Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into the Intra- and Inter-labeller Agreement in the JURISDIC Database †

This paper reports on the labeller agreement examination in the annotation of the JURISDIC Polish speech database. One recording session (355 utterances, read and spontaneous speech) was annotated twice by four labellers: in the first step the task was to annotate the data based only on listening to the recordings, in the second step the annotators were additionally provided with the prompt command and the orthographic input text available originally for the speaker. The authors look at the influence of the input text on the annotation process. The annotation files are compared as regards to the number and type of noise labels, special events labels, spelling and segmentation differences both among labellers and also for each of the labellers individually.
Predictions of the Flow in the Intake Port of an Engine Using LES and PANS

The airflow in the cylinder of a car engine is simulated using three different techniques. Large Eddy Simulations (LES), Partially Averaged Navier-Stokes (PANS) and Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS). The simulations are compared with experimental data from BMW and a benchmark designed by BMW, executed by AVL List GmbH among others. A comparison and evaluation between the three different turbulence models is made, especially differences in flow physics. The study focuses on evaluting PANS for this complex geometry as well as understanding the tumble creation in the cylinder. The computational mesh was created using ANSYS ICEM CFD and the simulations were performed with AVL FIRE.
Crowdsourced Evaluation of Semantic Patterns for Recommendations

In this paper we explore the use of semantics to improve diversity in recommendations. We use semantic patterns extracted from Linked Data sources to surface new connections between items to provide diverse recommendations to the end users. We evaluate this methodology by adopting a bottom-up approach, i.e. we ask users of a crowdsourcing platform to choose a movie recommendation from among five options. We evaluate the results in terms of a diversity measure based on the semantic distance of topics and genres of the result list. The results of the experiment indicate that there are features of semantic patterns that can be used as an indicator of its suitability for the recommendation process.
Fish Oil Supplementation Ameliorated Brain Lesions Induced by Diabetes and Hypercholesterolemia in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Diabetes and hypercholesterolemia are dyslipidemic diseases and have certain role in brain dysfunction, but little of works are concerning with it. In the present study we used eighty male Wistar rats weighing approximately 100 ±15 gram. The animals were arranged into 8 groups; Control (C), fish oil-treatment, hypercholesterolemic group (H), hypercholesterolemic & fish oil-treatment (HF), diabetic- group (D), diabetic and fish oil-treatment (DF), combined hypercholesterolemic and diabetic group (HD) and combined hypercholesterolemic and diabetic group and fish-oil-treatment (HDF). Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40mg/kg single dose in citrate buffer pH4.6). Hypercholesterolemia was carried out by feeding rats on diet containin3% cholesterol. Fish oil (Menhaden, Sigmaaldrich, highest purity) was supplemented orally every other day at 100mg/kg body weight. Treatment was carried out for 16 weeks. At the end of treatment, brain tissues were subjected for histological investigation and biochemical assessments of dopamine, serotonin, vascular endothelial growth factor, 8-deoxyhydroxy-guanosine, adhesion molecules and phospholipids beside histological investigation of cerebral hemisphere and cerebellum. The present finding revealed marked depletion of the assayed neurotransmitters and phospholipids and increased of vascular endothelial growth factor, adhesion molecules and 8-deoxy hydroxy-guanosine. Histological observations of cerebral hemisphere revealed widespread of hemorrhagic spots in hypercholesterolemia, neovascualarization in combined diabetes and hypercholesterolemia and dense lymphocytic infiltration in diabetic group. All the experimental groups possessed edematous lesions in the inner plexiform layer. Cerebellar cortex exhibited massive degeneration of Purkinje cells and granular cell layer in diabetic and or hypercholesterolemia. Fish oil supplementation improved the brain function and histological picture. The authors concluded that fish oil contain short and long chain omega-3 fatty acids fatty acid which support the brain function and scavenge the free radicals damaging brain cells.
Access Barriers to Big Data

While data were always valuable in a range of economic activities, the advent of new and improved technologies for the collection, storage, mining, synthesizing, and analysis of data has led to the ability to utilize vast volumes of data in real-time in order to learn new information. Part I explores the four primary characteristics of big data: volume, velocity, variety, and veracity and their effects of the value of data. Part II analyzes the different types of access barriers that limit entry into the different links of the data value chain. In Part III, we tie together the characteristics of big data markets including potential entry barriers, to analyze their competitive effects. The analysis centers on those instances in which the unique characteristics of big data markets lead to variants in the more traditional competitive analysis. Our analysis suggests that the unique characteristics of big data have an important role to play in analyzing competition and in evaluating social welfare.
Improving Magnitude Detection Thresholds Using Multi-Station Multi-Event, and Multi-Phase Methods

Abstract : Research was conducted on a correlation detector (multievent and multiphase) for semiempirical synthetic tests and a regional case study in Xiuyan, China. The semiempirical runs took a 50 s window on an Lg-wave recorded at 750 km distance filtered from 1 to 3 Hz and embedded it 300,000 times in real, continuous, background seismic noise. The noise was selected for 36 days spread throughout the year to capture diurnal and seasonal variations. No screening for random, unknown signals in the noise was performed. A correlation detector has a 50% probability of detection with 1.5 false alarms per day for a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 0.32, which corresponds to a full magnitude unit reduction in detection threshold over a standard STA/LTA technique. A scaled cross correlation coefficient performs slightly better with 1 false alarm per day and has fewer false triggers on unknown, random signals. Summing the cross correlation traces together for all three components enhances the detection signal similar to beamforming. A correlation detector summing the three components together has a 96% probability of detection with zero false alarms in 36 days for a SNR of 0.32. The case study looked at 90 events. Clear detection spikes are observed on all three components agreeing to the nearest sample allowing for constructive interference on the summation of the correlation traces. In contrast, detection maximums for unknown, random signals do not align to the nearest sample on the three components and destructively interfere with the summation. This is probably the single best indication of a true detection, the fact that three independent components all show clear spikes to the nearest sample. It is also observed that semisimilar events can provide useful detections (events that are not exactly colocated or don't have identical mechanisms). A scaled cross correlation detector is able to detect 90 out of 90 or 100% using Pg, Pn, and Lg phases.
Comparing the Intended and the Perceived: Administrator Expectations and Student Perceptions of Teacher Roles in Catholic Service-Learning

The classroom teacher plays a pivotal role in any formal educational environment. More specifically, how this individual is involved and how s/he structures activities and discussions about a topic depends on the preferred learning style, personal demeanor, and educational philosophy of the teacher. For teachers that employ service-learning pedagogy in their courses, these expectations and factors do not vary. Teachers motivate students, help them to make meaning of experiences, and assist them in making connections for future action. These roles become complicated, however, when novice teachers do not have sufficient pedagogical training and/or are not given ongoing guidance by administrators. Using data from interviews with students and administrators at an urban Catholic high school, the qualifications and roles of the service-learning teachers, and their intended roles as described by administrators, are compared to the perceived roles as voiced by students. Implications and recommendations are discussed with specific attention to administrator communication, types and frequency of reflection activities, and, as a result, tensions of service-based models of experiential education in Catholic schools vis-à-vis the development of social justice.
Spatial distribution of Canola culture in the State of Paraná (Brazil) between the agricultural years of 2005 and 2009

AbstractS.C. Wrublack, V.H. R. Prudente, E. Mercante, and S.R. M. Coelho. 2013. Spatial distribution of Canola culture in the State of Parana (Brazil) between the agricultural years of 2005 and 2009. Cien. Inv. Agr. 40(3): 513-521. There are a number of crops that are viable for small farms. To increase our knowledge of the occurrence of canola cultivation in the State of Parana, the present study aimed to identify the areas sown with canola (ha) and to examine canola production (t) during the growing seasons of 2005 to 2009. The methodology involved a literature review and analysis of spatial data from the Secretaria da Agricultura e do Abastecimento do Parana (SEAB/PR). We used the software ArcGis 9.3 for elaboration of thematic maps of variables as well as the free software GeoDa 0.9. 5-i. The identification of spatial dependence was conducted through global univariate spatial autocorrelation using Moran’s Index ( I ) statistic and, at a local level, using Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA). Spatial correlation was detected in the data on the area sown (ha) and production (t) for the canola crop. The results also indicated the possibility of expansion of cultivated areas in the State of Parana, in addition to providing interesting options regarding the composition of systems of crop rotation and soil cover. The application of the spatial statistical area contributed to the recognition of the evolution of the canola crop in the State of Parana, based on the spatialization of production and sown areas in its municipalities. It is evident that most municipalities show no significant pattern, demonstrating the potential for the expansion of sown areas in the State. For the High-High standard, it was noted that the municipalities were grouped mainly in the western and south-central State of Parana.
Validation of the COPD Assessment Test in Patients with COPD in Iran

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) is among the most important causes of chronic disease in adulthood. COPD assessment test (CAT) and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) are two health related quality of life questioners validated for application in patients with COPD. Our purpose was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the short and easily translated CAT questionnaire for COPD patients. Material and Methods: Between December 2015 and November 2016, in a cross-sectional pilot study, COPD patients attending Masih daneshvari hospital were asked to complete the Farsi translation of the CAT questionnaire. The inclusion criteria were patient consent, having stable COPD, ability to respond to questions and lack of other pulmonary disease. The results of the questionnaire were compared with the SGRQ and frequency of visits to the emergency room. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated for the questionnaire. Result: 77 patients participated in this study with mean age of 63 ± 12 years (27-88). Sixty six subjects (85.7%) were male and eleven (14.3%) were female. Mean CAT score was 24/87 ± 7 (range 1-40). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the CAT questionnaire was calculated to be 0.732. The correlation between CAT and SGRQ was significant (r=0.666, P=0.000). Correlation between CAT score and frequency of emergency visits and subjects’ being married were (r=0.627, P=0.017) and (r=0.58, P=0.024) respectively. Conclusion: CAT questionnaire is well accepted by patients as is correlated well with SGRQ and patients’ psychometric status. Trial registration number: IRCT2016102927929N3.
The effect of methanolic extracts of Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides on the growth of some food-borne microorganisms.

Anogeissus leiocarpus and Terminalia avicennioides are extensively used in Nupe traditional and folklore medicines to cure various human ailments. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the stem bark and root bark respectively revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenolic compounds, cardiac glycoside and terpenoids. In vitro antibacterial studies of the methanol extracts of both plants were carried out on six medically important bacterial strains namingly: Salmonella typhii, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp, Lactobacillus spp and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using agar plug techniques. The results of our antibacterial assay revealed that the extracts showed good inhibitory activity against all the tested pathogens compared with standard antibiotics like streptomycin. The extracts of the both plants showed antibacterial activity, justifying their continued use in treatment of bacterial infections. Further studies are required to isolate and characterise the active phytoconstituents in these plants as well as toxicity studies should also be done to determine their safety.
The Energy Benefits of the Pantograph Wing Mechanism in Flapping Flight: Case Study of a Gull

Bird wings generally contain a 4-bar pantograph mechanism in the forearm that enables the wrist joint to be actuated from the elbow joint thus reducing the number of wing muscles and hence reducing the wing inertia and inertial drag. In this paper we develop a theoretical model of inertial power for flapping flight to estimate the advantage of the 4-bar pantograph mechanism by comparing the inertial power required for the case where wrist muscles are present in the forearm with the case where wrist muscles are not present in the forearm. It is difficult to predict how wrist muscles would look when there is no pantograph mechanism. Therefore a lower bound and upper bound case are defined. The lower bound case involves redistributing the elbow muscles with no increase in wing mass. The upper bound case involves replicating the biceps-triceps muscles near the wrist joint. At minimum power speed the model estimates that the 4-bar pantograph mechanism reduces the inertial power for the gull from between 6.1%–12.3% and reduces the overall power by 0.6%–1.2%. When account is taken of the tight margins involved in the design of a flying vehicle, the energy savings produced by the pantograph mechanism are significant. A ring-billed gull was chosen for the case study and an adult specimen was obtained to gather morphometric data. Lessons for the design of flapping micro air vehicles are discussed.
Factors that affect QoE in multimedia streaming

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Increase in number of dominant plants and dominance-classes on a grassland in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

Between 1915 and 1932,194 permanent 1 X l-m quadrats were established on grasslands of the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico. Primaryand secondary-dominant species were determined from the first quadrat records and each quadrat was reevaluated in 1981 to determine current dominants. The first records showed that 13 species of perennial grasses occupied all primaryand secondarydominant positions on all quadrats. In 1981, there were 12 perennial grass species as primaryor secondary-dominants. Six shrub species occurred as primaryor secondary-dominants on 47% of the quadrat sites in 1981. Dominance-classes, i.e., single-species dominance or two-species dominant combinations, increased from 24 to 43. Thus, vegetation on this range has become more diverse and this diversity must be considered in grazing management.
EFFECT OF ADDITIVES ON IN-VITRO RELEASE OF ORODISPERSIBLE DOSAGE FORM

Objective: The aim of this investigation was to prepare orodispersible tablets of meloxicam using various concentrations of superdisintegrants like Ac-DI-Sol, crospovidone, sodium starch glycolate by the direct compression method. Methods: Nine formulae of Meloxicam orodispersible tablets were prepared. These tablets were evaluated for their drug content, weight variation, friability, hardness, wetting time, In-vitro disintegration time and drug release. Results: All the formulation exhibited hardness between 4.21–4.55 kg/cm 2 . The tablets were disintegrating within 8.3 to 21.9 sec. Dissolution studies revealed that formula containing 7.5 % sodium starch glycolate showed 100% of drug release, at the end of six minutes. Among the formulated tablets, formula F9 containing 7.5 % sodium starch glycolate showed superior organoleptic properties along with excellent In-vitro disintegration time and drug release as compared to other formulae. The concentration of superdisintegrants had an effect on disintegration time and In-vitro drug dissolution whereas hardness and friability of resulting tablets were found to be independent of disintegrant concentration. It was concluded that the superdisintegrants addition technique is a useful method for preparing orodispersible tablets by the direct compression method.
The Origin of Helium and the Other Light Elements

The energy released in the synthesis of cosmic 4He from hydrogen is almost exactly equal to the energy contained in the cosmic microwave background radiation. This result strongly suggests that the 4He was produced by hydrogen burning in stars and not in the early stages of a big bang. In addition, we show that there are good arguments for believing that the other light isotopes, D, 3He, 6Li, 7Li, 9Be, 10B, and 11B, were also synthesized in processes involving stars. By combining these results with the earlier, much more detailed work of Burbidge et al. and of Cameron, we can finally conclude that all of the chemical elements were synthesized from hydrogen in stars over a time of about 1011 yr.
Copepod Abundance and Diversity from Offshore Region of Tuticorin, South East Coast of India

A detailed study had been carried out on species abundance, biomass and composition of copepod in four different offshore stations namely, Station I: Vembar, II: Keelavaipar, III: Punnaikayal and IV: Thiruchendhur in Gulf of Mannar region from October 2011 to April 2012. A total of 56 copepod species belongs to 20 families under 4 orders have been encountered during the period. The percentage composition of different groups of copepod species was composed of Calanoida (35 numbers) 62.5%, Cyclopoida (4 numbers) 7.14%, Harpacticoida (8 numbers) 14.3% and Poecilostomatoida (9 numbers) 16.1%. The percentage of biomass composition of different groups of copepods during the study was in the order of Calanoida 38.99%, Harpacticoida 32.56%, Cyclopoida 15.22% and Poecilostomatoida 13.23%. In the case of species composition, Euterpina acutifrons (28.61%) was the most abundant species followed by Acrocalanus gracilis (17.68%), Corycaeus crassiusculus (12.33%), Oithona brevicornis (12.03%) and Temora turbinata (4.25%) were the other dominant species in observation. The copepod density in different stations were in the range of 8600–39900, 3900–64600, 3800–24800 and 5000–22500 numbers m-3 at station I, II, II and IV respectively. The lowest biomass of copepod was observed at station III and highest biomass was found at station II. The copepod species richness ranged from 0.48 to 2.72 and species diversity was in the range of 0.87 to 1.98 in the study areas. Species evenness was varied from 0.24 – 0.51 during the observation period.
Assessment of the phytoremediation potential of Panicum maximum (guinea grass) for selected heavy metal removal from contaminated soils

Non-vascular plants have potential for rapid uptake of metals, but are rarely used for phytoremediation because of their short life cycle. This property can however be advantageously used in a number of metal removal cycles within a short time. The selection of promising plants is critical to success of phytoremediation. The potential for heavy metal uptake by Panicum maximum a non-vascular plant was investigated using pot plant experiments. Seventy-two (72) pots of 7 L capacity were each filled with 5 kg of mixed soil collected from the Fadama (fertile soil) and College of Animal Sciences and Livestock Production farms (less fertile) of the University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State Nigeria. The pots were divided into six groups of twelve pots each. Each of the group of 12 pots was further divided into three groups of four pots each, in which P. maximum were planted. Five of the six groups were treated with 20, 50, 75, 100 and 120 ppm each of Pb 2+ , Cr 3+ and Cd 2+ and the sixth served as control. Levels of Pb 2+ decreased from 1.40 to 1.05 µ g/g and 1.57 to 1.30 µ g/g in soils treated with 20 and 120 ppm of Pb 2+ , respectively. Generally there was increase in Pb 2+ uptake by the different tissues of P. maximum ranging between 0.21 to 0.38 µ g/g, 0.18 to 0.30 µ g/g, and 0.09 to 0.18 µ g/g in root, stem and foliage, respectively. Corresponding bioaccumulation factors (BAF) ranged between 0.21 to 0.45, 0.17 to 0.35 and 0.08 to 0.21. Metal uptake followed similar trends for Cr 3+ and Cd 2+ in plant tissues. The BAF values for Cr 3+ ranged between 0.31 to 0.69 in root, 0.17 to 0.52 in stem and 0.07 to 0.34 in foliage. Similar values for Cd 2+ were 0.14 to 0.53, 0.10 to 0.44 and 0.05 to 0.37. Accumulation of heavy metals in P. maximum ranged from 13 to 45%, Pb 2+ ; 13 to 65%, Cr 3+ and 11 to 52%, Cd 2+ of the soil concentration level with tissue abundance decreasing in the order Cr 3+ > Pb 2+ > Cd 2+ . Furthermore, the concentration of metals in P. maximum tissues decreased in the order root > stem > foliage. The phytoremediation of Pb 2+ , Cr 3+ and Cd 2+ contaminated soils with P. maximum seems to be promising under the conditions of the experiment. Obvious signs of phyto-toxicity however appeared in plants exposed to 120 ppm Pb 2+ and Cd 2+ at day twenty-three, suggesting that P. maximum may be a moderate metal accumulator. Keywords: phytoremediation, heavy metals, uptake, tissues, accumulator African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(19), 1979-1984