Spoken content retrieval: A survey of techniques and technologies

Speech media, that is, digital audio and video containing spoken content, has blossomed in recent years. Large collections are accruing on the Internet as well as in private and enterprise settings. This growth has motivated extensive research on techniques and technologies that facilitate reliable indexing and retrieval. Spoken content retrieval (SCR) requires the combination of audio and speech processing technologies with methods from information retrieval (IR). SCR research initially investigated planned speech structured in document-like units, but has subsequently shifted focus to more informal spoken content produced spontaneously, outside of the studio and in conversational settings. This survey provides an overview of the field of SCR encompassing component technologies, the relationship of SCR to text IR and automatic speech recognition and user interaction issues. It is aimed at researchers with backgrounds in speech technology or IR who are seeking deeper insight on how these fields are integrated to support research and development, thus addressing the core challenges of SCR

Pengembangan Model Peningkatan Motivasi Berprestasi Guru Sekolah Dasar Di Kabupaten Kendal

Salah satu faktor yang menjadi kendala dalam peningkatana mutu pendidikan adalah kinerja guru. Kinerja guru erat kaitannya dengan motivasi berprestasinya, dengan motivasi berprestasi ini guru akan memiliki dan mengejar standard of excellence dalam melaksanakan tugas profesionalnya. Motivasi berprestasi adalah USAha yang gigih untuk berprestasi sebaik mungkin dalam segala aktivitas kehidupan. Untuk mengembangkan motivasi berprestasi guru melibatkan unsur individu pemahaman akan kebutuhan guru ; dan unsur lingkungan berkaitan dengan iklim kerja . Peningkatan motivasi berprestasi dilakukan dengan pelatihan peningkatan motivasi berprestasi. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat mendeskripsikan motivasi berprestasi guru SD sebagai dasar penampilan kerja profesionalnya, iklim kerja guru dalam lingkup tugasnya di sekolah, dan menemukembangkan pola atau model pelatihan untuk peningkatan motivasi berprestasi guru SD. Penelitian dirancang dengan menggunakan rancangan Research and Development, suatu program penelitian yang ditindaklanjuti dengan program pengembangan untuk penyempurnaan. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive, pengumpulan data menggunakan angket dan wawancara terbuka. Teknik analisis data menggunakan teknik prosentase, dan teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif dilakukan dengan membuat deskripsi kualitatif atas temuan penelitian. Penelitian ini menghasilkan prototipe pengembangan model peningkatan motivasi berprestasi bagi guru SD, diharapkan motivasi berprestasi guru meningkat yang akan nampak pada kinerjanya. Kualitas kinerja guru dapat diamati dari pencapaian prestasi yang diperoleh siswa, kepuasan orang tua dan stakeholder

Flow patterns, performance and scale-up of distillation trays

This work is concerned with the nature of liquid flow across industrial sieve trays operating in the spray, mixed, and the emulsified flow regimes. In order to overcome the practical difficulties of removing many samples from a commercial tray, the mass transfer process was investigated in an air water simulator column by heat transfer analogy. The temperature of the warm water was measured by many thermocouples as the water flowed across the single pass 1.2 m diameter sieve tray. The thermocouples were linked to a mini computer for the storage of the data. The temperature data were then transferred to a main frame computer to generate temperature profiles - analogous to concentration profiles. A comprehensive study of the existing tray efficiency models was carried out using computerised numerical solutions. The calculated results were compared with experimental results published by the Fractionation Research Incorporation (FRl) and the existing models did not show any agreement with the experimental results. Only the Porter and Lockett model showed a reasonable agreement with the experimental results for cenain tray efficiency values. A rectangular active section tray was constructed and tested to establish the channelling effect and the result of its effect on circular tray designs. The developed flow patterns showed predominantly flat profiles and some indication of significant liquid flow through the central region of the tray. This comfirms that the rectangular tray configuration might not be a satisfactory solution for liquid maldistribution on sieve trays. For a typical industrial tray the flow of liquid as it crosses the tray from the inlet to the outlet weir could be affected by the mixing of liquid by the eddy, momentum and the weir shape in the axial or the transverse direction or both. Conventional U-shape profiles were developed when the operating conditions were such that the froth dispersion was in the mixed regime, with good liquid temperature distribution while in the spray regime. For the 12.5 mm hole diameter tray the constant temperature profiles were found to be in the axial direction while in the spray regime and in the transverse direction for the 4.5 mm hole tray. It was observed that the extent of the liquid stagnant zones at the sides of the tray depended on the tray hole diameter and was larger for the 4.5 mm hole tray. The liquid hold-up results show a high liquid hold-up at the areas of the tray with low liquid temperatures, this supports the doubts about the assumptions of constant point efficiency across an operating tray. Liquid flow over the outlet weir showed more liquid flow at the centre of the tray at high liquid loading with low liquid flow at both ends of the weir. The calculated results of the point and tray efficiency model showed a general increase in the calculated point and tray efficiencies with an increase in the weir loading, as the flow regime changed from the spray to the mixed regime the point and the tray efficiencies increased from approximately 30 to 80%.Through the mixed flow regime the efficiencies were found to remain fairly constant, and as the operating conditions were changed to maintain an emulsified flow regime there was a decrease in the resulting efficiencies. The results of the estimated coefficient of mixing for the small and large hole diameter trays show that the extent of liquid mixing on an operating tray generally increased with increasing capacity factor, but decreased with increasing weir loads. This demonstrates that above certain weir loads, the effect of eddy diffusion mechanism on the process of liquid mixing on an operating tray to be negligible

Evaluation of Fraud and Internal Control Procedures:Evidence from Two South East Government Ministries in Nigeria

The paper evaluates internal control procedures as a weapon for fraud detection, deterrence and prevention in an emerging democracy after decades of Military incursion in governance. Using a sample consisting of about fifty per cent of the population of the study, selected through random sampling techniques, new light has been shed on how internal control procedures can assisit in fraud detection, deterrence and prevention in Nigeria.Specifically it was found that the degree of internal control in ministries and departments leaves much to be desired. There were clear cases of failure of the system of internal check and absence of actual segregation of duties. To surmount these outstanding handicaps, it has been recommended, among other things, that ministries and extra-ministerial department should improve on fraud management and internal control system to make it very active in operation in order to ensure improved accountability, transparency, and probity in the civil service.Keywords: Fraud, Internal control, Internal Check, civil service, government

Supply Response, Exchange Rate and Domestic Price in Nigeria

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of exchange rate and domestic price on export trade in Nigeria. Firstly, based on the literature review and findings of the study in the area, the paper aligned itself within the premise of the traditionalist view which concludes that non-oil export trade in Nigeria is predicated by currency depreciation via lower export prices. Secondly, the introduction of domestic prices, alongside naira rate of exchange as major determinants of non–oil exports in Nigeria, has the implication of showing that currency devaluation could be used to improve the balance of payment position of the country. We therefore recommend policy measures from the monetary authorities in the country that would stabilize the foreign exchange market and the exchange rate. Caution on the part of the government is also recommended when adopting trade policies to ensure Nigeria does not end up with unfavorable terms of trade and balance of payments with trading partner countries

The Hypoglyceamic and Hypolipideamic Potentials of Raw and Boiled Vernonia amygdalina Leaf Extract on Normal, Diabetic Induced and High Fat Fed Male Albino Rats

Vernonia amygdalina (VA) though used as folk medicine in managing diabetes yet is high in anti-nutrients. The effect of boiling (to reduce anti-nutrients) on hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic  potentials is not well known. This work, therefore evaluated the hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic  potentials of aqueous extracts of raw and boiled Vernonia amygdalina (VA) leaves at a dose of 300mg/kg bodyweight. Rats were divided into three groups (A,B,C) and two treatments (1,2). Each treatment and control has five rats.  Group A rats were fed normal diet (RND), group B were diabetic induced rats (DIR) fed normal diet and group C were fed high-fat diet (RHD). Treatments 1 and 2 were given raw VA extract (VAR) and boiled VA extract (VAB) respectively for 14days while the control received saline (with no extract). Blood glucose was monitored every three days and on the 15th day the rats were sacrificed and the blood serum was used to assay for ALP, ALT and AST activities. The result shows that the extracts were able to reduce (p<0.05) the blood glucose level of  DIR (from 504.20±85.66mg/ml to 204.20±136.13mg/ml and 558.80±66.96 to 162.20±56.69mg/ml within 14days for VAR and VAB extracts treated rats respectively) while diabetic control blood glucose at the end of the study remained significantly (p<0.05) high (400.20±64.02mg/ml) compared with the treated. Liver enzymes (ALP, ALT and AST) activities of untreated DIR (control) were raised significantly (p<0.05) when compared with the treated groups. While the control groups of RND and RHD liver enzymes activities were not significantly (p>0.05) higher than the treated. From the whole results analysed VAR and VAB reduced the blood glucose level of DIR (treated) and will bring it to normal with longer period of treatment. Also the extracts decreased the ALP, ALT and AST activities of DIR (treated) and so alleviate the liver function impairment associated with diabetic condition. Keywords, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic, Vernonia amygdalina, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotranferase (AST)

Hubungan Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Dalam Memilih Makanan Jajanan Dengan Obesitas Pada Remaja Di SMP Negeri 2 Brebes

Latar belakang : Pengetahuan berpengaruh terhadap sikap dalam memilih makanan jajanan. Pengetahuan yang baik diharapkan mempengaruhi konsumsi makanan yang baik sehingga dapat menuju status gizi yang baik pula. Kurang cukupnya pengetahuan tentang gizi dan kesalahan dalam memilih makanan jajanan akan berpengaruh terhadap status gizi seperti obesitas. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan dan sikap dalam memilih makanan jajanan dengan obesitas di SMP Negeri 2 BrebesMetode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian observasional dengan rancangan cross sectional. Subyek penelitian ini adalah remaja kelas VII-IX di SMP Negeri 2 Brebes. Pengambilan sampel sebanyak 66 anak dilakuan dengan simple random sampling. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi pengetahuan dan sikap dalam memilih makanan jajanan yang diperoleh berdasarkan hasil wawancara dengan kuesioner, dan perhitungan IMT berdasarkan hasil pengukuran berat badan dan tinggi badan. Uji normalitas menggunakan Kolmogorof- Smirnov. Data berdistribusi tidak normal pengujian menggunakan uji korelasi Chi-Square.Hasil:. Hampir seluruh responden memiliki pengetahuan baik yaitu sebanyak 63 orang (95,5%), dan memiliki sikap yang baik sebanyak 57 orang (86,4%). Subyek dalam kategori non obesitas sebanyak 50 orang (75,8%), pre obesitas sebanyak 7 orang (10,6%), dan obesitas sebanyak 9 orang (13,6%). Uji statistik menunjukkan tidak terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara pengetahuan dan sikap dalam memilih makanan jajanan dengan obesitas pada remaja (p>0,05)Simpulan: Tidak terdapat hubungan yang bermakna antara pengetahuan dan sikap dalam memilih makanan jajanan dengan obesitas pada remaja di SMP Negeri 2 Brebes

Pengaruh Stomata dan Klorofil pada Ketahanan Beberapa Varietas Jagung terhadap Penyakit Bulai

Resistant varieties are more advisable for controlling maize downy mildew compared with fungicides which is not effective and not environmentally friendly. This study is aimed to determine resistance of some varieties of maize against downy mildew. The maize varieties used were BS 0114, BS 0214, BS 0314, PAC 105, Sweet Corn and BISI 2. The parameters measured were disease incidence and intensity, chlorophyll content of leaves, stomatal density and plants dry weight. Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results indicated that PAC 105, BS 0214 and BS 0314 were resistant varieties, while BS 0114, Sweet Corn and BISI 2 were susceptible. PAC 105 variety has the lowest stomatal density (65.353/mm2), and Sweet Corn variety has the highest stomatal density (110.79/mm2). Stomatal density was positively correlated with the disease intensity. Higher disease intensity has lower chlorophyll content compared with the lower intensity. PAC 105 variety has the highest chlorophyll content and plant dry weight, while Sweet Corn variety has the lowest chlorophyll content and plant dry weight. INTISARI Penggunaan varietas tahan bulai lebih dianjurkan digunakan dalam pengendalian penyakit bulai pada jagung dibandingkan dengan penggunaan fungisida karena tidak efektif dan tidak ramah lingkungan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ketahanan beberapa varietas jagung terhadap penyakit bulai. Varietas yang digunakan meliputi BS 0114, BS 0214, BS 0314, PAC 105, jagung manis, dan BISI 2. Parameter yang diamati adalah insidensi dan intensitas penyakit, kandungan klorofil setelah inokulasi, kerapatan stomata dan berat kering tanaman. Data yang diperoleh diuji dengan analisis varians (ANOVA) dan uji lanjut dengan Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Hasil penelitian rumah kaca menunjukkan bahwa varietas PAC 105, BS 0214 dan BS 0314 merupakan varietas tahan, sedangkan varietas BS 0114, jagung manis dan BISI 2 merupakan varietas yang rentan. Varietas tahan PAC 105 memiliki kerapatan stomata paling rendah yaitu 65,353/mm2, dan kerapatan stomata paling tinggi dimiliki oleh varietas rentan yaitu jagung manis dengan kerapatan 110,79/mm2. Kerapatan stomata berkorelasi positif dengan intensitas penyakit dengan koefisien korelasi (r) sebesar 0,72526. Semakin rendah intensitas penyakit bulai kandungan klorofil dan berat kering yang semakin tinggi. Varietas PAC 105 yang mempunyai intensitas penyakit paling rendah , mempunyai kandungan klorofil dan berat kering tertinggi, sedangkan varietas jagung manis mempunyai kandungan klorofil dan berat kering terendah