Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Onset and Offset Masking on the Time Course of Non-Native Spoken-Word Recognition in Noise

Using the visual-word paradigm, the present study investigated the effects of word onset and offset masking on the time course of non-native spoken-word recognition in the presence of background noise. In two experiments, Dutch non-native listeners heard English target words, preceded by carrier sentences that were noise-free (Experiment 1) or contained intermittent noise (Experiment 2). Target words were either onsetor offset-masked or not masked at all. Analyses showed that onset masking delayed target word recognition more than offset masking did. These results suggest that – in line with contemporary models of spoken-word recognition – non-native listeners strongly rely on word onset information when hearing words in noise.
Multiresolution Cochleagram Speech Enhancement Algorithm Using Improved Deep Neural Networks with Skip Connections

Deep learning based methods have been a recent benchmark method for speech enhancement. However, these approaches are limited in low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) conditions, for speech loss and low intelligibility. To address this problem, we improve Multi-Resolution Cochleagram (MRCG), and gammachirp filter bank is used to decompose the speech signal in time and frequency, and the low-resolution signal is denoised by the minimum mean-square error short-time spectral amplitude estimator (MMSE-STSA). Improve Multi-Resolution Cochleagram (I-MRCG) is adopted as the input feature of Skip connections-DNN (Skip-DNN). In this paper, the source to distortion ratio (SDR) is used in the training process, and the logarithm is introduced to observe the iterative process more clearly. Experiments were performed on the TIMIT database with four noise types at four levels of SNR. I-MRCG as the input feature of the Skip-DNN model, the average PESQ is 2.6783, and the average STOI is 0.8752. Compared with MRCG, the PESQ and STOI obtained by MRCG are increased 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively. This shows that MRCG is the input feature of the Skip-DNN model, and the speech enhancement effect after training is better than other features. It can not only solve the problem of speech loss in a low SNR environment, but also obtain more robust speech enhancement. The loss function experiment shows that compared to MSE and SDR, the improved SDR as the loss function of the speech enhancement model has the best enhancement effect.
High‐resolution sedimentary budget quantification – Example from the Cenozoic deposits in the Pelotas Basin, South Atlantic

In this paper, we propose a high‐resolution (HR) sedimentary budget quantification at basin‐scale for the Cenozoic deposits of the Pelotas Basin (South Atlantic). A new workflow is implemented including five main steps: (1) basin‐scale analysis and characterization, (2) quality control and selection of reference 2D dip‐sections, (3) HR seismic stratigraphy analysis, (4) sediment supply estimation taking into account lithology and porosity corrections and then (5) the estimation of the sedimentary budget curve including 41 time‐intervals for the last 65 Myr. Variance ranges were determined considering the parameters of the method on the case study. The main uncertainties are related to the seismic velocities for the time‐to‐depth conversion (5%–22%), the method for lithological parameters quantification and associated porosity correction (4.4%–14.3%), the absolute ages of stratigraphic markers (1%–25%), and the proportion of in‐situ sediment production (0.3%–0.5%). For the very first time, this method allows the identification of several cycles from an entire sedimentary basin fill characterized by pulses of sediment supply (Qs) whose growth phase lasts less than 1 Myr, followed by a constant phase lasting 1–2 Myr, and finally an exponentially decreasing phase lasting 2–5 Myr. These pulses alternate with phases where the sediment supply was very low for intervals of ca. 1–5 Myr. Ten major pulses were recognized during the Cenozoic. We propose that the sediment supply dynamic in the Pelotas basin records the orogenic phases of the Andes located more than 2,000 km upstream. The recorded Qs pulses in the basin are out of phase with respect to the active tectonic phases of the Central Andes. Finally, by comparing the volume of preserved sediment and the production capacity of the catchment, we suggest that a source of sediment in addition to the Brazilian craton and the Andes should be envisaged, potentially associated with deep‐water oceanic circulation.
Predicting consumers' digital piracy behaviour: does past experience matter?

PurposeDespite increasing anti-piracy legislation, digital piracy remains widespread and presents a huge barrier to the growth of creative industries globally. Hence, this study aims to examine predictors of digital piracy through the lens of an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Furthermore, the authors also examine the moderating effects of past experience (non-experienced versus experienced) on the relationships between the common four TPB dimensions on intention to engage in digital piracy.Design/methodology/approachUsing a survey method, the authors collected 832 student respondents in Semarang, Indonesia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was performed to analyse the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results showed that the influence of attitude, subjective norm and moral obligation on intention is significantly different between experienced and non-experienced consumers. The positive influence of attitude on intention to engage in digital piracy is stronger for non-experienced than experienced consumers. The influence of subjective norm on intention is significant and positive for non-experienced consumers but is not significant for experienced consumers. The influence of moral obligation on intention is significant and positive for non-experienced consumers but turns negative and significant for experienced consumers.Originality/valueThis research contributed to the body of knowledge by investigating the role of past experience as a moderator in the TPB model which renders the authors to have a better understanding of the differences in the thinking process between experienced and non-experienced consumers.
Exploring the Underlying Mechanisms of Action of Dry Needling

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Objective Dry needling is a commonly used treatment technique for myofascial pain syndromes, such as trapezius myalgia. Despite the shown positive clinical effects on pain, the underlying mechanisms of action, such as the effect on muscle electrophysiology, remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dry needling, compared with sham needling, in the upper trapezius muscle on surface electromyography activity and the relation with pain in office workers with trapezius myalgia. Design For this experimental randomized controlled trial, 43 office workers with work-related trapezius myalgia were included. Surface electromyography activity was measured before and after a pain-provoking computer task and immediately after, 15, and 30 mins after treatment with dry or sham needling. Pain scores were evaluated at the same time points as well as 1, 2, and 7 days after treatment. Results No significant differences in surface electromyography activity between dry needling and sham needling were found. Significant positive low to moderate Spearman correlations were found between surface electromyography activity and pain levels after dry needling treatment. Conclusions This study shows no immediate effects of dry needling on the electrophysiology of the upper trapezius muscle, compared with sham needling.
A Robust Payload Control System Design for Offshore Cranes: Experimental Study

This paper presents a robust controller design of payload position control for an offshore crane facing disturbance and parametric uncertainties. The offshore operations with cranes while lifting and lowering a payload can be dangerous since safety and efficiency are affected by waves, wind and ocean currents. Such harsh sea conditions put the offshore crane and payload through unwanted disturbances and parametric uncertainties, which requires a robust control system to guarantee reliable performance of these systems. In this paper, we detail a controller designed based on uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB) theory, combined with the input-output linearization control technique (IOLC). The stability of the closed-loop system under the UUB conditions is analyzed using the energy-based Lyapunov function. To evaluate the control performance of the proposed controller, along with an IOLC and an integral sliding mode controller (ISMC), a comparison study is also conducted. The control performance and efficiency of the proposed controller are validated through experiments on an offshore crane model.
Numerical Analysis of Bearing Capacity of a Ring Footing on Geogrid Reinforced Sand

A ring footing is found to be of practical importance in supporting symmetrical constructions for example silos, oil storage container etc. In the present paper, numerical analysis was carried out with explicit code FLAC3D 7.0 to investigate bearing capacity of a ring footing on geogrid reinforced sand. Effects of the ratio n of its inner/outer diameter (Di/D) of a ring footing, an optimum depth to lay the geogrid layer were examined. It was found that an intersection zone was developed in soil under inner-side (aisle) of ring footing, contributing to its bearing capacity. Substantial increase of bearing capacities could be realized if ratio n of a ring footing was around 0.6. Numerical results also showed that, bearing capacity of a ring footing could increase significantly if a single-layer geogrid was laid at a proper depth under the footing. Similar contribution was found if a double-layer geogrid was implemented. However, such increases appeared to be rather limited if a triple-layer geogrid or a four-layer geogrid was used. A double-layer geogrid was recommended to increase the bearing capacity of a ring footing; the depth to lay this double-layer geogrid was also discussed.
Financial Reporting Quality and Online Disclosure Practices in Spanish Governmental Agencies

Good governance in the public sector implies high accountability levels. Accountability is a multidimensional concept that includes the quantity and reliability of disclosures as well as rendering accounts to the citizenry. Nowadays, good governance, accountability, and financial performance are key for the long-term sustainability of autonomous public sector organizations. The objective of this paper is to study how key governance features relate to the quantity and quality of the information disclosed. In particular, how the governing body, financial performance and organizational features relate to online transparency and financial reporting quality, as well as how these two accountability dimensions are related. To fulfill this objective, we have used the Structural Equation Modeling, Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) approach. The focus of our analyses is on Spanish central government agencies. The size of, and a greater presence of independent members in, the governing body are explanatory factors behind the quality of the financial reports. Our findings also show that the quality of the financial information is also affected by the pressure that Eurostat requirements -deficit limits- puts on public sector entities, which leads to the use of smoothing practices. Online disclosure practices are not explained by the features of the governing body, but by the size of the agencies and their financial results. The better the financial reporting quality, the higher the online disclosure levels.
Bridging the Gap: Making Sense of the Disaccord between Migrants’ Education and Occupation

Social mobility is a central topic of interest within sociology and whilst it has been theoretically linked to spatial mobility, there is still little empirical research on the interplay between the two. Using a subsample of highly educated family migrants from a German mixed-methods project, this study qualitatively analyses the impact of geographical mobility on objective social position and on its subjective perception. Six qualitative interviews are analysed and supplemented with descriptive quantitative data from the German Socio-Economic Panel to firstly, reconstruct the spatial mobility trajectories of the individuals and secondly, determine their social position in Germany and ascertain whether they experienced occupational downgrading. These two analyses are integrated to explore how respondents experienced their change in social position. Across the board, respondents migrated as young adults, before or shortly after labour market entry. Five of the participants experienced occupational downgrading. Strikingly, this objective downgrading, whilst acknowledged, was not perceived negatively. The participants constructed a narrative that employed three legitimation strategies to cast their current social position in a positive light: (1) emphasising the rights, stability and security that they experience in Germany, (2) drawing attention to the economic improvement that they experienced and (3) displaying an inner attitude that is marked by modest life aspirations and a high regard for leisure time. By drawing on multinational frames of reference and thus drawing comparisons between their home country and Germany, participants highlighted the experienced benefits.
Virtual Time-Reversal Mirror M-ary Spread-Spectrum Method for Underwater Acoustic Communications

The complexity of the underwater environment including long time-delay, large background noise, and excessive transmission loss, leads to two main challenges for the current mid-distance and long-distance underwater acoustic (UWA) communications: limited transmission rate and system reliability. To improve the performance of mid-range and long-range underwater acoustic communication, this paper proposes an M-ary multi-sequence superimposed spread spectrum(M-MSSS) UWA communication scheme based on a virtual time-reversal mirror (VTRM). Multiple sequences with periodic correlation characteristics of the original spread spectrum waveform are superimposed, and M-ary multi-sequence modulation is performed in each data block at the transmitter. A VTRM matched filter is designed for the receiver. The VTRM technology uses the physical characteristics of the typical coherent multipath of the underwater acoustic wave channel to reduce the signal amplitude through its strong spatial focusing ability. The inter-symbol interference is suppressed by reconstructing multipath signals and improved receiver. Simulations show that the scheme not only significantly improves the communication rate, but also ensures the system's better robustness in terms of bit error rate.
Whistleblowing's effectiveness in preventing fraud through forensic audit and investigative audit

This research aims to analyze and examine the impact on the Forensic Audit of the efficiency of the Wistelblowing system. The role of Wistleblowing in Investigative Audit and preventing fraud. Results of the Fraud Prevention forensic audit. The Effects of Fraud Prevention Investigative Audits. Descriptive analysis and path analysis are the research data, with a total sample size of 135 respondents assisted by the AMOS program. The results showed that the effectiveness of the whistleblowing system had a substantial positive direct effect on the forensic audit. There is a significant positive immediate impact on investigative auditing at the point of the whistleblowing system. The significance of the system of whistleblowing has a positive and important effect on the prevention of fraud. The direct positive impact of forensic audits on fraud prevention is substantial. Investigative audits have a positive and substantial immediate effect on preventing fraud. The effectiveness of the whistleblowing system through forensic audits has a positive and important effect on fraud prevention. The point of the whistleblowing scheme has a positive and important direct effect through investigative auditing on fraud prevention
Cell and Nucleus Shape as an Indicator of Tissue Fluidity in Carcinoma

Tissue, cell, and nucleus morphology change during tumor progression. In 2D confluent cell cultures, different tissue states, such as fluid (unjammed) and solid (jammed), are correlated with cell shapes. These results do not have to apply a priori to three dimensions. Cancer cell motility requires and corresponds to a fluidization of the tumor tissue on the bulk level. Here, we investigate bulk tissue fluidity in 3D and determine how it correlates with cell and nucleus shape. In patient samples of mamma and cervix carcinoma, we find areas where cells can move or are immobile. We compare 3D cell spheroids composed of cells from a cancerous and a noncancerous cell line. Through bulk mechanical spheroid-fusion experiments and single live-cell tracking, we show that the cancerous sample is fluidized by active cells moving through the tissue. The healthy, epithelial sample with immobile cells behaves more solidlike. 3D segmentations of the samples show that the degree of tissue fluidity correlates with elongated cell and nucleus shapes. This correlation links cell shapes to cell motility and bulk mechanical behavior. We find two active states of matter in solid tumors: an amorphous glasslike state with characteristics of 3D cell jamming and a disordered fluid state. Individual cell and nucleus shape may serve as a marker for metastatic potential to foster personalized cancer treatment.
A Novel Fe3O4/Graphene Oxide Composite Prepared by Click Chemistry for High-Efficiency Removal of Congo Red from Water

In this paper, a magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) composite was prepared by the click reaction between the alkyne-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the azide-modified graphene oxide for the purpose of removing the Congo red (CR) dye from water. The deposition of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the graphene oxide to successfully prepare the MGO composite was evidenced by the Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, wide-angle X-ray diffraction equipment, scanning electron microscope, thermal gravimetric analyzer, and Raman spectrometer. The value of saturation magnetization for the MGO composite was 34.9 emu/g. The CR absorption capacities of the MGO composite increased first and then decreased as the pH value increased. It was found that the maximum adsorption capacity of the MGO composite for the CR was as high as 769.2 mg/g. In the absorption-desorption experiment, the CR absorption capacities of the MGO composite from the second cycle to the fifth cycle remained stable to be about 130 mg/g. Moreover, both the Langmuir model for the adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model could be used to describe the CR absorption behaviors of the MGO composite.
Pengaruh Teknik Cooperative Learning Berbasis Metode Think Pair Share Untuk Meningkatkan Pemahaman Materi Dasar-Dasar Elektronika

The accelerated development of the technological world cannot be separated from the materials of electronic components. Vocational schools are the most dominant schools in discussing electronics, but there are still many students who have abilities below the graduation standards that have been set in the subject of electronics basics. One of the causes of low learning outcomes is due to the lack of involvement of students in the learning process. Therefore it is necessary to think pair share method to spur student activeness and creativity during learning. The technique in doing this method is by students thinking, discussing and sharing material concepts directly with their classmates controlled by the teacher in material supervision. In addition, by using this method students are able to solve problems during the learning process well. This type of research is a Quasi Experiment with Posttest Only Control Design. The subjects of this study were students of class X SMK Negeri 1 Pariaman which consisted of two classes, namely X TITL-1 and X TITL-2. From these two classes were selected randomly where class X TITIL-1 was the experimental class and class X TITL-2 was the control class. To see students' initial abilities, an analysis of the posttest was carried out in the subject of Understanding the Basics of Electronics. Collecting data in this study using a learning outcome test (posttest) in the form of objective questions of 25 items. The data were analyzed using the two-mean difference test (t-test). Based on the results of the study, the posttest mean percentage of the experimental class was 77.14% and the control class was 55.14%. The results of this study indicate that there is a significant increase in student learning outcomes with a comparison of the think pair share method which is better than the conventional method.
Improved SSD-assisted algorithm for surface defect detection of electromagnetic luminescence

Defect detection of electromagnetic luminescence (EL) cells is the core step in the production and preparation of solar cell modules to ensure conversion efficiency and long service life of batteries. However, due to the lack of feature extraction capability for small feature defects, the traditional single shot multibox detector (SSD) algorithm performs not well in EL defect detection with high accuracy. Consequently, an improved SSD algorithm with modification in feature fusion in the framework of deep learning is proposed to improve the recognition rate of EL multi-class defects. A dataset containing images with four different types of defects through rotation, denoising, and binarization is established for the EL. The proposed algorithm can greatly improve the detection accuracy of the small-scale defect with the idea of feature pyramid networks. An experimental study on the detection of the EL defects shows the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Moreover, a comparison study shows the proposed method outperforms other traditional detection methods, such as the SIFT, Faster R-CNN, and YOLOv3, in detecting the EL defect.
The Diminishing Value of Representing the Disadvantaged: Between Group Representation and Individual Career Paths

Abstract Does enhanced descriptive representation lead to substantive representation? Legislators who share descriptive features with disadvantaged groups do not necessarily represent their group interests. Instead, Members of Parliament (MPs) strategically choose when to engage with the policy topic of their corresponding groups. MPs represent their respective group at the beginning of their career because it confers credibility when they have no legislative track record and few opportunities to demonstrate expertise. These group-specific efforts are replaced by other legislative activities at later stages of their careers. The authors apply this theoretical expectation across four disadvantaged groups – women, migrants, low social class and the young – and thereby offer a broad perspective on descriptive representation. Their sample consists of a unique data base that combines biographical information on German MPs with topic-coded parliamentary questions for the period 1998 to 2013. The study demonstrates the diminishing value of representing the disadvantaged across different types of MPs.