Robust Speech Recognition Using Generative Adversarial Networks

This paper describes a general, scalable, end-to-end framework that uses the generative adversarial network (GAN) objective to enable robust speech recognition. Encoders trained with the proposed approach enjoy improved invariance by learning to map noisy audio to the same embedding space as that of clean audio. Unlike previous methods, the new framework does not rely on domain expertise or simplifying assumptions as are often needed in signal processing, and directly encourages robustness in a data-driven way. We show the new approach improves simulated far-field speech recognition of vanilla sequence-to-sequence models without specialized front-ends or preprocessing

Miniscrew-Assisted Mandibular Molar Protraction: A Case Report

The present article describes the case of a 12-year-old female patient in which mandibular second molar protraction was performed after the extraction of a grossly damaged first molar. A titanium miniscrew was placed in the buccal alveolar bone between the canine and premolar to provide direct anchorage for protraction forces. A balancing lingual force was applied. The treatment time was 22 months. Ideal overbite and overjet with good posterior occlusion was achieved

Accidental Intake of Foreign Bodies in Orthodontic Patients: A Management Protocol

One of the common emergencies during dental treatment is accidental intake of dental materials. Dental patients being treated in supine position increases the risk of accidental ingestion during various dental procedures. Orthodontic patients are prone to such incidences because of the small size of materials used such as brackets, molar bands, tubes and archwire clips. Ingestion of a number of orthodontic materials such as retainers, sectional wires, hooks, bands, brackets, or expansion appliance keys have been reported. These materials may be ingested or aspirated and become lodged in the oropharyngeal or gastrointestinal tract. The response to such conditions may vary from no symptoms, mild irritation, to severe consequences such as choking or asphyxiation. A protocol must be available to avoid such untoward episodes and to ensure effective management in case of an occurrence. This article presents a literature review of accidental ingestion or aspiration of orthodontic materials and elucidates an effective management protocol for such emergencies

Curse of the technology-computer related musculoskeletal disorders and vision syndrome: a study

Background: Computer Related Musculoskeletal disorders and Vision Syndrome (CRMSKVS) is defined as symptoms due to prolonged use of Visual Display Terminal (VDT).Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was done among office-workers working on computer terminal. A self-reported questionnaire was distributed and Musculoskeletal (MSK) and visual symptoms in the preceding 12 months (01 October 2017 to 30 September 2018) were taken as dependent variable. Multivariate analysis was done to identify the determinants of CRMSKVS.Results: Responses from 1193 subjects were included in the study. CRMSKVS was present in 489 cases (40.98%; males - 37.5%, females - 58.29%).  The main MSK symptoms were pain/stiffness in neck (40.98%), shoulder (38.99%), lower back (35.6%) and elbow/wrist/hand/fingers (23.1%). The ocular symptoms were excessive watering (39.6%), pain (24.99), irritation (18.6%), burning/itching sensation (29.8%), redness (40.7%), blurring of vision (13.2%) and headache (40.9%). Female gender (OR-1.498(1.262-1.778)), long duration of working hours (OR-2.77(2.399-3.214)), poor break duration (OR-2.59(2.172-3.089)), excessive smart phone use (OR-2.071(1.834-2.338)), poor posture (OR-3.883(3.282-4.592)), inappropriate distance of computer screen (OR-2.173(1.829-2.582)), low height of screen (OR-1.936(1.527-2.454)), distance of keyboard (OR-3.161(2.528-3.953)) and distance of mouse (OR-5.785(3.932-8.512)) were identified as significant determinants of CRMSKVS.Conclusions: CRMSKVS is an emerging pandemic which needs urgent attention by medical and administrative authorities. The device factors, personal factors, environmental and ergonomic factors are the modifiable risk factors for CRMSKVS

Template free synthesis of PbS nanoparticles by sol-gel facile method under IR radiation at room temperature

Lead sulfide (PbS) nanoparticles have been synthesized from the precursor of lead nitrite tetrahydrate [Pb(NO3)2.4H2O] and thiourea [CH4 N2S] at room temperature by sol-gel method under the infrared (IR) irradiation. The synthesized PbS nanoparticles have been characterized by XRD, FE-SEM, UV-vis spectrophotometer, and FTIR. The dominant peak (200) in XRD pattern, microstructure and the absorption of PbS have been confirmed the formation of nanoparticles. The crystallite size of PbS nanoparticle has been observed to be 13 nm. The lattice constant

Effect of growth temperature and RF power on structural and optical properties of sputtered deposited PbS thin films

Lead sulphide (PbS) nanocrystalline thin films have been grown from sputtering with the variation of growth temperature and RF-Power. The intensity of single dominant peak (200) in XRD-pattern increases by increasing the growth temperature from 175 oC to 200 oC and RF power from 80 W to 100 W, respectively. The crystallite size and the strain of as-deposited PbS thin films have been calculated from XRD-peak profile analysis. Microscopic surface and cross-section images show the improvement in thin films growth in terms of alignment of grains and thickness. The band gap of PbS thin films has been determined from UV-Vis absorption spectra, where the band gap decreases from 1.98 eV to 1.72 eV as the growth temperature and power increased from 175 °C and 80 W to 200 °C and 100 W

Influence of Altitude on Pulmonary Function

Variation in lung function at high altitude (HA) impacts the working capacity of individuals and may predispose body towards hypoxia induced illness. So, we investigated the changes in pulmonary function of healthy human male volunteers belonging to two different ethnicities i.e. Indian and Kyrgyz. Twenty, age and BMI matched, volunteers (Indian=10 and Kyrgyz=10) were recruited for the study. Measurement for pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEF, FEF 25-75%, MEF 25%, MEF 50%, MEF 75%, MVV) were performed on each individual at basal (800 m) and high altitude (4,111 m) on day 3,7,14 and 21. Results indicate that Kyrgyz has comparatively higher FVC, FEV1, PEF and MVV values and lower FEV1/FVC ratio upon altitude induction than those of Indian counterparts. Mid expiratory flow FEF25-75% was significantly increased in Kyrgyz upon altitude induction indicate more proficient lung emptying while only moderate increase at day 7 in Indian. MEF25% was significantly increased in Kyrgyz, while no change is observed in Indians at high altitude which indicates that 75% of lung emptying through small airways is better in Kyrgyz. MEF 50% and MEF 75% increased with altitude in both groups. For MVV, the maximum increase was ~17% in Indian at HA14 (p<0.01) and in Kyrgyz ~33% (p<0.001) at HA14 as compared to basal. Difference in lung function response observed, indicates that Kyrgyz has better pulmonary dynamics during altitude exposure as compared to Indian counterparts. The varied result observed may be due to different ethnic origin of the groups