Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural Classification Methods Based on Weighted Finite-State Transducers for Automatic Speech Recognition

The potential of structural classification methods for automatic speech recognition (ASR) has been attracting the speech community since they can realize the unified modeling of acoustic and linguistic aspects of recognizers. However, the structural classification approaches involve well-known tradeoffs between the richness of features and the computational efficiency of decoders. If we are to employ, for example, a frame-synchronous one-pass decoding technique, features considered to calculate the likelihood of each hypothesis must be restricted to the same form as the conventional acoustic and language models. This paper tackles this limitation directly by exploiting the structure of the weighted finite-state transducers (WFSTs) used for decoding. Although WFST arcs provide rich contextual information, close integration with a computationally efficient decoding technique is still possible since most decoding techniques only require that their likelihood functions are factorizable for each decoder arc and time frame. In this paper, we compare two methods for structural classification with the WFST-based features; the structured perceptron and conditional random field (CRF) techniques. To analyze the advantages of these two classifiers, we present experimental results for the TIMIT continuous phoneme recognition task, the WSJ transcription task, and the MIT lecture transcription task. We confirmed that the proposed approach improved the ASR performance without sacrificing the computational efficiency of the decoders, even though the baseline systems are already trained with discriminative training techniques (e.g., MPE).
Towards material characterization and thickness measurements using Pulsed Eddy Currents implemented with an Improved Giant MagnetoResistance Magnetometer

Standard Pulsed Eddy Current Systems, as RTD-INCOTEST© equipment, use receiver coils to measure eddy current decay in conducting objects. Advantages of full coils, as sensor for the eddy current, are its simple construction and the possibility of eddy current focussing. But, some disadvantages are the high induction voltage due to a large pulsed signal, the large sensor area and the low coil’s sensitivity especially at large times. Some of these disadvantages can be avoided by using a magnetic-field sensor instead of a coil and some advantages also appear. Recent developments in Improved GMR Magnetometer open a new possibility to measure the decay by means of magnetic-field measurement. The present paper focuses on recent theoretical and practical investigations made by RTD and his partners. The measurement method is presented and discussed in comparison with the theoretical signal behaviour. Experimental features are investigated and the practical feasibility of the technique is shown. Furthermore, an analysis is presented enabling the simultaneous determination of both material properties and thickness with an optimal fitted function. For several types of Carbon steel materials, a good accuracy of their properties (permeability, conductivity, and thickness) can be achieved. Recommendations for further development are also given.
New Rules for Domain Independent Lifted MAP Inference

Lifted inference algorithms for probabilistic first-order logic frameworks such as Markov logic networks (MLNs) have received significant attention in recent years. These algorithms use so called lifting rules to identify symmetries in the first-order representation and reduce the inference problem over a large probabilistic model to an inference problem over a much smaller model. In this paper, we present two new lifting rules, which enable fast MAP inference in a large class of MLNs. Our first rule uses the concept of single occurrence equivalence class of logical variables, which we define in the paper. The rule states that the MAP assignment over an MLN can be recovered from a much smaller MLN, in which each logical variable in each single occurrence equivalence class is replaced by a constant (i.e., an object in the domain of the variable). Our second rule states that we can safely remove a subset of formulas from the MLN if all equivalence classes of variables in the remaining MLN are single occurrence and all formulas in the subset are tautology (i.e., evaluate to true) at extremes (i.e., assignments with identical truth value for groundings of a predicate). We prove that our two new rules are sound and demonstrate via a detailed experimental evaluation that our approach is superior in terms of scalability and MAP solution quality to the state of the art approaches.
Universally truthful secondary spectrum auctions

We present algorithms for implementing local spectrum redistribution in wireless networks using a mechanism design approach. For example, in single-hop request scheduling, secondary users are modeled as rational agents that have private utility when getting assigned a channel for successful transmission. We present a simple algorithmic technique that allows to turn existing and future approximation algorithms and heuristics into truthful mechanisms for a large variety of networking problems. Our approach works with virtually all known interference models in the literature, including the physical model of interference based on SINR. It allows to address single-hop and multi-hop scheduling, routing, and even more general assignment and allocation problems. Our mechanisms are randomized and represent the first universally-truthful mechanisms for these problems with rigorous worst-case guarantees on the solution quality. In this way, our mechanisms can be used to obtain guaranteed solution quality even with risk-averse or risk-seeking bidders, for which existing approaches fail.
ASSOCIATION OF GERMFREE MICE WITH BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM NORMAL MICE

Germfree mice were given food contaminated with pure cultures of various bacterial species isolated from ordinary healthy mice. The cultures were given singly, or in association, or consecutively at weekly intervals. Whatever the technique of administration, the lactobacilli and anaerobic streptococci immediately established themselves throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and became closely associated with the walls of the organs. In contrast, the organisms of the bacteroides group were found in large numbers only in the large intestine. Within a week after exposure, the populations of these three bacterial species reached levels similar to those found in ordinary mice. They remained at these characteristic levels throughout the period of observation (several months). Their presence resulted in a progressive decrease in the size of the cecum which eventually became normal in gross appearance. Coliform bacilli multiplied extensively and persisted at high levels in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract of germfree mice, even after these had become colonized with lactobacilli, anaerobic streptococci and bacteroides. However, the coliform population fell precipitously within a few days after the animals were fed the intestinal contents of healthy pathogen-free mice.
Responses to Static Visual Images in Macaque Lateral Geniculate Nucleus: Implications for Adaptation, Negative Afterimages, and Visual Fading

Adaptation to static scenes is a familiar and fundamental aspect of visual perception that causes negative afterimages, fading, and many other visual illusions. To establish a foundation for understanding the neuronal bases of such phenomena and to constrain the contributions of retinal versus cortical processing, we studied the responses of neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus during and after the presentation of prolonged static visual stimuli. We found that parvocellular (P) cells (the more numerous and color-sensitive pathway) showed response adaptation with a time constant on the order of tens of seconds and that their response after the removal of a visual stimulus lasting 1 min was similar in amplitude and time course to the response evoked by the photographic negative stimulus. Magnocellular (M) cells (the faster-conducting and achromatic pathway) had after responses that were substantially weaker than responses evoked by patterned visual stimuli. This difference points to the existence of an adaptive mechanism in the P-pathway that is absent or impaired in the M-pathway and is inconsistent with full adaptation of photoreceptors, which feed both pathways. Cells in both pathways often maintained a substantial tonic response throughout 1 min stimuli, suggesting that these major feedforward inputs to cortex adapt too slowly to account for visual fading. Our findings suggest that faster-adapting mechanisms in cortex are likely to be required to account for the dynamics of perception during and after the viewing of prolonged static images.
Rethinking subcultural capital

The aim of this article is to contribute to the rethinking of the notion of subcultural capital as coined by Sarah Thornton. Drawing on Bourdieu, I argue that Thornton’s original work on the notion is flawed by a reluctance to devote analytical attention to the social position and other socio-structural variables of the participants in the subculture. With my fieldwork among underprivileged young men of non-Danish ethnic origin as the point of departure, I reason that a sociological grasp on hierarchical differentiation and intersections between different socio-structural variables is necessary to explain and understand subcultures and subcultural capital adequately. The relation between the subculture and its surroundings is best understood by focusing on what is appreciated within the subculture (i.e. subculture capital) and at the same time analytically situating the subculture in terms of class, gender, ethnicity and ‘race’.
Neuroimaging in Iran: A Review

Neuroimaging allows noninvasive evaluation of the anatomy, physiology, and function of the brain. It is widely used for diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment evaluation of neurological disorders as well as understanding functions of the brain in health and disease. Neuroimaging modalities include X-ray computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). This paper presents an overview of the neuroimaging research in Iran in recent years, partitioned into three categories: anatomical imaging; anatomical image analysis; and functional imaging and analysis. Published papers reflect considerable progress in development of neuroimaging infrastructure, hardware installation and software development. However, group work and research collaborations among engineers, scientists, and clinicians need significant enhancement to optimize utility of the resources and maximize productivity. This is a challenge that cannot be solved without specific plans, policies, and funding. A B S T R A C T
Digitally controlled 4-phase interleaved DC-DC converter with coupled inductors for storage application in microgrid

The correct operation of a microgrid requires storage devices that avoid instability of the system. The central part of an energy storage system is the DC-DC converter which connects the ultracapacitor pack or the battery pack and a DC bus of an energy system. This paper presents the DC-DC converter design to control of an energy storage system based on supercapacitors but it can be also used for charging and discharging of accumulators. The converter for such application should have a good transient response performance to prevent voltage sags in micro-grid. In this paper development of 4-phase interleaved DC-DC converter with using of the inter-phase coupled inductors is analyzed to improve transient response. The steady state phase and output current ripple of the interleaving bidirectional DC-DC converter is analyzed. The prototype of the converter has been built. Some of the experimental results are presented in the paper.
Computer and Internet Use in the Work Place: A Common Sense Approach

This article provides an overview of key legal issues arising out of computer and Internet use in the workplace. It surveys federal and state laws regulating each of these issues. This article also includes various suggested strategies for employers to deal with these issues. These suggested strategies are based on an analysis of the applicable laws, academic legal treatises, and the respective needs of employers and employees. The goal of this article is to help employers deal with the legal challenges arising out of computer and Internet use in the work place without losing good will and loyalty of their employees.
Evaluation von Psychotherapien aus der Perspektive von Qualitätssicherung und Qualitätsmanagement

Dieser Beitrag befasst sich mit methodischen Fragen, die sich aus den Pramissen des Qualitatsmanagements (QM) fur die Evaluation von Psychotherapien unter Routinebedingungen ergeben. Am Beispiel der Poliklinischen Institutsambulanz der Universitat Mainz wird aufgezeigt, welche Anforderungen an den Datenerhebungsprozess zu stellen sind und nach welchen Kennwerten die Therapieergebnisse bewertet werden konnen. Es werden Qualitatskriterien fur Datenqualitat und Erfolgsmase vorgeschlagen. Die Ergebnisqualitat sollte sowohl mit Hilfe von Mittelwertsveranderungen (und dazugehorigen Effektstarken) als auch durch Response- und Remissionsanalysen (Beurteilung des individuellen Ansprechens auf die Therapie) gemessen werden. Entsprechend des Vorgehens in kontrollierten Therapiestudien wird vorgeschlagen, zwischen Intention-to-Treat- und Completer-Analysen zu unterscheiden. Hierfur sind Kriterien erforderlich, nach denen Therapieabschlusse als Abbruch oder regulare Beendigung klassifiziert werden konnen. Anhand eines.
Can ethics be technologized? Lessons from Challenger, philosophy, and rhetoric

Technology informs many aspects of our lives. Many critics perceive technology as a system of values, seeing it as an incomplete "ethic". I explore the converse. Using Ellul's (1990) technique (translated as "technologism"), I ask, "Can ethics be technologized? " I show how the Challenger disaster delimits the range of technologism with regard to ethics. Collecting additional technical information cannot of itself prevent ethical lapses. Furthermore, the investigations implicitly show the assumption that technologism can apply to ethics in their call for additional procedures. The recognition that procedures already in place were adequate, however, shows this assumption to be fallacious. I also show that trying to technologize ethics is a recent instance of an old reductive fallacy. The ancient sophists were criticized for trying to technologize both rhetoric and ethics. In recent philosophy, too, many critics insist that ethics cannot be reduced, systematized or technologized. Ethics then is innately problematic, so ethical choices must always be continually deliberated among people in an indeterminate way. >
Dimensions of the Construct of Resilience and Adaptation among Inner-City Youth

This article reviews the conceptualization of resilience and empirically examines the dimensionality of a construct of resilience and adaptation by using structural equation modeling techniques. As part of a longitudinal study of youth development, youth ages 12, 14, and 16 and their parents who lived in high-risk neighborhoods in the Denver metropolitan area were interviewed. The construct of resilience and adaptation was measured by six indicators: psychosocial functioning, self-esteem, academic performance, absence or low level of drug use, gang involvement, and delinquent activities. Factor analyses using LISREL suggest the existence of at least two latent constructs of resilience and adaptation: Adjustment and low level of Antisocial Behavior. Implications of the findings are discussed.
‘You say rape, I say hospitals. But whose voice is louder?’ Health, aid and decision-making in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the last decade, scholars and humanitarians have rightly drawn attention to the high rates of gender-based violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which are associated with the high levels of conflict in the country since 1996. However, this focus detracts from the general health problems that stem from the deterioration of the health sector, which began long before the outbreak of war. This article analyses local perceptions of the determinants of maternal health and illness in eastern DRC, and identifies ways in which women cope with barriers to health care that derive from an inadequate and/or absent health-care system. The article demonstrates that in both urban and rural locations in all four provinces of eastern DRC, women have organised to address their own vulnerabilities, which, according to them, amount to more than exposure to gender-based violence. The existence of these informal systems demonstrates the need to reassess the image of Congolese women as primarily passive victims and/or targets of violence. The article suggests that these culturally rooted indigenous solutions be evaluated as worthy recipients of development funding, which is often exclusively offered to international organisations. [« Vous dites viol, je dis hôpitaux. Mais qui parle le plus fort ? » : La santé, l'aide et la prise de décision dans la République Démocratique du Congo]. Durant la dernière décennie, les érudits et les humanitaires ont correctement attiré l'attention sur les taux élevés de violence sur la seule base du genre dans l'est de la République Démocratique du Congo (RDC), qui sont en lien avec les hauts niveaux de conflit dans le pays depuis 1996. Pourtant, cette attention sur les violences sexuelles détourne l'attention qui devrait être portée aux problèmes sanitaires généraux qui sont dus à la détérioration du secteur de la santé, qui a commencé longtemps avant l'émergence de la guerre. Cet article examine les perceptions locales des déterminants de la santé maternelle et de la maladie dans l'est de la RDC et identifie les manières avec lesquelles les femmes s'adaptent aux difficultés d'accès aux soins de santé qui résultent d'un système de santé publique insuffisant et/ou absent. L'article montre que dans les zones tant urbaines que rurales et dans les quatre provinces de l'est de la RDC, les femmes se sont organisées pour faire face à leurs propres vulnérabilités, qui, selon elles, représentent un problème plus important que l'exposition à la violence fondée sur le genre. L'existence de ces systèmes informels démontre le besoin de reconsidérer l'image des femmes congolaises comme étant en premier lieu des victimes passives et/ou des objets de violences. L'article suggère que ces solutions culturellement enracinées dans le modèle local pourraient être évaluées comme des bénéficiaires louables de l'aide au développement, laquelle est souvent exclusivement délivrée à des organisations internationales. Mots-clés : Congo ; viol ; santé ; violence liée au genre ; conflit
Hierarchical importance sampling instead of annealing

This paper proposes a novel method, hierarchical importance sampling (HIS), which can be used instead of converging the population for evolutionary algorithms based on probabilistic models (EAPM). In HIS, multiple populations are simulated simultaneously so that they have different diversities. This mechanism allows HIS to obtain promising solutions with various diversities. Experimental comparisons between HIS and the annealing (i.e., general EAPM) have revealed that HIS outperforms the annealing when applying to a problem of a 2D Ising model, which have many local optima. Advantages of HIS can be summarized as follows: (1) Since populations do not need to converge and do not change rapidly, HIS can build probability models with stability; (2) Since samples with better cost function values can be used for building probability models in HIS, HIS can obtain better probability models; (3)HIS can reuse historical results, which are normally discarded in the annealing.
Evidence for a Role of the Polysaccharide Capsule Transport Proteins in Pertussis Pathogenesis

Polysaccharide (PS) capsules are important virulence determinants for many bacterial pathogens. Bordetella pertussis, the agent of whooping cough, produces a surface associated microcapsule but its role in pertussis pathogenesis remained unknown. Here we showed that the B. pertussis capsule locus is expressed in vivo in murine lungs and that absence of the membrane-associated protein KpsT, involved in the transport of the PS polymers across the envelope, but not the surface-exposed PS capsule itself, affects drastically B. pertussis colonization efficacy in mice. Microarray analysis revealed that absence of KpsT in B. pertussis resulted in global down-regulation of gene expression including key virulence genes regulated by BvgA/S, the master two-component system. Using a BvgS phase-locked mutant, we demonstrated a functional link between KpsT and BvgA/S-mediated signal transduction. Whereas pull-down assays do not support physical interaction between BvgS sensor and any of the capsule locus encoded proteins, absence of KpsT impaired BvgS oligomerization, necessary for BvgS function. Furthermore, complementation studies indicated that instead of KpsT alone, the entire PS capsule transport machinery spanning the cell envelope likely plays a role in BvgS-mediated signal transduction. Our work thus provides the first experimental evidence of a role for a virulence-repressed gene in pertussis pathogenesis.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies, Haemostatic Variables and Thrombosis – A Survey of 144 Patients

Summary Several clotting abnormalities have been put forth to explain the thrombotic tendency of the antiphospholipid syndrome, but a possible role for fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor has been poorly investigated. The present cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated the relationship of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulants, fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor with the occurrence of arterial and venous thromboses in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. Among the clotting assays for the detection of lupus anticoagulant, dilute Russell’s viper venom time correlated with a history of venous thrombosis more strongly than activated partial thromboplastin time (p <0.0002 vs p <0.009) and was the only test which correlated with a history of arterial thrombosis (p <0.01), also at low levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (p = 0.003). By regression analysis, and after correction for confounders, serum levels of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were found to be positively associated with the number of venous events (p <0.001). Plasma levels of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor were associated with each other (p <0.0001; r: 0.48) and with the occurrence of arterial and venous thromboses (p <0.001). Moreover, plasma levels of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor in thrombotic patients with antiphospholipid antibodies were significantly higher than those of a control group of thrombotic patients who suffered thrombosis for other reasons (p <0.0001 and p = 0.0008 respectively). Titres of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies correlated with plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (p <0.0001; r: 0.42). These findings support the hypothesis that within the antiphospholipid antibody family, subgroups exist which may preferentially associate with arterial or venous occlusions and raise the possibility that elevated plasma levels of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor may be implicated in the thrombotic tendency of the antiphospholipid syndrome through an involvement of the vascular endothelium, as the relationship between IgG anticardiolipin and von Willebrand factor suggests. Measurement of fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor in prospective studies, besides anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulants, may help assess the risk of developing arterial and venous thrombosis in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies.