Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation on language modelling approaches for open vocabulary speech recognition

By definition, words that are not present in a recognition vocabulary are called out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words. Recognition of unseen or new words is an important feature that is always desired in any real-world large vocabulary continuous speech recognition (LVCSR) system. However, human languages are complex in nature due to wide varieties of morphological richness such as inflections, derivations and compounding. For instance, language models for morphologically rich languages like German, Polish, Slovene, etc, often have high OOV rates, data sparsity and rather poor generalization of unseen sequences. In spite of the substantial amount of work that has been carried out to recognize unseen words in recent decades, many issues related to open vocabulary problem still exist, especially, under large vocabulary conditions. This dissertation addresses some of the core issues and makes an attempt to solve them by investigating and introducing different types of hybrid and hierarchical language models, supported by detailed experimental analysis. Careful selection of sub-word unit is necessary in a hybrid language model, as it has a large impact on OOV rate, data sparsity and recognition issues. Different types of sub-word unit, such as morphemes, syllables and graphones are investigated on selected morphologically rich languages. The traditional hybrid approach uses only sub-words, which is not robust in-terms of reducing word error rates on large vocabulary tasks. This work investigates different types of count-based hybrid language models. One method is to use an optimal number of full words and sub-words. Further extensions include the use of an optimal number of full words, sub-words and sub-word graphones based on word frequencies. The advantage of using two or three different types of units in a hybrid language model is that it helps improve recognition of OOVs and also compensates for weaker contexts, and reduces data sparsity to some extent. In addition, this work also investigates maximum entropy and long short-term memory network hybrid language models. A maximum entropy approach is combined within class-based language modelling framework. Additionally, novel extensions are proposed in the hierarchical language modelling approach, where a full word language model and a character level language model are directly used during decoding in a hierarchical manner to recognize in-vocabulary and OOV words, respectively, for LVCSR tasks. Sequence normalization using a prefix tree approach is applied to hierarchical language models. Variants of the hierarchical approach are introduced by incorporating weighted and non-weighted character language models, multi class character language models, and grapheme to phoneme models. These types of language model guarantee zero OOV rate. Alternatively, a properly normalized combined interpolated language model is introduced that also uses a full word language model and a character level language model during decoding, exploiting within word context or across word context at a character level for OOV recognition.
FtsK, a literate chromosome segregation machine

The study of chromosome segregation in bacteria has gained strong insights from the use of cytology techniques. A global view of chromosome choreography during the cell cycle is emerging, highlighting as a next challenge the description of the molecular mechanisms and factors involved. Here, we review one of such factor, the FtsK DNA translocase. FtsK couples segregation of the chromosome terminus, the ter region, with cell division. It is a powerful and fast translocase that reads chromosome polarity to find the end, thereby sorting sister ter regions on either side of the division septum, and activating the last steps of segregation. Recent data have revealed the structure of the FtsK motor, how translocation is oriented by specific DNA motifs, termed KOPS, and suggests novel mechanisms for translocation and sensing chromosome polarity.
NN classifiers: reducing the computational cost of cross-validation by active pattern selection

We propose a new approach for leave-one-out cross-validation of neural network classifiers called "cross-validation with active pattern selection" (CV/APS). In CV/APS, the contribution of the training patterns to backpropagation learning is estimated and this information is used for active selection of CV patterns. On two artificial examples, the computational cost of CV can be reduced to 25% of the normal costs with only small or no errors.
Integer Forcing: Effective SNR Distribution and Practical Block-Based Schemes

Integer Forcing (IF) is a novel linear receiver architecture, where instead of separating the codewords sent by each transmitter, and decoding them individually, forces integer-valued linear combinations at each receive antenna, and decodes the linear combinations. The original codewords are obtained by inverting the integer-valued matrix. While demonstrating superior performance, IF requires complex optimization in order to find the optimal linear combinations, and demands either using multi-level nested lattice codes, or reducing the rates of all transmitters to equal the weakest one. Finally, the distribution of the resulting effective SNR is hard to evaluate. In this paper, we first give simple upper and lower bounds on the effective SNR of a single linear combination in IF. These expressions allow us to easily bound the distribution of the effective SNR for any given linear combination used. We then suggest two simple block-based IF schemes. These schemes, while sub-optimal, significantly reduce the complexity of the optimization process, and, more importantly, do not require reducing the rates of all transmitters, as decoding is done block-wise. Finally, we bound the distribution of the effective SNR of the decoding schemes, and show via simulations the superiority of block-wise schemes at low SNR.
Charge collection and pore filling in solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

The solar to electrical power conversion efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) incorporating a solid-state organic hole-transporter can be over 5%. However, this is for devices significantly thinner than the optical depth of the active composites and by comparison to the liquid electrolyte based DSCs, which exhibit efficiencies in excess of 10%, more than doubling of this efficiency is clearly attainable if all the steps in the photovoltaic process can be optimized. Two issues are currently being addressed by the field. The first aims at enhancing the electron diffusion length by either reducing the charge recombination or enhancing the charge transport rates. This should enable a larger fraction of photogenerated charges to be collected. The second, though less actively investigated, aims to improve the physical composite formation, which in this instance is the infiltration of mesoporous TiO2 with the organic hole-transporter 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxypheny-amine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene (spiro-MeOTAD). Here, we perform a broad experimental study to elucidate the limiting factors to the solar cell performance. We first investigate the charge transport and recombination in the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell under realistic working conditions via small perturbation photovoltage and photocurrent decay measurements. From these measurements we deduce that the electron diffusion length near short-circuit is as long as 20 µm. However, at applied biases approaching open-circuit potential under realistic solar conditions, the diffusion length becomes comparable with the film thickness, ∼2 µm, illustrating that real losses to open-circuit voltage, fill factor and hence efficiency are occurring due to ineffective charge collection. The long diffusion length near short-circuit, on the other hand, illustrates that another process, separate from ineffective charge collection, is rendering the solar cell less than ideal. We investigate the process of TiO2 mesopore infiltration with spiro-MeOTAD by examining the cross-sectional images of and performing photo-induced absorption spectroscopy on devices with a range of thickness, infiltrated with spiro-MeOTAD with a range of concentrations. We present our interpretation of the mechanism for material infiltration, and by improving the casting conditions demonstrate efficient charge collection through devices of over 7 µm in thickness. This investigation represents an improvement in our understanding of the limiting factors to the dye-sensitized solar cell. However, much work, focused on composite formation and improved kinetic competition, is required to realize the true potential of this concept.
EFFECTS OF 8‐METHOXYPSORALEN AND NEAR ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION ON THE SURVIVAL OF THE LOWER EUKARYOTE D. Discoideum

Abstract— Seven axenic wild‐type and repair‐deficient mutant strains of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum have been treated with the furocoumarin 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) up to 50 μg/mζ and then exposed to near ultraviolet light (UVA 320‐400 nm) up to 21 kJ/m2. Fluence‐response survival curves exhibit shoulders at lower fluences and an exponential lethal response at higher fluences. Neither the psoralen alone nor the irradiation alone produced any measurable lethal effect. Wild‐type strains, which show resistance to 254 nm UV and gamma radiation, also show resistance to psoralen plus UVA. The moderate sensitivity of a rad D repair‐deficient mutant strain and the extreme sensitivity of a rad B mutant strain to 8‐MOP plus UVA parallel their responses to UV and gamma radiation. However a rad C mutant which is sensitive to UV, exhibits wild‐type response to photoactivated psoralen.
Design and evaluation of basic analog circuits in an emerging MuGFET technology

Multi-gate MOSFET (MuGFET) are the most promising candidates for beyond 45nm technology CMOS nodes. For future SoC solutions in these technologies the ability to realize also analog building blocks is of utmost importance. Up to now only a few publications are available concerning the perspective of FinFETs for analog applications and no reports and measurement results can be found about the realization of analog circuits with these advanced devices. In this work the design and realization of basic analog circuits (low voltage bandgap, Miller op amp and current reference) with FinFET devices were demonstrated for the first time, including measurement results.
Mapping biopsy for Buruli ulcer self‐medicated with occlusive dressing

Buruli ulcer is the third most common mycobacterial infection next to tuberculosis and leprosy caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Although it affects the skin, subcutaneous tissues, muscles and sometimes bones, there is no reliable evidence to determine the extent of debridement. We present here a case of Buruli ulcer treated successfully with a preoperative mapping biopsy procedure, which had been self‐medicated with occlusive dressing. Because Buruli ulcer is accompanied by subtle pain, patients and clinicians tend to initially treat the ulcer with occlusive dressing therapy, which leads to the misdiagnosis of Buruli ulcer as a common bacterial infection only judging from bacterial culture of the surface of the ulcer. We propose the efficacy of mapping biopsy for treating Buruli ulcer.
ITO RI AL THE FUTURE OF THE ESOPHAGUS CANCER

The above striking phrase positions very well the surgical treatment of this cancer until the first half of last century. Historical accounts refer that these words were spoken currently in Americans and Europeans hospital corridors by that time. Although blunt, the phrase represented metaphorically the truth and, besides this, quick death sentence and miserable life to whom had the diagnosis. Little could be offered to the patients, not even death with dignity. The description of the first report of esophageal cancer is attributed to White in 1898(1) and the first esophagectomy only cervical without reconstruction of digestive transit to Theodor Billroth and Czerny in 1870. The thoracic esophagus was only successfully resected via the chest in 1913 by Philip Thorek, offering remarkable survival to the patient; however, the food transit was not reinstalled by him leaving permanent esophagostomy and gastrostomy, witch compromised the quality of life during the long survival of the operated patient(7, 13). This was the way how esophageal cancer treatment began!
The effect of prolonged static and cyclic stretching on ankle joint stiffness, torque relaxation, and gait in people with stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Continuous passive motion (cyclic stretching applied to the subject's limb) has been used for the rehabilitation of some orthopedic impairments; however, few researchers have considered its application in the management of neurological disorders such as stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine the short-term effects of prolonged static and cyclic calf stretching on passive ankle joint stiffness, torque relaxation, and gait in people with ischemic stroke. SUBJECTS Ten community-dwelling people (mean age=64.6 years, SD=8.76, range=53-76) who were diagnosed with a cerebrovascular accident volunteered to be subjects. METHODS Participants engaged in one 30-minute static stretch and one 30-minute cyclic stretch of the calf muscle, using an isokinetic dynamometer that also collected torque and angle measurements. Before and after treatments, 10-m walking times were collected. Ankle joint stiffness was calculated from the slope of the torque and angle curves before and immediately after treatments, and torque relaxation was calculated as the percentage of decrease in peak passive torque over the 30-minute stretch durations. RESULTS Ankle joint stiffness decreased by 35% and 30% after the static and cyclic stretches, respectively. Stiffness values and 10-m walk times were not different between conditions. The amount of torque relaxation was 53% greater for static stretching than for cyclic stretching. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These preliminary data from a very small sample of people with stroke indicate that ankle joint stiffness decreases after both prolonged static and cyclic stretches; however, neither technique appears to be better at reducing stiffness in people with stroke. Torque relaxation is greater after static stretching than after cyclic stretching, and walking speed does not appear to be influenced by the stretching treatments used in our study.
Primary cementless total hip arthroplasty with second-generation metal-on-metal bearings: a concise follow-up, at a minimum of seventeen years, of a previous report.

BACKGROUND Second-generation, metal-on-metal bearings were introduced in 1988, to reduce wear and avoid polyethylene particle-induced osteolysis from total hip arthroplasty. In 2007, we reported the long-term results of ninety-eight patients (105 hips) who underwent primary cementless total hip arthroplasty involving the use of a prosthesis with a high-carbide-concentration, metal-on-metal articulating surface between November 1992 and May 1994. The present study gives an update on this patient cohort. METHODS At a minimum of seventeen years postoperatively, forty-nine patients (fifty-two hips) were available for follow-up examination. We retrospectively evaluated clinical and radiographic results as well as serum metal concentration. The mean patient age at the time of the index arthroplasty was fifty-six years. RESULTS Three cups (6% of the hips) and one stem (2% of the hips) were revised because of aseptic loosening of the implants combined with focal osteolysis. At the time of the latest follow-up evaluation, the mean Harris hip score was 88.8 points, and the mean University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score was 6.7 points. The cumulative rate of implant survival, with aseptic failure as the end point, was 93.0% at 18.8 years. The median serum cobalt concentration in patients whose hip implant was the only source of cobalt was 0.70 μg/L (range, 0.4 to 5.1 μg/L), showing no increase in the value as noted at a minimum of ten years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The clinical and radiographic results of our study, which, to our knowledge, represent the longest duration of follow-up for a series of cementless total hip arthroplasties with use of a 28-mm metal-on-metal bearing, continue to be comparable with the results observed for other hard-on-hard bearings.
Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication PrinciplesUsing connectors to integrate software components

Effective measures to promote software reuse have become increasingly more important as the cost and complexity of software development continues to escalate. The key to integration is determining the relationship between potentially reusable components and how they can be properly adapted. It is not always the case that existing components completely satisfy a given problem. The paper addresses the integration of software components by using connectors and describes an approach to integrating components based on type, interface, and behavior adaptation.
The zeta potential of surface‐functionalized metallic nanorod particles in aqueous solution

Metallic nanoparticles suspended in aqueous solutions and functionalized with chemical and biological surface coatings are important elements in basic and applied nanoscience research. Many applications require an understanding of the electrokinetic or colloidal properties of such particles. We describe the results of experiments to measure the zeta potential of metallic nanorod particles in aqueous saline solutions, including the effects of pH, ionic strength, metallic composition, and surface functionalization state. Particle substrates tested include gold, silver, and palladium monometallic particles as well as gold/silver bimetallic particles. Surface functionalization conditions included 11‐mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA), mercaptoethanol (ME), and mercaptoethanesulfonic acid (MESA) self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), as well as MUA layers subsequently derivatized with proteins. For comparison, we present zeta potential data for typical charge‐stabilized polystyrene particles. We compare experimental zeta potential data with theoretically predicted values for SAM‐coated and bimetallic particles. The results of these studies are useful in predicting and controlling the aggregation, adhesion, and transport of functionalized metallic nanoparticles within microfluidic devices and other systems.
A High-Gain Broadband Gradient Refractive Index Metasurface Lens Antenna

The design, simulation, and measurement results of a high-gain broadband gradient refractive index (GRIN) planar lens fed by an antipodal exponential taper slot antenna (ATSA) are presented. As a constituent part of this lens, a novel nonresonant metamaterial unit cell, composed of bilayer triple rectangular rings, is proposed and its equivalent circuit model is developed and described. It is shown that, by utilizing this element, stronger capacitive couplings between adjacent metallic layers are realized resulting in a large refractive index variation of about 2.5, and hence, a thin lens with a thickness of 0. 38λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength at 9.5 GHz. In addition, since the unit cell is designed to resonate at higher frequencies, its refractive index response is smoothly increased over a broad frequency range and this considerably enhances the operating bandwidth of the lens. The achieved measured results demonstrate a broad matching and -3 dB gain bandwidths of 52% (7-12 GHz) and 65% (7-13.2 GHz), respectively. Furthermore, this lens offers a high aperture efficiency of 50% (21.2 dB gain) at the center frequency, and its sidelobe and cross-polarization levels are less than -20 dB and -26 dB across the entire matched band, respectively.
“Fit” for Success or Failure: An Exploration of How Marketplace Design Affects Performance

Within the IS literature, there remains a lack of understanding of the performance of electronic marketplaces. Extant research, while strong in relation to describing and characterizing marketplaces, provides few insights on how management can design their marketplaces in order to improve their performance. By providing insights into the performance of three marketplaces, two of which failed and one that continues to operate, this article provides insights on how management might design marketplaces to maximize performance.
Direct 3D Manipulation Techniques for Interactive Constraint‐based Solid Modelling

This paper presents a novel constraint‐based 3D manipulation approach to interactive constraint‐based solid modelling. This approach employs a constraint recognition process to automatically recognise assembly relationships and geometric constraints between entities from 3D manipulation. A technique referred to as allowable motion is used to achieve accurate 3D positioning of a solid model by automatically constraining its 3D manipulation without menu interaction. A set of virtual design tools, which can be used to construct constraint‐based solid models within a virtual environment, are also supported. These tools have been implemented as functional 3D objects associated with several pre‐defined modelling functions to simulate physical tools such as a drilling tool and T‐square. They can be directly manipulated by the user, and precisely positioned relative to other solid models through the constraint‐based 3D manipulation approach. Their modelling functions can be automatically triggered, depending upon their associated constraints and the user's manipulation manner. A prototype system has been implemented to demonstrate the feasibility of these techniques for model construction and assembly operations.
A portable rehabilitation device for the Hand

This paper presents the design of a direct driven under-actuated portable hand exoskeleton for rehabilitation. The design of the proposed Hand EXOskeleton SYStem (HEXOSYS) was driven by multi-objective optimisation strategy and inspiration from the human hand. The optimisation algorithm resulted in the choice of optimum link lengths of the device. The optimisation criteria are based on dexterity, isotropy and exertion of perpendicular forces on the finger digits. Furthermore, a series of experiments on the human hand using appropriate sensory instrumentation guided the selection of actuators thereby resulting in a rehabilitation device which is compatible with the human hand force capabilities. The provision of force as well as position feedback gives quantitative feedback to the therapist and would imply a more efficient rehabilitation process. The first prototype of the device has been designed and realized.
The Association between Lifestyle, Anthropometric Measurements, and Obesity in University Students

Nutritional Assessment is the process of identifying characteristics known to associated with nutrition problems. Certain foods with chemical additives disguised as food can cause muscle and joint pain associated with arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, obesity, cancer and others. Avoiding these foods can reduced inflammation, thus prevent obesity, cancer, and another disease. The target of the study was to find a relation between food type, anthropometric parameters and obesity-related diseases for university students in College-Al Leith-Umm al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia. The purpose is to identify populations (100 subjects women, aged: 17-30 year, using questionnaire) who are malnourished or at nutritional risk. Participants were divided into normal-weight and obese groups. The different methods are used to collect data including: 1. Anthropometric, 2. Dietary: Nutritional History (Current Intake), 3. FFQ (Food frequency questionnaire). There is a significant association between certain food type, anthropometric parameters, obesity as well as other diseases including (vitamin D deficiency, kidney problems, bone pain, general weakness, thyroid problems, infertility.