Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parameter masks for close talk speech segregation using deep neural networks

A deep neural networks (DNN) based close talk speech segregation algorithm is introduced. One nearby microphone is used to collect the target speech as close talk indicated, and another microphone is used to get the noise in environments. The time and energy difference between the two microphones signal is used as the segregation cue. A DNN estimator on each frequency channel is used to calculate the parameter masks. The parameter masks represent the target speech energy in each time frequency (T-F) units. Experiment results show the good performance of the proposed system. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) improvement is 8.1 dB on 0 dB noisy environment.
Influence of Propulsion Type on the Stratified Near Wake of an Axisymmetric Self-Propelled Body

To better understand the influence of swirl on the thermally-stratified near wake of a self-propelled axisymmetric vehicle, three propulsor schemes were considered: a single propeller, contra-rotating propellers (CRP), and a zero-swirl, uniform-velocity jet. The propellers were modeled using an Actuator-Line model in an unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes simulation, where the Reynolds number is R e L = 3.1 × 10 8 using the freestream velocity and body length. The authors previously showed good comparison to experimental data with this approach. Visualization of vortical structures shows the helical paths of blade-tip vortices from the single propeller as well as the complicated vortical interaction between contra-rotating blades. Comparison of instantaneous and time-averaged fields shows that temporally stationary fields emerge by half of a body length downstream. Circumferentially-averaged axial velocity profiles show similarities between the single propeller and CRP in contrast to the jet configuration. Swirl velocity of the CRP, however, was attenuated in comparison to that of the single propeller case. Mixed-patch contour maps illustrate the unique temperature distribution of each configuration as a consequence of their respective swirl profiles. Finally, kinetic and potential energy is integrated along downstream axial planes to reveal key differences between the configurations. The CRP configuration creates less potential energy by reducing swirl that would otherwise persist in the near wake of a single-propeller wake.
Ionic Liquid Pretreatment of Rice Straw to Enhance Saccharification and Bioethanol Production

In this study, rice straw was pretreated by an ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ((EMIM)(OAc)), prior to enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol production. The pretreatment was carried out at 120 °C for 5 h under atmospheric pressure. Afterward, saccharification was conducted at 45 °C for 72 h using 20 FPU cellulase and 30 IU β- glucosidase per gram of cellulose. Glucose yield was significantly increased from 25.7% for the untreated straw to over 75% for the treated straw. Moreover, the ethanol yield by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation was improved from 35.6% for the untreated straw to 79.7% for the treated straw. SEM images showed more open and accessible structure for the treated straw compared to the untreated one which assisted the penetration of hydrolytic enzymes in the saccharification and fermentation. From FTIR analysis, it was suggested that the crystallinity reduction and conversion of cellulose I to II are the main changes in the straw as a result of the pretreatment.
Using Social-Networking Sites in Learning English Language and Students’ Self-Efficacy

This paper aims to explore the academic students’ purposes for using social-networking sites (SNSs) to enhance self-efficacy (SE) of learning English language. The SE is the appropriate theory that explains effectiveness of using SNSs on academic students’ beliefs and performance positively. This study involves 286 participants from Umm AL-Qura University (UQU) in Mecca to answer a questionnaire. The results of the study show that there is no significant difference between male and female groups in familiarity with SNSs. The most important academic purpose of using SNSs item for students was to let them communicate with classmates on course topics and share ideas conveniently. There was a significant positive correlation between academic purposes (AP) for using SNSs and students’ SE (r = 0.256, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis shows that AP do not have significant effect on students’ SE (β = 0.077, p > 0.05). The results recommend that using SNSs in academic field with regulated learning environment may promote effective learning English language.
Advanced Modeling of Accelerators for Next Generation Light Sources

Next generation light sources are critical to scientific discovery in numerous fields such as materials science, chemistry, and the biosciences. In this paper, we will review status of accelerator modeling of next generation light sources and report on the progress that we have made in developing advanced computational tools for high fidelity start-to-end simulation and optimization of these sources. We will present numerical methods and application examples for modeling of a next generation FEL-based light source.
2 conditions

Atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) was measured continuously from the Penlee Point Atmospheric Observatory (PPAO) near Plymouth, United Kingdom between May 2014 and November 2015. This coastal site is exposed to marine air 10 across a wide wind sector. The predominant southwesterly winds carry relatively clean background Atlantic air. In contrast, air from the southeast is heavily influenced by exhaust plumes from ships in the English Channel as well as near the Plymouth Sound. New International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulation came in to force in January 2015 to reduce the maximum allowed sulfur content in ships’ fuel tenfold in Sulfur Emission Control Areas such as the English Channel. Our observations suggest a three-fold reduction in ship-emitted SO2 from 2014 to 2015. Apparent fuel sulfur content calculated from coincidental 15 SO2 and carbon dioxide (CO2) peaks from local ship plumes show a high level of compliance to the IMO regulation (>95%) in both years (~70% of ships in 2014 were already emitting at levels below the 2015 cap). Dimethylsulfide (DMS) is an important source of atmospheric SO2 even in this semi-polluted region. The relative contribution of DMS oxidation to the SO2 burden over the English Channel increased from ~1/3 in 2014 to ~1/2 in 2015 due to the reduction in ship sulfur emissions. Our diel analysis suggests that SO2 is removed from the marine atmospheric boundary layer in about half a day, with dry deposition to the ocean 20 accounting for a quarter of the total loss.
The role of plasma membrane transporters in chloride homeostasis of developing auditory brainstem neurons

Compared to our current knowledge of neuronal excitation, little is known about the development and maturation of inhibitory circuits. Recent studies show that inhibitory circuits develop and mature in a similar way like excitatory circuit. One such similarity is the development through excitation, irrespective of its inhibitory nature. Here in this current study, I used the inhibitory projection between the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the lateral superior olive (LSO) as a model system to unravel some aspects of the development of inhibitory synapses. In LSO neurons of the rat auditory brainstem, glycine receptor-mediated responses change from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing during the first two postnatal weeks (Kandler and Friauf 1995, J. Neurosci. 15:6890-6904). The depolarizing effect of glycine is due to a high intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl-]i), which induces a reversal potential of glycine (EGly) more positive than the resting membrane potential (Vrest). In older LSO neurons, the hyperpolarizing effect is due to a low [Cl-]i (Ehrlich et al., 1999, J. Physiol. 520:121-137). Aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism behind Clhomeostasis in LSO neurons which determines polarity of glycine response. To do so, the role and developmental expression of Cl-cotransporters, such as NKCC1 and KCC2 were investigated. Molecular biological and gramicidin perforated patchclamp experiments revealed, the role of KCC2 as an outward Cl-cotransporter in mature LSO neurons (Balakrishnan et al., 2003, J Neurosci. 23:4134-4145). But, NKCC1 does not appear to be involved in accumulating chloride in immature LSO neurons. Further experiments, indicated the role of GABA and glycine transporters (GAT1 and GLYT2) in accumulating Cl- in immature LSO neurons. Finally, the experiments with hypothyroid animals suggest the possible role of thyroid hormone in the maturation of inhibitory synapse. Altogether, this thesis addressed the molecular mechanism underlying the Cl- regulation in LSO neurons and deciphered it to some extent.
Dynamics of a mesoscopic nuclear spin ensemble interacting with an optically driven electron spin

The ability to discriminate between simultaneously occurring noise sources in the local environment of semiconductor InGaAs quantum dots, such as electric and magnetic field fluctuations, is key to understanding their respective dynamics and their effect on quantum dot coherence properties. We present a discriminatory approach to all-optical sensing based on two-color resonance fluorescence of a quantum dot charged with a single electron. Our measurements show that local magnetic field fluctuations due to nuclear spins in the absence of an external magnetic field are described by two correlation times, both in the microsecond regime. The nuclear spin bath dynamics show a strong dependence on the strength of resonant probing, with correlation times increasing by a factor of 4 as the optical transition is saturated. We interpret the behavior as motional averaging of both the Knight field of the resident electron spin and the hyperfine-mediated nuclear spin-spin interaction due to optically induced electron spin flips.
Intermittency and local Reynolds number in Navier-Stokes turbulence: A cross-over scale in the Caffarelli-Kohn-Nirenberg integral

We study space-time integrals, which appear in the Caffarelli-Kohn-Nirenberg (CKN) theory for the Navier-Stokes equations analytically and numerically. The key quantity is written in standard notations δ(r)=1/(νr)∫Qr∇u2dxdt, which can be regarded as a local Reynolds number over a parabolic cylinder Qr. First, by re-examining the CKN integral, we identify a cross-over scale r*∝L‖∇u‖L22¯‖∇u‖L∞21/3, at which the CKN Reynolds number δ(r) changes its scaling behavior. This reproduces a result on the minimum scale rmin in turbulence: r min 2‖∇u‖∞∝ν, consistent with a result of Henshaw et al. [“On the smallest scale for the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations,” Theor. Comput. Fluid Dyn. 1, 65 (1989)10.1007/BF00272138]. For the energy spectrum E(k) ∝ k−q (1 < q < 3), we show that r* ∝ νa with a=43(3−q)−1. Parametric representations are then obtained as ‖∇u‖∞∝ν−(1+3a)/2 and rmin ∝ ν3(a+1)/4. By the assumptions of the regularity and finite energy dissipation rate in the inviscid limit, we derive limp→∞ζpp=1−ζ2 .
MOLECULAR ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIAL DATE PALM CULTIVARS IN LYBIA USING ISSR AND SRAP PCR-BASED MARKERS

Khalifa S. N. , M. M. Shehata, A. F. Abodoma, A. F. Al-Kumbezy (2016): Molecular analysis of commercial date palm cultivars in Lybia using ISSR and SRAP PCRbased markers Genetika, Vol 48, No. 1, 307 -322. Little is known about the molecular structure of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) despite its importance as invaluable drought tolerant crop. Intervarietal variation and cultivar identification are crucial for breeding and gene bank conservation of this plant worldwide. In this work, two PCR based marker systems (ISSR and SRAP) were applied on top quality eight commercial cultivars in Libya (Umfetity, Bekrary, Alhamraya, Sufeer Genab, Alsaeedy Show, Farag Barameel, Majhool Alheelo and Alkhadraya). DNA variations were explored using eleven ISSR and nine combinations of SRAP markers. All markers used generated polymorphic bands among the different cultivars that can be used as molecular markers for their differentiation. The genetic distance between cultivars was also estimated from banding patterns. Our results indicate that ISSR and SRAP systems can efficiently identify and differentiate between the selected cultivars. This work can be used as a model to establish a road map for all date palm cultivars worldwide.
Binary supermassive black hole environments diminish the gravitational wave signal in the pulsar timing band

We assess the effects of supermassive black hole (SMBH) environments on the gravitational wave (GW) signal from binary SMBHs. To date, searches with pulsar timing arrays for GWs from binary SMBHs, in the frequency band ∼1–100 nHz, include the assumptions that all binaries are circular and evolve only through GW emission. However, dynamical studies have shown that the only way that binary SMBH orbits can decay to separations where GW emission dominates the evolution is through interactions with their environments. We augment an existing galaxy and SMBH formation and evolution model with calculations of binary SMBH evolution in stellar environments, accounting for non-zero binary eccentricities. We find that coupling between binaries and their environments causes the expected GW spectral energy distribution to be reduced with respect to the standard assumption of circular, GW-driven binaries, for frequencies up to ∼20 nHz. Larger eccentricities at binary formation further reduce the signal in this regime. We also find that GW bursts from individual eccentric binary SMBHs are unlikely to be detectable with current pulsar timing arrays. The uncertainties in these predictions are large, owing to observational uncertainty in SMBH–galaxy scaling relations and the galaxy stellar mass function, uncertainty in the nature of binary–environment coupling and uncertainty in the numbers of the most massive binary SMBHs. We conclude, however, that low-frequency GWs from binary SMBHs may be more difficult to detect with pulsar timing arrays than currently thought.
Morphological characterization of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) germplasm under rainfed environment

In this study, 11 potato cultivars were assessed based on their genetic variability of different morphological parameters, including emergence percentage (%), date of flowering, plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, average leaf area, number of flowers per plant, number of stems per plant, and number of fruits per plant. All of these characters showed a high level of variation among all the varieties. Locally developed advanced line SH-19 showed maximum emergence percentage (92.33%). Among other characters, Asterix, Smeengi and SH-19 produced considerable amount of flowers per plant (37.39). Romeo touched the line, indicating three stems per plant and was grouped into a separate group ‘A’. Cultivars Smeengi and Aziza, Leonardo and Avalanche carried 2.67 and 1 stem per plant respectively. Moreover, the 11 cultivars were ranked and grouped into 5 groups (A to E). For number of fruits/plant, means were not very much different from one another. The pyramid of variety Asterix was the highest, indicating that this genotype is efficient in bearing fruits. Variation was observed for tuber yield among all the cultivars and was not significantly high between replications of all varieties. Overall, there was highly significant variation for this character among all the potato cultivars. All the 11 varieties were grouped into seven homogeneous groups (A to G) in which the means are not significantly different from one another. Almost every variety was in a different group. Average yield for all the varieties ranged from 22 to 7 kg. Pyramid height for Desiree was highest, indicating that maximum yield (22 kg) was produced by this variety.
Economic growth and the external sector: Evidence from Korea, lessons for Mexico

In this paper, we have set up an empirical analysis of the Korean external sector between 1980 and 2015, in order to identify the potential relationships between economic growth, exports, imports and foreign direct investment. We chose to study Korea because is a country that has been taken as a reference of the export-led growth hypothesis in order to justify export-promoting policies in Mexico. The results of our four-variable vector autoregressive model suggest that exports and foreign direct investment are not driving economic growth in Korea. Therefore, one should be cautious about policies that promote such investment and export tools to boost economic growth.
Transporting the yield: Appropriate transport for agricultural production and marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa

The conventional approach towards agricultural transport in Sub-Saharan Africa focuses mostly on motorized transport. This approach is too narrow because it does not reflect the transport requirements and purchasing power of small-scale farmers. This paper explains why a broader approach that includes not only roads, but also paths and tracks; not only trucks but also intermediate means of transport such as donkeys, bicycles and animal carts can considerably improve agricultural transport. Even though the effects of an appropriate approach on agricultural production, marketing and income can be significant, it is more often rejected by decision-makers as primitive and backward.
Modeling Water Distribution Systems - Integration Between SCADA Systems and Hydraulic Network Simulation Models

The water distribution system conveys water from the water treatment plant (WTP) to the user. A significant amount of the water is lost in the transit. The International Water Supply Association (IWSA) claims that the amount is typically 20-30% of the total water production depending on the overall state of the distribution system (Hunaidi et al., 2000). There is a great variation of the pipe material and the quality of construction of trenches for pipelines. Therefore, some distribution systems may lose as much as 50%. IWSA made a survey, which stated that the major cause of unaccounted for water loss is leakage. VAV wants to investigate options to optimize the efficiency of water used, and of the water demand strategies, to increase the reliability of the service provided. The motivation for this is that future projections for water demand in Oslo resulting from population growth are considered unacceptable. As such, the future goal of VAV is to maintain a stable and constant water production close to 100 mill. m3/year in the coming years regardless of the population growth (Hovedplan vannforsyning 2015-2030, 2015). This can be achieved by reducing specific water consumption and by reducing water leakages in the network from about 30% to less than 20%. In order to achieve these goals, there is a need to promote new thinking and smart innovations for the water services. This master thesis will specifically focus on analysing the specifications of a supervisory control and data aquisition (SCADA) system to be able to retrieve consistent data, in the right format, in order to calibrate hydraulic network simulation models (HNSMs). Among the main results from the thesis is the establishment of a link between a centralized SCADA database and a HNSM. Useful insights in data extraction will be provided together with an example of how the data can be used in model refinement. A pilot system of the water supply in Oslo, called the E3-network, has been used as an example. The HNSM used has been refined by implementing new demand patterns calculated from actual, retrieved data from a data historian. Also, the β-value of the model has been refined in order for the model to be more accurate.
Coping with the events of daily life and quality of life of the socially active elderly

background Late adulthood is a period in which the number of stressors is increasing; therefore, strategies of coping with these situations may be significant in terms of the subjective evaluation of the quality of life and adaptation to old age. The objective of this paper was to examine the relationships between proactive coping and the quality of life in people in late adulthood. The quality of life was assessed using the Polish version of the CASP-19.
yzBigData: Provisioning Customizable Solution for Big Data

YZStack is our developing solution which implements many well-established big data techniques as selectable modules and allows users to customize their systems as a process of module selection. In particular, it includes an openstack based IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) layer, a distributed file system based DaaS (Data as a Service) layer, a PaaS (Platform as a Service) layer equipped with parallel processing techniques and a SaaS (Software as a Service) layer with popular data analytic algorithms. Layers of YZStack are loosely connected, so that customization of one layer does not affect the other layers and their interactions. In this paper, we use a smart financial system developed for the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Finance to demonstrate how to leverage YZStack to speed up the implementation of big data system. We also introduce two popular applications of the financial system, economic prediction and detection of improper payment.
Worsening Renal Function in Acute Decompensated Systolic Heart Failure; Observations from RASHF Registry, an Iranian Heart Failure Registry

: Background: Heart Failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Additionally, Worsening Renal Function (WRF) during hospitalization has a significant effect on re-hospitalization and mortality in such patients. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and prognostic significance of WRF complicating acute HF in patients enrolled into Rajaie Acute Systolic Heart Failure (RASHF) registry. Patients and Methods: RASHF registry is a single-center, prospective, observational, hospital-based study of systolic HF patients with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% admitted with acute decompensation. The patients were enrolled for 10 months from March 2012 to February 2013. The primary endpoint of the study was WRF. In addition, the secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and death within 3 months after discharge. Results: This study was performed on 230 patients (82% male). About one thirds of the patients (29.1%) developed WRF. Although some characteristics of the patients with WRF, including etiology of HF, NYHA functional class, and presence of risk factors, were similar to those of other patients, they were older, had more congestive symptoms, and had higher baseline creatinine levels. The incidence of in-hospital mortality was 9.6%. Length of hospital stay (14 days versus 8 days, P Conclusions: WRF was quite common in the patients with Acute Heart Failure (AHF) and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality and decrease in early survival after discharge.