Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANIQUE+: A new American national standard for non-intrusive estimation of narrowband speech quality

Non-intrusive estimation of speech quality is a challenging problem in that the estimation has to be performed without the original reference speech signals. This paper presents a new American national standard (ANS) for non-intrusive estimation of narrowband speech quality. The proposed auditory non-intrusive quality estimation plus (ANIQUE+) model is a perceptual model simulating the functional roles of the human auditory system and employs improved modeling of quality estimation by a statistical learning paradigm. Experimental evaluation demonstrated that the performance of the ANIQUE+ model is significantly superior to that of the current International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) standard recommendation P.563 on 34 different subjective mean opinion score (MOS) databases. © 2007 Alcatel-Lucent.
The crystal chemistry of duftite, PbCuAsO4(OH) and the β-duftite problem

Abstract Duftite, PbCu(AsO4)(OH) is orthorhombic, space group P212121 with a = 7.768(1), b = 9. 211(1), c = 5.999(1) Å, Z = 4; the structure has been refined to R = 4.6% and Rw = 6.5% using 640 observed reflections [F> 2ō(F)]. The structure consists of chains of edge-sharing CuO6 'octahedra', parallel to c; which are linked via AsO4 tetrahedra and Pb atoms in distorted square antiprismatic co-ordination to form a three dimensional network. The CuO6 'octahedra' show Jahn-Teller distortion with the elongation running approximately along <627>. The hydrogen bonding network in the structure was characterized using bond valence calculations. 'β-duftite' is an intermediate in the duftite-conichalcite series, which has a modulated structure based on the intergrowth of the two structures in domains of approximately 50 Å. The origin of the modulation is thought to be associated with displacements in the oxygen lattice and is related to the orientation of the Jahn-Teller distortion of CuO6 'octahedra'. Approximately half of the strips show an elongation parallel to <627> while the other strips are elongated parallel to [010]. This ordering results in an increase in the b cell repeat compared to duftite and conichalcite.
Zinc deficiency and hepatic encephalopathy: Results of a long‐term follow‐up on zinc supplementation

In 1956, hypozincaemia was described for the first time in humans and more particularly in patients with advanced alcoholic liver cirrhosis. One of the most interesting and novel aspects concerning the presumable role of zinc in producing the clinical features of liver cirrhosis is the possible relationship between zinc deficiency and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Zinc may be involved in the pathogenesis of HE either by altering nitrogen and ammonia metabolism or by directly influencing brain functions. Current literature on zinc supplementation in HE is inconsistent. In order to assess further the role of zinc in the pathogenesis of HE, we initiated a long-term follow-up study with oral supplementation of zinc hydrogenaspartate and zinc histidine in combination with ornithine aspartate in patients with liver cirrhosis and HE stages 0–II and reduced serum zinc concentrations. The criteria for evaluation were plasma ammonia and serum zinc levels plus the HE state as assessed by a number-connection test. These parameters were examined in each patient before therapy, 3 and 6 months after start of therapy, and then every 6 months up to 42 months. The results show an increase in serum zinc levels, a decrease in plasma ammonia concentrations, and, in ∼55–60% of patients, an improvement in the HE states. The zinc levels decreased and the ammonia levels increased when the zinc supplementation was discontinued after normalization of the serum zinc levels. Renewal of zinc supplementation after a decrease in zinc levels affected an increase in zinc and a decrease in ammonia levels in most patients. This episodic behavior was noted over the whole observation time. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 13:21–31, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Teaching for Civic Awareness in Defense Politics Classroom: Achieving the Intended Learning Curriculum Outcomes

To overcome the weaknesses of traditional defense, politics, learning at university, we developed and researched semester learning plan (RPS) in the classroom. In this study, I examine the impact of an RPS designed with the classroom. The objective of the research was to improve civic awareness of national and defense security. The study was conducted using a case study design. Data was collected through interviews, classroom observations and documents. Our findings showed that RPS of defense, politics had efficacy in achieving the intended learning curriculum outcomes.
Der Kristallbau von α-BiF3†

1 Es wurde α-BiF3 hergestellt durch Fallen einer 0,5 m Wismutnitrat-Glycerinlosung mit der aquivalenten Menge einer 0,5 m Natriumfluoridlosung. 2 α-BiF3 hat weise Farbe, ist sehr feinteilig, bei 900° C merklich fluchtig, hat die Dichte 8,2–8,3, wandelt sich bei 220° C in β-BiF3 um. 3 α-BiF3 kristallisiert kubisch mit der Gitterkonstante aw = 5,853 ± 0,006 A. Raumgruppe T, 4 BiF3 in der Elementarzelle. 1 F in (a); 1 F in (b); 3 F in (c); 3 F in (d); 4 F in (e) mit x = 4 Bi in (e) mit x = 0,737. α-BiF3 hat eine flusspatahnliche Struktur.
A Reversible Fragment Assembly Method for De Novo Protein Structure Prediction

The fragment assembly method is currently one of the most successful methods for the de novo protein structure prediction, where conformational change by fragment replacement is repeated with the simulated annealing scheme. We point out here that the conventional fragment replacement algorithm violates the detailed balance condition. This precludes application of various generalized ensemble algorithms, which would have made conformational sampling more efficient. We develop here a reversible variant of the fragment assembly algorithm which satisfies the detailed balance and thus is applicable to the generalized ensemble techniques. We combine this method with the multicanonical ensemble Monte Carlo, one of the generalized ensemble approaches, and test its performance in the structure prediction of three proteins. We show that the new method can find low energy conformations more efficiently than the conventional simulated annealing method. Also importantly, the lowest energy structures found by the new method are closer to the native than those by the simulated annealing. It seems that conformations with more complex topology can be generated by the new algorithm.
Future outlook for the Irish dairy industry: a study of international competitiveness, influence of international trade reform and requirement for change

European Union (EU) trade liberalisation policies will continue to push EU milk price downwards and necessitate increased efficiency and scale at farm and processing level to maintain profitability. In Ireland pasture-based dairying, based on the efficient conversion of grazed grass into milk can be competitive within the EU. Continued technical innovation increasing animal performance from grazed grass, increasing herd genetic potential and developing labour efficient lower fixed cost systems will be essential. At processing level, increased efficiency in commodity processing, higher margin product development and the evolution of milk payment systems to reflect the true product value of supplies received will be required.
Patterned Growth of Nanoscale In Clusters on the Si(111)-7×7 and Si(111)-Ge(5×5) Reconstructions

Results of a study designed to investigate the possibility of using the Si(111)- Ge(5×5) surface reconstruction as a template for In cluster growth are described. As with Si(111)-7×7, the In adatoms preferentially adsorb in the faulted half-unit cell, but on Si(111)- Ge(5×5) a richer variety of cluster geometries are found. In addition to the clusters that occupy the faulted half-unit cell, clusters that span two and four half-unit cells are found. The latter have a triangular shape spanning one unfaulted and three, nearest neighbor, faulted half-unit cells, Triangular clusters in the opposite orientation were not found. Many of the faulted halfunit cells have a streaked appearance consistent with adatom mobility.
Study of wettability and improvement of adhesion of UV curable powder coatings on polypropylene substrates

Different benzophenone type photoinitiators were photografted onto polypropylene. The polymer surfaces were analysed by means of contact angle measurements, UV spectroscopy, and FTIR-ATR. The modified samples showed a better wettability and higher surface energies increasing from 26 mN/m for pure polypropylene up to 36 mN/m for the modified samples. Different acrylates were grafted efficiently onto the modified polymer surfaces. FTIR-ATR and contact angle measurements confirmed the presence of the grafted chains. The surface energy of the grafted surfaces samples increased then up to 70 mN/m depending of the type of acrylate used. Finally UV curable powder coatings were applied onto the modified polypropylene substrates and the adhesion was improved. Adhesion was measured by pull-off tests and values of ∼ 0.20 MPa were obtained for pure polypropylene while the modified polypropylene reach pull-off values of 2.00 MPa. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Wet thermal oxidation of AlxGa1−xAs compounds

Results are presented on the wet thermal oxidation of AlxGa1−xAs. The growth of wet thermal oxides of AlxGa1−xAs is shown to be linear with time. An O2 carrier gas was found to form a self‐terminating oxide for compositions investigated (x≳0.4), but required elevated temperatures for substantial growth. The use of a medium oxygen concentration (∼20%) in a N2 carrier formed nonuniform oxides for all compositions investigated. A low O2 concentration (0.1%) in the N2 carrier was found to reduce the activation energy of the oxidation process for Al0.6Ga0.4As from 1.9 to 1.0 eV while increasing the activation energy of Al0.8Ga0. 2As from 1.6 to 1.75 eV. For these wet thermal oxides it is observed that lateral oxidation at heterojunction interfaces is enhanced. This enhanced lateral oxidation can be attributed to local stress due to the smaller volume of the growing oxide compared to the volume of the consumed semiconductor.
A test of the equipotency of internal burdens of nine narcotic chemicals using Daphnia magna

The hypothesis of constancy of the tissue residues in animals succumbed to narcotic organic chemicals is tested by determining the effect of body length, time, and ambient concentration on tissue concentration in Daphnia magma narcotized by exposure to toxic levels of nine 14 C-labeled, narcotic organic compounds: acetone, acetophenone, benzene, butanol, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 2-methylnaphthalene, 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, and toluene. The average tissue concentration of immobilized D. magma was 3.1 mmol/kg (95% confidence limits =1,1-5,1 mmol/μg), but ranged from 0.15 mmol/μg for 2-methylnaphthalene to 200 mmol/kg for butanol
Identification of Polar Volatile Organic Compounds in Consumer Products and Common Microenvironments

Polar volatile organic compounds were identified in the headspace of 31 fragrance products such as perfumes, colognes and soaps. About 150 different chemicals were identified in a semiquantitative fashion, using two methods to analyze the headspace: direct injection into a gas chromatograph and collection by an evacuated canister, each followed by GC-MS analysis. The canister method displayed low recoveries for most of the 25 polar chemical standards tested. However, reconstructed ion chromatograms (RICs) from the canister showed good agreement with RICs from the direct injection method except for some high boiling point compounds. Canister samples collected in 15 microenvironments expected to contain the fragrance products tested (potpourri stores, fragrance sections of department stores, etc.) showed relatively low concentrations of most of these polar chemicals compared with certain common nonpolar chemicals. The results presented will be useful for models of personal exposure and indoor air quality.
Acoustic Characterization of Silica Glasses

Acoustic characterization of doped silica glasses with a GeO2, P2O5, F, TiO2, Al2O3, or B2O3 dopant having different concentrations is presented. Quantitative measurements were performed with a 225-MHz line-focus-beam scanning acoustic microscope. The acoustic velocity variation due to different dopant concentrations is given. It has been found that the Al2O3 dopant increases, but the other dopants decrease, the acoustic velocity as compared with that of the pure fused silica. We have also found that the fractional change in acoustic velocity is greater than that in refractive index for a given dopant concentration.
FPGA Implementation of a 3/spl times/3 window median filter based on a new efficient bit-serial sorting algorithm

In this paper, we proposed a new efficient bit-serial sorting algorithm for an implementation of 3/spl times/3 window median filter. The proposed algorithm is based on a majority concept in determining the bits of the median value. The majority function is implemented by an optimized nine-bit sorting network, which is more efficient than the existing ones. The algorithm was implemented by VHDL and graphical environment in MAX+PlusII of ALTERA. The simulation results indicate that the circuit is capable of running at 37.59 MHz and is composed of 462 logic cells.
Semiclassical quantization of nonseparable systems: A new look at periodic orbit theory

A modified version of Gutzwiller’s periodic orbit theory of semiclassical eigenvalues is presented which eliminates some of the principal shortcomings of the original result. In particular, for a nonseparable system with N degrees of freedom the new quantum condition characterizes the eigenvalues by N quantum numbers (rather than just one), and it also reduces to the correct result in the limit that the system is a separable set of harmonic oscillators (whereas the original quantum condition does not). This new periodic orbit quantum condition is seen to bear an interesting relation to Marcus’ recent theory of semiclassical eigenvalues which involves manifolds of quasiperiodic trajectories.
Comparison of well-known kinetic models by the cw HF and DF chemical lasers numerical simulation

The comparison of three most popular kinetic packages by the results of the numerical simulations of autonomous cw HF (DF) chemical lasers was carried out The differences in the small signal gains obtained by means of 1976-1977 kinetic package and at 1982 (2002) package reach about of 40.60% for HF laser, and about of 70.80% for DF laser. The comparison of rate constants for separate processes was made.
Yttria Doping and Sintering of Submicrometer-Grained α-Alumina

The sintering behavior of α-alumina powders doped with magnesia (500 or 1500 ppm) and yttria (0, 500, or 1500 ppm) was investigated using constant-heating-rate dilato-metric experiments. The apparent activation energies for the intermediate stage of sintering were 740, 800, and 870 kJ/mol for 0, 500, and 1500 ppm yttria doping levels, respectively; these were independent of magnesia doping. Yttria-doped powder compacts exhibited systematic anomalous second peaks in the densification rate curves at certain grain sizes which were determined only by yttria doping levels. Before the anomalous peak, with lower yttrium contents at grain boundaries, yttrium in an atomic state delays densification and raises the apparent activation energy. Beyond the peak, with higher yttrium contents at grain boundaries, yttria-rich precipitation delays the densification. Within the peak, yttrium segregation near the saturation level enhances densification.
Seasonal variation in incidence of insect pests occurring on green gram [Vigna radiata (Linn.) wilczek] in lower gangetic plains of West Bengal

The experiment was conducted in the ‘A-B’ Block Farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya situated at Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal during both summer and kharif seasons of 2016 with an objective to study the seasonal variation in incidence of insect pests on two varieties of green gram viz. Sonali and IPM-99-125 as well as their relationship with abiotic factors in the lower Gangetic plains of West Bengal. The results revealed Aphis craccivora, Bemisia tabaci, Megalurothrips distalis, Maruca vitrata, Helicoverpa armigera, Riptortus pedestris, Clavigralla gibbosa and Catochrysops strabo as the major pests of the crop. Bemisia population has been recorded in the vegetative stage only in both the test varieties with peaks at 5 weeks after sowing (WAS) and 4 WAS during summer and kharif season, respectively. Maximum aphid population has been recorded in 6 WAS and 7WAS during summer and kharif season, respectively. Thrips population has reached its maximum in 8 WAS during both the seasons. Highest Helicoverpa population has been recorded in 7 WAS and 6 WAS during summer and kharif season, respectively, whereas, maximum population of Maruca was recorded in 9 WAS in both the seasons. Bemisia population was significantly and positively correlated with both temperatures irrespective of varieties during both the seasons. Aphid population was significantly and positively correlated with maximum temperature and bright sunshine hour in both the varieties during summer but significantly and negatively correlated with minimum temperature during kharif. Thrips population was significantly and negatively correlated with both temperatures during summer but the correlation was significantly negative with maximum temperature during kharif, while minimum relative humidity and rainfall were significantly and positively correlated with the pest population in summer crop and maximum relative humidity was significantly and negatively correlated with the pest population in kharif crop. Helicoverpa population was significantly and negatively correlated with minimum temperature in both the varieties during kharif season only. Maruca population in both the varieties was significantly and negatively correlated with minimum temperature during kharif.
Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Phosphorus Uptake in Bermudagrass Forage Grown on High Soil-Test Phosphorus Sites

Abstract Common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] was harvested from two producer sites (Latta and Stephens) with high soil-test P (286 and 153 ppm, respectively) to assess the effects of N fertilization on P uptake and potential removal in hay or silage. Ammonium nitrate was applied in split applications each year at rates totaling 0, 56, 112, 168, 224, 280, or 336 kg/ha of actual N. At the Stephens site in Yr 1, cumulative DM yield increased linearly (P 0.10) between concentration of P and N fertilization rate (overall mean = 0.40%), but concentrations of P declined in linear (P
Electron heating in radio-frequency capacitively coupled atmospheric-pressure plasmas

In atmospheric-pressure plasmas the main electron heating mechanism is Ohmic heating, which has distinct spatial and temporal evolutions in the α and γ modes. In γ discharges, ionizing avalanches in the sheaths are initiated not only by secondary electrons but also by metastable pooling reactions. In α discharges, heating takes place at the sheath edges and in contrast with low-pressure plasmas, close to 50% of the power absorbed by the electrons is absorbed at the edge of the retreating sheaths. This heating is due to a field enhancement caused by the large collisionality in atmospheric-pressure discharges.
Chemical etching and anodic oxidation of (100) silicon in alkaline solution: the role of applied potential

A discrepancy in the results of the potential dependence of the chemical etch rate of (100) Si in alkaline solutions has been investigated. In contrast to previous work at high temperature, the etch rate of p-type silicon is found to be constant in the range negative with respect to the open-circuit potential while the etch rate of the n-type semiconductor decreases markedly. In line with some previous suggestions, this difference is accounted for by differences in the potential distribution at the semiconductor/solution interface, as revealed by electrical impedance measurements under etching conditions. The potential dependence of the anodic current, which is attributed to electron injection from an intermediate of the chemical etching reaction, is also considered.
Pathophysiology of Na and water retention in liver cirrhosis and its correction with vasoconstrictors and aquaretics

Sodium and water retention, frequently associated with hyponatraemia, occur commonly in liver cirrhosis because of central hypovolaemia, nephron hypoperfusion, excess fractional reabsorption in the proximal tubule and reduced fluid delivery to the distal nephron. Under these circumstances, whilst solute free water formation is curbed by the reduced delivery of fluid, antidiuretic hormone (ADH)-independent water abstraction can be unaltered, thus reclaiming a larger fraction of the inflow to the distal nephron. This leads to the excretion of a reduced volume of Na-free, concentrated urine, even in the absence of ADH, causing water retention and reduced diluting power. Enhanced ADH secretion further contributes to excessive water retention. Hyponatraemia develops either as a consequence of excessive water retention or solute depletion, or a combination of both. As the normal kidney is capable of excreting any water excess, hyponatraemia requires an important defect in renal diluting ability. Thus, the cause of hyponatraemia is the same as that leading to oedema. Na retention, being due to central hypovolaemia, can be corrected by centrally redistributing the volume trapped in the splanchnic district. New somatostatin and octreotide analogues proved quite effective in correcting this uneven blood distribution. Whilst formerly the treatment of excess solvent retention required techniques of excreting large volumes of hypotonic fluids with the aid of loop diuretics, the discovery of aquaporins brought about the development of specific water channel blockers, which may be more effective than anti-ADH receptors, the old aquaretics. The new aquaretics capable of blocking aquaporins represent the major advancement in the treatment of oedema.
Adsorption and Catalytic Oxidation of Gaseous Elemental Mercury in Flue Gas over MnOx/Alumina

MnOx/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalysts (i.e., impregnating manganese oxide on alumina) were employed to remove elemental mercury (Hg{sup 0}) from flue gas. MnOx/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was found to have significant adsorption performance on capturing Hg{sup 0} in the absence of hydrogen chloride (HCl), and its favorable adsorption temperature was about 600 K. However, the catalytic oxidation of Hg{sup 0} became dominant when HCl or chlorine (Cl{sub 2}) was present in flue gas, and the removal efficiency of Hg{sup 0} was up to 90% with 20 ppm of HCl or 2 ppm of Cl{sub 2}. In addition, the catalysts with adsorbed mercury could be chemically regenerated by rinsing with HCl gas to strip off the adsorbed mercury in the form of HgCl{sub 2}. Sulfur dioxide displayed inhibition to the adsorption of Hg{sup 0} on the catalysts, but the inhibition was less to the catalytic oxidation of Hg{sup 0}, especially in the presence of Cl{sub 2}. The analysis results of XPS and pyrolysis-AAS indicated that the adsorbed mercury was mainly in the forms of mercuric oxide (Hg{sup 0}) and the weakly bonded speciation, and the ratio of them varied with the adsorption amount and manganese content on catalysts. The multifunctional performances of MnOx/Al{submore » 2}O{sub 3} on the removal of Hg{sup 0} appeared to the promising in the industrial applications. « less