Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studying the Effect of Face Masks in Identifying Speakers using LSTM

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a standard procedure for people all around the world to use Respiratory Protection Masks (RPM) that cover both the nose and the mouth. The Consequences of wearing RPMs, those pertaining to the perception and production of spoken communication, are rapidly becoming more prominent. Nevertheless, the utilization of face masks also causes attenuation in voice signals, and this alteration affects speech-processing technologies such as Automatic Speaker Verification (ASV) and speech-to-text conversion. An intervention by a deep learning-based algorithm is considered vital to remedy the issue of inappropriate exploitation of speaker-based technology. Therefore, in the proposed framework, a speaker identification system has been implemented to examine the effect of masks. First, the speech signals have been captured, pre-processed, and augmented by a variety of data augmentation techniques. Afterward, different “Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients” (MFCC) features have been extracted to be fed into a “Long Short-Term Memory” (LSTM) for identifying speakers. The system’s overall performance has been assessed using accuracy, precision, recall, and Fl-score, which yields 93%, 93.3%, 92.2%, and 92.8%, respectively. The obtained results are still in a rudimentary phase, and they are subjected to further enhancements in the future by data expansion and exploitation of multiple optimization techniques.
Flow experience of consumers in global coffee shops: Evidence from an emerging market

This study aimed to examine the effect of the flow experience of global coffee shop consumers on the intention to recommend and revisit and the effect of satisfaction on the intention to recommend and revisit. It also aimed to determine whether satisfaction mediates the relationship between flow experience and intention to recommend and revisit. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire by young consumers in Türkiye, an emerging market. Simple linear regression and mediation analysis were applied to test the hypotheses. The major findings indicated that both flow experience and satisfaction significantly affected these behavioural intentions. Moreover, the findings empirically confirmed and theoretically proved that satisfaction was important due to its direct effect on behavioural intention and its indirect effect on how flow experience affects behavioural intention as a mediator. This study is expected to provide significant evidence that expands the knowledge of consumer behaviour by identifying and explaining the relationship between flow experience and behavioural intention.
Isolation, molecular characterization, and disinfectants susceptibility of swine-carried mammalian orthoreoviruses in Japan in 2020–2022

Biosecurity enhancement contributes to the reduction of various microbial pathogens. Mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRVs) which are increasingly recognized as potentially serious problems on swine industry were used as indicators of biosecurity enhancement on two pig farms. Twelve MRVs were detected and isolated from fecal specimens of healthy pigs collected from one of the two farms in Japan. By sequencing based on the partial S1 gene, MRV isolates were classified as MRV1 and MRV2. Additionally, the virucidal activities of disinfectants toward the isolated MRV1 were evaluated using quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) diluted 500 times with water (QAC-500), 0.17% food additive glade calcium hydroxide (FdCa(OH)2) solution, QAC diluted with 0.17% FdCa(OH)2 solution (Mix-500), sodium hypochlorite at 100 or 1,000 parts per million (ppm) of total chlorine (NaClO-100 or NaClO-1000, respectively). To efficiently inactivate MRV1 (≥3 log10 reductions), 0.17% FdCa(OH)2, Mix-500 and NaClO-1000 required 5 min, whereas it took 30 min for QAC-500. The number of MRV detections has decreased over time, after using Mix-500 for disinfection on the positive farm. These results suggest that different serotypes of MRVs are circulating among pigs, and that the occurrence of MRVs in the farms decreased consequent to more effective disinfection.
A converse of the mean value theorem made easy

The aim of this article is to discuss some results about the converse mean value theorem stated by Tong and Braza [J. Tong and P. Braza, A converse of the mean value theorem, Amer. Math. Monthly 104(10), (1997), pp. 939–942] and Almeida [R. Almeida, An elementary proof of a converse mean-value theorem, Internat. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech. 39(8) (2008), pp. 1110–1111]. We provide a simpler proof of the results of Tong and Braza and finally a generalization is given.
Precision of mangrove sediment blue carbon estimates and the role of coring and data analysis methods

Abstract Carbon accumulation in coastal wetlands is normally assessed by extracting a sediment core and estimating its carbon content and bulk density. Because carbon content and bulk density are functionally related, the latter can be estimated gravimetrically from a section of the core or, alternatively, from the carbon content in the sample using the mixing model equation from soil science. Using sediment samples from La Paz Bay, Mexico, we analyzed the effect that the choice of corer and the method used to estimate bulk density could have on the final estimates of carbon storage in the sediments. We validated the results using a larger dataset of tropical mangroves, and then by Monte Carlo simulation. The choice of corer did not have sizable influence on the final estimates of carbon density. The main factor in selecting a corer is the operational difficulties that each corer may have in different types of sediments. Because of the multiplication of errors in a product of two variables subject to random sampling error, when using gravimetric estimates of bulk density, the dispersion of the data points in the estimation of total carbon density rises rapidly as the amount of carbon in the sediment increases. In contrast, the estimation of total carbon density using only the carbon fraction as a predictor is very precise, especially in sediments rich in organic matter. This method, however, depends critically on the accurate estimation of the two parameters of the mixing model: the bulk density of pure peat and the bulk density of pure mineral sediment. The estimation of carbon densities in peaty sediments can be very imprecise when using gravimetric bulk densities. Estimating carbon density in peaty sediments using only the estimate of organic fraction can be much more precise, provided the model parameters are estimated with accuracy. These results open the door for simplified and precise estimates of carbon dynamics in mangroves and coastal wetlands.
The Martinstown storm 50 years on

Fifty years ago on Monday 18 July 1955, the largest official one-day rainfall for the UK took place at Martinstown in Dorset, England, namely 279 mm (11 in). Figure 1 shows the location of this event and other places mentioned in the text. This storm has remained a national record. While Bleasdale (1956) and Paxman (1956) provided descriptions of the event, a rainfall profile was described, (NERC 1975) and Ching and Currie (2000) showed photographs taken at Martinstown, there is no overall hydrometeorological description of the event which is easily accessible. Furthermore, techniques of analysis which have come into common use since 1955 have yet to be applied. This omission is important since, in terms of engineering design, the potential effects of a similar storm elsewhere should be assessed. For example what magnitude of flood would have taken place had the storm occurred over a wet clay catchment? The storm itself came after a hot dry spell; the local geology was mainly chalk – a fact which alone explains why there was not more dramatic flooding. Recently the author was given a copy of unpublished correspondence between Ian Forbes, Engineer to the Dorchester Rural District Council in 1955, and Binnie and Partners. This appears to be the source of the unofficial rainfall depth of 355 mm (14 in) quoted in Rodda, Downing, and Law (1976). Study of this and other sources, together with an analysis of the storm rarity, maximization and transposition, has prompted the writing of this paper.
Genetic evaluation including maternal effects in Large White Yorkshire × desi crossbred pigs under hot and humid conditions of India

A study was conducted to evaluate the individual and sow performance traits of Large White Yorkshire × desi crossbred pigs at All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Pigs (AICRP), Kattupakkam. The genetic groups studied were 50% LWY (100% LWY × 100% desi), 50% LWY inter se (50% LWY 50% desi × 50% LWY 50% desi), 75% LWY (100% LWY × 50% LWY 50% desi) and 75% LWY inter se (75% LWY 25% desi × 75% LWY 25% desi). The (co)variance components for different traits were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood method (REML). The average inbreeding in the whole population was 5.4%. Maternal genetic and common litter effects were important random sources of variation in individual traits. The least-squares mean for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain up to weaning (ADG), market weight (MW), pre-weaning mortality (PWM), age at first farrowing (AFF), litter size at birth (LSAB), litter weight at birth (LWAB), litter size at weaning (LSAW), litter weight at weaning (LWAW) and farrowing interval (FI) were 1.079 kg, 7.906 kg, 142.238 g, 8.4%, 62.208 kg, 456.829 days, 197.994 days, 6.792, 8.174 kg, 6.347 and 60.649 kg, respectively, and the direct heritability obtained through the best model were 0.069, 0.015, 0.012, 0.031, 0.291, 0.019, 0.173, 0.257, 0.076 and 0.157, respectively. The repeatability estimates for LWAB, LSAW, LWAW and FI were 0.265, 0.258, 0.263 and 0.762, respectively. The 75% LWY were better in terms of production and reproduction traits and the high heritability for litter traits provided good scope for improvement.
High-Conflict Separations and Differentiated Professional Responses – From Confrontational Interaction to Post-Separation Violence and Stalking

ABSTRACT This study explores high-conflict divorces and separations by critically analyzing their central features. It draws on qualitative materials produced through professionals’ work with high-conflict cases. A content-oriented analysis of the materials revealed three types of high-conflict separations differentiated by the following features: 1) confrontational interaction, 2) exacerbation of complicated psychosocial problems, and 3) post-separation violence and/or stalking. Based on these findings, we consider professional responses and interventions in helping families. The aim of the paper is to augment our understanding of high-conflict separations and differentiated professional responses to them in order to help parents and children who are undergoing a high-conflict divorce or separation.
Clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical effects of dexmedetomidinepropofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs

The present study was conducted to evaluate the clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical effects of dexmedetomidine in dogs undergoing propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia. Twelve apparently healthy adult dogs were divided into two groups having 6 animals each. Animals of group I received atropine sulphate @ 0.04 mg/kg s.c. + dexmedetomidine @ 10 μg/kg i.v. while animals of group II were administered atropine sulphate @ 0.04 mg/ kg s.c. + dexmedetomidine @ 15 μg/kg i.v. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (as i.v. bolus till effect) and maintained with sevoflurane. Clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical parameters were recorded at different intervals. Quicker attenuation of clinical reflexes was observed in both groups. Induction time was significantly lower while duration of anaesthesia, recovery time, standing time, complete recovery time and percent reduction in MAC of sevoflurane was significantly higher in group II. Non-significant differences in induction dose of propofol, physiological and haematobiochemical parameters were observed in both groups. Significant decrease in heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and significant increase in mean arterial pressure was recorded in both the groups. Transient significant decrease in haemoglobin, total leukocyte count, total erythrocyte count and transient significant increase in glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and cortisol was recorded in both the groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased significantly while insulin level decreased significantly in both groups. Both anaesthetic combinations used in the present study produced satisfactory anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, therefore can be suggested for clinical use in canine patients undergoing propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia.
Degradation of Milkfish Bone (Chanos- chanos Forsskal) with Pure Papain Enzyme Concentration and Heating Time

Aim: This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of calcium phosphate derivatives of milkfish bones (Chanos-chanos Forsskal) with treatment pure papain enzyme concentration and heating time. Study Design: The experimental design used was a factorial complete randomized design, namely factor A = hydrolysis with the use of pure papain enzymes and factor B was heating time using a temperature of 60oC, each treatment was repeated 3 times. Place and Duration of Study: Research was carried out from September 2018 to July 2019, Agroindustry Workshop, and Chemical Laboratory, Department of Fishery Product Processing Technology, Pangkep State Agricultural of Polytechnic, Physics Laboratory, Science Center, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University, Chemistry Laboratory, Makassar State Islamic University, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory MIPA Lampung State University. Methodology: Milkfish bones were added with distilled water and pure papain enzyme at pH 8 with a concentration of 4%, 6% and 8%, degraded by heating at 60°C for 6, 8, and 10 hours after extraction, result were then dried in oven at 50°C. After drying, it ground with a bone crusher. The flour was analyzed, namely: physical tests including yield, whiteness degree, proximate test including moisture content, ash content, protein content, fat content, calcium, phosphorus, functional groups using FTIR, crystallinity using XRD, morphology using SEM/EDS. Results: The results of the analysis of the concentration of pure papain enzyme 8% with a heating time of 10 hours gave the best result, obtained 3.24% moisture content, 83.28% ash content, 10.28% protein, 3.20% fat, 49.30% calcium, 29.17% phosphorus, 7.16% yield, 88.68% whiteness. FTIR analysis has carboxyl groups (OH-), carbonate groups (CO32-) and phosphate groups (PO43-). These are the main components of hydroxyapatite formation where the phosphate absorption band spectra (PO43-) are at a wave frequency of 403.60 cm-1 with an intensity 36.568% is V3PO43- The crystallinity of calcium phosphate derivatives is 74.53% µm hydroxylapatite, 11.94% tricalcium phosphate µm, 13.53% dicalcium phosphate µm. Morphology of Calcium Phosphate Derivative Compounds using XRD, which showed a degree of crystallinity of 73.04% and a crystal size of 4.717 µm. Conclusion: The result of the analysis obtained by the combination treatment of pure papain enzyme concentration of 8% with a heating time of 10 hours are the best of the other treatment.
Phase coexistence and ferroelastic texture in high strain (1−x)Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 piezoceramics

Dielectric permittivity and x-ray diffraction measurements were used to identify a region of phase coexistence between the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases near the morphotropic phase boundary in (1−x)Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT-BCT). This phase coexistence prevails over a considerable composition and temperature range and is bounded by single rhombohedral or tetragonal phases. The maximum piezoelectric response measured in terms of maximum strain divided by maximum electric field, Smax/Emax, is extraordinarily high, with the largest value of 1310 pm/V for x = 0.45. Electrical poling induces ferroelastic domain textures in both the rhombohedral and tetragonal phases simultaneously, which increases the piezoelectric performance significantly. The stability of that ferroelastic texture is limited by the phase transition at the morphotropic phase boundary, suggesting coupling between both coexisting phases and limiting potential applications. The results were confirmed using in situ temperature.
Immunotherapy in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Sydney west cancer network experience

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common malignancy in the Caucasian population. A minority of cases are inoperable at presentation, recur or develop metastatic disease with a historical 5‐year overall survival of ~10%. Treatment options in this setting are generally palliative. Immunotherapy has emerged as a new paradigm in managing these patients.
Self-Control and Consumptive Behavior Control in Purchasing Internet Services for Social Networking Among Muslim Millennials

The need for internet services to support a lifestyle in social networking sometimes leads Muslim millennials to behave consumptively in shopping, even though they understand the bad impact. This study aims to prove whether Self-control is the right predictor to explain Consumptive Behavior Control and if so, how much Self-control can explain Consumptive Behavior Control, especially in the case of Muslim millennials in spending their money on buying internet packages for social networking needs. This research was a quantitative study with ex-post facto design and also based on a survey of a group of students from an Islamic university in West Sumatra, Indonesia in 2022. Data were collected from 97 respondents and analyzed by using Simple Linear Regression. The findings have shown that Self-control is a good predictor for consumptive behavior control at a moderate level. Self-control can increase consumptive behavior control in students in purchasing internet services for social media. Self-control explains the achievement of Consumptive Behavior Control of 68.9%. This finding contributes to education observers who always focus on studies about consumptive behavior among young people and contribute to strengthen the theory of consumer behavior which is always growing rapidly throughout all the time.
Sharing Data Plans for Cellular Mobile Data Access

The demand for mobile data has been steadily increasing over the last decade, forming an ever-increasing portion of the overall Internet traffic. A great portion of this demand is still served through capped cellular data plans that charge a fixed fee for data consumption up to a cap and impose a typically higher penalty rate for consumption beyond that cap. It has been shown that when capped plans are shared, their caps are better utilized and the incurred penalty costs are amortized. This translates to subscription cost savings for the mobile users and better use of the cellular network resources for the mobile network operators. However, this sharing is nowadays restricted to closed groups (e.g., family members) or to multiple devices of a single user. In this paper we explore the generalization of capped data plan sharing to open user groups. We take the viewpoint of a platform that seeks to organize cellular users into subscription groups and recommend to them shared data plans on offer by mobile network operators that maximize their subscription cost savings. We first introduce a new cost-sharing rule, called double proportional cost sharing (DPCS), for splitting the subscription charges of the shared capped data plans “fairly” between subscription group members. We then formulate the two platform tasks into a joint optimization problem, characterize its complexity and devise three algorithms that leverage clustering techniques to solve it. Under ideal prediction of users’ data consumption all three algorithms achieve subscription savings beyond 50% for at least 70% of users and smaller but still significant savings for the rest of them, which are independent of the number of subscribers in all scenarios of practical interest. Notably, the best of the three algorithms preserves those savings when there is up to 10% bias in predicting the users’ data consumption and when this consumption exhibits elasticity to the data cap.
On Applicability of Imagery-Based CNN to Computational Offloading Location Selection

The progress in computational offloading is heavily pushing the development of the modern Information and Communications Technology domain. The growth in resource-constrained Internet of Things devices demands the development of new computational offloading strategies to be sustainably integrated in beyond 5G networks. One of the solutions to said demand is enabling Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) powered by advanced methods of Machine Learning (ML). This paper proposes the application of ML-powered computational offloading strategy in a wireless cellular network by applying the traditional fundamental Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) on computational offloading location selection. The main specificity of the proposed approach is the use of imagery data. Thus, the paper executes a literature review to identify existing strategies. It further proposes a novel method utilizing the location-like imagery data to identify the most suitable computational location by executing the search for an identified route between locations using the proposed Deep Learning (DL) model. The model was evaluated and achieved MAE – 1,575, MSA – 10,119,205, $R^{2}$ – 0.98 on the testing dataset, which outperforms or is comparable with other well-known architectures. Moreover, the training time is proven to be 2–10 times faster. Interestingly, the MAE values are relatively low compared to the target values that should be predicted (despite rather high MSE results), which is confirmed by the almost perfect $R^{2}$ value. It is concluded that the proposed neural network can predict the target values, and this solution can be applied to real-world tasks.