Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimum Bayes-risk automatic speech recognition

In this paper we address application of minimum Bayes-risk classifiers to tasks in automatic speech recognition (ASR). Minimum-risk classifiers are useful because they produce hypotheses in an attempt to be optimal under a specified task-dependent performance criterion. While the form of the optimal classifier is well known, its implementation is prohibitively expensive. We present efficient approximations that can be used to implement these procedures. In particular, anA* search over word lattices produced by a conventional ASR system is described. This algorithm is intended to extend the previously proposed N -best list rescoring approximation to minimum-risk classifiers. We provide experimental results showing that both the A*and N -best list rescoring implementations of minimum-risk classifiers yield better recognition accuracy than the commonly used maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) classifier in word transcription and identification of keywords. TheA* implementation is compared to the N -best list rescoring implementation and is found to obtain modest but significant improvements in accuracy at little additional computational cost. Another application of minimum-risk classifiers for the identification of named entities from speech is presented. Only the N -best list rescoring could be implemented for this task and was found to yield better named entity identification performance than the MAP classifier.
Projected increase in lightning strikes in the United States due to global warming

Lightning plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry and in the initiation of wildfires, but the impact of global warming on lightning rates is poorly constrained. Here we propose that the lightning flash rate is proportional to the convective available potential energy (CAPE) times the precipitation rate. Using observations, the product of CAPE and precipitation explains 77% of the variance in the time series of total cloud-to-ground lightning flashes over the contiguous United States (CONUS). Storms convert CAPE times precipitated water mass to discharged lightning energy with an efficiency of 1%. When this proxy is applied to 11 climate models, CONUS lightning strikes are predicted to increase 12 ± 5% per degree Celsius of global warming and about 50% over this century. Climate warming should increase the incidence of lightning strikes in the United States. Striking when hot, and more when hotter Lightning occurs more frequently when it is hotter than when it is colder, but how much more lightning should we expect as global temperatures increase? Currently there are around 25 million lightning strikes per year. Romps et al. constructed a proxy based on the energy available to make air rise in the atmosphere and on precipitation rates to model the frequency of lightning strikes across the continental United States. They predict that the number of lightning strikes will increase by about 12% for every degree of rise in global average air temperature. Science, this issue p. 851
Hysteria: The Biography

[⇓][1] ! [Figure][2] Scull has written many books on the history of psychiatry and this one covers familiar territory, taking us through the turf wars between Victorian gynaecologists, psychiatrists and neurologists, who fought for the right to manage (and exploit) patients with
Black hole feedback in the luminous quasar PDS 456

Finding the necessary negative feedback The evolution of galaxies seems to be tied to the growth of the supermassive black holes at their centers, but it's not entirely clear why. Models have suggested a mechanism in which the growth of the black hole results in an outflow of gas that interrupts star formation. However, evidence for enough of this negative feedback has been lacking. Nardini et al. now see a signature in x-ray spectra of a strong persistent outflow in the quasar PDS 456. They estimate a broad solid angle spanned by the wind that enables a far greater impact on the host galaxy than narrower jet outflows. Science, this issue p. 860 A broad wind outflow from an accreting supermassive black hole could stunt star formation in its host galaxy. The evolution of galaxies is connected to the growth of supermassive black holes in their centers. During the quasar phase, a huge luminosity is released as matter falls onto the black hole, and radiation-driven winds can transfer most of this energy back to the host galaxy. Over five different epochs, we detected the signatures of a nearly spherical stream of highly ionized gas in the broadband x-ray spectra of the luminous quasar PDS 456. This persistent wind is expelled at relativistic speeds from the inner accretion disk, and its wide aperture suggests an effective coupling with the ambient gas. The outflow’s kinetic power larger than 1046 ergs per second is enough to provide the feedback required by models of black hole and host galaxy coevolution.
Observation of Majorana fermions in ferromagnetic atomic chains on a superconductor

A possible sighting of Majorana states Nearly 80 years ago, the Italian physicist Ettore Majorana proposed the existence of an unusual type of particle that is its own antiparticle, the so-called Majorana fermion. The search for a free Majorana fermion has so far been unsuccessful, but bound Majorana-like collective excitations may exist in certain exotic superconductors. Nadj-Perge et al. created such a topological superconductor by depositing iron atoms onto the surface of superconducting lead, forming atomic chains (see the Perspective by Lee). They then used a scanning tunneling microscope to observe enhanced conductance at the ends of these chains at zero energy, where theory predicts Majorana states should appear. Science, this issue p. 602; see also p. 547 Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to observe signatures of Majorana states at the ends of iron atom chains. [Also see Perspective by Lee] Majorana fermions are predicted to localize at the edge of a topological superconductor, a state of matter that can form when a ferromagnetic system is placed in proximity to a conventional superconductor with strong spin-orbit interaction. With the goal of realizing a one-dimensional topological superconductor, we have fabricated ferromagnetic iron (Fe) atomic chains on the surface of superconducting lead (Pb). Using high-resolution spectroscopic imaging techniques, we show that the onset of superconductivity, which gaps the electronic density of states in the bulk of the Fe chains, is accompanied by the appearance of zero-energy end-states. This spatially resolved signature provides strong evidence, corroborated by other observations, for the formation of a topological phase and edge-bound Majorana fermions in our atomic chains.
Computer Vision and Image Understanding Extracting Group Transformations from Image Moments

Image distortion induced by the relative motion between an observer and the scene is an important cue for recovering the motion and the structure of the scene. It is known that the distortion in images can be described by transformation groups, such as Euclidean, ane and projective groups. In this paper, we investigate how the moments of image curves are changed by group transformations, and we derive a relationship between the change in image moments and the invariant vector elds of the transformation groups. The results are used to formalise a method for extracting invariant vector elds of ane transformations from changes in the moments of orientation of curve segments in images. The method is applied to realtime robot visual navigation task.
Shattered Vision: Disenchantment of Couplehood Among Female Survivors of Violence in the Shadow of Their Family-of-Origin Experiences

This article describes and analyzes the relationship disenchantment of couplehood among female survivors of violence and their family-of-origin experiences of abuse. Twenty Israeli women who were survivors of violence participated in this qualitative research. Each woman underwent three in-depth interviews, two for data collection and one for validating the themes emerging from content analysis. Data analysis revealed that female survivors of violence aim to overcome the distress and pain of emotional and physical violence experienced in their family of origin, by constructing a couplehood vision imbued with a feeling of power, meaning, hope, and freedom. Partner violence shattered the women’s vision of couplehood, leading to crisis, disillusionment, and disenchantment in their marital relationships.
Using and improving the social cost of carbon

Regular, institutionalized updating and review are essential The social cost of carbon (SCC) is a crucial tool for economic analysis of climate policies. The SCC estimates the dollar value of reduced climate change damages associated with a one-metric-ton reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Although the conceptual basis, challenges, and merits of the SCC are well established, its use in government cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is relatively new. In light of challenges in constructing the SCC, its newness in government regulation, and the importance of updating, we propose an institutional process for regular SCC review and revision when used in government policy-making and suggest how scientists might contribute to improved SCC estimates.
SNR modeling and material dependency test of a low-cost and simple to fabricate 3D force sensor for soft robotics

This paper presents a low cost, easy to produce, small tactile sensor system, that can be embedded in a soft material and limited space. In the current implementation, we use a Hall-effect sensor and a magnet to measure the force. One sensor module can measure 3D force vector and temperature. This chip is planted inside a 55 × 55 × 8 mm of the silicon layer. The module has I2C digital output, requiring only four wires for each module. The experiment shows that the signal to noise ratio (SNR) for this module is relatively high, 21.4658 dB when 20g load is applied. The experiment also indicates that the sensor module measured loads differently depending on the type of material that is in contact.
Uranium Redox Transformations after U(VI) Coprecipitation with Magnetite Nanoparticles.

Uranium redox states and speciation in magnetite nanoparticles coprecipitated with U(VI) for uranium loadings varying from 1000 to 10 000 ppm are investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). It is demonstrated that the U M4 high energy resolution X-ray absorption near edge structure (HR-XANES) method is capable to clearly characterize U(IV), U(V), and U(VI) existing simultaneously in the same sample. The contributions of the three different uranium redox states are quantified with the iterative transformation factor analysis (ITFA) method. U L3 XAS and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal that initially sorbed U(VI) species recrystallize to nonstoichiometric UO2+x nanoparticles within 147 days when stored under anoxic conditions. These U(IV) species oxidize again when exposed to air. U M4 HR-XANES data demonstrate strong contribution of U(V) at day 10 and that U(V) remains stable over 142 days under ambient conditions as shown for magnetite nanoparticles containing 1000 ppm U. U L3 XAS indicates that this U(V) species is protected from oxidation likely incorporated into octahedral magnetite sites. XAS results are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Further characterization of the samples include powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fe 2p X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Anatomical Modeling with Fuzzy Implicit Surface Templates: Application to Automated Localization of the Heart and Lungs in Thoracic MR Volumes

Abstract In this paper, a novel model-driven segmentation approach for thoracic MR-images is presented. The goal of this work is to coarsely, but fully automatically localize the boundary surfaces of the heart and lungs in thoracic MR sets. The major organs in the thorax are described in a three-dimensional analytical model template by combining a set of fuzzy implicit surfaces by means of constructive solid geometry and formulating model registration as an energy minimization. The method has been validated on 20 thoracic MR volumes from two centers (patients and normal subjects). On average 90% of the contour length of the heart and lung contours was localized with sufficient accuracy (average positional error 6 mm) to automatically provide the initial conditions for a subsequently applied locally accurate segmentation method.
In‐Season Strength Training for Power Athletes

A WELL-DESIGNED AND ADMINistered in-season strength training program is vital to the physical performance of athletes. This is the time when the increases in physical performance from the offseason must be maintained during the rigors of 2-a-day practices and the competitive season. According to Wathen et al. (8), the goals of in-season strength training programs may include maintenance or increase (if possible) in strength, power, and anaerobic endurance (8). This article will present information on traditional in-season strength training programs, problems with traditional programs, a new approach to in-season strength training, and an example program. Information in this article will be directed toward football players, but may also be used as a guide for other power athletes.
Domestic Violence During Pregnancy in India

Domestic violence can result in many negative health consequences for women’s health and well-being. Studies on domestic violence illustrate that abused women in various settings had increased health problems such as injury, chronic pain, gastrointestinal, and gynecological signs including sexually transmitted diseases, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. This article tries to understand the association between domestic violence and pregnancy outcomes and other health consequences. The study was carried out in all the six zones of India that is, northern, southern, eastern, western, central, and northeast zones. The study design was conceived as an analytical cross sectional study with multicenter approach. Multistage sampling and then probability proportion to size (PPS) sampling were done. A total of 18 states were taken for the study with a total sample of 14,507 married women and 14,108 married men. Married men were considered from the neighboring villages to understand men’s perspective. To understand the situation, women were interviewed using semistructured questionnaire as well as qualitative data like FGD and case studies. The result shows that domestic violence occurs during pregnancy across six zones. The situations become worse for women if her husband or family perceived the pregnancy to be a female child and there is a demand for male child. It has major health implications in accessing and utilizing antenatal care and immunization.
Managing Victim Status in Group Therapy for Men: A Discourse Analysis

In contrast to the abundance of research on women victims, this article sheds light on the discourse of men who are self-identified as victims of their female partners’ abuse. The purpose of this study was to investigate the most salient identity constructions and abuse conceptualizations among participants of group psychotherapy for men who have been abused in intimate, heterosexual partner relationships (i.e., Calgary Counselling Centre’s 14-week group program titled “A Turn for the Better”). The men’s identity work was examined using the methods and theoretical perspective of discourse analysis. Analysis of the talk demonstrated that the group agenda was to work through the ambiguity of abuse in the service of having the men identify themselves as victims. Thus, both the men and the group facilitators actively constructed “true victim” subject positions through their resistance to commonsense orientations of (a) “men as perpetrators” and (b) whether abuse consisted of more than physical violence. The therapeutic language of resistance was a common strategy used to manage victim status but also required further negotiation as it entailed a component of abuse (i.e., risked positioning the men as abusers rather than victims). The discussion focuses on how these findings may differ from the identity work present in women victim therapeutic groups. In addition, we note that it is difficult to uphold the victim-versus-perpetrator dichotomy in therapeutic discourse.
Managing falls in older patients with cognitive impairment

With an aging population, both dementia and fall-related injury pose an international health challenge. Individuals with dementia fall twice as often as cognitively intact people and are more likely to have injurious falls. Higher morbidity and rates of mortality and institutionalization after falls have also been reported in this group. There is limited but emerging literature that is attempting to define and explain why fall risk is increased in this population. This will allow for targeted fall prevention programs. Currently, there are no published randomized controlled trials that have prevented falls in community-dwelling cognitively impaired older people, and conflicting evidence is reported in hospital and residential care trials. Recent exercise interventions have demonstrated significant benefits, such as improved gait speed, strength and balance in people with cognitive impairment/dementia, providing encouraging evidence for further research and clinical interventions.
The Sexual Assault of Undergraduate Women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Although research has shown that undergraduate women are at high risk for experiencing sexual assault, little research has been conducted with undergraduate women who are attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU). The purpose of this research is to document the prevalence of different types of sexual assault among undergraduate women at HBCUs and make comparisons to data collected from undergraduate women at non-HBCUs. Data on sexual assault victimization were collected from 3,951 undergraduate women at HBCUs using a cross-sectional, web-based survey. These data are compared to data collected from 5,446 undergraduate women at non-HBCUs using the same research methods. Findings indicate that approximately 9.7% of undergraduate women at HBCUs report experiencing a completed sexual assault since entering college. This rate is considerably lower than the comparable rate obtained from undergraduate women at non-HBCUs (13.7%). This difference seems to be associated with differences in alcohol-use frequency. Perhaps undergraduate women at HBCUs drink alcohol much less frequently and are thus less likely to be sexually assaulted when they are incapacitated and unable to provide consent. Alcohol use frequency, while controlling for other factors, seems to have an independent association with the likelihood of an undergraduate woman being sexually assaulted. Implications for the creation and delivery of sexual assault risk reduction and prevention policies and programs are discussed.
Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean

Dumping lots of plastics into our oceans Considerable progress has been made in determining the amount and location of plastic debris in our seas, but how much plastic actually enters them in the first place is more uncertain. Jambeck et al. combine available data on solid waste with a model that uses population density and economic status to estimate the amount of land-based plastic waste entering the ocean. Unless waste management practices are improved, the flux of plastics to the oceans could increase by an order of magnitude within the next decade. Science, this issue p. 768 Millions of tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year. Plastic debris in the marine environment is widely documented, but the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from waste generated on land is unknown. By linking worldwide data on solid waste, population density, and economic status, we estimated the mass of land-based plastic waste entering the ocean. We calculate that 275 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million MT entering the ocean. Population size and the quality of waste management systems largely determine which countries contribute the greatest mass of uncaptured waste available to become plastic marine debris. Without waste management infrastructure improvements, the cumulative quantity of plastic waste available to enter the ocean from land is predicted to increase by an order of magnitude by 2025.
Anticoagulation in the Elderly

Oral anticoagulation has been shown to provide great benefit in preventing and treating thromboembolic disorders. The challenges of oral anticoagulation management in the elderly involve balancing the risks of bleeding versus the benefits of a life-saving treatment. Due to the complex nature of warfarin, therapy must be individualized with frequent monitoring, re-education, and adjustments based on concurrent illness and drug therapy. This review focuses on the use of warfarin, including indications, dosing recommendations, drug and dietary interactions, and reversal of anticoagulation. Methods to determine bleeding risks in this population and barriers that interfere with the prescribing of warfarin are discussed. Strategies to improve patient outcome and reduce adverse events are provided to assist clinicians in their decision-making skills. The potential advantages of anticoagulation clinics are summarized with regards to coordinating the care and minimizing the risks of anticoagulant therapy. The role of new-generation anticoagulants is also discussed as to their place in therapy.
Health-related Quality of Life of Nigerian Children with Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: To assess the impact of cerebral palsy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Nigerian children. Method: This is a cross-sectional survey. The study involved 54 children (33 males and 21 females), between 1 and 12 years of age, with cerebral palsy. They were consecutively recruited from two tertiary health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. The socio-demographic details of the participants were obtained through interviews. Their HRQoL was assessed using the Child Health QuestionnaireParent Form-28 (CHQ-PF 28). The questionnaire was completed by their parents, guardians or primary care-givers. Severity of motor disability was assessed and classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used to find the association between each of the selected socio-demographic variables and motor disability, and HRQoL. Results: Thirty-eight children (70.3%) were between 1 and 6 years of age, and 16 (29.7%) were between 7 and 12 years. The participants’ overall scores and scores on each domain of CHQ-PF 28 were very low. Majority (69.5%) were in GMFCS classification-level 1, 7 (13.0%) were in level 2, 12 (22.2%) were in level 3, 14 (25.9%) were in level 4, and 16 (29.6%) were in level 5. Age had significant effect (CI = 95%) on HRQoL of children with cerebral palsy. Severity of disability had negative impact (CI = 95%) on HRQoL of children with cerebral palsy.