Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated sound recording and analysis techniques for bird surveys and conservation

Abstract There is a great need for increased use and further development of automated sound recording and analysis of avian sounds. Birds are critical to ecosystem functioning so techniques to make avian monitoring more efficient and accurate will greatly benefit science and conservation efforts. We provide an overview of the hardware approaches to automated sound recording as well as an overview of the prominent techniques used in software to automatically detect and classify avian sound. We provide a comparative summary of examples of three general categories of hardware solutions for automating sound recording which include a hardware interface for a scheduling timer to control a standalone commercial recorder, a programmable recording device, and a single board computer. We also describe examples of the two main approaches to improving microphone performance for automated recorders through small arrays of microphone elements and using waveguides. For the purposes of thinking about automated sound analysis, we suggest five basic sound fragment types of avian sound and discuss a variety of techniques to automatically detect and classify avian sounds to species level, as well as their limitations. A variety of the features to measure for the various call types are provided, along with a variety of classification methods for those features. They are discussed in context of general performance as well as the monitoring and conservation efforts they are used in.
Synthesis of Azobenzene-Containing Diblock Copolymers Using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and the Photoalignment Behavior

A new series of liquid crystalline diblock copolymers composed of a polystyrene and a polymethacrylate with an azobenzene moiety in the side chain were synthesized through atom transfer radical polymerization and characterized by various techniques. Photoinduced birefringence of diblock copolymers and the azobenzene homopolymer was investigated and compared under different excitation conditions. The results show that the microdomain structures characteristic of diblock copolymers hinder the photoalignment of azobenzene mesogenic groups.
MULTI-LEVEL ADAPTATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL GAME TO INDIVIDUAL STUDENT’S GAMEPLAY, KNOWLEDGE AND EMOTIONS

In recent years, considerable interest has been devoted to the application of games for educational purposes due to their potential to improve learning process and learning outcomes. Such trend can be explained by several reasons, e.g., games increase enjoyment, involvement and motivation, as well as they induce emotions. It is considered that playing games is more emotional than rational process and research shows that emotions are fundamental to learning. They influence perception, attention, decision making, motivation, as well as acquisition and retrieval of knowledge. Learners usually differ regarding their interests, preferences, personality and all these aspects can be considered to provide adaptation. However, differences of individual learners are seldom considered in educational games and emotions as an adaptation source are used even rarely. The main aim of this paper is to introduce a multi-level adaptation approach for personalized educational games to improve their adaptability.
BUILDING COMMISSIONING AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TRAINING NON-INTRUSIVE LOAD MONITORING ALGORITHMS

In this paper we explore the synergetic relationship that could exist between the building commissioning process and the necessary training for Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring (NILM) algorithms. First we describe the application of NILM as a tool to support building commissioning, by obtaining individual electrical load profiles and equipment health indicators from a single measurement point in the building. Then we argue that, since the training process is usually one of the stumbling blocks for the deployment of NILM technology, taking advantage of the commissioning process for this end could facilitate the procedure. We present a number of ideas for achieving this vision inspired primarily by early results obtained from a residential building in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where we have installed a prototype NILM system.
Whose advocacy counts in shaping elderly patients’ satisfaction with physicians’ care and communication?

Purpose The purpose of this article was to examine the relative importance of patients’ self-advocacy and perceived physicians’ advocacy for impacting patients’ satisfaction in terms of physician communication and physician–patient relationship. We also examine the influence of physicians’ emotional support and patients’ demographic as well as health characteristics on patients’ satisfaction. Sample Our sample includes interviews with 806 community dwelling older adults (mean age =77.82 years, SD=8.41). The sample included residents of a large retirement community in Clearwater, FL, USA. Respondents were also included from representative samples of older adults living in Orlando and Miami, FL, USA, and Cleveland, OH, USA. Methods and results Using multiple hierarchical regression analyses, we found that patients’ age and functional limitations were negatively associated with their care satisfaction. When compared with White patients, African-American patients were less satisfied with their physicians while Latino patients expressed greater satisfaction with their medical care. We found limited evidence of patients’ self-advocacy and such advocacy did not serve as a significant predictor of satisfaction with physicians. In contrast, patients’ perception of physicians’ readiness to act as patient advocates was a significant predictor of patients’ satisfaction. Emotional support of physicians was also associated with patients’ satisfaction. Conclusion These findings raise questions about consumer empowerment among older adults and underscore their desire for and appreciation of physicians’ advocacy. Findings are discussed in the context of power imbalance between elderly patients and their doctors.
Effects of propofol anesthesia versus sevoflurane anesthesia on postoperative pain after radical gastrectomy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose After a radical gastrectomy, patients may experience severe pain. Some studies have reported that the use of propofol significantly reduced postoperative pain, while others have argued that this effect was not significant. Thus, we aimed to assess whether anesthesia with propofol could help to reduce pain after an open radical gastrectomy procedure. Patients and methods Sixty patients who were scheduled to undergo a laparotomy for radical gastrectomy were randomly assigned to either the propofol or sevoflurane group (n=30 each). A target-controlled infusion of propofol or inhalation of sevoflurane, titrated to bispectral index of 40–60, was maintained. All patients were administered a standardized multimodal analgesic plan, including intraoperative dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, and postoperative flurbiprofen axetil, as well as patient-controlled fentanyl. Hemodynamics, pain scores, fentanyl consumption, adverse events, and the incidence of chronic pain 1 month and 3 months following hospital discharge were recorded. Results The intensity of postoperative pain was relatively low to moderate in all the patients. The propofol group showed lower pain scores, at rest and while coughing, up to 48 h postoperatively compared to the sevoflurane group (P<0.05). Cumulative fentanyl consumption 0–24 h after surgery was lower for the propofol group (364.4 ± 139.1 vs. 529.3 ± 237.9 µg; P=0.002). However, for fentanyl consumption 0–48 h, the difference between the two groups was not significant (710.9 ± 312.8 vs. 850.9 ± 292.0 µg; P=0.078). There were no differences in the incidences of adverse events or chronic pain between the groups. Conclusions Overall, the multimodal analgesic approach reduced postoperative pain after an open radical gastrectomy procedure in all patients anesthetized with either propofol or sevoflurane. Furthermore, our results indicated better analgesic outcome for the propofol group, especially in the early postoperative period.
Diversity and endemism of ciliates inhabiting Neotropical phytotelmata

While the diversity and distribution of macro-organisms living in phytotelmata (plant-container habitats) is well known, detailed taxonomic work on micro-organisms living in the same environments is limited. As a model clade of microbial eukaryotes, sampling of ciliates in Neotropical bromeliad tanks increased, and Neotropical phytotelmata such as bamboo stumps and tree holes were newly sampled. Thirty-three isolates from Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico were sequenced for small subunit rDNA, and placed into a phylogenetic context using non-phytotelmata GenBank accessions. This and the morphological investigations discovered 45 undescribed, possibly endemic ciliate species. The potential endemics are from throughout most clades of the ciliate tree of life, and there is evidence of speciation within the Neotropical phytotelmata habitat. Our data show the number of potential Neotropical phytotelmata-endemic ciliate species increasing as more phytotelmata are sampled. While the new data show that the supposed endemics are mainly recruited from moss and ephemeral limnetic habitats, the bromeliad ciliate fauna is quite distinct from those of other limnetic habitats, lacking many typical and common freshwater genera, such as Coleps, Colpidium, Frontonia, Paramecium, Glaucoma, Nassula, Stylonychia and Trithigmostoma. There is no indication that specific ciliates are confined to specific bromeliads.
GROWTH OF URANYL-HYDROXY-HYDRATE AND URANYL-CARBONATE MINERALS ON THE (104) SURFACE OF CALCITE

Interaction of concentrated acidic uranyl-bearing solutions at initial values of pH of 2.5 and 4.5 with calcite at 25°C in an open system results in formation of schoepite, becquerelite and wyartite-II. Interaction of similar solutions with calcite at 100°C results in the formation of dehydrated schoepite after one day and becquerelite after two to three days. Concentrated basic uranyl-bearing solutions in contact with calcite at 25°C in an open system produce uranyl-bearing calcite, wyartite-II, becquerelite and schoepite. Uranyl tricarbonate minerals such as liebigite precipitate on calcite only in more highly concentrated basic solutions. The crystal morphologies of almost all of these minerals were recorded on the calcite surface with an atomic force microscope (AFM). Red crystals of becquerelite grown in acidic solutions are elongate parallel to [010], and the (001) face is defined by the [010], [110] and [100] edges. The (001) face of pink crystals of wyartite-II grown in an acidic solution is defined by the [120], [100] and [120] edges and has striations parallel to [100]. Under basic conditions, uranyl-bearing calcite precipitates as growth hillocks in the first few minutes of the experiments. Green crystals of liebigite are attached to the calcite surface via their (001) or (010) faces. The (001) face of pink-to-violet crystals of wyartite-II grown in basic solutions is defined by the [100], [110], [120], [230] and [010] edges. Small red crystals of becquerelite grown in basic solution have a similar morphology to those grown in acidic solution. The formation of wyartite-II is a result of high CO2 activity on the calcite surface, which provides the necessary low values of Eh. The formation of schoepite on the calcite surface in Ca 2+ ‐(CO3) 2‐ solutions occurs owing to favorable crystal-growth kinetics relative to becquerelite and other uranyl-carbonates. On the basis of observations in the open system, formation of minerals on the calcite surface is predicted for acidic and basic solutions in a closed system.
A Biomechanical Analysis of the Farmers Walk, and Comparison with the Deadlift and Unloaded Walk

This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of the farmers walk, deadlift and unloaded walk. Six experienced male strongman athletes performed farmers' walks and deadlifts at 70% of their 1RM deadlift. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were apparent at knees passing with the farmers lift demonstrating greater trunk extension, thigh angle, knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion. Significantly greater mean vertical and anterior forces were observed in the farmers lift than deadlift. The farmers walk demonstrated significantly greater peak forces and stride rates and significantly shorter stride lengths, ground contact times, and swing times than unloaded walk. Significantly greater dorsiflexion, knee flexion, thigh angle, and significantly lesser trunk angle at foot strike were also observed in the farmers walk. The farmers lift may be an effective lifting alternative to the deadlift, to generating more anterior-propulsive and vertical force with less stress to the lumbar spine due to the more vertical trunk position.
Experiences of the Orthodox Community Among Orthodox Jewish Gay Men

Sense of community includes elements such as sense of belonging, mutual interdependence, trust, shared goals and values, and shared history. It is associated with benefits for both the members and the community and is believed to be stronger in religious minority groups. This qualitative study describes the experiences of the Jewish Orthodox community among Orthodox Jewish gay men. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 men about their experiences of being gay in their Orthodox communities. A content analysis revealed four themes: community as a home, community as a comprehensive provider, community as a strict behavior regulator, and community as punitive toward gay men. Findings suggest that Orthodox Jewish gay men have mixed feelings about their community; being satisfied with a community that provides for all their needs, but also living in constant fear of the negative consequences they and their families may endure if their homosexuality will be revealed. Recommendations for social work practice are provided.
Effect of ethanol on flavor perception of Rum

Abstract This is the first sensory study to evaluate the effects of ethanol concentration on flavor perception of distilled spirits. Dilution series of two rums (R1 and R2) were evaluated to gain insight into the effects of ethanol concentration on the flavor perception of distilled spirits. Rums were diluted 1:2 (v/v) either with pure water to a final alcohol by volume (ABV) of 20% (R1‐W and R2‐W) or with an aqueous 40% ABV solution (R1‐E and R2‐E). The later dilution accounted for the flavor dilution effect while keeping the ethanol concentration the same as the original liquors. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted on both dilution series and the original rums. Twenty‐three attributes were evaluated consisting of eight aroma, four aroma‐by‐mouth, four mouthfeel, two taste, and five aftertaste terms. Results revealed 18 significant attributes for the R1 series. With the exception of silky mouthfeel, all attributes were rated highest in R1 and lowest in R1‐E. The R2 series contained sixteen significant attributes, all of which were rated higher in R2 compared with R2‐E. The flavor profiles of the original rums and those diluted with water were very similar, with the diluted rums generally having slightly lower attribute intensities. In contrast, the rums diluted with 40% ABV had significantly different flavor profiles than the original rums. Results indicate that diluting spirits with water may reduce the odor suppression effects of ethanol or enhance flavor release which appears to counteract the flavor dilution effect.
Mutations of rpob Gene Associated with Rifampin Resistance among Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Isolated in Tuberculosis Regional Reference Laboratory in Northeast of Iran during 2015–2016

Background Drug resistance is a leading concern in control of TB. Resistance against rifampin as one of the most important drugs in the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is caused by mutations in the 81-base pair region of the rpoB gene encoding the β-subunit of RNA polymerase. This study aimed to characterize the mutations in the rpoB gene associated with rifampin resistance among M. tuberculosis. Methods This study was conducted on referred samples of patients who did not respond to anti-TB treatment, in Tuberculosis Regional Reference Laboratory at Shariati Hospital. Drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis isolates was surveyed using a proportional method on LJ medium. The isolates with resistant to rifampin were reconfirmed and then the rpoB gene was amplified and sequenced. Results Among 27 resistant cases, 8, 11 and 8 people were from Iran, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan, respectively. In 26 out of 27 isolates, rpoB gene mutations were observed. The most prevalent mutations belonged to the codon 53. The most prevalent mutations belonged to the TCG (Ser) 531TTG (leu) with prevalence 51.8% (n=14), and GAC (Asp)516TAC (Tyr), CAC (His) 526GAC (Asp) and CAC (His) 526TAC(Tyr) mutations with prevalence 14.8%(n=4). Twenty-three isolates had just one mutation. Conclusion The use of rpoB gene sequencing led to the lack of the need for growth of the organism in the culture medium, the direct use of clinical samples, reduction of biological risks and a detection about 96.3% of MDR TB cases lowering the cost of the treatment.
Empathy and Burnout in Slovenian Family Medicine Doctors: The First Presentation of Jefferson Scale of Empathy Results

Abstract Background Study aimed to assess the burnout prevalence and level of empathic attitude in family medicine doctors (FMDs) and its associations with demographic factors, working conditions and physician health, using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy – Health Professional version (JSE-HP). Methods Slovenian FMDs (n=316, response rate 56%) completed an online socio-demographic questionnaire, with questions on working conditions, physician health, and the Slovenian versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the JSE-HP. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used, applying linear regression to calculate associations between demographic variables, factors of empathy and burnout dimensions, P<0.05 was set as a limit of statistical significance. Results Of the 316 participants, aged 40±10.2 years, 57 (18%) were men. The FMDs achieved mean scores on the JSE-HP (JSEtot of 112.8±10.2 and on the MBI 27.8±11.6 for EE, 10.8±5.5 for D and 33.5±6.0 for PA. High burnout was reported in one dimension by 24.8% of participants, in two by 17.2%, and by 6% in all three dimensions. Multivariate analysis revealed a higher EE and D and lower PA in specialists as opposed to trainees. Higher EE was also identified in older physicians having longer work experience, working in a rural setting, dealing with more than 40 patients/day and having a chronic illness. The latter was also associated with higher JSEtot. JSEtot was negatively associated with D, while PA was positively associated with JSEtot and Perspective Taking. Conclusion The incidence of burnout warns both physicians and decision-makers against too heavy workload, especially in older professionals.
Food spectrum analysis of the Asian toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) (Anura: Bufonidae), from Timor Island, Wallacea

ABSTRACT The Asian toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799), is widespread throughout tropical Asia and very abundant where it occurs. It was relatively recently introduced to Timor, the second largest island in the biogeographic region called Wallacea. Timor Island shows an exceptionally high level of endemism in a wide range of faunal groups and there are concerns that D. melanostictus may have a negative impact on this diversity, including vertebrates, through direct predation. To evaluate the impact the diet of D. melanostictus might have on the local fauna, gut contents of 83 preserved toad specimens from five habitat types in Timor-Leste, a country occupying the eastern half of Timor Island, were examined. We identified 5581 prey items, comprising the following animal groups: annelids; snails and slugs; spiders and harvestmen; woodlice; millipedes and centipedes; grasshoppers, crickets and earwigs; termites; thrips and true bugs; beetles; ants; hymenopterans other than ants; true flies; butterflies; unidentified insects; and insect larvae. Small eusocial insects (ants and termites) constituted the major part of the diet (61.6% and 23.4%, respectively). No vertebrate prey was recorded. Prey item composition did not differ between habitats. The wide prey spectrum well indicates that D. melanostictus is a generalist invertebrate feeder, as other studies, from regions where this species occurs naturally, have already shown. Although the Asian toad seems to not generally prey on vertebrates, vertebrate species that are morphologically similar to invertebrates in their overall appearance may be consumed. Hence, a negative effect on some taxa (e.g. blindsnakes) may be possible. We also present some limited data on intestinal parasites occurring in D. melanostictus.
The Effect of a Single Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation on Multiple Stress Measures

To assess the post-treatment effects of cranial electrostimulation (CES) on basic psychophysiologic measures of stress response, 20 subjects were selected from a clinical treatment population of people seeking help for two common stress problems. 0.5 Hz CES was used for muscle tension with pain and essential hypertension made worse by stress. Because few CES studies utilize the common biofeedback measures of finger temperature, heart rate and trapezius electromyogram, these were selected to be studied before, after, and at one week follow-up from CES. Also measured as a dependent variable was capacitance to assess brain circuit paralleling. All dependent measures were found to change significantly when compared to a placebo group. The author strongly recommends CES researchers use more psychophysiologic measures of treatment effects and that some effort be made to understand neuronal path changes resulting from CES. PLACEBO GROUP CAPACITANCE
On the information bottleneck theory of deep learning

The practical successes of deep neural networks have not been matched by theoretical progress that satisfyingly explains their behavior. In this work, we study the information bottleneck (IB) theory of deep learning, which makes three specific claims: first, that deep networks undergo two distinct phases consisting of an initial fitting phase and a subsequent compression phase; second, that the compression phase is causally related to the excellent generalization performance of deep networks; and third, that the compression phase occurs due to the diffusion-like behavior of stochastic gradient descent. Here we show that none of these claims hold true in the general case, and instead reflect assumptions made to compute a finite mutual information metric in deterministic networks. When computed using simple binning, we demonstrate through a combination of analytical results and simulation that the information plane trajectory observed in prior work is predominantly a function of the neural nonlinearity employed: double-sided saturating nonlinearities like yield a compression phase as neural activations enter the saturation regime, but linear activation functions and single-sided saturating nonlinearities like the widely used ReLU in fact do not. Moreover, we find that there is no evident causal connection between compression and generalization: networks that do not compress are still capable of generalization, and vice versa. Next, we show that the compression phase, when it exists, does not arise from stochasticity in training by demonstrating that we can replicate the IB findings using full batch gradient descent rather than stochastic gradient descent. Finally, we show that when an input domain consists of a subset of task-relevant and task-irrelevant information, hidden representations do compress the task-irrelevant information, although the overall information about the input may monotonically increase with training time, and that this compression happens concurrently with the fitting process rather than during a subsequent compression period.