Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Acoustic Models Fused with Lip Visual Information for Low-Resource Speech

Endangered language generally has low-resource characteristics, as an immaterial cultural resource that cannot be renewed. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) is an effective means to protect this language. However, for low-resource language, native speakers are few and labeled corpora are insufficient. ASR, thus, suffers deficiencies including high speaker dependence and over fitting, which greatly harms the accuracy of recognition. To tackle the deficiencies, the paper puts forward an approach of audiovisual speech recognition (AVSR) based on LSTM-Transformer. The approach introduces visual modality information including lip movements to reduce the dependence of acoustic models on speakers and the quantity of data. Specifically, the new approach, through the fusion of audio and visual information, enhances the expression of speakers’ feature space, thus achieving the speaker adaptation that is difficult in a single modality. The approach also includes experiments on speaker dependence and evaluates to what extent audiovisual fusion is dependent on speakers. Experimental results show that the CER of AVSR is 16.9% lower than those of traditional models (optimal performance scenario), and 11.8% lower than that for lip reading. The accuracy for recognizing phonemes, especially finals, improves substantially. For recognizing initials, the accuracy improves for affricates and fricatives where the lip movements are obvious and deteriorates for stops where the lip movements are not obvious. In AVSR, the generalization onto different speakers is also better than in a single modality and the CER can drop by as much as 17.2%. Therefore, AVSR is of great significance in studying the protection and preservation of endangered languages through AI.
Specnuezhenide suppresses diabetes-induced bone loss by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis

Diabetes osteoporosis is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is associated with osteoclast formation and enhanced bone resorption. Specnuezhenide (SPN) is an active compound with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. However, the roles of SPN in diabetic osteoporosis remain unknown. In this study, primary bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were pretreated with SPN and were stimulated with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL; 50 ng/mL) to induce osteoclastogenesis. The number of osteoclasts was detected by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. The protein levels of cellular oncogene fos/nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (c-Fos/NFATc1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were evaluated by western blot analysis. NF-κB luciferase assays were used to examine the role of SPN in NF-κB activation. The DM model group received a high-glucose, high-fat diet and was then intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin (STZ). Micro-CT scanning, serum biochemical analysis, histological analysis were used to assess bone loss. We found that SPN suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and that SPN inhibited the expression of osteoclast-related genes and c-Fos/ NFATc1. SPN inhibited RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB and MAPKs. In vivo experiments revealed that SPN suppressed diabetes-induced bone loss and the number of osteoclasts. Furthermore, SPN decreased the levels of bone turnover markers and increased the levels of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteoprotegerin (OPG), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). SPN also regulated diabetes-related markers. This study suggests that SPN suppresses diabetes-induced bone loss by inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, and provides an experimental basis for the treatment of diabetic osteoporosis.
Release of 6-nitrodopamine modulates vascular reactivity of Pantherophis guttatus aortic rings.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel catecholamine that is released from human umbilical cord vessels and Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings. The synthesis/release of 6-ND is inhibited by either pre-incubation of the vessels with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME or by mechanical removal of the endothelium. 6-ND causes powerful vasorelaxation, acting as a potent and selective dopamine D2-like receptor antagonist. Basal release of 6-ND from Panterophis guttatus endothelium intact and denuded aortic rings was quantified by LC-MS/MS. In order to evaluate the interaction of 6-ND with other catecholamines, aortic rings were suspended vertically between two metal hooks in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit's solution and attached to isometric transducers. Endothelium intact aortic rings presented basal release of 6-ND, which was significantly reduced by previous incubation with L-NAME (100 μM). In endothelin-1 (3 nM) pre-contracted endothelium intact aortic rings, 6-ND (10pM-1 μM) and the dopamine D2-receptor antagonist L-761,626 (10 pM-1 μM) induced concentration-dependent relaxations, which were not affected by incubation with L-NAME but greatly reduced in endothelium-removed aortic rings. 6-ND (0.1-1 μM) produced significant rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to dopamine in L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact (pA2 7.01) rings. Contractions induced by noradrenaline and adrenaline were not affected by pre-incubation with 6-ND (1 μM). The EFS-induced contractions of L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact aortic rings were significantly inhibited by incubation with 6-ND (1 μM). The results indicate that 6-ND released from Pantherophis guttatus aortic rings is coupled to NO release and represents a new mechanism by which NO can modulate vascular reactivity independently of cGMP production.
Nigerian Manufacturing Sector in the Era of Globalisation: Evidence from an Error Correction Model

Purpose: Globalization has been adjudged to be an exploitative instrument used by the Western world to advance their economy at the expense of the developing countries. In view of this, this study was developed to examine the impact of globalisation on the Nigerian manufacturing sector. Method: The study adopted the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Error Correction Model (ECM) to estimate and analyse the long and short-run impacts of globalisation on manufacturing value added in Nigeria using data collected from KOF Swiss Economic Institute, and World Bank Development Indicators (WDI), covering the period from 1981 to 2020. Findings: The estimated model established that globalisation has a positive connection with manufacturing value added in Nigeria both in the short and long-run, though not statistically significant. Based on the t-statistics of the individual variables, the study came to the conclusion that although globalisation had impacted more positively on the Nigerian economy, there were still rooms for improvement, especially as regards infrastructural development, which shows a negative connection with manufacturing value added. Originality: The study adds to the existing literature on the globalization-growth nexus by looking at the manufacturing sector of the economy, an aspect which most researchers have been neglecting.
Personality traits and cognitive abilities A correlational study on facet level of traits

The relation between Personality and Intelligence has interested researchers for decades. This study considers the relationship between the two constructs on a facet level. A nonclinical sample (N = 130) completed Swedish University Scale of Personality (SSP) (Gustavsson, 2000b) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, forth edition (WAIS-IV) (Wechsler, 2010). The result indicated only a modest significant negative correlation between the personality dimension Neuroticism and Verbal comprehensive index. The modest result might be explained by the informal test-taking situation, since test anxiety has been suggested to be a mediator for neuroticism and cognitive abilities. Further, on a facet level, a significant negative correlation was found between the trait somatic anxiety and to verbally express and understand vocabulary. Additionally, findings implied that the variable year of education was the most powerful predictor for verbal comprehension, which suggests the importance of a simultaneous examination of mediators.
Influence of Practical Lesson on Some Morphological Characteristics of Physical Education Female Students

___________________________________________________________________ Through the researcher's observation of the first stage students, it is found that a group of students does not engage in any physical activity before being admitted to college, whether in clubs or sports teams, and that scientific lessons have become a new effort for them and need good fitness to perform the required duties. The study aims to know the effect of the practical lesson on some of the Morphological characteristics in Physical Education students. Methods: the experimental method has been applied for the study (N= 18). Selecting random methods has been applied from the first stage in the physical education department, Soran university. (mean age = 19.5 +-2). Results have shown no statistically significant moral effect between tribal and remote tests of practical lessons in the development of variables, all of which are met by female students. There are differences in mathematical circles in favour of remote but non-moral tests. Practical lessons for the first stage of the Department of Sports Education students are not enough to develop and develop functional variables.
Real Time Target Tracking in a Phantom Using Ultrasonic Imaging

In this paper we present a real-time ultrasound image guidance method suitable for tracking the motion of tumors. A 2D ultrasound based motion tracking system was evaluated. A robot was used to control the focused ultrasound and position it at the target that has been segmented from a real-time ultrasound video. Tracking accuracy and precision were investigated using a lesion mimicking phantom. Experiments have been conducted and results show sufficient efficiency of the image guidance algorithm. This work could be developed as the foundation for combining the real time ultrasound imaging tracking and MRI thermometry monitoring non-invasive surgery.
Problems of Innovation and Technology Transfer in Lithuania

With reference to scientific literature and European Union reports, the article deals with the role of universities, business incubators, science park and Government the system of innovation and technology transfer in Lithuania. The best-fitting model of the system of technology transfer for Lithuania is determined. Also, the problems hindering the development of the technological system are analyzed. The possible solution is the experience of other countries like Scotland. The problem of technology transfer in Lithuania is reflected by the European Union statistics in the technology and innovation sectors. Besides, the analysis of study programs of electronic engineering shows that Bachelor students do not have disciplines prepared for learning about the process of innovation and technology transfer. Ill. 2, bibl. 19 (in English; summaries in English, Russian and Lithuanian).
Tools and Platforms for Big Data Analytics in Mobile Telecommunication: A Review

: Big data is a collection of huge set of data with different types. Data is a raw material and an asset to improve a business. Big data analytics provides an opportunity to improve the business by examining the huge amount of data.In recent days Mobile Network Users and Mobile Network Service Providers are increasingly high. Now a days in India Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has given an option to Mobile Network Users (MNU) to change the Mobile Network Service Provider (MNSP). For this reason MNSP should identify their customers’ needs to retain them in own network. Big data analytics provides an opportunity to identify and extracts customer expectations by analyzing customer data. Big data analytics will be useful to predict the network usage and to enrich the business opportunities.There are some issues and challenges of processing, analyzing and storing the big data. This paper focuses on architecture of Hadoop framework, components and comparisons of variousplatforms and also comparisons of different clustering algorithms forBig Data Analytics.
New for during Deep Exposures to Radiation.

Clinical radiation therapy for the treatment of CNS cancers leads to unintended and debilitating impairments in cognition. Radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction is long lasting; however, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are still not well established. Since ionizing radiation causes microglial and astroglial activation, we hypothesized that maladaptive changes in astrocyte function might be implicated in radiation-induced cognitive dysfunction. Among other gliotransmitters, astrocytes control the availability of adenosine, an endogenous neuroprotectant and modulator of cognition, via metabolic clearance through adenosine kinase (ADK). Adult rats exposed to cranial irradiation (10 Gy) showed signiﬁcant declines in performance of hippocampal-dependent cognitive function tasks [novel place recognition, novel object recognition (NOR), and contextual fear conditioning (FC)] 1 month after exposure to ionizing radiation using a clinically relevant regimen. Irradiated rats spent less time exploring a novel place or object. Cranial irradiation also led to reduction in freezing behavior compared to controls in the FC task. Importantly, immunohistochemical analyses of irradiated brains showed signiﬁcant elevation of ADK immunoreactivity in the hippocampus that was related to astrogliosis and increased expression of glial ﬁbrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Conversely, rats treated with the ADK inhibitor 5-iodotubercidin (5-ITU, 3.1 mg/kg, i.p., for 6 days) prior to cranial irradiation showed signiﬁcantly improved behavioral performance in all cognitive tasks 1 month post exposure. Treatment with 5-ITU attenuated radiation-induced astrogliosis and elevated ADK immunoreactivity in the hippocampus. These results conﬁrm an astrocyte-mediated mechanism where preservation of extracellular adenosine can exert neuroprotection against radiation-induced pathology. These innovative ﬁndings link radiation-induced changes in cognition and CNS functionality to altered purine metabolism and astrogliosis, thereby linking the importance of adenosine homeostasis in the brain to radiation injury.
On-Road Visual Sign Salience, Driver Attention Allocation, and Target Detection Accuracy

Previous studies have empirically assessed the effect of on-road signage on driver distraction and attention allocation through eye-tracking measures and driving simulations. However, state and federal agencies might be able to make use of simpler approaches to determining the potential visual load of on-road signs. This study compared different on-road signage (food, gas and attraction, and distance guide signs) with respect to visual salience, assessed the effect of the number of panels and logo format on signage salience, and analyzed associations between salience values for different sign types with target detection accuracy and off-road glance duration. Visual salience of signs was measured with the salience using the natural statistics (SUNs) method. For correlation analyses between sign salience, attention allocation, and detection accuracy, a sample of 120 drivers participated in two driving simulation studies. Results revealed food business signs, containing all pictorial logos, to be more salient than gas and attraction and distance guide signs. In addition, results revealed that increasing the number of sign panels from six to nine significantly increased visual salience. It was also found that attraction signs including all pictorial logos were more salient than signs with text-based logos. Results did not reveal statistically significant relationships between visual salience and attention allocation. In addition, there was no significant correlation between target detection accuracy and visual salience for various sign types. Future work with a higher sign-sampling rate is needed to assess whether the SUNs method is a useful measure for determining if roadway sign salience is a driving factor in distraction.
EXTENDED SPECTRUM BETA LACTAMASES AND METALLOBETA-LACTAMASES: AN UPDATE FROM LAHORE, PAKISTAN

The objectives of the presented study were to update knowledge of the resistance burden in isolates from clinical settings in Pakistan, and assess the prevalence of ESBLs and MBLs in them. A total of 642 samples were processed in regional diagnostic center during October 2014 to December 2014. All the samples were subjected to Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Extended spectrum beta lactamases were screened by double disc synergism test (DDST) and Combination disc test (CDST). Strains resistant to carbapenems were further screened for metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) using EDTA- imipenem disc synergism test and modified Hodge test. 498 Gram negative strains were obtained, most frequently from urine samples (61%), followed by pus (19%) and wound (6%) samples. There were 30% more infected samples from female patients than from male patients. The pathogens most frequently detected were Escherichia coli (50%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (18%), Pseudomonas spp. (11%) and Citrobacter spp. (11%). All of the E. coli and Klebsiella strains showed resistance to ampicillin and cefuroxime, and 97-98% of them showed resistance to cephradine, ceftrioxone, azeotrenum and amoxicillin. However, 85-92 and 82% of them were susceptible to carbapenems and amikacin, respectively. The DDSTs indicated that 58% of the strains carried ESBLs, and they were most prevalent in isolates from neonates (<1-year-old) followed by 21-40 year-olds. The commonest ESBL-carrying strains were Escherichia coli (54%) followed by Klebsiella spp. (23%) and Citrobacter spp. (11%). CDSTs detected ESBLs in more strains (73%) than the DDSTs. In addition, 57 and 85% of the carbapenem-resistant strains possessed MBL activity according to EDTA-imipenem CDST and EDTA-imipenem disc synergism tests. Use of ESBL- and MBL-phenotypic detection tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests in routine screening may be a good strategy for managing infections in a country like Pakistan.
Reconstruction and validation of a carbon-core metabolic network for Dunaliella salina

Background: The green microalga Dunaliella salina accumulates a high proportion of β -carotene during abiotic stress conditions. To better understand the intracellular ﬂux distribution leading to carotenoid accumulation, this work aimed at reconstructing a carbon core metabolic network for D. salina CCAP 19/18 based on the recently published nuclear genome and its validation with experimental observations and literature data. Results: The reconstruction resulted in a network model with 221 reactions and 212 metabolites within three compartments: cytosol, chloroplast and mitochondrion. The network was implemented in the MATLAB toolbox CellNetAnalyzer and checked for feasibility. Furthermore, a ﬂux balance analysis was carried out for diﬀerent light and nutrient uptake rates. The comparison of the experimental knowledge with the model prediction revealed that the results of the stoichiometric network analysis are plausible and in good agreement with the observed behavior. Accordingly, our model provides an excellent new tool to interrogate and better understand the carbon core metabolism of D. salina . Conclusions: The reconstructed metabolic network of D. salina presented in this work is able to predict the biological behavior under light and nutrient stress and will lead to an improved process understanding for the optimized production of high-value products in microalgae.
SERUM CCL 18 LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME

: Introduction: The CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18) is a chemokine highly expressed in the lung and in antigen-presenting cells such as M2 macrophages and dendritic cells, which can act as a chemoattractant for both lymphocytes and immature dendritic cells. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyse the serum CCL 18 levels in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Sir Gangaram Hospital, Lahore during June 2019 to March 2020. The data was collected from 90 female patients which was suffering from PCOS. The data was collected into two groups, one was control group and one was selected patients. Results: The data was collected from 90 patients. 45 patients in group A and 45 patients in group B. The mean age was 25.4±5.67 years. The mean serum CCL 18 levels in the PCOS group were 28.32 ± 4.17 ng/mL with the levels in the control group being 11.90 ± 4.91 ng/mL. Conclusion: It is concluded that serum CCL 18 were considered to be the basic marker for PCOS. There is also a significant difference in serum CCL 18 levels in PCOS subjects with age and BMI matched healthy controls.
The Emergence of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 4d Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Patients in Mexico City: A Molecular Epidemiological Study

We reported the recent introduction of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection, a new subtype in Mexico, with a transcontinental origin sustained by sexual transmission in human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients. Abstract The recent detection of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection in human immunodeficiency virus–infected patients prompted performing molecular characterization of these isolates. All the Mexican isolates belonged to a subcluster within the 4d group and shared a common ancestor with a French isolate. The estimated timing of introduction in Mexico City was as recent as December 2015.
Effect of Aloe vera (Barbadensis Mill) on Letrozole Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the predominant endocrine abnormality in premenopausal women characterised by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, metabolic disturbances such as, insulin resistance and obesity. Aim: The key objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera as a treatment drug to identify the factors among female Swiss albino mice (PCOS) models displaying ovarian and metabolic abnormalities and serum sex steroids that are associated with insulin sensitivity. Study Setting and Design: The laboratory breed 4 months adult virgin female Swiss albino mice showing regular estrous cycle and weighing about 20–30 g were employed in present study under CPCSEA guidelines with ethical clearance from the institutional ethical committee. These mice were categorized into two groups with 10 mice in each as control and test animals. Materials and Methods: The mice which were categorised into two groups with 10 mice in each. Carboxy methyl cellulose control and letrozole were induced for 21 days followed by 30 days treatment with distilled water for control, Diane as standard drug and Aloe vera gel formulation. Body weight, estrous cycle, biochemical estimations, hormone assay and histopathology were the parameters studied. Statistical Analysis: IBM SPSS version 20.0 was used for the mean and standard error calculations of biochemical and antioxidants estimation. Results: During the induction period, we observed a significant increase in the body weight, decrease in the number of estrous cycle, and the concomitant increase in diestrous. The biochemical estimations showed changes in the regular activity; hormonal imbalance was observed in hormone assay and cyst formation was also observed in the histopathological study. After the treatment of Aloe vera and Diane, all the parameters showed considerable good results. Conclusion: The findings of the current study provide a baseline data for designing further investigations on the therapeutic benefits of Aloe vera as an adjunct therapy in the management of PCOS.