Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Forward/Backward Algorithms for joint multi pattern speech recognition

We are addressing the problem of jointly using multiple noisy speech patterns for automatic speech recognition (ASR), given that they come from the same class. If the user utters a word K times, the ASR system should try to use the information content in all the K utterances of the word simultaneously and improve its speech recognition accuracy compared to that of the single pattern speech recognition. In this paper we propose two types of Multi-pattern Joint Likelihood Forward Backward (MJLFB) algorithm to address this problem. We show an analysis of the differences between the two types of MJLFB algorithms. We also propose a new criteria (which does not require any threshold) to calculate joint probability of the feature vectors emitted given the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) state. The new formulation is tested in the context of speaker independent isolated word recognition (IWR). When 10 percent of speech is affected by burst noise at -5 dB SNR (local), it is shown that joint recognition using only two noisy speech utterances reduces the noisy speech recognition error rate by 52.40 percent, when compared to the single pattern recognition using the Forward Algorithm (FA).
Designing and Evaluating a Reliable Corpus of Web Genres via Crowd-Sourcing

Research in Natural Language Processing often relies on a large collection of manually annotated documents. However, currently there is no reliable genre-annotated corpus of web pages to be employed in Automatic Genre Identification (AGI). In AGI, documents are classified based on their genres rather than their topics or subjects. The major shortcoming of available web genre collections is their relatively low inter-coder agreement. Reliability of annotated data is an essential factor for reliability of the research result. In this paper, we present the first web genre corpus which is reliably annotated. We developed precise and consistent annotation guidelines which consist of well-defined and well-recognized categories. For annotating the corpus, we used crowd-sourcing which is a novel approach in genre annotation. We computed the overall as well as the individual categories’ chance-corrected inter-annotator agreement. The results show that the corpus has been annotated reliably.
Integrating Solar Induced Fluorescence and the Photochemical Reflectance Index for Estimating Gross Primary Production in a Cornfield

The utilization of remotely sensed observations for light use efficiency (LUE) and tower-based gross primary production (GPP) estimates was studied in a USDA cornfield. Nadir hyperspectral reflectance measurements were acquired at canopy level during a collaborative field campaign conducted in four growing seasons. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) and solar induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF), were derived. SIF retrievals were accomplished in the two telluric atmospheric oxygen absorption features centered at 688 nm (O2-B) and 760 nm (O2-A). The PRI and SIF were examined in conjunction with GPP and LUE determined by flux tower-based measurements. All of these fluxes, environmental variables, and the PRI and SIF exhibited diurnal as well as day-to-day dynamics across the four growing seasons. Consistent with previous studies, the PRI was shown to be related to LUE (r2 = 0.54 with a logarithm fit), but the relationship varied each year. By combining the PRI and SIF in a linear regression model, stronger performances for GPP estimation were obtained. The strongest relationship (r2 = 0.80, RMSE = 0.186 mg CO2/m2/s) was achieved when using the PRI and SIF retrievals at 688 nm. Cross-validation approaches were utilized to demonstrate the robustness and consistency of the performance. This study highlights a GPP retrieval method based entirely on hyperspectral remote sensing observations.
Output feedback image-based visual servoing control of an underactuated unmanned aerial vehicle

In this article, image-based visual servoing control of an underactuated unmanned aerial vehicle is considered for the three-dimensional translational motion. Taking into account the low quality of accelerometers’ data, the main objective of this article is to only use information of rate gyroscopes and a camera, as the sensor suite, in order to design an image-based visual servoing controller. Kinematics and dynamics of the unmanned aerial vehicle are expressed in terms of visual information, which make it possible to design dynamic image-based visual servoing controllers without using linear velocity information obtained from accelerometers. Image features are selected through perspective image moments of a flat target plane in which no geometric information is required, and therefore, the approach can be applied in unknown environments. Two output feedback controllers that deal with uncertainties in dynamics of the system related to the motion of the target and also unknown depth information of the image are proposed using a linear observer. Stability analysis guarantees that the errors of the system remain uniformly ultimately bounded during a tracking mission and converge to 0 when the target is stationary. Simulation results are presented to validate the designed controllers.
STATCOM Control for Operation with Unbalanced Voltages

In view of STATCOM operation analysis, special attention must be paid to the operation with unbalanced network voltages. In this paper a control algorithm that enables STATCOM operation with unbalanced voltages is presented. The algorithm is based on the compensator mathematical model in the d-q coordinate system. In case of an unbalanced voltage sag the compensator unbalances the generated voltages to limit the negative sequence currents. The problem of low-order harmonics generation is solved with the use of appropriate switching function modulation that enables the use of a relatively small capacitor on the DC side. The proposed algorithm was tested by means of simulation of STATCOM operation in the PSCAD program. The algorithm shows a good transient response also in the case of relatively deep voltage sags
Rate Optimization for Multiuser MIMO Systems With Linear Processing

This paper focuses on linear transceiver design for rate optimization in multiuser Gaussian multple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems. We focus on two design criteria: 1) maximizing the weighted sum rate subject to a total power constraint; 2) maximizing the minimum user rate subject to a total power constraint. For these problems, new power allocation strategies are derived, which can be formulated as geometric programs (GPs) involving mean square errors (MSEs). Based on these solutions, we propose iterative algorithms, where each iteration contains the optimization of the uplink power, uplink receive filters, and downlink receive filters. Monotonic convergence of the algorithms is proved. Simulations show that the algorithms outperform existing linear schemes. Additionally, we extend the results to other variations of the problems, such as, the problem of sum-rate constrained or user-rate constrained power minimization, and the problem of sum-rate maximization subject to user-rate constraints and a total power constraint.
New College Graduates at Work: Employment among 1992-93, 1999-2000, and 2007-08 Bachelor's Degree Recipients 1 Year after Graduation. Stats in Brief. NCES 2014-003.

Statistics in Brief publications present descriptive data in tabular formats to provide useful information to a broad audience, including members of the general public. They address simple and topical issues and questions. They do not investigate more complex hypotheses, account for inter-relationships among variables, or support causal inferences. We encourage readers who are interested in more complex questions and in-depth analysis to explore other NCES resources, including publications, online data tools, and publicand restricted-use datasets. See nces.ed.gov and references noted in the body of this document for more information. This Statistics in Brief was prepared for the National Center for Education Statistics under Contract No. EDIES-12-C-0095 with RTI International. Mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The economic recession that began in 2008 has affected employment for all workers, including 4-year college graduates (Carnevale, Jayasundera, and Cheah 2012). Compared with graduates who received a bachelor’s degree in the early 2000s, current college graduates aged 21–24 are more likely to be unemployed and wages for all graduates are lower (Shierholz, Sabadish, and Wething 2012). Those who find employment may be working in a job unrelated to their field of study (Carnevale, Jayasundera, and Cheah 2012; Roksa and Arum 2012). Moreover, the effects of graduating during a weak economy may have longlasting consequences in the form of depressed wages and slowed occupational advancement decades after graduation (Oreopoulos, von Wachter, and Heisz 2012; Kahn 2010).
Real-time numeric character recognition system based on finger movements

In the field of computer vision, numeric character recognition plays an important role for various applications such as in Human Computer Interaction system. A numeric character recognition system is advantageous in a Human Computer Interaction system as it enables us to interact with a computer without a keyboard or other input devices. In this paper a simple numeric character recognition algorithm has been proposed where colored fingertip has been used for the purpose of tracking. Numeric characters are detected by the finger movements made during the handwriting of the characters. For each frame the tip position is compared to the previous tip position to decide whether the movement is a vertical or horizontal movement. Vertical movements can take place in upward or downward direction and horizontal movement can take place in rightward or leftward direction. This variation of fingertip movements gives rise to the classification criteria for the numeric characters. This method has shown promising result in real time environment.
Twitterize: Anonymous Micro-blogging

Privacy, in particular anonymity, is required to increase the acceptance of users for the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is built upon sensors that encompass us in each step we take. Hence, they can collect sensitive, privacy-invading data that can be used to establish complete user profiles. For this reason, sensing in the IoT needs to provide means of privacy-protection. In this paper, we discuss an approach for sharing smartphone sensor data and user-generated content in a privacy-protecting manner via the Micro-blogging platform (MbP) Twitter. For that, we discuss privacy needs of users in Micro-blogging platforms (MbPs) and that privacy should not only ensure confidentiality but also anonymity. We discuss related work and systems along these requirements and conclude that anonymity is hardly considered. We introduce our construction Twitterize that integrates well with the MbP Twitter and allows users and sensors to share information normally as well as privacy-preserving with a single application. Twitterize establishes overlay networks for hashtags over Twitters' social network and neither depends on additional infrastructure nor peer-to-peer communication.
Temporal Variability of Zooplankton (2000-2013) in the Levantine Sea: Significant Changes Associated to the 2005-2010 EMT-like Event?

In this study, we investigated, for the first time, the potential impact of environmental changes on zooplankton abundance over a fourteen year period (2000–2013) at an offshore station in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea (the Levantine basin, offshore Lebanon). Samples were collected monthly and analyzed using the semi-automated system ZooScan. Salinity, temperature and phytoplankton abundance (nano and microphytoplankton) were also measured. Results show no significant temporal trend in sea surface temperature over the years. Between 2005–2010, salinity in the upper layer (0–80 m) of the Levantine basin increased (~0.3°C). During this 5 year period, total zooplankton abundance significantly increased. These modifications were concomitant to the activation of Aegean Sea as a source of dense water formation as part of the “Eastern Mediterranean Transient-like” event. The results of the present study suggested that zooplankton benefited from enhanced phytoplankton production during the mixing years of the event. Changes in the phenology of some taxa were observed accordingly with a predominantly advanced peak of zooplankton abundance. In conclusion, long-term changes in zooplankton abundance were related to the Levantine thermohaline circulation rather than sea surface warming. Sampling must be maintained to assess the impact of long-term climate change on zooplankton communities.
1/f Noise in Quantum-Size Heteronanostructures Based On GaAs and Alloys

The 1/f noise investigation in nanoscale light-emitting diodes and lasers, based on GaAs and alloys, is presented here. Leakage and additional (to recombination through quantum wells and/or dots) nonlinear currents were detected and it was shown that these currents are the main source of the 1/f noise in devices studied. Keywords—Lasers, light-emitting diodes, quantum dots, quantum wells, 1/f noise.
ETIKA MASYARAKAT BADUY SEBAGAI INSPIRASI PEMBANGUNAN

Krisis multidimensional yang termasuk di antaranya adalah pertumbuhan penduduk yang tidak terkontrol, polusi udara, krisis air, pemanasan global, tekanan hidup merupakan simbol masalah sosial dari proses pembangunan. Kita perlu merefleksikan secara kritis tentang tujuan dan nilai dalam pembangunan yang menghambat pembangunan. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis menggali nilai-nilai etika masyarakat pedalaman yang dapat digunakan sebagai inspirasi untuk menerapkan nilai-nilai dalam pembangunan sehingga dapat meminimalisir masalah-masalah yang muncul dari proses pembangunan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengelompokan masyarakat pedalaman secara etika dapat digunakan sebagai alat untuk mengukur mentalitas pembangunan di Indonesia. Sebagai contoh etika Baduy, mencerminkan karakter sosial untuk mengembangkan pilar-pilar nilai budaya nasional, skenario pembangunan teknologi, keamanan pangan, kemerdekaan, gaya hidup, mengangkat ketertarikan masyarakat, fokus pada program prioritas dan bangkit dari politik transaksi ekonomi dan kekuatan dalam pembangunan. Di sisi lain ada hal-hal yang bersifat merusak bagi etika masyarakat pedalaman di bawah tekanan atas lingkungan yang nyaman dan itu datang dari dalam maupun luar. The multi-dimentional crisis which includes the uncontrolled population explosion, the more dense settlement, the amount of pollutants in the earth, water crisis, global warming, and a lot of life pressure / stress are signs of the social problems of the development process. That is why, we need to reflect critically on the goals of development and values that discourage development. In this article, the author seeks to explore ethical values in traditional Baduy society which can be used as inspiration in applying development values that can minimize the problem raised by development. This research used qualitative approach. Research results show that community grouping in isolated community can be used ethically as a means to measure mentality of Indonesian development. For example the ethics of Baduy reflects social character to develop the pillars for national cultural values, technological development scenario, food security, independence, lifestyle, promoting the interests of society, focus on running projects, and away from the politics of economic transactions and power in development. On the other hand there are symptoms of the destruction of isolated communities ethics under the pretext of environmentally friendly development that comes from inside and outside.
ECNUCS: Measuring Short Text Semantic Equivalence Using Multiple Similarity Measurements

This paper reports our submissions to the Semantic Textual Similarity (STS) task in SEM Shared Task 2013. We submitted three Support Vector Regression (SVR) systems in core task, using 6 types of similarity measures, i.e., string similarity, number similarity, knowledge-based similarity, corpus-based similarity, syntacticdependencysimilarityand machine translation similarity. Our third system with different training data and different feature sets for each test data set performs the best and ranks 35 out of 90 runs. We also submitted two systems in typed task using string based measure and Named Entity based measure. Our best system ranks 5 out of 15 runs.
Safety of the Malaria Vaccine Candidate, RTS,S/AS01E in 5 to 17 Month Old Kenyan and Tanzanian Children

The malaria vaccine candidate, RTS,S/AS01E, showed promising protective efficacy in a trial of Kenyan and Tanzanian children aged 5 to 17 months. Here we report on the vaccine's safety and tolerability. The experimental design was a Phase 2b, two-centre, double-blind (observer- and participant-blind), randomised (1∶1 ratio) controlled trial. Three doses of study or control (rabies) vaccines were administered intramuscularly at 1 month intervals. Solicited adverse events (AEs) were collected for 7 days after each vaccination. There was surveillance and reporting for unsolicited adverse events for 30 days after each vaccination. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were recorded throughout the study period which lasted for 14 months after dose 1 in Korogwe, Tanzania and an average of 18 months post-dose 1 in Kilifi, Kenya. Blood samples for safety monitoring of haematological, renal and hepatic functions were taken at baseline, 3, 10 and 14 months after dose 1. A total of 894 children received RTS,S/AS01E or rabies vaccine between March and August 2007. Overall, children vaccinated with RTS,S/AS01E had fewer SAEs (51/447) than children in the control group (88/447). One SAE episode in a RTS,S/AS01E recipient and nine episodes among eight rabies vaccine recipients met the criteria for severe malaria. Unsolicited AEs were reported in 78% of subjects in the RTS,S/AS01E group and 74% of subjects in the rabies vaccine group. In both vaccine groups, gastroenteritis and pneumonia were the most frequently reported unsolicited AE. Fever was the most frequently observed solicited AE and was recorded after 11% of RTS,S/AS01E doses compared to 31% of doses of rabies vaccine. The candidate vaccine RTS,S/AS01E showed an acceptable safety profile in children living in a malaria-endemic area in East Africa. More data on the safety of RTS,S/AS01E will become available from the Phase 3 programme. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00380393
Variations and Practice in the Care of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Quality and Cost of Care

IntroductionVariability in treatment is linked to lower quality of care and higher costs. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which care and management may vary considerably among rheumatologists. The extent of this variability and its cost ramifications have not been widely studied. This prospective study evaluated the quality and variability in care and quantified the potential cost implications. MethodsWe used Clinical Performance and Value® vignettes to measure the quality of RA care among community-based rheumatologists. Three online Clinical Performance and Value® vignettes—representing patients likely seen in practice with mild disease activity (case A), worsening disease activity (case B), and stable disease with a complicating comorbidity (case C)—were administered to each rheumatologist. Responses were scored against evidence-based criteria. Costs were computed using current (2011) Medicare pricing. Data were analyzed using t test and fixed-effects analysis of variance. ResultsOne hundred eight board-certified rheumatologists (72% were male; mean age, 49.1 years) completed the study. Overall quality scores averaged 61.3%. Those employed by a health system or in a multispecialty practice were more likely to score higher. Highest combined scores for diagnosis and treatment were evident with case A (61.7%) and lowest with case C (46.7%). Up to 79% of rheumatologists ordered at least 1 laboratory test that was considered unnecessary by study protocol criteria, incurring a mean excess cost of $37.85 per physician per case. Up to 26.9% rheumatologists prescribed biologic agents that were not indicated based on American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines, resulting in additional costs of $2041 per patient per month. ConclusionIn this study, we observed a wide range of reported practice variability by rheumatologists in the management of RA. This included unnecessary testing and use of biologic agents that increased the costs of treatment. Opportunities for quality improvement and cost control exist in the management of RA.
Determination of the Correct Eye Position for Viewing Perspective Images of 3D Scenes

Realistic viewing of perspective images requires placing the viewer at the correct location. In this paper, we present a technique for determining the correct viewing location for perspective images of 3D scenes. The technique is based on the determination of three vanishing points in mutually orthogonal directions. We also use this technique to devise a simple method for manually drawing images of rectangular prisms in correct perspective with respect to a viewpoint. VP3 VP2 VP correct distance between the eye and point O horizon
Comparative Analysis for Detecting Objects Under Cast Shadows in Video Images

Cast shadows add additional difficulties on detecting objects because they locally modify image intensity and color. Shadows may appear or disappear in an image when the object, the camera, or both are free to move through a scene. This work evaluates the performance of an object detection method based on boosted HOG paired with three different image representations in outdoor video sequences. We follow and extend on the taxonomy from van de Sande with considerations on the constraints assumed by each descriptor on the spatial variation of the illumination. We show that the intrinsic image representation consistently gives the best results. This proves the usefulness of this representation for object detection in varying illumination conditions, and supports the idea that in practice local assumptions in the descriptors can be violated.
The Truth About Chickens and Bats

Words mean different things in different contexts, a phenomenon called polysemy. People talk about lines of both people and poetry, and about both long distances and long times. Polysemy lets a limited vocabulary capture a great variety of experiences, while highlighting commonalities. But how is this achieved? Are polysemous senses contextually driven modifications of core meanings, or must each sense be memorized separately? We show that participants’ ability to avoid referentially ambiguous descriptions of pictures named by polysemous words provides evidence for both possibilities. When senses followed a regular pattern (e.g., animals and the foodstuffs derived from them; noisy chicken, tasty chicken), participants avoided using ambiguous labels in referentially ambiguous situations (e.g., both types of chicken were present), a result indicating that they noticed a common meaning. But when senses were idiosyncratically related (e.g., sheet of glass, drinking glass), participants frequently produced ambiguous labels, a result indicating that the meanings were separately stored. We discuss implications for the relationship between word meanings and concepts.