Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING SPEECH RECOGNITION USING EPISODIC MODELS

In this paper, we propose a new technique using episodic models to improve the performance of the current state-of-the-art speech recognition systems. These models allow us to make use of meta data and environmental information such as speaker, gender, accent, noise conditions. We recognise that we can not entirely abandon HMMs which are very powerful and highly scalable models. Hence, we propose one way to combine both models to gain from the advantages of them. In this work, we first obtained N-best hypotheses from HMM models, and then re-scored these hypotheses using episodic models and HMM likelihoods. We carried out recognition experiments on Numbers95 database, and observed that our approach yields more than 1% absolute improvement (22% relative improvement in the word error rate) over the baseline performance. We also applied the K-means clustering technique to the acoustic vectors to speed up the decoding, while still yielding a significant improvement in the recognition accuracy.
Prospective Mathematics Teachers’ Knowledge of Algebra: A Comparative Study in China and the United States of America

Knowledge Needed for Teaching. - Mathematics Teacher Education in China and the U.S.A. -Instrumentation, Data Collection, and Data Analysis. - Comparison of Knowledge of Algebra for Teaching (KAT) between China and the U.S.A. - Relationship among Different. - Components of KAT. - Comparison of KTCF between China and the U.S.A.
gScale: Scaling up GPU Virtualization with Dynamic Sharing of Graphics Memory Space

With increasing GPU-intensive workloads deployed on cloud, the cloud service providers are seeking for practical and efficient GPU virtualization solutions. However, the cutting-edge GPU virtualization techniques such as gVirt still suffer from the restriction of scalability, which constrains the number of guest virtual GPU instances. This paper introduces gScale, a scalable GPU virtualization solution. By taking advantage of the GPU programming model, gScale presents a dynamic sharing mechanism which combines partition and sharing together to break the hardware limitation of global graphics memory space. Particularly, we propose three approaches for gScale: (1) the private shadow graphics translation table, which enables global graphics memory space sharing among virtual GPU instances, (2) ladder mapping and fence memory space pool, which allows the CPU to access host physical memory space (serving the graphics memory) bypassing global graphics memory space, (3) slot sharing, which improves the performance of vGPU under a high density of instances. The evaluation shows that gScale scales up to 15 guest virtual GPU instances in Linux or 12 guest virtual GPU instances in Windows, which is 5x and 4x scalability, respectively, compared to gVirt. At the same time, gScale incurs a slight runtime overhead on the performance of gVirt when hosting multiple virtual GPU instances.
Mitochondrial DNA Variability in the Czech Population, with Application to the Ethnic History of Slavs

ABSTRACT Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variability was studied in a sample of 179 individuals representing the Czech population of Western Bohemia. Sequencing of two hypervariable segments, HVS I and HVS II, in combination with screening of coding-region haplogroup-specific RFLP markers revealed that most Czech mtDNAs belong to the common West Eurasian mitochondrial haplogroups (H, pre-V, HV*, J, T, U, N1, W, and X). However, about 3% of Czech mtDNAs encompass East Eurasian lineages (A, N9a, D4, M*). A comparative analysis with published data showed that different Slavonic populations in Central and Eastern Europe contain small but marked amounts of East Eurasian mtDNAs. We suggest that the presence of East Eurasian mtDNA haplotypes is not an original feature of the gene pool of the proto-Slavs but rather may be mostly a consequence of admixture with Central Asian nomadic tribes, who migrated into Central and Eastern Europe in the early Middle Ages.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Meat Quality Traits in a White Duroc×Erhualian F2 Intercross and Chinese Sutai Pigs

Thousands of QTLs for meat quality traits have been identified by linkage mapping studies, but most of them lack precise position or replication between populations, which hinder their application in pig breeding programs. To localize QTLs for meat quality traits to precise genomic regions, we performed a genome-wide association (GWA) study using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip in two swine populations: 434 Sutai pigs and 933 F2 pigs from a White Duroc×Erhualian intercross. Meat quality traits, including pH, color, drip loss, moisture content, protein content and intramuscular fat content (IMF), marbling and firmness scores in the M. longissimus (LM) and M. semimembranosus (SM) muscles, were recorded on the two populations. In total, 127 chromosome-wide significant SNPs for these traits were identified. Among them, 11 SNPs reached genome-wise significance level, including 1 on SSC3 for pH, 1 on SSC3 and 3 on SSC15 for drip loss, 3 (unmapped) for color a*, and 2 for IMF each on SSC9 and SSCX. Except for 11 unmapped SNPs, 116 significant SNPs fell into 28 genomic regions of approximately 10 Mb or less. Most of these regions corresponded to previously reported QTL regions and spanned smaller intervals than before. The loci on SSC3 and SSC7 appeared to have pleiotropic effects on several related traits. Besides them, a few QTL signals were replicated between the two populations. Further, we identified thirteen new candidate genes for IMF, marbling and firmness, on the basis of their positions, functional annotations and reported expression patterns. The findings will contribute to further identification of the causal mutation underlying these QTLs and future marker-assisted selection in pigs.
Adaptive Radio Resource Allocation for Downlink OFDMA/SDMA Systems

The paper proposes an adaptive radio resource allocation (ARRA) algorithm for downlink OFDMA/SDMA systems with goals to achieve quality of service (QoS) satisfied and throughput maximized. The ARRA algorithm considers multiple service classes of multimedia traffic and their diverse QoS requirements. It contains two parts, a dynamic priority adjustment scheme and a priority-based greedy (PBG) algorithm. The dynamic priority adjustment scheme gives high priority to urgent users and dynamically adjust the value frame by frame based on users' QoS requirement and queue occupancy. The PBG algorithm allocates the radio resource iteratively according to a cost value to maximize the system throughput while allocating enough resource to high-priority users. Simulation results show that the ARRA algorithm outperforms the conventional algorithms in terms of system throughput under the satisfaction of QoS requirements.
Potential Impact of Higher Food Prices on Poverty: Summary Estimates for a Dozen West and Central African Countries

Concerns have been raised about the impact of rising food prices worldwide on the poor. To assess the impact of rising food prices in any particular country it is necessary to look at both the impact on food producers who are poor or near-poor and could benefit from an increase in prices and food consumers who are poor or near-poor and would loose out when the price increases. In most West and Central African countries, the sign (positive or negative) of the impact is not ambiguous because a substantial share of food consumption is imported, so that the negative impact for consumers is larger than the positive impact for net sellers of locally produced foods. Yet even if the sign of the impact is clear, its magnitude is not. Using a set of recent and comprehensive household surveys, this paper summarizes findings from an assessment of the potential impact of higher food prices on the poor in a dozen countries. Rising food prices for rice, wheat, maize, and other cereals as well as for milk, sugar and vegetable oils could lead to a substantial increase in poverty in many of the countries. At the same time, the data suggest that the magnitude of the increase in poverty between different countries is likely to be different. Finally, the data suggest that a large share of the increase in poverty will consist of deeper levels of poverty among households who are already poor, even if there will also be a larger number of poor households in the various countries.
ETHICS AND EFFICIENCY IN ISLAMIC STOCK MARKETS

In an Islamic stock market, by definition, concerns about Islamic ethics and values should predominate concerns about efficiency. This, at times, causes an apprehension among regulators and policymakers that a process of Islamisation may reduce the efficiency of the market. This paper argues that no trade-off exists between Islamic values and market efficiency. The dilemma arises primarily due to mistaken notions of efficiency. In some cases, there is also a conflict between various dimensions of efficiency. The relationship between notions of Islamic ethics and market efficiency is mostly direct and straight forward. An attempt to ensure Islamic ethics would, in general, lead to enhancement of efficiency. The Islamic ethical norms of freedom from riba, gharar, ghubn, jahalah, najas, ihtikar etc. are all clearly identifiable with notions of efficiency.
An Exploration Technique for the Ant Colony System Optimization Framework

Traveling salesman problem (TSP) is a well known combinatorial optimization problems. Ant Colony Algorithm (AC) is new Heuristic Optimization Algorithm. It is widely used in TSP. Ant Colony System (ACS) is the improvement of AC, but it is still not enough being perfect, WMASC follows this approach and tries to improve the performance of ACS algorithm by improving multiple ants and the worst ant which are allowed to updated global pheromone, adjusting the value of the parameter. The tests show that WMACS is better than ACS.
Interpolation lattice filters for narrowband interference cancellation in PN spread spectrum communication systems

Previous work on the adaptive lattice filters for narrowband interference rejection in a direct sequence (DS) spread spectrum communication system has centered around the use of one-sided prediction only. For two-sided interpolation, that is known to achieve better interference rejection than its one-sided counterpart, only the least-mean-squared (LMS) algorithms have been considered thus far in the literature. However, the LMS algorithm has an extremely slow convergence rate. Consequently, the two-sided interpolation filters using the LMS algorithm may not be applicable for suppression of narrowband interference with a time-variant frequency. In this paper, an order-recursive QR-decomposition-based least squares lattice (QRD-LSL) interpolation filter is presented as a solution to the narrowband interference rejection in a DS spread spectrum system. Computer simulation results show that the QRD-LSL interpolation filters can achieve excellent performance in terms of convergence speed as well as SNR improvement for a multiple tone interference with random phase and second-order autoregressive (AR) interference.
People consistent labeling between uncalibrated cameras without planar ground assumption

People consistent labeling across multiple cameras in the scene with multiple planes ground is a challenging task. We propose a simple but effective method to cope with it. In our method, camera calibration is not needed, the scene is not constrained to a planar ground and the cameras can be set at any oblique angles. The homography induced by the plane at a certain height parallel to the lowest groune plane is adaptively obtained by using geometric constraints between two overlapping views. PCA axis of each individual is determined to perform the consistent labeling using the adaptive homography. Experimental results from outdoor environments show that our proposed method can correctly perform the consistent labeling and is more accurate and effective than Hu's method when the scene consists of multiple planes ground and the cameras are set at oblique angles.
Renaissance panel: the roles of creative synthesis in innovation

The Renaissance ideal can be expressed as a creative synthesis between cultural disciplines, standing in stark contrast to our traditional focus on scientific specialization. This panel presents a number of experts who approach the synthesis of art and science as the modus operandi for their work, using it as a tool for creativity, research, and practice. Understanding these approaches allows us to identify the roles of synthesis in successful innovation and improve the implementation of interdisciplinary synthesis in research and practice.
Use of preoperative gabapentin significantly reduces postoperative opioid consumption: a meta-analysis

Objectives Effective postoperative pain management is crucial in the care of surgical patients. Opioids, which are commonly used in managing postoperative pain, have a potential for tolerance and addiction, along with sedating side effects. Gabapentin’s use as a multimodal analgesic regimen to treat neuropathic pain has been documented as having favorable side effects. This meta-analysis examined the use of preoperative gabapentin and its impact on postoperative opioid consumption. Materials and methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify randomized control trials that evaluated preoperative gabapentin on postoperative opioid consumption. The outcomes of interest were cumulative opioid consumption following the surgery and the incidence of vomiting, somnolence, and nausea. Results A total of 1,793 patients involved in 17 randomized control trials formed the final analysis for this study. Postoperative opioid consumption was reduced when using gabapentin within the initial 24 hours following surgery (standard mean difference −1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.96 to −0.73; P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in morphine, fentanyl, and tramadol consumption (P<0.05). While a significant increase in postoperative somnolence incidence was observed (relative risk 1.30, 95% CI: 1.10–1.54, P<0.05), there were no significant effects on postoperative vomiting and nausea. Conclusion The administration of preoperative gabapentin reduced the consumption of opioids during the initial 24 hours following surgery. The reduction in postoperative opioids with preoperative gabapentin increased postoperative somnolence, but no significant differences were observed in nausea and vomiting incidences. The results from this study demonstrate that gabapentin is more beneficial in mastectomy and spinal, abdominal, and thyroid surgeries. Gabapentin is an effective analgesic adjunct, and clinicians should consider its use in multimodal treatment plans among patients undergoing elective surgery.
Single-dose azithromycin versus penicillin G benzathine for the treatment of early syphilis.

BACKGROUND Pilot studies suggest that a single, 2-g oral dose of azithromycin may be an alternative to a 2.4-MU intramuscular dose of penicillin G benzathine in the prevention and treatment of syphilis. We evaluated the efficacy of treatment with azithromycin in a developing country. METHODS A total of 328 subjects, 25 with primary and 303 with high-titer (a titer of at least 1:8 on a rapid plasmin reagin [RPR] test) latent syphilis, were recruited through screening of high-risk populations in Mbeya, Tanzania, and randomly assigned to receive 2 g of azithromycin orally (163 subjects) or 2.4 million units of penicillin G benzathine intramuscularly (165 subjects). The primary outcome was treatment efficacy, with cure defined serologically (a decline in the RPR titer of at least two dilutions by nine months after treatment) and, in primary syphilis, by epithelialization of ulcers within one or two weeks. RESULTS The average age of participants was 27.0 years, 235 (71.6 percent) were female, and 171 (52.1 percent) were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus. Cure rates were 97.7 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 94.0 to 99.4) in the azithromycin group and 95.0 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 90.6 to 97.8) in the penicillin G benzathine group (95 percent confidence interval for the difference, -1.7 to 7.1 percent), achieving prespecified criteria for equivalence. Cure rates were also similar three and six months after treatment in the two groups and in all subgroups. Cure rates at three months were 59.4 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 51.8 to 67.1) in the azithromycin group and 59.5 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 51.8 to 67.3) in the penicillin G benzathine group and at six months were 85.5 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 79.4 to 90.6) and 81.5 percent (95 percent confidence interval, 74.8 to 87.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Single-dose oral azithromycin is effective in treating syphilis and may be particularly useful in developing countries in which the use of penicillin G benzathine injections is problematic. However, recent reports of azithromycin-resistant Treponema pallidum in the United States indicate the importance of continued monitoring for resistance.
Polymorphic Alu Insertions and their Associations with MHC Class I Alleles and Haplotypes in the Northeastern Thais

Polymorphic Alu insertions (POALINs) are known to contribute to the strong polymorphic nature of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). Previous population studies on MHC POALINs were limited to only Australian Caucasians and Japanese. Here, we report on the individual insertion frequency of the five POALINs within the MHC class I region, their HLA‐A and ‐B associations, and the three and four locus alpha block POALIN haplotype frequencies in the Northeastern (NE) Thai population. Of the five POALINs, the lowest frequency was 0.018 for AluyHF and the highest frequency was 0.292 for AluyHJ and AluyHG. The strongest positive associations between the POALINs and HLA class I alleles was between AluyMICB and HLA‐B*57, AluyHJ and HLA‐A*24 and HLA‐A*01, and AluyHG and HLA‐A*02, supporting previous findings in Caucasians and Japanese. Single POALIN haplotypes were found more frequently than multiple POALIN haplotypes. However, of the seven different POALIN haplotypes within the MHC alpha block, there were only two significant differences between the NE Thais, Caucasians and Japanese. This study confirms that the MHC POALINs are in linkage disequilibrium with HLA‐A and –B alleles and that there are significant frequency differences for some of the POALINs when compared between NE Thai, Caucasians and Japanese.
MRDataCube: Data cube computation using MapReduce

Data cube is used as an OLAP (On-Line Analytical Processing) model to implement multidimensional analyses in many fields of application. Computing a data cube requires a long sequence of basic operations and storage costs. Exponentially accumulating amounts of data have reached a magnitude that overwhelms the processing capacities of single computers. In this paper, we implement a large-scale data cube computation based on distributed parallel computing using the MapReduce (MR) computational framework. For this purpose, we developed a new algorithm, MRDataCube, which incorporates the MR mechanism into data cube computations such that effective data cube computations are enabled even when using the same computing resources. The proposed MRDataCube consists of two-level MR phases, namely, MRSpread and MRAssemble. The main feature of this algorithm is a continuous data reduction through the combination of partial cuboids and partial cells that are emitted when the computation undergoes these two phases. From the experimental results we revealed that MRDataCube outperforms all other algorithms.
How to use high-sensitivity cardiac troponins in acute cardiac care.

High-sensitivity troponin assays, when used and viewed in the clinical context, provide a definite diagnostic benefit compared to conventional troponin assays, especially due to the improved early rule-out of acute myocardial infarction in troponin-negative patients. The interpretation of positive troponin results and, thus, the rule-in of acute myocardial infarction have become more challenging. High sensitivity Tn assays can detect very small but prognostically significant troponin increases, but the underlying diagnoses are diverse. Especially patients with non-ACS-related troponin elevations have an adverse outcome and require careful patient management. Additionally, the interpretation of a significant rise or fall of troponin values has not been standardized yet. Despite these challenges, troponin is a unique marker, which allows for the specific detection of myocardial cell necrosis and the new high sensitivity assays are a great chance to identify more patients at risk and improve their management and care.
A reliable multiplex genotyping assay for HCV using a suspension bead array

The genotyping of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays an important role in the treatment of HCV because genotype determination has recently been incorporated into the treatment guidelines for HCV infections. Most current genotyping methods are unable to detect mixed genotypes from two or more HCV infections. We therefore developed a multiplex genotyping assay to determine HCV genotypes using a bead array. Synthetic plasmids, genotype panels and standards were used to verify the target‐specific primer (TSP) design in the assay, and the results indicated that discrimination efforts using 10 TSPs in a single reaction were extremely successful. Thirty‐five specimens were then tested to evaluate the assay performance, and the results were highly consistent with those of direct sequencing, supporting the reliability of the assay. Moreover, the results from samples with mixed HCV genotypes revealed that the method is capable of detecting two different genotypes within a sample. Furthermore, the specificity evaluation results suggested that the assay could correctly identify HCV in HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infected patients. This genotyping platform enables the simultaneous detection and identification of more than one genotype in a same sample and is able to test 96 samples simultaneously. It could therefore provide a rapid, efficient and reliable method of determining HCV genotypes in the future.
Genetic basis for systems of skeletal quantitative traits: Principal component analysis of the canid skeleton

Evolution of mammalian skeletal structure can be rapid and the changes profound, as illustrated by the morphological diversity of the domestic dog. Here we use principal component analysis of skeletal variation in a population of Portuguese Water Dogs to reveal systems of traits defining skeletal structures. This analysis classifies phenotypic variation into independent components that can be used to dissect genetic networks regulating complex biological systems. We show that unlinked quantitative trait loci associated with these principal components individually promote both correlations within structures (e.g., within the skull or among the limb bones) and inverse correlations between structures (e.g., skull vs. limb bones). These quantitative trait loci are consistent with regulatory genes that inhibit growth of some bones while enhancing growth of others. These systems of traits could explain the skeletal differences between divergent breeds such as Greyhounds and Pit Bulls, and even some of the skeletal transformations that characterize the evolution of hominids.
NAFTA's Labor Side Accord: A Three-Year Accounting

Excerpt] Any number of idealized "social charters" with universal standards and swift, powerful enforcement powers could be drafted by critics of the labor side agreement. But the NAALC was negotiated by sovereign governments with clashing business, labor, and political concerns. The result is a hybrid agreement, one that preserves sovereignty but creates mutual obligations and combines broad cooperation and consultation programs alongside contentious review, evaluation, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Most of all, the NAALC promotes engagement on labor rights and labor standards in an experiment not tested in any other international forum.