolve such that steeper areas develop greater hydraulic roughness. As a result overland flow velocity becomes independent of the slope gradient over time. Our findings have implications for soil erosion modeling suggesting that hydraulic friction is a dynamic, slope and discharge dependent property. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A context specific framework approach to community based monitoring

This paper aims to outline the development of a generic citizen science framework that can be implemented at educational institutions such as university campuses and schools. The framework was developed as a reflective practice after implementation of a community-based water-monitoring project with pre-service teachers and school learners at the North-West University (Vaal Campus), South Africa. The proposed generic citizen science framework was designed by the researcher as an application of various available citizen science models to the North-West University (Vaal Campus) water-monitoring project. The designed framework is, therefore, the product of document reviews and reflection on the real-world practice of a community-based water-monitoring project. The implementation of citizen science in communities, and specifically a community-based watermonitoring project, requires planning and implementation of diverse complex concepts at different levels. Adhering to previous research and refining recommendations with practical findings from a real-life project aid to develop a framework of citizen science that can provide guidance to plan future citizen science projects at educational institutions. The proposed framework can provide sound guidance to citizen science project leaders of different educational institutions regarding citizen science projects. The proposed framework aligns literature and practical experience to create a simplistic view on citizen science projects. The proposed framework can be considered as the “big picture” in citizen science and may guide future projects as a departure point when planning a project.