Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automatic Transcription of Polyphonic Music Based on the Constant-Q Bispectral Analysis

In the area of music information retrieval (MIR), automatic music transcription is considered one of the most challenging tasks, for which many different techniques have been proposed. This paper presents a new method for polyphonic music transcription: a system that aims at estimating pitch, onset times, durations, and intensity of concurrent sounds in audio recordings, played by one or more instruments. Pitch estimation is carried out by means of a front-end that jointly uses a constant-Q and a bispectral analysis of the input audio signal; subsequently, the processed signal is correlated with a fixed 2-D harmonic pattern. Onsets and durations detection procedures are based on the combination of the constant-Q bispectral analysis with information from the signal spectrogram. The detection process is agnostic and it does not need to take into account musicological and instrumental models or other a priori knowledge. The system has been validated against the standard Real-World Computing (RWC)-Classical Audio Database. The proposed method has demonstrated good performances in the multiple F0 tracking task, especially for piano-only automatic transcription at MIREX 2009.
Stromal Androgen Receptor in Prostate Cancer Development and Progression

Prostate cancer development and progression is the result of complex interactions between epithelia cells and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts, in a series of dynamic process amenable to regulation by hormones. Whilst androgen action through the androgen receptor (AR) is a well-established component of prostate cancer biology, it has been becoming increasingly apparent that changes in AR signalling in the surrounding stroma can dramatically influence tumour cell behavior. This is reflected in the consistent finding of a strong association between stromal AR expression and patient outcomes. In this review, we explore the relationship between AR signalling in fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and prostate cancer cells in the primary site, and detail the known functions, actions, and mechanisms of fibroblast AR signaling. We conclude with an evidence-based summary of how androgen action in stroma dramatically influences disease progression.
Reducing energy consumption in cellular networks by adjusting transmitted power of base stations

With the growth of cellular networks and emergence of new technologies, the power consumption of mobile communication networks has become an important and worrying topic that should be taken into consideration in any future cellular evolution. Recently, many solutions were proposed in the literature to reduce the power in cellular communications while maintaining the quality of service, in the purpose of achieving, what is known now as “Green Communications”. In this paper, we are interested in power-efficient methods altering the transmitted power of base stations, especially Sleep Mode and Cell Zooming techniques. After presenting the advantages, drawbacks and implementations of these two green solutions, we will introduce a new algorithm that should be implemented and applied on the base stations to reduce their total power consumption. This algorithm considers several cases including Cell Zooming and combination of Sleep Mode and Cell Zooming depending on the cell loads and mobile distribution. It also computes the power needed in each case and then chooses the most power-efficient scenario. Moreover, we will study the performance and efficacy of implementing our algorithm in some practical cellular network settings.
Optimal robot excitation and identification

This paper discusses experimental robot identification based on a statistical framework. It presents a new approach toward the design of optimal robot excitation trajectories, and formulates the maximum-likelihood estimation of dynamic robot model parameters. The differences between the new design approach and the existing approaches lie in the parameterization of the excitation trajectory and in the optimization criterion. The excitation trajectory for each joint is a finite Fourier series. This approach guarantees periodic excitation which is advantageous because it allows: 1) time-domain data averaging; 2) estimation of the characteristics of the measurement noise, which is valuable in the case of maximum-likelihood parameter estimation. In addition, the use of finite Fourier series allows calculation of the joint velocities and acceleration in an analytic way from the measured position response, and allows specification of the bandwidth of the excitation trajectories. The optimization criterion is the uncertainty on the estimated parameters or a lower bound for it, instead of the often used condition of the parameter estimation problem. Simulations show that this criterion yields parameter estimates with smaller uncertainty bounds than trajectories optimized according to the classical criterion. Experiments on an industrial robot show that the presented trajectory design and maximum-likelihood parameter estimation approaches complement each other to make a practicable robot identification technique which yields accurate robot models.
Imaging Functions of Quasi-Periodic Nanohole Array as an Ultra-Thin Planar Optical Lens

In this paper, the lensing functions and imaging abilities of a quasi-periodic nanohole array in a metal screen have been theoretically investigated and demonstrated. Such an optical binary mask with nanoholes designed in an aperiodic arrangement can function as an ultra-thin planar optical lens, imaging complex structures composed of multiple light sources at tens of wavelengths away from the lens surface. Via resolving two adjacent testing objects at different separations, the effective numerical aperture (N.A.) and the effective imaging area of the planar optical lens can be evaluated, mimicking the imaging function of a conventional lens with high N.A. Furthermore, by using the quasi-periodic nanohole array as an ultra-thin planar optical lens, important applications such as X-ray imaging and nano-optical circuits may be found in circumstances where conventional optical lenses cannot readily be applied.
Critical Period Window for Spectral Tuning Defined in the Primary Auditory Cortex (A1) in the Rat

Experience-dependent plasticity during development results in the emergence of highly adapted representations of the external world in the adult brain. Previous studies have convincingly shown that the primary auditory cortex (A1) of the rat possesses a postnatal period of sensory input-driven plasticity but its precise timing (onset, duration, end) has not been defined. In the present study, we examined the effects of pure-tone exposure on the auditory cortex of developing rat pups at different postnatal ages with a high temporal resolution. We found that pure-tone exposure resulted in profound, persistent alterations in sound representations in A1 only if the exposure occurred during a brief period extending from postnatal day 11 (P11) to P13. We also found that postnatal sound exposure in this epoch led to striking alterations in the cortical representation of sound intensity.
The Social Complexities of Transgender Identity Disclosure on Social Media.

Major life transitions often require people to make complicated decisions about how to disclose information about that change to the people in their lives. Social media, and people’s online self-presentations and social networks, add complexity to decisions about how to manage information disclosure and changing identities. This dissertation focuses on how people present and disclose changing identities on social media during life transitions, and how these changes impact emotional wellbeing. I use gender transition as a case study to understand the relationships between identity disclosure, emotional wellbeing, and social support in online contexts, and how people experience liminality on social media. I examined transgender people’s transition experiences using data from transition blogs on Tumblr, a social media blogging site on which people document their gender transitions. I analyzed text data from these blogs using methods including sentiment analysis and statistical inference, followed by qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with transgender bloggers. I contribute an empirical examination of how people’s emotional wellbeing changes over time through the gender transition process. Transgender identity disclosures to family members are associated with decreased emotional wellbeing in the short term, followed by increased emotional wellbeing in the long term. Facebook disclosures, an efficient means of mass disclosure, are associated with increased emotional wellbeing for those whose Facebook networks were supportive. However, over a longer time period post-transition, people’s emotional wellbeing is impacted by other life events that take precedence, intersecting identity facets, and the ups and downs of life more broadly. To conceptualize these results, I apply ethnographer van Gennep’s liminality framework to a social media context and contribute a new understanding of liminality by arguing that reconstructing one’s online identity during life transitions is a rite of passage. During life transitions, people present multiple identities and do transition work simultaneously on different social media sites that together act as what I call social transition machinery. Social transition machinery describes the ways that, for people facing life transitions, multiple social media sites often remain separate, yet work together to facilitate life transitions.
The Influence of Cognitive Image on Tourist Loyalty: A Study of Foreign Tourists Visiting Tirana City

Abstract This paper attempts to shed light on the concepts of cognitive and affective image and investigate the effects of destination image on tourist loyalty, though one of the aforementioned aspects of destination image. Data was collected using the convenience sampling method. After a review of the most crucial places where foreign visitors could turn into during their stay in Tirana, there were identified a few attractive interception points. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses constructed. SPSS 20.0 statistical package was employed in this particular study for the descriptive analysis of the sample, while LISREL 9.30 was used for structural equation modelling. The results of the study showed that cognitive image had a direct and significant influence on affective image, explaining in this way the formation process of the destination image concept. Moreover, when examining the relationship between destination image and tourist loyalty it was found out that cognitive image had a direct influence on tourist loyalty. The results of the study prove to be beneficial both at an empirical and practical level. As a matter of fact, it does not only provide insightful information for tourism operators and policy-makers, but it also contributes in the body of knowledge of the country where the study takes place.
Isolation and 2,4-D-degrading characteristics of Cupriavidus campinensis BJ71

An indigenous bacterial strain capable of utilizing 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated from a soil used for grown wheat with a long-term history of herbicide use in Beijing, China. The strain BJ71 was identified as Cupriavidus campinensis based on its 16S rRNA sequence analysis and morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. The degradation characteristics of strain BJ71 were evaluated. The optimal conditions for 2,4-D degradation were as follows: pH 7.0, 30 °C, 3% (v/v) inoculum size, and an initial 2,4-D concentration of 350 mg L−1. Up to 99.57% of the 2,4-D was degraded under optimal conditions after 6 days of incubation. Strain BJ71 was also able to degrade quizalofop and fluroxypyr. This is the first report of a 2,4-D-degrader containing tfdA gene that can utilize these two herbicides. In a biodegradation experiment, 87.13% and 42.53% of 2,4-D (initial concentration, 350 mg kg−1) was degraded in non-sterile and sterilized soil inoculated with BJ71, respectively, after 14 days. The 2,4-D degradation was more rapid in a soil microcosm including BJ71 than in a soil microcosm without BJ71. These results indicate that strain BJ71 is a potential candidate for the bioremediation of soil contaminated with the herbicide 2,4-D.
Dimension reduction methods in graph drawing problem

Graph is a standard data structures mainly used to impose relations in a connected network of objects. Graphs are drawn mostly in ℝ2 space with vertices as points and edges as straight lines connecting vertices. Methods for reduction of dimension are intended for projecting high-dimensional data to a new representation in low-dimensional space. Objective of this work is to use selected dimension reduction methods as a main step in construction of a graph drawing. Graph drawings by selected methods are compared to each other and also to the classical approach presented by Kamada and Kawai.
Dominant Negative Effect of Mutated Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor (P556L) Causes Hypothyroidism in C.RF-Tshrhyt/wild Mice

C.RF-Tshrhyt/hyt mice have a mutated thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (P556L-TSHR) and these mice develop severe hypothyroidism. We found that C.RF-Tshrhyt/wild heterozygous mice are also in a hypothyroid state. Thyroid glands from C.RF-Tshrhyt/wild mice are smaller than those from wild-type mice, and 125I uptake activities of the former are significantly lower than those in the latter. When TSHR (TSHR(W)) and P556L-TSHR (TSHR(M)) cDNAs were cloned and co-transfected into HEK 293 cells, the cells retained 125I-TSH binding activity, but cAMP response to TSH was decreased to about 20% of HEK 293 cells transfected with TSHR(W) cDNA. When TSHR(W) and TSHR(M) were tagged with eCFP or eYFP, we observed fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in HEK 293 cells expressing TSHR(W)-eCFP and TSHR(W)-eYFP in the absence of TSH, but not in the presence of TSH. In contrast, we obtained FRET in HEK 293 cells expressing TSHR(W)-eCFP and TSHR (M)-eYFP, regardless of the presence or absence of TSH. These results suggest that P556L TSHR has a dominant negative effect on TSHR(W) by impairing polymer to monomer dissociation, which decreases TSH responsiveness and induces hypothyroidism in C.RF-Tshrhyt/wild mice.
A Qualitative Study of Korean Men Experiencing Stress Due to Nonprestigious Hakbeol

Hakbeol refers to one’s place in a hierarchical undergraduate pedigree system in South Korea. This qualitative study explored 12 Korean men’s experiences with societal prejudices associated with nonprestigious hakbeol status (e.g., attending “lesser-known” universities). Considering the gender role strain paradigm and the Confucian historical context in Korea, this study attempted to illuminate psychological issues stemming from Korean men’s emphasis on the value of a prestigious hakbeol status. Participants reported (a) holding both supportive and critical views about the hakbeol system; (b) perceiving an influence of their hakbeol status on fulfilling their filial piety; (c) experiencing unwanted everyday experiences in relation to others, careers, and self-image; and (d) making efforts to cope with barriers related to their hakbeol status. These findings provide psychologists with the language and evidence to address mental health concerns caused by hakbeol-based discrimination and systemic injustice issues. Implications for counseling, training, advocacy, and research are discussed.
Ascorbate Alleviates Fe Deficiency-Induced Stress in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) by Modulating ABA Levels

Fe deficiency causes significant losses to crop productivity and quality. To understand better the mechanisms of plant responses to Fe deficiency, we used an in vitro cotton ovule culture system. We found that Fe deficiency suppressed the development of ovules and fibers, and led to tissue browning. RNA-seq analysis showed that the myo-inositol and galacturonic acid pathways were activated and cytosolic APX (ascorbate peroxidase) was suppressed in Fe-deficient treated fibers, which increased ASC (ascorbate) concentrations to prevent tissue browning. Suppression of cytosolic APX by RNAi in cotton increased ASC contents and delayed tissue browning by maintaining ferric reduction activity under Fe-deficient conditions. Meanwhile, APX RNAi line also exhibited the activation of expression of iron-regulated transporter (IRT1) and ferric reductase–oxidase2 (FRO2) to adapt to Fe deficiency. Abscisic acid (ABA) levels were significantly decreased in Fe-deficient treated ovules and fibers, while the upregulated expression of ABA biosynthesis genes and suppression of ABA degradation genes in Fe-deficient ovules slowed down the decreased of ABA in cytosolic APX suppressed lines to delay the tissue browning. Moreover, the application of ABA in Fe-deficient medium suppressed the development of tissue browning and completely restored the ferric reduction activity. In addition, ABA 8′-hydroxylase gene (GhABAH1) overexpressed cotton has a decreased level of ABA and shows more sensitivity to Fe deficiency. Based on the results, we speculate that ASC could improve the tolerance to Fe deficiency through activating Fe uptake and maintaining ABA levels in cotton ovules and fibers, which in turn reduces symptom formation.
Efficacy of Connective Tissue with and without Periosteum in Regeneration of Intrabony Defects

Background and aims. Connective tissue grafts with and without periosteum is used in regenerative treatments of bone and has demonstrated successful outcomes in previous investigations. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of connective tissue graft with and without periosteum in regeneration of intrabony defects. Materials and methods. In this single-blind randomized split-mouth clinical trial, 15 pairs of intrabony defects in 15 patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis were treated by periosteal connective tissue graft + ABBM (test group) or non-periosteal connective tissue graft + ABBM (control group). Probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, free gingival margin position, bone crestal position, crest defect depth and defect depth to stent were measured at baseline and after six months by surgical re-entry. Data was analyzed by Student’s t-test and paired t-tests (α=0.05). Results. Changes in clinical parameters after 6 months in the test and control groups were as follows: mean of PPD reduction: 3.1±0.6 (P<0.0001); 2.5±1.0 mm (P<0.0001), CAL gain: 2.3±0.9 (P<0.0001); 2.2±1.0 mm (P<0.0001), bone fill: 2.2±0.7 mm (P<0.0001); 2.2±0.7 mm (P<0.0001), respectively. No significant differences in the position of free gingival margin were observed during 6 months compared to baseline in both groups. Conclusion. Combinations of periosteal connective tissue graft + ABBM and non-periosteal connective tissue graft + ABBM were similarly effective in treating intrabony defects without any favor for any group. Connective tissue and perio-steum can be equally effective in regeneration of intrabony defects.
Psychological treatments for early psychosis can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the therapeutic alliance: an instrumental variable analysis

Background The quality of the therapeutic alliance (TA) has been invoked to explain the equal effectiveness of different psychotherapies, but prior research is correlational, and does not address the possibility that individuals who form good alliances may have good outcomes without therapy. Method We evaluated the causal effect of TA using instrumental variable (structural equation) modelling on data from a three-arm, randomized controlled trial of 308 people in an acute first or second episode of a non-affective psychosis. The trial compared cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) over 6 weeks plus routine care (RC) v. supportive counselling (SC) plus RC v. RC alone. We examined the effect of TA, as measured by the client-rated CALPAS, on the primary trial 18-month outcome of symptom severity (PANSS), which was assessed blind to treatment allocation. Results Both adjunctive CBT and SC improved 18-month outcomes, compared to RC. We showed that, for both psychological treatments, improving TA improves symptomatic outcome. With a good TA, attending more sessions causes a significantly better outcome on PANSS total score [effect size −2.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.90 to −4.91]. With a poor TA, attending more sessions is detrimental (effect size +7.74, 95% CI +1.03 to +14.45). Conclusions This is the first ever demonstration that TA has a causal effect on symptomatic outcome of a psychological treatment, and that poor TA is actively detrimental. These effects may extend to other therapeutic modalities and disorders.
Can Perioperative Chemotherapy for Advanced Gastric Cancer Be Recommended on the Basis of Current Research? A Critical Analysis

Purpose According to current guidelines, perioperative chemotherapy is an integral part of the treatment strategy for advanced gastric cancer. Randomized controlled studies have been conducted in order to determine whether perioperative chemotherapy leads to improved R0 resection rates, fewer recurrences, and prolonged survival. The aim of our project was to critically appraise three major studies to establish whether perioperative chemotherapy for advanced, potentially resectable gastric cancer can be recommended on the basis of their findings. Materials and Methods We analyzed the validity of the three most important studies (MAGIC, ACCORD, and EORTC) using a standardized questionnaire. Each study was evaluated for the study design, patient selection, randomization, changes in protocol, participating clinics, preoperative staging, chemotherapy, homogeneity of subjects, surgical quality, analysis of the results, and recruitment period. Results All three studies had serious shortcomings with respect to patient selection, homogeneity of subjects, changes in protocol, surgical quality, and analysis of the results. The protocols of the MAGIC and ACCORD-studies were changed during the study period because of insufficient recruitment, such that carcinomas of the lower esophagus and the stomach were examined collectively. In neither the MAGIC study nor the ACCORD study did patients undergo adequate lymphadenectomy, and only about half of the patients in the chemotherapy group could undergo the treatment specified in the protocol. The EORTC study had insufficient statistical power. Conclusions We concluded that none of the three studies was sufficiently robust to justify an unrestrained recommendation for perioperative chemotherapy in cases of advanced gastric cancer.
Parallel Implementation of Apriori Algorithm Based on MapReduce

Searching frequent patterns in transactional databases is considered as one of the most important data mining problems and Apriori is one of the typical algorithms for this task. Developing fast and efficient algorithms that can handle large volumes of data becomes a challenging task due to the large databases. In this paper, we implement a parallel Apriori algorithm based on MapReduce, which is a framework for processing huge datasets on certain kinds of distributable problems using a large number of computers (nodes). The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can scale well and efficiently process large datasets on commodity hardware.