Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Fundamental Frequency Estimator Based on Harmonic Pattern Match for Music Signals

The fundamental frequency (F0) is an ubiquitous and crucial feature of music signals. However, due to nonstationary noise, missing harmonics, nonideal, i.e., Undesired, physical vibration of the musical instruments, etc., the estimation of F0 represents a considerable challenge when desiring to obtain robust and reliable results. In this paper, a novel harmonic pattern match (HPM) algorithm for F0 estimation of music signals is proposed to achieve improved performance. The novel HPM algorithm relies on the autocorrelation both in the time domain and in the frequency domain, exploiting the spectrum subset to guide the searching of F0 candidates (FCs), and an efficient mechanism to evaluate the match between each FC and the harmonic pattern of the input signal. The harmonic pattern of the measured spectrum is converted into a set of sub-pitches, which are extracted from the segmented sub bands. Finally, the estimated F0 is selected to best match the sub-pitches under a weighting strategy. Validation experiments were carried out using a database representation of musical instruments consisting of single pitched notes and the viability of the HPM algorithm was demonstrated to be competitive with several other F0 estimators.
Can BRICS Form a Currency Union? An Analysis under Markov Regime-Switching Framework

The article applies Markov Regime-Switching Model (MRSM) to explore the prospects of forming currency union among BRICS countries. Our data span the period before and after the formation of the group, and the study compares the regime-switching behaviour of their real exchange rate markets accordingly. The analysis found divergent real exchange market behaviour of the member countries before the formation of the group. However, after the integration of economies, the convergences in central bank’s direct intervention behaviours are evident especially among India, China and South Africa. The study concludes that the inclusion of the stronger policy interaction in the region now and future, especially in monetary management, unveils the chance of a strong currency union among BRICS members.
Permanent magnet synchronous generator based stand-alone wind energy supply system

Summary form only given: In this paper a novel algorithm, based on dc link voltage, is proposed for effective energy management of a standalone permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) based variable speed wind energy conversion system consisting of battery, fuel cell and dump load (i.e., electrolyzer). Moreover, by maintaining the dc link voltage at its reference value, the output ac voltage of the inverter can be kept constant irrespective of variations in the wind speed and load. An effective control technique for the inverter, based on PWM scheme, has been developed to make the line voltages at the point of common coupling (PCC) balanced when the load is unbalanced. Similarly, a proper control of battery current through dc-dc converter has been carried out to reduce the electrical torque pulsation of the PMSG under unbalanced load scenario. Based on extensive simulation results using MATLAB/SIMULINK it has been established that the performance of the controllers both in transient as well as in steady state is quite satisfactory and it can also maintain maximum power point tracking.
Analog Circuit Calibration with Single Poly Non-Volatile Memories

A single poly non-volatile memory module for analog circuit calibration fabricated in a standard 350 nm CMOS process is presented. This module performs the read, program and verify operations for non-volatile storage applications. This circuitry can be used, e.g. for storing data to individually adjust sensitive device parameters of biomedical analog front ends to meet precisely the target specifications. The module can be embedded in analog or mixed signal chips based on 350 nm CMOS technology.
L'impact des chocs externes dans les économies du Mercosur: un modèle VAR Structurel

Cette etude vise a determiner les causes de la destabilisation des pays du Mercosur ces dernieres annees, a l'origine du flottement des monnaies. A l'aide d'un VAR Structurel, nous analysons l'impact d'une politique monetaire restrictive des Etats-Unis, d'une baisse de la confiance des marches financiers, et d'une hausse des prix mondiaux des produits agricoles sur les secteurs reel, financier et monetaire de ces pays. La vulnerabilite des economies a ces chocs revele le defaut de soutenabilite des regimes de change en place durant cette periode. En outre, bien que les reactions des pays a chaque type de choc soient proches, des divergences subsistent du fait de l'heterogeneite des structures macroeconomiques et financieres des pays.
A comprehensive text analysis for Bengali TTS using unicode

Communication is a very natural characteristic of every creature. Sometimes we use different symbols, or many formed languages to communicate each other. Every Languages we use are able for both oral and text communications. Writing symbols is a way to express our intentions through using any physical material. As we have oral communication capability too which we could use exactly as we want to speak or read something from a written text. Machine is not capable to speak by its own. It needs commands, instructions and little intelligence. It is important to learn the basic elements of a language before we speak properly. If we can understand letters of that language then we can speak words and then a sentence. So without understanding or analyzing a text completely it is quite difficult to build such a better TTS (Text To Speech) [11] in any language. In this paper we discussed various ways of analyzing a Bengali text, and how to prepare this text for a better TTS development. We have also discussed various aspects of model and necessary implementation approach based on text analysis. Bengali text parsing and analyzing are extensively discussed here.
Feasibility of Performing Total Skin-Sparing Mastectomy in Patients With Prior Circumareolar Mastopexy or Reduction Mammoplasty Incisions.

INTRODUCTION Total skin-sparing mastectomy (TSSM) techniques with preservation of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) skin are becoming increasingly popular due to improved cosmesis without compromise in oncologic safety. However, these techniques are not routinely offered to patients who have undergone previous breast surgery involving circumareolar incisions due to concern for NAC viability. METHODS We reviewed the outcomes of TSSM in 11 patients who underwent 21 TSSM procedures at our institution between 2008 and 2011. All patients had undergone previous breast surgery including reduction mammaplasty (7 breasts), mastopexy (4 breasts), augmentation (3 breasts), and combined mastopexy-augmentation (7 breasts). Incisions from previous breast surgery included circumareolar (11 cases) and Wise pattern (10 cases) incisions. All patients underwent TSSM through an inframammary incision followed by immediate tissue expander reconstruction and subsequent implant exchange. Patient demographics, previous breast surgery details, tumor and treatment characteristics, and postoperative complications were reviewed. RESULTS Mean patient age was 43 years (range, 35-53 years) and mean body mass index was 24 kg/m (range, 19-32 kg/m). Mean follow-up was 10.2 months (range, 3-20 months). Indications for TSSM included prophylactic risk reduction in 10 cases, in situ cancer in 2 cases, and invasive cancer in 9 cases. Mean time from previous breast surgery to mastectomy was 6.9 years (range, 6 months-26 years). Major complications requiring operative reintervention included 1 (4.8%) case of cellulitis requiring expander removal and 2 (9.5%) cases of wound breakdown requiring operative closure. There were no complications involving the NAC. CONCLUSIONS Total skin-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction can safely be performed in patients who have undergone previous breast surgery involving circumareolar incisions. Our preferred technique in this group of patients is to perform TSSM through an inframammary incision with 2-stage expander-implant reconstruction to minimize NAC ischemia and subsequent complications.
Meta-Analysis of Microarrays: Diagnostic value of microRNA-21 as a Biomarker for Lung Cancer

Background: MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) has previously been demonstrated as a potential biomarker in diagnosis of various human tumors. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the possibility of miR-21 as a biomarker for early detection of lung cancer. Methods: Relevant lung cancer-related miRNA microarray datasets were collected from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and EBI ArrayExpress database up to February 2014. Quality control of the output data was estimated using Limma package and ExiMiR package in R. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from selected datasets was pooled. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic, and a p value <0.0. 05 or I2 >50% was defined as significant heterogeneity. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the stability of the pooled results. Four miRNA datasets (GSE24704, GSE17681, GSE27486 and GSE40738) from blood samples were selected, including 153 lung cancer patients and 109 healthy people. Results: The pooled results generated by random-effects model revealed that no significant difference was observed between case and control groups (SMD = 0.58; 95% CI, −0.04 to 1.19; p = 0.07) with significant heterogeneity (p = 0.0032, I2 = 78.2%; p = 0.06). Sensitivity analysis indicated that the results of the meta-analysis were stable. Conclusions: MiR-21 expression levels in whole blood and peripheral blood cells did not show significant differences between lung cancer patients and healthy controls, and it might be ineffective to measure miR-21 expression to achieve an early diagnosis of lung cancer.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Macrotermes barneyi Light (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The complete nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Macrotermes barneyi Light (Isoptera: Termitidae) was determined. This mitochondrial genome is 15,940 bp with 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and an A+T-rich region. Gene positions and directions are identical to that of the pupative ancestral arrangement of insects. All protein-coding genes start with ATN codon. Seven protein-coding genes stop with termination codon TAA. Four protein-coding genes use incomplete stop codons TA and two use T. The base composition of M. barneyi mitochondrial genome is normal to most insects. All of the 22 tRNA genes, ranging from 63 to 76 bp, have a typical cloverleaf structure except for trnS2. In trnS2, D-stem pairings in the DHU (dihydrouridine) arm is absent as in many sequenced insect species. Five elements characterized by A+T-rich region of the insect mitochondrial genome are found on their conserved arrangement. However, no repeat sequence is present on the downstream of the A+T-rich region.
Investment opportunities and cash holdings of firms: an empirical study on Korean firms

ABSTRACT We find that the cash flow sensitivity of cash holdings of firms whose investment opportunities are lower is significantly higher by examining a panel data of 898 Korean firms for 1999–2014. The cash flow sensitivity of investment is also found to be lower in case of low investment opportunity. Both findings suggest that firms decide to hold cash in response to an increase in cash flow when they do not have a good investment opportunity. Precautionary motive because of financial constraints and uncertainty, and agency problems, however, are not associated with the cash flow sensitivity of cash holdings. These findings imply that it is necessary to develop new investment opportunities to encourage firms to spend more cash in Korea.
Towards multi-user brain-robot interfaces for humanoid robot control

Brain-controlled robots as a “surrogate presence” for humans may appear only a vision to date. However, the field of brain-robot interfacing is making rapid progress. Humanoid robots are ideal candidates for providing such a “surrogate presence”, because they have the same embodiment as humans. Telepresence scenarios, such as “virtual” meetings, imply that not only one robot controlled by one human user is present, but that several users interact with each other mediated by their robots. Inspired by this scenario, we present a multi-user brain-robot interface, where currently two users control one humanoid robot each and interact with each other in a shared space. Brain-control is based on an asynchronous, dynamic and hybrid EEG-based brain-robot interface. We investigated two types of interaction: collaboration and competition. System performance was evaluated in a user study with 12 participants. Our results show that all users are capable of controlling the robots in the complex tasks. The complexity, however, imposes a high cognitive load that hampers focusing on the interaction with the other user.
Analytical Profiling of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in Argan (Argania spinosa) Leaves by Combined Microextraction by Packed Sorbent (MEPS) and LC-DAD-MS/MS.

INTRODUCTION The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is an endemic species from south-western Morocco. Argan-based preparations have been widely used in Moroccan traditional medicine for their biological properties, as well as for several cosmetic purposes. Whereas kernel, pulp of fruit and trunk have been extensively studied for their nutritional and pharmacological effects, relatively little is known about argan tree leaves. OBJECTIVE The main purpose of the present study is to investigate and characterise the bioactive phenolic fractions in both crude and aqueous extracts derived from argan tree leaves. METHODOLOGY A qualitative profile of the antioxidant phenolic compounds in argan leaves was obtained by means of structural hypothesis based on UV spectra and mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns. Moreover, selected phenolics were quantified in argan leaves by using a fully validated method based on liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS/MS). All the extracts were purified by a fast and reliable microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) procedure, before analysing them by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Based on retention times, mass spectrometric fragmentation and UV spectra, 13 phenolic compounds were identified or tentatively elucidated from crude and aqueous extracts derived from Argania spinosa leaves, while seven compounds were quantified in both extracts. CONCLUSION The obtained results could represent a first step towards a complete characterisation of the argan plant, its bioactive profiling and the valorisation of its by-products as a source of potentially beneficial bioactive molecules.
Interstitial pO2 in Ischemic Penumbra and Core are Differentially Affected following Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats

Stroke causes heterogeneous changes in tissue oxygenation, with a region of decreased blood flow, the penumbra, surrounding a severely damaged ischemic core. Treatment of acute ischemic stroke aims to save this penumbra before its irreversible damage by continued ischemia. However, effective treatment remains elusive due to incomplete understanding of processes leading to penumbral death. While oxygenation is central in ischemic neuronal death, it is unclear exactly what actual changes occur in interstitial oxygen tension (pO2) in ischemic regions during stroke, particularly the penumbra. Using the unique capability of in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) oximetry to measure localized interstitial pO2, we measured both absolute values, and temporal changes of pO2 in ischemic penumbra and core during ischemia and reperfusion in a rat model. Ischemia rapidly decreased interstitial pO2 to 32% ± 7.6% and 4% ± 0.6% of pre-ischemic values in penumbra and core, respectively 1 hour after ischemia. Importantly, whilst reperfusion restored core pO2 close to its pre-ischemic value, penumbral pO2 only partially recovered. Hyperoxic treatment significantly increased penumbral pO2 during ischemia, but not in the core, and also increased penumbral pO2 during reperfusion. These divergent, important changes in pO2 in penumbra and core were explained by combined differences in cellular oxygen consumption rates and microcirculation conditions. We therefore demonstrate that interstitial pO2 in penumbra and core is differentially affected during ischemia and reperfusion, providing new insights to the pathophysiology of stroke. The results support normobaric hyperoxia as a potential early intervention to save penumbral tissue in acute ischemic stroke.
Cladistic Analysis of Human Apolipoprotein A4 Polymorphisms in Relation to Quantitative Plasma Lipid Risk Factors of Coronary Heart Disease

Genetic variation in several genes involved in lipid metabolism is known to affect population variation in quantitative lipid risk factor profiles for coronary heart disease (CHD). The apolipoprotein A‐IV gene (APOA4) is one such candidate gene. We genotyped five polymorphisms in the APOA4 gene (codon 127, codon 130, codon347, codon 360 and 3’ VNTR) and investigated their impact on plasma lipid trait levels in three populations comprising 604 U.S. non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs), 408 U.S. Hispanics and 708 Nigerian Blacks. Cladistic analysis was carried out to identify 5‐site haplotypes that were associated with significant phenotypic differences in each population. The distribution of APOA4 genotypes was significantly different between ethnic groups. The Africans were monomorphic for two of the five sites (codons 130 and 360), but possess a unique 12 bp insertion that was not observed in NHWs and Hispanics. Due to linkage disequilibrium between the sites, only 6 haplotypes were observed in NHWs and Hispanics, and 4 in Africans. Several gender‐and ethnic‐specific associations between genotypes and plasma lipid traits were observed when single sites were used. Several haplotypes were identified by cladistic analysis that may carry functional mutations that affect plasma lipid trait levels.
Difference in time to positivity of hub-blood versus nonhub-blood cultures is not useful for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients

ObjectiveThe differential time to positivity (DTTP), defined as the difference in time necessary for the blood cultures taken by a peripheral puncture and through the catheter to become positive has been suggested to be useful in differentiating between catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) and other sources of bacteremia. A DTTP of >120 mins was found predominantly in CR-BSI. The objective of our study was to investigate whether DTTP is useful for the diagnosis of CR-BSI in a medical-surgical intensive care unit. DesignProspective clinical study. SettingA 60-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. PatientsOne hundred consecutive adult patients from whom catheter(s) were to be removed for suspected CR-BSI were studied. InterventionA blood culture (using aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles) was first taken from a new puncture site. Next, a blood culture was taken through every intravascular catheter in place. Measurements and Results DTTP was calculated using the automated BacT/Alert blood culture system. Three patients had CR-BSI and nine patients had noncatheter-related bacteremia. Five patients had catheter-related sepsis without proven bacteremia. There was no significant difference in median DTTP between patients with CR-BSI and noncatheter-related bacteremia (2.1 hrs and 3.3 hrs, respectively;p = .6). Moreover, catheter-related sepsis in patients without bacteremia could not be detected using DTTP. ConclusionDTTP seems not to be useful for the diagnosis of CR-BSI in a medical-surgical intensive care unit.
Persistent asthma increases the risk of chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study of 2354 patients with asthma

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem with well‐established risk factors. Other contributing factors, however, remain to be identified. Systemic inflammation in asthma plays a significant role in the development of other diseases. We therefore initiated a study to assess whether the growing prevalence of asthma is associated with an increase in the risk of CKD. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from 3015 patients with asthma aged 14 years and older who were registered and followed up in Asthma Control Study at the Department of Respiratory Medicine of three medical centers from 2005 to 2011. History, asthma control test (ACT), and asthma stage were used to assess the traits of asthma. CKD was defined as proteinuria and/or reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2) in two consecutive follow‐up surveys. We used logistic regression models, adjusting for age, sex, and other confounding factor to determine associations between the traits of asthma and CKD. Kaplan‐Meier curves were used to analyze patient outcomes. Results A total of 2354 subjects with complete data were recruited for this study with mean age (45.4±10.4) years. After 6 years of follow‐up, 9.6% (n=227) of the analytic cohort developed proteinuria and 3.1% (n=72) progressed to eGFR <60 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2. The patients with >20 years asthma history, not well‐controlled or persistent asthma patients had higher incidence of proteinuria and reduced eGFR compared with patients with ≤20 years asthma history, at least well‐controlled or remission asthma, respectively. The multivariable adjusted OR for proteinuria and reduced eGFR in participants with persistent asthma was 1.49; (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17‐1.91) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.34‐4.42). Compared to patients with no asthma traits, there was a significant risk (OR, 3.39; 95% CI 1.36‐8.73) for those who met all three traits, including asthma history >20 years, not well‐controlled and persistent stage, after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Conclusions In this retrospective cohort study, we found that persistent asthma was associated with an increased risk of CKD, which was independent of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other well‐established risk factors. Future studies should be directed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association between asthma and CKD.
How Financial Conditions Matter Differently Across Latin America

This paper develops comparable financial conditions indices (FCIs) for the six large and most financially-integrated Latin American economies (LA6) by following Korobilis (2013) and Koop and Korobilis (2014). The main findings are as follows. First, the estimated FCIs are influenced by a commodity cycle, a global financial cycle, as well as country-specific episodes of financial distress. Second, by early 2017, financial conditions remained favorable in most LA6 economies relative to historical standards. Third, the impact of financial shocks on economic activity widely varies across LA6 and is otherwise found to be stronger in periods of financial stress. Fourth, exposure to regional financial spillovers also differs across LA6.