Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Single-Channel Speech Dereverberation based on Spectral Subtraction

Speech signals recorded with a distant microphone usually contain reverberation, which degrades the fidelity and intelligibility of speech in devices such as 'hands-free' conference telephones, automatic speech recognition and hearing aids. One important effect of reverberation on speech is overlap-masking, i.e. the energy of the previous phonemes is smeared over time, and overlaps following phonemes. In [1] a single-channel speech dereverberation method based on Spectral Subtraction was introduced to reduce this effect. The described method estimates the power spectrum of the reverberation based on a statistical model of late reverberation. This model depends on one parameter, the reverberation time. However, the reverberation time is frequency dependent due to requency dependent reflection coeficients of walls and other objects and the frequency dependent absorption coeficient of air. In this paper, we have taken this dependency into account and studied the effect on reverberation reduction and distortion. The algorithm is tested using synthetically reverberated signals. The performances for different room impulse responses with reverberation times ranging from approximately 200 to 1200 ms show significant reverberation reduction with little signal distortion.
In situ generation of silver nanoparticles in cellulose matrix using Azadirachta indica leaf extract as a reducing agent

ABSTRACT In the present work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were in situ generated in cellulose matrix using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica as a reducing agent. The cellulose/AgNP composite films prepared were characterized by FTIR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, and antibacterial tests. The infrared spectra indicated the association of organic materials with silver nanoparticles to serve as capping agents. Scanning electron micrographs showed that synthesized silver nanoparticles were nearly uniform and spherical in shape with diameter in the range of 61–110 nm. XRD confirmed the formation of AgNPs and Ag–O nanoparticles. The nanocomposite films showed good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli bacteria.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF POLYMER TRAJECTORY DURING ELECTROSPINNING

The most important characteristics of the electrospun fibers are their internal morphology and their diameter. They both depend on polymer’s parameters, but also on the process parameters. The motivation for this research is therefore to simulate the jet during electrospinning and analyze the effects of some of the parameters on the jet (and implicitly on fibers), without the necessity to perform the experiments each time. The calculations of the polymer’s behavior between the electrodes was based on the discrete model of Reneker. Thus, the jet was modeled as a system of beads connected by viscoelastic elements. The results were compared to the results obtained in the literature and showed good agreement. The results showed how the jet shape during electrospinning depends on each parameter. The ultimate goal was to establish the exact influence of the above-mentioned parameters on the fibers’ diameter. This would allow to set rough values of electrospinning parameters, which could be further fine-tuned, in order to obtain the fibers with expected characteristics. The beneficial effect of such simulations are time gain, but also reduced material consumption, maintenance costs etc.
Protein kinase A and the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) modulate phenotype plasticity in human airway smooth muscle

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) modulates the airway smooth muscle (ASM) ‘contractile’ phenotype to a more ‘proliferative’ phenotype, resulting in increased proliferation and reduced contractility. Such phenotypic modulation may contribute to airway remodelling in asthma. We have previously shown that the cAMP effector molecules, protein kinase A (PKA) and the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) inhibited PDGF‐induced phenotypic modulation in bovine ASM. Here, we investigated these mechanisms in human ASM strips and cells.
On-Chip Process Variations Compensation Using an Analog Adaptive Body Bias (A-ABB)

An analog adaptive body bias (A-ABB) circuit is proposed in this paper. The A-ABB is used to compensate for die-to-die (D2D) and within-die (WID) parameter variations and accordingly, improves the circuit yield regarding the speed, the dynamic power, and the leakage power. The A-ABB consists of threshold voltage estimation circuits and analog control of the body bias performed by on-chip amplifier circuits. Circuit level simulation results of a circuit block case study, extracted from a real microprocessor critical path, referring to an industrial hardware-calibrated 65-nm CMOS technology transistor model, are demonstrated. This study shows that the proposed A-ABB reduces the standard deviations of the frequency, the dynamic power and the leakage power by factors of 6.6 X, 8.8 X, and 3.3 X, respectively, when both D2D and WID variations are considered. In addition, in this presented case study, initial total yields of 16.8% and 5.2% are improved to 99.9% and 84.1%, respectively. The advantage of the proposed A-ABB is its lower area overhead allowing it to be used at lower granularity level than that of the previously published ABB circuits.
Stable and efficient generation of poly(β-amino ester)s for RNAi delivery

Cationic polymers are promising delivery systems for RNAi due to their ease of manipulation, scale-up conditions and transfection efficiency. However, some properties, such as stability and targeting, remain challenging to overcome. In this report, different modifications in poly(β-amino ester) (pBAE) structures have been explored to overcome these limitations. Recent studies have demonstrated that hydrophobicity plays a key role in controlling electrostatic interactions of plasma proteins with nanoparticles. Results show that a slight increase in the polymer hydrophobicity increases its siRNA packaging capacity, stability, and transfection efficiency. Consequently, polyplexes prepared with these hydrophobic structures are functional after incubation times longer than 48 hours in serum-containing medium. In addition, newly designed polymers were end-modified using different oligopeptide moieties in order to confer cell-specificity, as previously reported. Therefore, it can be concluded that these newly optimized pBAE polymers present great potential as delivery vectors to specifically drive therapeutic RNA-based nucleic acids in a cell-specific manner under physiological conditions.
Improving imaging utilization through practice quality improvement (maintenance of certification part IV): a review of requirements and approach to implementation.

OBJECTIVE The purposes of this article are to review the American Board of Radiology requirements for practice quality improvement and to describe our approach to improving imaging utilization while offering a guide to implementing similar projects at other institutions, emphasizing the plan-do-study-act approach. CONCLUSION There is increased emphasis on improving quality in health care. Our institution has undertaken a multiphase practice quality improvement project addressing the appropriate utilization of screening cervical spinal CT in an emergency department.
Computer Algebra Technique for Coxeter Spectral Study of Edge-bipartite Graphs and Matrix Morsifications of Dynkin Type 𝔸n

By applying computer algebra tools mainly, Maple and C++, given the Dynkin diagram $\Delta = \mathbb{A}_n$, with n ≥ 2 vertices and the Euler quadratic form $q_\Delta : \mathbb{Z}^n \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}$, we study the problem of classifying mesh root systems and the mesh geometries of roots of Δ see Section 1 for details. The problem reduces to the computation of the Weyl orbits in the set $Mor_\Delta \subseteq \mathbb{M}_n\mathbb{Z}$ of all matrix morsifications A of qΔ, i.e., the non-singular matrices $A \in \mathbb{M}_n\mathbb{Z}$ such that i qΔv = v · A · vtr, for all $v \in \mathbb{Z}^n$, and ii the Coxeter matrix CoxA := -A · A-tr lies in $Gln,\mathbb{Z}$. The Weyl group $\mathbb{W}_\Delta \subseteq Gln, \mathbb{Z}$ acts on MorΔ and the determinant det $A \in \mathbb{Z}$, the order cA ≥ 2 of CoxA i.e. the Coxeter number, and the Coxeter polynomial $cox_At := dett \centerdot E \minus Cox_A \in \mathbb{Z}[t]$ are $\mathbb{W}_\Delta$-invariant. The problem of determining the $\mathbb{W}_\Delta$-orbits $\cal{O}rbA$ of MorΔ and the Coxeter polynomials coxAt, with $A \in Mor_\Delta$, is studied in the paper and we get its solution for n ≤ 8, and $A = [a_{ij}] \in Mor_{\mathbb{A}}_n$, with $\vert a_{ij} \vert \le 1$. In this case, we prove that the number of the $\mathbb{W}_\Delta$-orbits $\cal{O}rbA$ and the number of the Coxeter polynomials coxAt equals two or three, and the following three conditions are equivalent: i $\cal{O}rbA = \mathbb{O}rbA\prime$, ii coxAt = coxA't, iii cA · det A = cA' · det A'. We also construct: a three pairwise different $\mathbb{W}_\Delta$-orbits in MorΔ, with pairwise different Coxeter polynomials, if $\Delta = \mathbb{A}_{2m \minus 1}$ and m ≥ 3; and b two pairwise different $\mathbb{W}_\Delta$-orbits in MorΔ, with pairwise different Coxeter polynomials, if $\Delta = \mathbb{A}_{2m}$ and m ≥ 1.
An innovative approach for feature selection based on chicken swarm optimization

In this paper, a system for feature selection based on chicken swarm optimization (CSO) algorithm is proposed. Datasets ordinarily includes a huge number of attributes, with irrelevant and redundant attribute. Commonly wrapper-based approaches are used for feature selection but it always requires an intelligent search technique as part of the evaluation function. Chicken swarm optimization (CSO)is a new bio-inspired algorithm mimicking the hierarchal order of the chicken swarm and the behaviors of chicken swarm, including roosters, hens and chicks, CSO can efficiently extract the chickens' swarm intelligence to optimize problems. Therefore, CSO was employed to feature selection in wrapper mode to search the feature space for optimal feature combination maximizing classification performance, while minimizing the number of selected features. The proposed system was benchmarked on 18 datasets drawn from the UCI repository and using different evaluation criteria and proves advance over particle swarm optimization (PSO) and genetic algorithms (GA) that commonly used in optimization problems.
Fuzzy‐Valued Intensity Measures for Near‐Fault Pulse‐Like Ground Motions

Two fuzzy‐valued (FV) structure‐specific intensity measures (IMs), one based on squared spectral velocity and the other on inelastic spectral displacement, are presented to characterize near‐fault pulse‐like ground motions for performance‐based seismic design and assessment of concrete frame structures. The first IM is designed through fuzzying structural fundamental period to account for the period shift effect due to stiffness degradation, whereas the second IM is developed to take into account higher mode contribution in high‐rise buildings by employing a fuzzy combination of the first two or three modes for the lateral loading pattern in pushover analysis. A benchmark study of three example reinforced concrete frame structures shows that for moderate‐ to medium‐period structures, both of the proposed IMs improve prediction accuracy in comparison with the existing IMs. For short‐period structures, the FV inelastic spectral displacement is the best.
Effect of biostimulation on healing of bone defects in diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of biostimulation on healing of bone defects in diabetic rats. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-eight Wistar rats weighting 250 to 300 g were used for this study. Diabetes was chemically induced with streptozotocin, and 14 nondiabetic and 14 diabetic rats were included in the study. The distal epiphysis of the right and left femurs of the diabetic rats were perforated with a surgical bone drill. This surgical procedure was performed on the left femurs of normal rats too. The wound on the right side of each diabetic rat received laser stimulation. The left femur of each nondiabetic (normal) rat served as a control. The rats were assigned to three experimental groups: (1) normal bur (control group); (2) diabetic bur; (3) diabetic bur + biostimulation. RESULTS There was a significant difference among all groups in substantia spongiosa formation on day 10. According to the Mann-Whitney U test, there was a difference between Groups 1 and 2. A significant difference was noted between Groups 2 and 3 as well as between Groups 1 and 3 and between Groups 2 and 3 in union at 20 d of healing. CONCLUSIONS Substantia spongiosa formation was slightly more evident in Groups 1 and 3 than in Group 2. Also, there was more union in Group 3 than in the other groups on day 20. As a result, it can be concluded that low-level laser therapy (808 nm laser at 10 J/cm(2)) can have a beneficial effect on spongiosa in diabetic bone repair when five treatments are administered with 2 d intervals between treatments.
Large Time-Varying Parameter VARs

In this paper we develop methods for estimation and forecasting in large time-varying parameter vector autoregressive models (TVP-VARs). To overcome computational constraints with likelihood-based estimation of large systems, we rely on Kalman filter estimation with forgetting factors. We also draw on ideas from the dynamic model averaging literature and extend the TVP-VAR so that its dimension can change over time. A final extension lies in the development of a new method for estimating, in a time-varying manner, the parameter(s) of the shrinkage priors commonly-used with large VARs. These extensions are operationalized through the use of forgetting factor methods and are, thus, computationally simple. An empirical application involving forecasting inflation, real output, and interest rates demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of our approach.
Silence

The author in this column discusses the concept silence and the contradictions present with silence. Silence can be experienced in the following life patterns: silence as a pattern of surrendering to moments of awakening; silence as a pattern of bearing witness to life story; and, silence as a pattern of betrayal of trust. Each of these patterns is explored with their relevance for nursing.
Self-Brand Connections: an Exploratory Study Into Construct Validity and Gender Effects

EXTENDED ABSTRACT The fundamental premise of the Self-Brand Connection construct is that when brand associations are used to construct one’s self or to communicate one’s self to others, a strong connection is formed between the brand and the consumer’s self identity (Escalas 2004). The purpose of this study was threefold: first, we test the reliability and the validity of the Self-Brand Connection Scale (Escalas 1996; Escalas 2004), designed to measure such types of self-brand associations. The second objective was to examine the extent to which self-brand connections are positively related to brand evaluations as well as the interesting concept of attitude strength (Krosnick and Schuman 1988; Krosnick et al. 1993). Lastly, we test the impact of the Self-Brand Connections scale within the context of a gendered brand. For this purpose we selected the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), a subbrand of the parent brand, the NBA. This brand has been strategically crafted to appeal to female consumers and thus provided an ideal opportunity to examine whether females will show stronger self-brand connections for this type of brand than their male counterparts.
Inner Source Definition, Benefits, and Challenges

Inner Source (IS) is the use of open source software development practices and the establishment of an open source-like culture within organizations. The organization may still develop proprietary software but internally opens up its development. A steady stream of scientific literature and practitioner reports indicates the interest in this research area. However, the research area lacks a systematic assessment of known research work: No model exists that defines IS thoroughly. Various case studies provide insights into IS programs in the context of specific organizations but only few publications apply a broader perspective. To resolve this, we performed an extensive literature survey and analyzed 43 IS related publications plus additional background literature. Using qualitative data analysis methods, we developed a model of the elements that constitute IS. We present a classification framework for IS programs and projects and apply it to lay out a map of known IS endeavors. Further, we present qualitative models summarizing the benefits and challenges of IS adoption. The survey provides the first broad review of IS literature and systematic arrangement of IS research results.
The activation mode of the mechanosensitive ion channel, MscL, by lysophosphatidylcholine differs from tension‐induced gating

One of the best‐studied mechanosensitive channels is the mechanosensitive channel of large conductance (MscL). MscL senses tension in the membrane evoked by an osmotic down shock and directly couples it to large conformational changes leading to the opening of the channel. Spectroscopic techniques offer unique possibilities to monitor these conformational changes if it were possible to generate tension in the lipid bilayer, the native environment of MscL, during the measurements. To this end, asymmetric insertion of L‐α‐lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) into the lipid bilayer has been effective; however, how LPC activates MscL is not fully understood. Here, the effects of LPC on tension‐sensitive mutants of a bacterial MscL and on MscL homologs with different tension sensitivities are reported, leading to the conclusion that the mode of action of LPC is different from that of applied tension. Our results imply that LPC shifts the free energy of gating by interfering with MscL‐membrane coupling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the fine‐tuned addition of LPC can be used for controlled activation of MscL in spectroscopic studies. —Mukherjee, N. , Jose, M. D. , Birkner, J. P., Walko, M. , Ingólfsson, H. I. , Dimitrova, A. , Arnarez, C. , Marrink, S. J., Koçer, A. , The activation mode of the mechanosensitive ion channel, MscL, by lysophosphatidylcholine differs from tension‐induced gating. FASEB J. 28, 4292–4302 (2014). www.fasebj. org
Higher Anxiety Symptoms Predict Progressive Hippocampal Atrophy in the Chronic Stages of Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Background. In the chronic stages of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), progressive hippocampal volume loss—continuing well after acute neurological insults have resolved—has now been well documented. Previous research in other populations suggests that elevated anxiety symptoms are associated with compromise to the medial temporal lobes. Objective. To examine whether higher anxiety symptoms predict greater hippocampal volume loss in moderate-severe TBI. Methods. We conducted an analysis of prospectively collected, longitudinal behavioral and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 5 to 12 to 30 months post-injury. Eighty participants were included in the study, with anxiety symptom and MRI data collected at a minimum of 2 time points. Correlational and bivariate latent difference score (with imputation) analyses were used to examine the relationship of Beck Anxiety Inventory scores with hippocampal volume loss, while controlling for depressive symptoms and total brain volume. Results. Analyses revealed that higher anxiety symptoms at 5 and at 12 months following moderate-severe TBI predicted significant later volume loss in the right hippocampal complex and the right hippocampal head. Right hippocampal volume and volume change did not predict subsequent anxiety scores or anxiety change scores. Conclusions. These novel findings implicate anxiety symptoms as a possible predictor of progressive hippocampal volume loss in the chronic stages of moderate-severe TBI.
Autophagy activation is associated with neuroprotection in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemic preconditioning

Several recent studies have showed that autophagy is involved in ischemic brain damage, but it may also play a pro-survival role in ischemic preconditioning. This study was taken to determine the role of autophagy in an animal model of cerebral ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Focal cerebral IPC was produced in rats by a brief ischemic insult followed by permanent focal ischemia (PFI) 24 h later using the suture occlusion technique. The rats were pretreated with intracerebral ventricle infusion of the autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and bafliomycin A1 (Baf A1) or the autophagy inducer rapamycin to evaluate the contribution of autophagy to IPC-induced neuroprotection. The results from electron microscopic examinations and immunofluorescence showed that both IPC and PFI induced autophagy activation, but the extent and persistence of autophagy activation were varied. IPC treatment significantly reduced infarct volume, brain edema and motor deficits after subsequent PFI, whereas 3-MA and Baf A1 suppressed the neuroprotection induced by IPC. 3-MA pretreatment also significantly attenuated upregulation of LC3-II, beclin 1 and HSP70 and downregulation of p62. To further determine if autophagy induction is responsible for IPC-induced neuroprotection, rats were treated with rapamycin 24 h before the onset of PFI. The results showed that rapamycin reduced infarct volume, brain edema and motor deficits induced by PFI. Rapamycin pretreatment also increased the protein levels of LC3-II and beclin 1. These results demonstrate that autophagy activation during IPC offers a remarkable tolerance to a subsequent fatal ischemic insult, and IPC's neuroprotective effects can be mimicked by autophagy inducers.
Rapid Identification of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Using Real Time PCR

Screening for colonization with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureas (MRSA) is a key aspect of infection control to limit the nosocomial spread of this organism. Current methods for the detection of MRSA in clinical microbiology laboratories using conventional methods is time consuming. In this research we are trying to evaluate the use of real time PCR for the detection of MRSA. The PCR assay was evaluated in clinical isolates of MRSA (n = 45) and methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureas MSSA (n = 10). The diagnostic values of the assay showed high sensitivity and specificity. This real-time PCR assay proved to be a fast, sensitive and specific tool for MRSA detection in a routine microbiological laboratory. Real-time PCR now is available in all laboratories so its use in identification of MRSA will help in shortening the period for MRSA identification and will help in the success of infection control programs in hospitals.