Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The perceptual filtering of predictable coarticulation in exemplar memory

Exemplar models of word representations have remained ambivalent or impressionistic as to precisely what veridical auditory information is stored in individual word exemplars. Earlier models ( Johnson, 1997b ) suggest all perceived information was stored in memory, whereas more recent proposals ( Pierrehumbert, 2002 ; Goldinger, 2007 ) suggest some degree of abstraction occurs in storing particular exemplars. Findings from the phonetic accommodation paradigm ( Goldinger, 1998 ; Nielsen, 2011 , etc.) suggest that the accumulation of new exemplars may drive the spread of sound change. At the same time, some theories of sound change suggest that perceptual biases serve as a starting point for change ( Ohala, 1981 , 1983 ). The current study investigates how perceptual biases, such as the predictability of coarticulation, can shape the contents of exemplars. The experimental results suggest that an expected phonetic alteration, such as f0 raising on vowels following voiceless consonants—a predictable coarticulatory effect—is more likely to undergo some degree of abstraction when stored in exemplar memory, whereas unexpected phonetic detail (e.g., f0 raising following voiced consonants) is more faithfully stored or maintained for longer in memory. These findings suggest perceptual biases that could shape pools of exemplars, leading to different expectations for conditioned versus unconditioned sound changes.
Precision Medicine in Lung Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Purposes

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among both men and women, making up almost 25% of all cancer deaths. Precision medicine shows promise for improving many aspects of health and healthcare, including tests, drugs, and other technologies that support innovation, with the possibility of new partnerships with scientists in a wide range of specialties. Non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become a prominent example of the success of precision medicine in treating solid tumor malignancies. The first step in this process involves new blood-based diagnostics, which can now noninvasively provide clinically useful information. However, the identification of novel biomarkers that could be used in early diagnosis is urgently needed, especially for guiding initial therapy and predicting relapse or drug resistance following the administration of novel targeted therapies.
Studies of the effect of calcination on the dispersion and reduction of nickel supported on alumina by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, chemisorption and catalytic activity

The influence of calcination temperature on alumina and on alumina-supported nickel has been systematically studied. Identification of the nickel species has been made using the techniques of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (X.p.s.) and X-ray diffraction (X.r.d.). Hydrogen and oxygen adsorption measurements were used to calculate the dispersion and crystallite size of the metal. Calcination of γ-alumina between 873 and 1073 K, before loading the metal, reduces the interaction of the metal and support, thereby increasing the area of metal available for hydrogen adsorption and for the hydrogenation of benzene. X.p.s. and X.r. d. indicate the presence of surface and bulk NiAl2O4 on catalysts calcined at temperatures > 873 K. Benzene hydrogenation is a facile reaction and depends directly on the available metal area, irrespective of the nickel content of the catalyst.
How can augmented reality improve the user experience of digital products and engagement with cultural heritage outside the museum space?

The purpose of this study is to understand how augmented reality is improving the user experience of cultural heritage and museums by making it more engaging and allowing the user to better remember the information relayed. Specifically, this study aims to better understand the use of augmented reality, and how institutions are making use of it by interviewing people involved in two apps that operate outside the museum space. This study can conclude that augmented reality has improved the information delivered and some aspects of the user experience. However, it is difficult to argue that augmented reality is completely improving the user experience of cultural heritage and museums.
When Can a Disability Quota System Empower Disabled Individuals in the Workplace? The Case of France

This study uses an empowerment theory perspective to examine how a disability quota system affects the decision to disclose one’s disability at work. The study reports on 39 life story interviews with disabled individuals who recently entered or were seeking to enter the labour market in France. The study shows that when considering the disclosure decision, disabled workers reflect on personal attributes, such as their educational level, the visibility of their disability and whether they need workplace adaptations; on the organisational environment, such as the organisation’s commitment to diversity; and on the legal context (underpinned by the biopsychosocial model), in this case, the quota system. These reflections determine whether the disabled workers perceive their disability status as a valuable attribute and whether legal disclosure can be empowering. This study proposes a nuanced perspective by highlighting both the system’s potential for empowerment and for propagating inequality among disabled workers.
Above and below: Military Aircraft Noise in Air and under Water at Whidbey Island, Washington

Military operations may result in noise impacts on surrounding communities and wildlife. A recent transition to more powerful military aircraft and a national consolidation of training operations to Whidbey Island, WA, USA, provided a unique opportunity to measure and assess both in-air and underwater noise associated with military aircraft. In-air noise levels (110 ± 4 dB re 20 µPa rms and 107 ± 5 dBA) exceeded known thresholds of behavioral and physiological impacts for humans, as well as terrestrial birds and mammals. Importantly, we demonstrate that the number and cumulative duration of daily overflights exceed those in a majority of studies that have evaluated impacts of noise from military aircraft worldwide. Using a hydrophone deployed near one runway, we also detected sound signatures of aircraft at a depth of 30 m below the sea surface, with noise levels (134 ± 3 dB re 1 µPa rms) exceeding thresholds known to trigger behavioral changes in fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, including Endangered Southern Resident killer whales. Our study highlights challenges and problems in evaluating the implications of increased noise pollution from military operations, and knowledge gaps that should be prioritized with respect to understanding impacts on people and sensitive wildlife.
Analysis and prediction of COVID‐19 trajectory: A machine learning approach

The outbreak of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) has impacted everyday lives globally. The number of positive cases is growing and India is now one of the most affected countries. This paper builds predictive models that can predict the number of positive cases with higher accuracy. Regression‐based, Decision tree‐based, and Random forest‐based models have been built on the data from China and are validated on India's sample. The model is found to be effective and will be able to predict the positive number of cases in the future with minimal error. The developed machine learning model can work in real‐time and can effectively predict the number of positive cases. Key measures and suggestions have been put forward considering the effect of lockdown.
Film Blowing of PHB-Based Systems for Home Compostable Food Packaging

Abstract One of the routes to minimize the environmental impact of plastics waste is the use of bio-sourced and biodegradable alternatives, particularly for packaging applications. Although Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are attractive candidates for food packaging, they have poor processability, particularly for extrusion film blowing. Thus, one relatively successful alternative has been blending PHA with a biodegradable polymer. This work proposes film blowing of a co-extruded Poly (hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) layer with a poly butylene adipateco- terephtalate (PBAT) layer to enhance bubble stability, mechanical and barrier properties. Co-extrusion is detailed, together with the different strategies followed to improve adhesion between film layers and the PHB content in the films. Films with thicknesses below 50 micron and elongation at break beyond 500% were consistently produced.
THE ROLE OF CONTRACT MONITORING ON PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF BUSIA

This study aimed at finding out the role of contract monitoring on performance of construction contracts in County Government of Busia. Census research design was used in the study. The targeted population was 50 drawn from administrators, engineers, quantity surveyors, finance procurement and contractors. For data collection, this study used both questionnaire and face to face interview to collect data. This research demonstrated that there is a huge relationship between performance of construction projects and monitoring of these contracts. Projects need to be assessed continuously to their conclusion for corrective measures and improvement hence achieving better performance. This was found out through correlation analysis and regression analysis of both variables under the study. From the study, it indicated that there is a strong relationship between monitoring of compliance since donor funded projects in Busia County required strict adherence to the donor requirements for them to continue funding this project. The study also revealed that its key to streamline the project processes from the beginning to the end just to ensure systems are working towards better performance. Beneficiary who are the major stakeholders in the project need to be actively involved in project implementation for its acceptance and success. Lastly, the organization need to give required resources and create a conducive environment for the project success. Key Words: Process Monitoring, Compliance, Beneficiary Monitoring, Organization Monitoring CITATION: Onyango, H. O. , & Juma, D. (2020). The role of contract monitoring on performance of construction contracts in county government of Busia. The Strategic Journal of Business & Change Management, 7 (4), 1298 – 1310.
Ethyl (S)-2-Benzamido-5-[(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)amino]pentanoate

Pyrimidines are compounds with a wide range of biological activities, and the synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives—useful in chemical and medicinal applications—is important in medicinal chemistry. This work shows the synthesis under microwave irradiation of the novel compound ethyl (S)-2-benzamido-5-[(4,6-dimethylpyrimidin-2-yl)amino]pentanoate (3) from (S)-N-α-benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride (1) and acetylacetone (2). Compound 3 was easily purified, obtained in moderate yield (70%), and fully characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HRMS, and EI-MS.
Malnutrition Intervention in Low Socioeconomic Senior Populations

This study aims to identify the effectiveness of malnutrition intervention programs within senior populations. Government subsidized nutrition intervention programs, such as Meals on Wheels, play a vital role in the prevention of malnutrition in lower socioeconomic senior populations in the United States (Roy, 2006). For many older adults, meals received via nutrition programs serve as a lifeline, meeting essential nutritional needs and preventing premature institutionalized care (Lepore, 2019). Sixty-three Meals on Wheels (MOW) participants residing in Southern California were assessed, comparing nutritional status upon program intake against nutritional status after three to six months to identify improvement or decline. This study relied on self-reporting on the part of senior participants to explore the characteristics related to socioeconomic status and nutritional risk, and collect quantitative data. Further, it aimed to highlight whether nutritional risk was decreased through program usage. Access to the MOW nutrition program was found to correlate with a reduction in malnutrition risk among the participants in the study. Through the use of nutrition programs and their evaluations, malnutrition and malnutrition risk may be detected earlier, and subsequent measures for prevention can be employed.
Dynamic Relation Between Economic Growth, Stock Market Depth and Macroeconomic Variables of Bangladesh

This study explores the dynamic relation between economic growth and stock market depth in the presence of three more macroeconomic indicators such as exchange rate, inflation and interest rate of Bangladesh. We use Johansen and Juselius (1990) test of co-integration and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) to detect the possible short-run and long-run causal relation among the selected economic forces. The results of the study evidence that the lagged error-correct term of GDP (i.e., the proxy of economic growth) is found statistically significant in all three models. This manifest that GDP tends to converge to its long-run equilibrium path in response to changes in its regressors. But we find a complex network of causal linkage between the variables in the short-run. The findings of this study are of particular interest and importance to policymakers, financial managers, financial analysts and investors dealing with the Bangladesh economy and the Bangladesh stock market.
In-situ MOVPE formation of alternative seed particles for nanowire growth

Nanowires have shown great promise in the research field, however, it seems quite a challenge to get them incorporated into the silicon industry and entering the commercial field. One step towards this is to substitute the gold which is used for the catalyst particle for a different material, compatible with the silicon industry. In this project, the possibility of using in-situ nucleation inside of an MOVPE-reactor to form particles was examined. With tin, seed particles were successfully grown, and it was shown that by varying the growth conditions, both the size and the density of the particles can be controlled. Attempts using zinc, selenium and antimony were unsuccessful, mainly due to high vapour pressures and limitations on precursor flows. Aluminium showed some promising results with particle formation at temperatures well below the melting point. However, they were lacking in consistency and reproducibility, so to utilize this method with aluminium, further studies are required. (Less)
Arctic Influence on the Eastern Asian Cold Surge Forecast: A Case Study of January 2016

An extreme cold surge during 21–25 January 2016 resulted in extensive damage to eastern Asian countries. Synoptic diagnoses show that the southward movement of the north Siberian anomalous anticyclone to the midlatitudes was the key process for the cold surge. Operational forecasts from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts show that this event could be captured in the control forecast started on 12 January. Further diagnosis shows that the control forecast started on 11 January missed it, possibly due to uncertainties in the Arctic because the north Siberian anomalous anticyclone is not strong enough due to the erroneous eddy vorticity forcing (EVF) induced by the Arctic initial conditions uncertainty. Therefore, the north Siberian anomalous anticyclone cannot move southward to midlatitude when another anomalous anticyclone comes from the Caspian Sea. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted with the Open Integrated Forecasting System model to verify the role of the Arctic initial conditions. Numerical results show that integration with the ERA5 initial conditions could capture the cold surge in the forecast starting on 12 January, while integration with the ERA‐Interim initial conditions could not. Sensitivity experiments with modified Arctic initial conditions show an improved cold surge forecast skill. This improvement may be due to the north Siberian anomalous anticyclone, which is sufficiently strong to move southward when the anomalous anticyclone comes from the Caspian Sea, with accurate EVF induced by the improved initial conditions in the Arctic. This result highlights the importance of the Arctic initial conditions in this eastern Asian cold surge forecast.
Analysis of the Characteristics and Related Risk Factors of Vascular Dementia After Ischemic Stroke Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

VD (Vascular Dementia) refers to clinical dementia caused by brain tissue damage caused by cerebrovascular disease factors. It is one of the common types of dementia. This paper examines patients with first stroke to determine whether to list them as observation objects and randomly divides the observation objects into intervention groups and control groups. Studies have shown that the incidence of VD after a stroke is closely related to the location of the stroke, and the incidence of VD in the intervention group is significantly lower than that in the control group. In addition, there were no significant adverse reactions in the intervention group. In this paper, 51 patients with VD after cerebral infarction were selected as the VD group, and 48 patients with non-VD after cerebral infarction were selected as the non-VD group. All 99 patients with stroke were assessed for cognitive function using the simple mental scale and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale within 3 months after stroke. The characteristics of skull MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and related risk factors in patients with VD and non-VD were compared and analyzed. The results showed that age, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with the occurrence of VD.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a community participation model for people with multiple sclerosis: A hierarchical regression analysis

Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system disorder that impacts more than 400,000 people in the U.S. The disease results in multiple functional impairments that are diverse and varied across individuals. Additonally, MS has a profound impact on community participation which, like other rehabilitation outcomes, cannot be explained on the basis of functional limitations alone. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a model of community participation for people living with MS using the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. The model focused on the roles that personal factors have as predictors of community participation, while also serving as mediators and moderators for the relationship between activity limitation and participation. Results from the hierarchical regression analysis indicated that demographic characteristics (i.e. MS type), personal factors (i.e. core self-evaluations (CSE), MS self-management, resilience, and social skills), and activity limitations accounted for 64% of the variance in participation. Further, mediation analysis indicated that CSE mediated the relationship between activity limitation and community participation. Finally, moderation analysis indicated an interaction effect between educational attainment and MS self-management. Implications for future research in rehabilitation and clinical application are discussed.
Sport fans’ perspectives of public shaming of professional athletes on social media

ABSTRACT Recent research has illustrated sport fans’ propensity to engage in public shaming practices directed at professional athletes via social media in response to athletes’ perceived norm violations. Public shaming – considered the act of expressing discontent for another’s behaviour – is demonstrated through fans’ expressed withdrawals of support, and detailed depictions of desired psychosocial, physical, and career-related consequences for the athletes. While this research reveals what these practices look like, little is known about what leads fans to engage in them. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the nature of the fan-athlete relationship online and the implications of this relationship for the public shaming of professional athletes on social media. Guided by a social constructivist perspective, we utilised a narrative methodology to conduct semi-structured interviews with five professional sport fans (three male, two female) who engaged regularly with professional athletes and teams on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Findings broadly revealed that fans cultivate a sense of identification and belonging through fandom that is enhanced by perceived relationships with professional athletes developed via social media. When these perceived relationships are challenged by professional athletes’ norm violations, fans’ sense of identification and belonging are threatened, which provokes public shaming on social media. These findings are interpreted through the existing literature related to fan identification, parasocial relationships, and belonging. Directions for future research are proposed.
MicroRNAs as Regulatory Elements of Mammalian Spermatogenesis

: In recent decades, infertility is becoming a public health issue. Male spermatogenesis failure has been considered a major contributory factor to infertility. Mammalian spermatogenesis is a well-defined process, requiring highly regulation processes in both transcriptional and the posttranscriptional levels. Discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs or miR) as essential class of gene expression regulators has provided new insights into a multitude of biological processes including spermatogenesis. In current review study, we first provide a short overview of spermatogenesis process, and then focus on recent studies that have elucidated the essential role of miRNAs in different steps of sperm production.
Determination of cloud vertical structure from upper air observations and its effects on atmospheric circulation in a GCM

Abstract A method is described to use rawinsonde data to estimate cloud vertical structure, including cloud-top and cloud-base heights, cloud-layer thickness, and the characteristics of multilayered clouds. Cloud-layer base and top locations are identified based on three criteria: maximum relative humidity in a cloud of at least 87%, minimum relative humidity of at least 84%, and relative humidity jumps exceeding 3% at cloud-layer top and base, where relative humidity is with respect to liquid water at temperatures greater than or equal to 0°C and with respect to ice at temperatures less than 0°C. The analysis method is tested at 30 ocean sites by comparing with cloud properties derived from other independent data sources. Comparison of layer-cloud frequencies of occurrence with surface observations shows that rawinsonde observations (RAOBS) usually detect the same number of cloud layers for low and middle clouds as the surface observers, but disagree more for high-level clouds. There is good agreement be.
Inequalities in the Luxembourgish Educational System: Effects of Language Proficiency on Math Performance Among Different Generations of Immigrant Students

www.PosterPresentations. com RESULTS REGRESSION ANALYSIS DATA & METHODS ABSTRACT Inequalities in the Luxembourgish Educational System: Effects of Language Proficiency on Math Performance Among Different Generations of Immigrant Students Charlotte Krämer, Salvador Rivas, Yanica Reichel, Antoine Fischbach, Ineke Pit-ten Cate Luxembourg Centre for Educational Testing (LUCET) at the University of Luxembourg