Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multichannel High-Resolution NMF for Modeling Convolutive Mixtures of Non-Stationary Signals in the Time-Frequency Domain

Several probabilistic models involving latent components have been proposed for modeling time-frequency (TF) representations of audio signals such as spectrograms, notably in the nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) literature. Among them, the recent high-resolution NMF (HR-NMF) model is able to take both phases and local correlations in each frequency band into account, and its potential has been illustrated in applications such as source separation and audio inpainting. In this paper, HR-NMF is extended to multichannel signals and to convolutive mixtures. The new model can represent a variety of stationary and non-stationary signals, including autoregressive moving average (ARMA) processes and mixtures of damped sinusoids. A fast variational expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is proposed to estimate the enhanced model. This algorithm is applied to piano signals, and proves capable of accurately modeling reverberation, restoring missing observations, and separating pure tones with close frequencies.
An Improved Index Price/Movement Prediction by using Ensemble CNN and DNN Deep Learning Technique

As it knows prediction is always a challenging task in all terms. The goal of any stock prediction method is to develop a robust method for predicting trading price that can be used to improve investment decisions and accurate models. The paper proposes a hybrid model that combines the strengths of deep learning models CNN and DNN, and to develop a comprehensive methodology for the prediction of stock/index prices on Banknifty (NSE Bank), a highly volatile Indian sectorial Index that represents 12 major banks of the country. The hybrid model consists of two main components a CNN for feature extraction and a DNN for regression or classification tasks. In the context of stock price prediction, CNN layers can be used to extract features from input data (such as stock prices and indicators) related to an estimated future value. DNN layer can be used to combine features learned from the CNN layers. Model performance will be evaluated using various metrics including Accuracy, Precision, Recall, Mean Square Error (MSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and R-squared. The method also analyses the impact of various factors on stock prices, including market volatility, economic indicators, and geopolitical events. The achieved accuracy of 97.48% indicates that the model was successful in accurately predicting the stock prices of Bank Nifty. The proposed method is expected to provide investors and financial analysts with a valuable tool for making informed investment decisions.
Effects of L-arginine on intestinal development and endogenous arginine-synthesizing enzymes in neonatal pigs

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary L-arginine supplementation on the intestinal development of neonatal piglets and the underlying mechanisms. 36 neonatal piglets were randomly allocated into three diet groups: control group (supplemented with 0% L-arginine), 0.4 and 0.8% Larginine groups. When compared with the control, dietary supplementation with L-arginine decreased (P<0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and improved ( P<0.05) serum T3 and insulin level of the piglets on day 11. Arginine and its metabolites (citrulline and ornithine) were elevated, additionally, dietary supplementation with 0.8% L-arginine markedly enhanced jejunal villus height, villus area on day 11 and D-xylose absorption rate on day 19. Dietary supplementation with 0.8% L-arginine increased (P<0.05) activities of maltose and lactose on day 18, respectively. This effect correlated with profound change in enzyme activities as inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS), glutamine synthetase (GS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) were elevated on day 18. The concentrations of spermine was increased (P<0.05) by L-arginine supplementation on day 18. These results collectively suggest that dietary Larginine supplementation improves protein synthesis and intestinal development of the neonatal pigs, the underlying mechanism includes dietary L-arginine supplementation which regulated the productions of intestinal polyamine in jejunum, and stimulated endogenous arginine-synthesizing enzymes in neonatal piglets.
Emoticon-Based Ambivalent Expression: A Hidden Indicator for Unusual Behaviors in Weibo

Recent decades have witnessed online social media being a big-data window for testifying conventional social theories quantitatively and exploring much detailed human behavioral patterns. In this paper, by tracing the emoticon use in Weibo, a group of hidden “ambivalent users” are disclosed for frequently posting ambivalent tweets containing both positive and negative emotions. Further investigation reveals that this ambivalent expression could be a novel indicator of many unusual social behaviors. For instance, ambivalent users with the female as the majority like to make a sound in midnights and at weekends. They mention their close friends frequently in ambivalent tweets, which attract more replies and serve as a more private communication way. Ambivalent users also respond differently to public affairs from others and demonstrate more interests in entertainment and sports events. Moreover, the sentiment shift in ambivalent tweets is more evident than usual and exhibits a clear “negative to positive” pattern. The above observations, though being promiscuous seemingly, actually point to the self-regulation of negative mood in Weibo, which could find its basis from the traditional emotion management theories in sociology but makes an important extension to the online environment in this study. Finally, as an interesting corollary, ambivalent users are found connected with compulsive buyers and turn out to be perfect targets for online marketing.
RMSC-VIO: Robust Multi-Stereoscopic Visual-Inertial Odometry for Local Visually Challenging Scenarios

We present a Multi-Stereoscopic Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO) system capable of integrating an arbitrary number of stereo cameras, exhibiting excellent robustness in the face of visually challenging scenarios. During system initialization, we introduce multi-view keyframes for simultaneous processing of multiple image inputs and propose an adaptive feature selection method to alleviate the computational burden of multi-camera systems. This method iteratively updates the state information of visual features, filtering out high-quality image feature points and effectively reducing unnecessary redundancy consumption. In the backend phase, we propose an adaptive tightly coupled optimization method, assigning corresponding optimization weights based on the quality of different image feature points, effectively enhancing localization precision. We validate the effectiveness and robustness of our system through a series of datasets, encompassing various visually challenging scenarios and practical flight experiments. Our approach achieves up to a 90% reduction in Absolute Trajectory Error (ATE) compared to state-of-the-art multi-camera VIO methods.
A Low-Cost Four-Directional Beamforming Switched Butler Matrix Network Antenna for 5G NR Applications

The paper proposes a four-directional beamforming switched antenna system based on Butler matrix for 28 GHz mmWave. It is made up of a 90-degree coupler, a crossover, and a 45-degree phase shifter. A <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4\times 4$ </tex-math></inline-formula> Butler matrix is combined with a 28 GHz patch antenna to form a Butler network antenna. Four directions of the radiation beam can be changed when the input position is changed. From the simulation and measurement results, the measured reflection coefficients cover 27.9-29.3 GHz at all four ports with a standard reflection coefficient of -10 dB and four different angles of 15°, -46°, +44° and -13° for switching beam direction. The antenna’s compact size of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$39.1\times 45.6\,\,{\mathrm {mm}}^{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$3.65\lambda _{0}\times 4.26\lambda _{0}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) makes it ideal for use in millimeter wave bands for 5G NR n258, and n261 applications, while also providing a high gain of 11.5 dBi.
Iterative color-depth MST cost aggregation for stereo matching

The minimum spanning tree (MST) based non-local cost aggregation algorithm performs well in accuracy and time efficiency. However, it can still be improved in two aspects. First, we propose a logarithmic transformation on matching cost function to improve the matching efficiency in texture less regions. The textureless neighbors can provide effective contributions in cost aggregation by the proposed monotone increasing function. Hence the algorithm can distinguish different pixels in textureless regions. Second, MST algorithm only utilizes color information in weight function while aggregating, which leads 3D cues missing. We introduce depth weight computed from the original MST algorithm into an edge weight function. With the proposed color-depth weight, we further iteratively rebuild the tree and obtain enhanced disparity map. Performance evaluations on 19 Middlebury stereo pairs and Microsoft stereo videos show that the proposed algorithm outperforms than other five state-of-the-art cost aggregation algorithms.
Identification of an unknown beta-agonist in feed by liquid chromatography/bioassay/quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry with accurate mass measurement.

A new approach to the search for residues of unknown growth promoting agents such as anabolic steroids and beta-agonists in feed is presented. Following primary extraction and clean-up, samples are separated using gradient liquid chromatography (LC). The effluent is split towards two identical 96-well fraction collectors and an optional electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) system for accurate mass measurement. One 96-well plate is used for a bioassay (enzyme-immuno assay, receptor assay) and will detect the bioactivity and position of the relevant peak in the chromatogram. The positive well in the second 96-well plate is used for identification by LC/QTOFMS/MS. The value of this LC/bioassay/QTOFMS/MS methodology is highlighted by the finding and structure elucidation of a new beta-agonist in a feed extract.
Evaluation of skeletal maturation in Indian adolescents using calcification stages of permanent mandibular second molar

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the stages of calcification of teeth (permanent mandibular second molar) and cervical vertebrae maturation (CVM). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 200 Indian children (98 boys and 102 girls), whose panoramic radiographs (orthopantomogram) for mandibular second molar tooth calcification stages and visual appraisals of the lateral cephalograms for CVM stages, were recorded using Demirjian Index (DI) and CVM indicator (CVMI). Results: Each stage appeared earlier in female participants than males. A highly significant association was found between DI and CVMI. Stage F and G of DI, which corresponds to Stage 3 of CVMI indicated the start of the peak in mandibular growth, which would be appropriate time to plan for growth modification appliance placement. Stage G of DI also corresponds to Stage 4 of CVMI, i.e., deceleration of adolescent growth spurt. Stage H of DI corresponding to CVMI Stages 5 and 6 indicates that the peak of mandibular growth has already occurred and is not appropriate for functional appliances. Conclusion: Mandibular second molar calcification stages are reliable skeletal maturity indicators for the evaluation of growth phases in children.
A Systematic Review of Automated Construction Inspection and Progress Monitoring (ACIPM): Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions

Despite the subjective and error-prone nature of manual visual inspection procedures, this type of inspection is still a common process in most construction projects. However, Automated Construction Inspection and Progress Monitoring (ACIPM) has the potential to improve inspection processes. The objective of this paper is to examine the applications, challenges, and future directions of ACIPM in a systematic review. It explores various application areas of ACIPM in two domains of (a) transportation construction inspection, and (b) building construction inspection. The review identifies key ACIPM tools and techniques including Laser Scanning (LS), Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), Robots, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Computer Vision (CV), Deep Learning, and Building Information Modeling (BIM). It also explores the challenges in implementing ACIPM, including limited generalization, data quality and validity, data integration, and real-time considerations. Studying legal implications and ethical and social impacts are among the future directions in ACIPM that are pinpointed in this paper. As the main contribution, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of ACIPM for academic researchers and industry professionals.
Application of GMS in numerical simulation of valley flood storage capacity

The ecological base flow can maintain basic ecological environment function of rivers and lakes. In order to safeguard the ecological base flow, with regard to the geological and hydraulic conditions of JinLing River valley, the paper systematically analyzed the strata, storage space, water source and advantageous areas for adjusting groundwater storage. Aimed at the adjustment of groundwater reservoir, the project was set up and taken by using local flood to supply the groundwater storage. In the paper, the great contribution effect of local flood adjustment to river base flow was comprehensively studied by use of the groundwater model established by Ground water modeling system (GMS) software in the studying area. As the flood duration is approximately 1.5 days in the study area, the base flow of river increases by 78.3 percentages. To a large extent, the flood lasts 200 days in the groundwater storage. The study shows that the groundwater storage dramatically improve the base flow of river and supply the river's base flow during the period of dry seasons. Valley flood storage model will provide the powerful technical support for ecological base flow of the river.
Bioactive Lignan Honokiol Alleviates Ovarian Oxidative Stress in Aging Laying Chickens by Regulating SIRT3/AMPK Pathway

Aging is not only a key internal cause of age-related diseases in humans but also poses a threat to the productivity of farm animals with longer breeding cycles, such as laying chickens. Various measures were taken to prolong the laying period by reducing oxidative stress to improve poultry ovarian functions. Within the mitochondria, SIRT3, a member of the Sirtuin family, plays an important role in post-translational modifications and the regulation of protein activities involved in energy metabolism and oxidative response. This study aimed to investigate the alleviating effect of a bioactive lignan Honokiol (HKL) on oxidative stress in aging chicken ovaries in order to retard decline in egg production. The results showed that HKL treatment restored the abnormal balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis, and it enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the H2O2-induced small white follicles (SWFs) by activating the SIRT3/AMPK pathway. Moreover, HKL significantly increased total egg production, the number of yellow follicles, and the mRNA expression of yolk synthesis and deposition-related genes, serum estrogen, and antioxidant levels. These findings suggest that HKL holds promise in enhancing the egg productivity of aging laying chickens by promoting yolk deposition and reducing ovarian oxidative stress.
Identify Temporal Websites Based on User Behavior Analysis

The web is growing at a rapid speed and it is almost impossible for a web crawler to download all new pages. Pages reporting breaking news should be stored into search engine index as soon as they are published, while others whose content is not time-related can be left for later crawls. We collected and analyzed into users’ page-view data of 75,112,357 pages for 60 days. Using this data, we found that a large proportion of temporal pages are published by a small number of web sites providing news services, which should be crawled repeatedly with small intervals. Such temporal web sites of high freshness requirements can be identified by our algorithm based on user behavior analysis in page view data. 51.6% of all temporal pages can be picked up with a small overhead of untemporal pages. With this method, web crawlers can focus on these web sites and download pages from them with high priority.
Sensory Adaptation of Antennae and Sex Pheromone-Mediated Flight Behavior in Male Oriental Fruit Moths (Leptidoptera: Tortricidae) After Prolonged Exposure to Single and Tertiary Blends of Synthetic Sex Pheromone

ABSTRACT Sensory adaptation has been measured in the antennae of male Grapholita molesta (Busck) after 15 min of exposure to its main pheromone compound (Z)-8-dodecen-1-yl acetate (Z8-12:OAc) at the aerial concentration of 1 ng/m3 measured in orchards treated with pheromone for mating disruption. Exposing males to this aerial concentration of Z8-12:OAc for 15 min, however, had only a small effect on their ability to orientate by flight to virgin calling females in a flight tunnel. Experiments were undertaken to determine if exposure to the main pheromone compound in combination with the two biologically active minor compounds of this species, (E)-8-dodecen-1-yl acetate (E8-12:OAc) and (Z)-8-dodecen-1-ol (Z8-12:OH) would induce greater levels of sensory adaptation and have a greater effect on male sexual behavior. The exposure of male antennae to 0.5 g/m3 air of one of the three pheromone compounds induced sensory adaptation to this compound and to the other two pheromone compounds demonstrating cross adaptation. Average percentage sensory adaptation to a pheromone compound was similar after 15 min of exposure to 1 ng/m3 air of Z8-12:OAc, or to 1 ng/m3 air of a 1:1:1 or 93:6:1 blend of Z8-12:OAc, E8-12:OAc, and Z8-12:OH. The exposure of males to 1 ng/m3 air of Z8-12:OAc or the two ratios of Z8-12:OAc, E8-12:OAc, and Z8-12:OH for 15 min had no effect on their ability to orientate to a virgin calling female. The implications of these results for the operative mechanisms of sex pheromone-mediated mating disruption of this species are discussed.
Pnpla3/Adiponutrin deficiency in mice does not contribute to fatty liver disease or metabolic syndrome[S]

PNPLA3 (adiponutrin, calcium-independent phospholipase A2 epsilon [iPLA2ε]) is an adipose-enriched, nutritionally regulated protein that belongs to the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing (PNPLA) family of lipid metabolizing proteins. Genetic variations in the human PNPLA3 gene (i.e., the rs738409 I148M allele) has been strongly and repeatedly associated with fatty liver disease. Although human PNPLA3 has triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolase and transacylase activities in vitro, its in vivo function and physiological relevance remain controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the metabolic consequences of global targeted deletion of the Pnpla3 gene in mice. We found that Pnpla3 mRNA expression is altered in adipose tissue and liver in response to acute and chronic nutritional challenges. However, global targeted deletion of the Pnpla3 gene in mice did not affect TAG hydrolysis, nor did it influence energy/glucose/lipid homoeostasis or hepatic steatosis/injury. Experimental interventions designed to increase Pnpla3 expression (refeeding, high-sucrose diet, diet-induced obesity, and liver X receptor agonism) likewise failed to reveal differences in the above-mentioned metabolic phenotypes. Expression of the Pnpla3 paralog, Pnpla5, was increased in adipose tissue but not in liver of Pnpla3-deficient mice, but compensatory regulation of genes involved in TAG metabolism was not identified. Together these data argue against a role for Pnpla3 loss-of-function in fatty liver disease or metabolic syndrome in mice.
HtrA is a major virulence determinant of Bacillus anthracis

We demonstrate that disruption of the htrA (high temperature requirement A) gene in either the virulent Bacillus anthracis Vollum (pXO1+, pXO2+), or in the ΔVollum (pXO1‐, pXO2‐, nontoxinogenic and noncapsular) strains, affect significantly the ability of the resulting mutants to withstand heat, oxidative, ethanol and osmotic stress. The ΔhtrA mutants manifest altered secretion of several proteins, as well as complete silencing of the abundant extracellular starvation‐associated neutral protease A (NprA). VollumΔhtrA bacteria exhibit delayed proliferation in a macrophage infection assay, and despite their ability to synthesize the major B. anthracis toxins LT (lethal toxin) and ET (oedema toxin) as well as the capsule, show a decrease of over six orders of magnitude in virulence (lethal dose 50% = 3 × 108 spores, in the guinea pig model of anthrax), as compared with the parental wild‐type strain. This unprecedented extent of loss of virulence in B. anthracis, as a consequence of deletion of a single gene, as well as all other phenotypic defects associated with htrA mutation, are restored in their corresponding trans‐complemented strains. It is suggested that the loss of virulence is due to increased susceptibility of the ΔhtrA bacteria to stress insults encountered in the host. On a practical note, it is demonstrated that the attenuated Vollum ΔhtrA is highly efficacious in protecting guinea pigs against a lethal anthrax challenge.