Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neural Multi-Channel and Multi-Microphone Acoustic Echo Cancellation

Deep learning is introduced in multi-channel (MC) and multi-microphone (MM) acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) without decorrelation to the loudspeaker signals and achieves remarkable performance. In this article, we propose a complex spectral mapping framework with inplace convolution and frequency-wise temporal modeling for MCAEC problem, which efficiently models the echo paths and spatial information. The proposed method is a multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) scheme, which filters out echoes from all microphone signals simultaneously, so the computational cost is greatly reduced. In addition, a cross-domain loss function with a multi-task learning strategy is designed for better generalization capability. Experiments are conducted on various unmatched scenarios and results show that the proposed method significantly outperforms previous methods. Moreover, a lightweight version of the proposed model with 0.29 million trainable parameters also shows good performance, which is essential for resource-limited and real-time applications.
Cranial endocast of Anagale gobiensis (Anagalidae) and its implications for early brain evolution in Euarchontoglires

Anagalids are an extinct group of primitive mammals from the Asian Palaeogene thought to be possible basal members of Glires. Anagalid material is rare, with only a handful of crania known. Here we describe the first virtual endocast of an anagalid, based on the holotype of Anagale gobiensis (AMNH 26079; late Eocene, China), which allows for comparison with published endocasts from fossil members of modern euarchontogliran lineages (i.e. primates, rodents, lagomorphs). The endocast displays traits often observed in fossorial mammals, such as relatively small petrosal lobules and a low neocortical ratio, which would be consistent with previous inferences about use of subterranean food sources based on heavy dental wear. In fact, Anagale gobiensis has the lowest neocortical ratio yet recorded for a euarchontogliran. This species was olfaction‐driven, based on the relatively large olfactory bulbs and laterally expansive palaeocortex. The endocast supports previous inferences that relatively large olfactory bulbs, partial midbrain exposure and low encephalization quotient are ancestral for Euarchontoglires, although the likely fossorial adaptations of Anagale gobiensis may also partly explain these traits. While Anagale gobiensis is a primitive mammal in many aspects, some of its derived endocranial traits point towards a new, different trajectory of brain evolution within Euarchontoglires.
Downlink Training Sequence Design Based on Waterfilling Solution for Low-Latency FDD Massive MIMO Communications Systems

Future generations of wireless communications systems are expected to evolve toward allowing massive ubiquitous connectivity and achieving ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC) with extremely high data rates. Massive multiple-input multiple-output (m-MIMO) is a crucial transmission technique to fulfill the demands of high data rates in the upcoming wireless systems. However, obtaining a downlink (DL) training sequence (TS) that is feasible for fast channel estimation, i.e., meeting the low-latency communications required by future generations of wireless systems, in m-MIMO with frequency-division-duplex (FDD) when users have different channel correlations is very challenging. Therefore, a low-complexity solution for designing the DL training sequences to maximize the achievable sum rate of FDD systems with limited channel coherence time (CCT) is proposed using a waterfilling power allocation method. This achievable sum rate maximization is achieved using sequences produced from a summation of the user’s covariance matrices and then applying a waterfilling power allocation method to the obtained low-complexity training sequence. The results show that the proposed TS outperforms the existing methods in the medium and high SNR regimes while reducing computational complexity. The obtained results signify the proposed TS’s feasibility for practical consideration compared with the existing DL training sequence designs.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROFITABILITY, LIQUIDITY AND LEVERAGE ON STOCK RETURN WITH DIVIDEND POLICY AS A MODERATION VARIABLE IN COMPANIES LISTED IN THE INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE LQ45 INDEX

This study aims to determine the effect of profitability, liquidity and leverage on stock returns and determine the ability of dividend policy in moderating the relationship between profitability, liquidity and leverage on stock returns in companies listed on the LQ45 index of the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sample used in this study are companies listed on the LQ45 index of the Indonesia Stock Exchange which have retained earnings, pay dividends for three consecutive years and use Rupiah currency. The data analysis method used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis method. This study was conducted with a total of 20 samples of companies listed on the LQ45 index of the Indonesia Stock Exchange from the period 2019 to 2021. The results of data testing partially found that profitability and liquidity had a significant positive effect on stock returns, while leverage had a negative and insignificant effect on stock returns. The results of testing the moderating data conclude that dividend policy is not able to moderate the relationship between profitability and liquidity to stock returns, while dividend policy is able to moderate the relationship between leverage and stock returns.
Hormesis Responses of Photosystem II in Arabidopsis thaliana under Water Deficit Stress

Since drought stress is one of the key risks for the future of agriculture, exploring the molecular mechanisms of photosynthetic responses to water deficit stress is, therefore, fundamental. By using chlorophyll fluorescence imaging analysis, we evaluated the responses of photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in young and mature leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 (cv Columbia-0) at the onset of water deficit stress (OnWDS) and under mild water deficit stress (MiWDS) and moderate water deficit stress (MoWDS). Moreover, we tried to illuminate the underlying mechanisms in the differential response of PSII in young and mature leaves to water deficit stress in the model plant A. thaliana. Water deficit stress induced a hormetic dose response of PSII function in both leaf types. A U-shaped biphasic response curve of the effective quantum yield of PSII photochemistry (ΦPSII) in A. thaliana young and mature leaves was observed, with an inhibition at MiWDS that was followed by an increase in ΦPSII at MoWDS. Young leaves exhibited lower oxidative stress, evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA), and higher levels of anthocyanin content compared to mature leaves under both MiWDS (+16%) and MoWDS (+20%). The higher ΦPSII of young leaves resulted in a decreased quantum yield of non-regulated energy loss in PSII (ΦNO), under both MiWDS (−13%) and MoWDS (−19%), compared to mature leaves. Since ΦNO represents singlet-excited oxygen (1O2) generation, this decrease resulted in lower excess excitation energy at PSII, in young leaves under both MiWDS (−10%) and MoWDS (−23%), compared to mature leaves. The hormetic response of PSII function in both young and mature leaves is suggested to be triggered, under MiWDS, by the intensified reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which is considered to be beneficial for activating stress defense responses. This stress defense response that was induced at MiWDS triggered an acclimation response in A. thaliana young leaves and provided tolerance to PSII when water deficit stress became more severe (MoWDS). We concluded that the hormesis responses of PSII in A. thaliana under water deficit stress are regulated by the leaf developmental stage that modulates anthocyanin accumulation in a stress-dependent dose.
Academic performance and adjustment of first-generation students to higher education: A systematic review

Abstract Scholarly work conducted before 2010 consistently reported a gap between first-generation and continuing-generation students in college success, as measured by grades, persistence, and graduation rates. Through a systematic literature review, this study aimed to examine the most recent findings, from 2010 until 2020, regarding the academic adjustment process of first-generation students to higher education institutions and the institutional factors that help them in the process. The results report lower performance of first-generation (FG) students and compared to that of continuing-generation (CG) students and measured by grades and persistence. When looking at other variables, such as learning outcomes, intellectual development, learning skills, integration and engagement with the academic environment, we find scarce and mixed evidence. There is also an increased interest in the academic process, and not just in describing academic outcomes of first-generation students. These findings suggest that interventions promoting social belonging, support from peers, parents´ involvement and a welcoming campus climate should be fostered by institutions interested in the access and graduation of FG students.
Existence of solutions for critical fractional Kirchhoff problems

Consider the following fractional Kirchhoff equations involving critical exponent: 1+λ1∫RN(|(−Δ)α2u|2+V(x)u2)dx[(−Δ)αu+V(x)u]=k(x)f(u)+λ2|u|2α∗−2uinRN,
Analysis of Mechanical Properties of External Unilateral Fixation Device in the Case of Torque Load

Analysis of mechanical properties of external unilateral fixation device „ Ultra X “, in the case of torque load, is presented in this paper. Fixation device is applied on lower leg in the case of unstable fracture. Computer aided design (CAD) model and finite element model (FEM) are developed according to the dimensions and material properties of real fixation device. In the next step principal stress and deformation analysis is performed in CATIA V5 software. During numerical analysis values of stresses at critical places are monitored and analyzed. In addi - tion, values of displacements are measured on important places on fixation device and bone fracture. Using values of displacements at the place of bone fracture, stiffness of the fracture is calculated. The same methodology is used to calculate stiffness of the fixation device. Using obtained results, several conclusions about the mechanical properties of the fixation device “Ultra X” are formulated at the end of the paper.
Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Neonates Exposed to Maternal COVID-19 Infection in a Tertiary Care Centre—A Cohort Study (NeOCoM Study)

Background COVID-19 infection during pregnancy was reported to cause adverse outcomes. Such knowledge stands low quality evidence due to lack of internal controls and inferential statistics. Objectives To assess impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy on fetal and neonatal outcomes. Study Design Prospective analytical cohort study (July 2020 to March 2021). Setting Level III NICU of teaching hospital in India. Participants COVID positive mothers (exposed = 239) each matched with 2 women delivered consecutively by same mode without COVID (unexposed = 478) and enrolled at admission during delivery. Procedure Maternal demographic, comorbidities, and obstetric characteristics; fetal growth, pregnancy complications, and neonatal details of 242 and 482 neonates born to exposed and unexposed mothers respectively were analyzed. Infants were followed until neonatal period. Outcomes Incidence of prematurity was primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were incidence of abortions, IUD, stillbirth, neonatal mortality, neonatal resuscitation at birth, SFD, NICU admission, neonatal morbidities, length of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality, infant positivity rate for SARS COV-2. Results Incidence of prematurity was not significantly different between mothers with and without COVID-19 infection [42(17.3%) vs 94(19.3%), IRR (95%CI) 1.04(0.83,1.31), P = . 833]. Neonatal mortality, adverse fetal outcomes, PROM, fetal distress, SGA, neonatal resuscitation, NICU admission did not differ significantly between groups. Gestational hypertension was associated with COVID-19 infection [14(5.9%) vs 11(2.3%), (p=0.014)]. Infant swab positivity was 7%. Swab positivity and neonatal symptoms were associated significantly (10/17(58.8%) vs 7/17(41.1%), P = . 0001). Conclusion Asymptomatic COVID-19 infection during pregnancy does not increase adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes. COVID positive neonates become symptomatic and hence need monitoring in health-care facility.
THE H2 + CO H2CO REACTION: RATE CONSTANTS AND RELEVANCE TO HOT AND DENSE ASTROPHYSICAL MEDIA

A theoretical thermochemical and kinetic investigation of the thermal H2 + CO ↔ H2CO reaction was performed for a temperature range from 200 to 4000 K. Geometries and vibrational frequencies of reactants, product, and transition state (TS) were obtained at CCSD/cc-pVxZ (x = T and Q) levels and scaling factors were employed to consider anharmonicity effects on vibrational frequencies, zero-point energies, and thermal corrections provided by these methodologies. Enthalpies Gibbs energies, and rate constants for this reaction were determined by including a complete basis set extrapolation correction for the electronic properties calculated at CCSD(T)/cc-pVyZ (y = Q and 5) levels. Our study indicates that enthalpy changes for this reaction are highly dependent on temperature. Moreover, forward and reverse (high-pressure limit) rate constants were obtained from variational TS theory with quantum tunneling corrections. Thus, modified Arrhenius’ equations were fitted by means of the best forward and reverse rate constant values, which provide very reliable estimates for these quantities within the temperature range between 700 and 4000 K. To our knowledge, this is the first kinetic study done for the forward H2 + CO H2CO process in a wide temperature range. Finally, these results can be used to explain the formaldehyde abundance in hot and dense interstellar media, possibly providing data about the physical conditions associated with H2CO masers close to massive star-forming regions.
Examining the influences of the mathematics teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge on learning algebra in grade six

– This mixed method study findings indicate that the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of the teachers is an influencing factor of learning algebra in grade six in Sri Lankan schools. Reliable and validated two questionnaires followed by 24 of eight mathematics teachers’ classroom observations and post-lesson interviews were administered for collecting data in the explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. Field notes, lesson video recordings and the interview data were triangulated in terms of the reliability of the qualitative data while the two questionnaires were piloted and designed by Delphi method before collecting quantitative data. The Cronbach’s alpha of the questionnaire-2 was 7.59. SPSS statistical software was used in the first phase while the reflexive thematic analysis method was used in the second phase of the data analysis process. The study results of the first phase indicate that the mathematics teachers’ PCK in teaching algebra is at a medium level and not satisfactory. Teachers’ PCK in algebra was found to be multi-functional, indicating no positive relationship with academic qualification, professional qualification and professional experiences. Further analysis showed that there was no correlation between the PCK and the PCK knowledge dimensions, declarative, procedural and conditional knowledge. Qualitative study results revealed that the mathematics teachers’ PCK is low, in building algebraic concepts in the students’ mind, addressing the students’ algebraic misconceptions and understanding of students’ algebraic thinking. Finally, learning algebra in algebraic symbols, variables and algebraic expressions were observed and found to be less effective. Therefore, content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge based professional teacher development programs are recommended for enhancing the students’ learning algebra in the classrooms.
Issues Concerning Manufacture and Recycling of Lead

This article gives an overview of historical and present uses of lead against the backdrop of gradual realization that lead is an environmental hazard. In this paper the lead in the lead-acid batteries is investigated from the view of its present use. This use continues because there does not exist economical and practical alternative to lead for this purpose. In fact the use is still steadily increasing. This may not be a concern as it has been demonstrated that in countries with strong economies, recycling of lead from the batteries can near 100%. Here, we take a look at reality, by comparing select countries on both sides of the economic spectrum. In poorer countries, recycling suffers more on the safe and clean side of the process. Historical uses of lead are also reviewed, as well as a new approach of using lead compounds in soluble lead flow batteries.
Foreign Direct Investment Speed and Firm Performance: Evidence from China

—We investigate how government support affects the impact of rapid Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) expansion on firm performance. In many emerging Asia countries, government is actively involved in firms’ internationalization. We argue that rapid OFDI expansion is more likely to increase firm performance with government support, which compensates for firms’ lack of superior internal resources and capabilities through state ownership or government affiliation. Our theories are supported by the empirical evidences from China, the largest emerging country in Asia. Our study helps us further understand the business modes of OFDI from emerging economies in Asia.
Mechanical and Magnetic Investigations of Balls Made of AISI 1010 and AISI 1085 Steels after Nitriding and Annealing

This paper discusses the changes in the phase composition and magnetic properties of the AISI 1010 and AISI 1085 steels that were nitrided at 570 °C in an ammonia atmosphere for 5 h and that were then annealed at 520 °C in a N2/Ar atmosphere for 4 h. The test samples were made in the form of balls with diameters of less than 5 mm. The thickness of the obtained iron nitride layers was assessed through metallographic tests, while the phase composition was verified through X-ray tests. The magnetic properties were determined using ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) techniques. Our research shows that, during the annealing of iron nitrides with a structure of ε + γ′, the ε phase decomposes first. As a result of this process, an increase in the content of the γ′ phase of the iron nitride is observed. When the ε phase is completely decomposed, the γ′ phase begins to decompose. The observed FMR signals did not come from isolated ions but from more magnetically complex systems, e.g., Fe–Fe pairs or iron clusters. Studies have shown that nitriding and annealing can be used to modify the magnetic properties of the tested steels.
Trends in Social Media Use among University Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in social media usage among teens and young adults which may be helpful or harmful. This study aimed to investigate the use of social media and trends among diploma in pharmacy students at UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Kampus Bertam. Method : A cross ‑ sectional study was conducted whereby data was collected through an online survey and completed questionnaires by 189 respondents (18-22 years old) undertaking diploma in pharmacy in and off campus. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet for descriptive statistics and frequency analysis. SPSS version 28.0 was used to analyse the inferential statistics i.e. the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results : The analysis of the collected data revealed that the majority of the respondents were female and considered themselves moderate users of social media, with an average of four social media accounts. The study also found that social media consumption among pharmacy students at UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang increased during the pandemic compared to the average time spent before. The data showed that a significant percentage of students spend several hours on social media, with the most commonly reported problems being distraction from studying and addiction. These findings raise concerns about the negative effects of social media usage on academic performance and well-being. Conclusion: Overall, the study provides valuable insight into the habits and exposure of
Nature-inclusive urban development: lessons learned in three real estate projects in Dutch cities

ABSTRACT An increasing number of real estate actors appear to be searching for ways to incorporate nature and biodiversity in urban development projects. In this article, we study three Dutch urban development projects with high biodiversity ambitions in order to learn how they came to fruition. We combine transition theory with practice theory and identify key barriers and drivers on the basis of these approaches. We highlight that incorporating biodiversity in urban development projects requires considerable knowledge development, implies a higher entrepreneurial risk and asks for various pragmatic solutions to overcome barriers. We identify four key recommendations for promoting nature-inclusive urban development: (1) facilitate knowledge development and exchange; (2) incorporate and reward biodiversity in environmental certification schemes and tender criteria; (3) translate a strategic vision on biodiversity into concrete regulations to bridge the policy implementation gap; (4) stimulate the uptake of nature-inclusive urban development in corporate visions. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Geometry-Aware Learning Algorithms for Histogram Data Using Adaptive Metric Embeddings and Kernel Functions

Right The content of Chapter 2 was published in Journal of Machine Learning Workshop and Conference Proceedings Vol. 29: Asian Conference on Machine Learning (ACML), pp. 293-308, 2013 and Machine Learning Journal (MLJ), pp. 169-187, 2014. Springer and the Machine Learning Journal, volume 99, 2015, pp. 169-187, Adaptive Euclidean Maps for Histograms: Generalized Aitchison Embeddings, Tam Le and Marco Cuturi, original copyright notice is given to the publication in which the material was originally published, by adding; with kind permission from Springer Science and Business Media. The content of Chapter 3 was published in Journal of Machine Learning Research Workshop and Conference Proceedings Vol. 37: Proceedings of the 32nd International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML), pp. 2002-2011, 2015. The content of Chapter 4 was published in Journal of the Institute of Image Electronics Engineers of Japan (IIEEJ), Vol. 42, No. 2, pp. 214-221, 2013.