Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upsampling Layers for Music Source Separation

Upsampling artifacts are caused by problematic upsampling layers, and due to spectral replicas that emerge while upsampling. Also, depending on the used upsampling layer, such artifacts can either be tonal (additive high-frequency noise) or filtering artifacts (substractive, attenuating some bands). We investigate the practical implications of having upsampling artifacts in the resulting audio, by studying how different artifacts interact and assessing their impact on the models' performance. To that end, we benchmark a large set of upsampling layers for music source separation: different transposed and sub-pixel convolution setups, different interpolation upsamplers (including two novel layers based on stretch and sinc interpolation), and different wavelet-based upsamplers (including a novel learnable wavelet layer). Our results show that filtering artifacts, associated with interpolation upsamplers, are perceptually preferrable, even if they tend to achieve worse objective scores.
Performance-Complexity Tradeoffs in Greedy Weak Submodular Maximization with Random Sampling

Many problems in signal processing and machine learning can be formalized as weak submodular optimization tasks. For such problems, a simple greedy algorithm (\textsc{Greedy}) is guaranteed to find a solution achieving the objective with a value no worse than $1-e^{-1/c}$ of the optimal, where $c$ is the multiplicative weak-submodularity constant. Due to the high cost of querying large-scale systems, the complexity of \textsc{Greedy} becomes prohibitive in contemporary applications. In this work, we study the tradeoff between performance and complexity when one resorts to random sampling strategies to reduce the query complexity of \textsc{Greedy}. Specifically, we quantify the effect of uniform sampling strategies on \textsc{Greedy}'s performance through two metrics: (i) probability of identifying an optimal subset, and (ii) suboptimality with respect to the optimal solution. The latter implies that uniform sampling strategies with a fixed sampling size achieve a non-trivial approximation factor; however, we show that with overwhelming probability, these methods fail to find the optimal subset. Our analysis shows that the failure of uniform sampling strategies with fixed sample size can be circumvented by successively increasing the size of the search space. Building upon this insight, we propose a simple progressive stochastic greedy algorithm and study its approximation guarantees. Moreover, we demonstrate effectiveness of the proposed method in dimensionality reduction applications and feature selection tasks for clustering and object tracking.
Neural networks can understand compositional functions that humans do not, in the context of emergent communication

We show that it is possible to craft transformations that, applied to compositional grammars, result in grammars that neural networks can learn easily, but humans do not. This could explain the disconnect between current metrics of compositionality, that are arguably human-centric, and the ability of neural networks to generalize to unseen examples. We propose to use the transformations as a benchmark, ICY, which could be used to measure aspects of the compositional inductive bias of networks, and to search for networks with similar compositional inductive biases to humans. As an example of this approach, we propose a hierarchical model, HU-RNN, which shows an inductive bias towards position-independent, word-like groups of tokens.
Optimised MEMS-based reconfigurable VCO for a mobile receiver

This paper presents the design and implementation of an optimised MEMS-based reconfigurable VCO for a multi-standard mobile terminal for GSM900, DCS1800 and WCDMA standards. In this VCO design, the passive components, including inductors, capacitors and switches are replaced by MEMS components, to improve the system performance and reduce the system power consumption. Moreover, a phase noise optimisation algorithm is also proposed to optimise the VCO design for optimum system phase noise and minimum power consumption. Results show that a 50% reduction of power consumption is achieved when the MEMS components are used instead of the passive components. A 31% further reduction of power consumption is also achieved when the tail-current optimisation algorithm is applied. This characteristic makes the VCO a better candidate for wireless communication applications where power consumption is the major factor.
Factored Policy Gradients: Leveraging Structure for Efficient Learning in MOMDPs

Policy gradient methods can solve complex tasks but often fail when the dimensionality of the action-space or objective multiplicity grow very large. This occurs, in part, because the variance on score-based gradient estimators scales quadratically. In this paper, we address this problem through a factor baseline which exploits independence structure encoded in a novel action-target influence network. Factored policy gradients (FPGs), which follow, provide a common framework for analysing key state-of-the-art algorithms, are shown to generalise traditional policy gradients, and yield a principled way of incorporating prior knowledge of a problem domain's generative processes. We provide an analysis of the proposed estimator and identify the conditions under which variance is reduced. The algorithmic aspects of FPGs are discussed, including optimal policy factorisation, as characterised by minimum biclique coverings, and the implications for the bias-variance trade-off of incorrectly specifying the network. Finally, we demonstrate the performance advantages of our algorithm on large-scale bandit and traffic intersection problems, providing a novel contribution to the latter in the form of a spatial approximation.
Questioning in the Qualitative Research Process How ICT can support this process

To start scientific research, irrespective of the area of expertise, is important the drafting of one or more research questions or research problem. However, the idea of formulating one is always a challenge. Some do not know where to start and question whether the question is well formulated. This paper aims to clarify and reinforce the importance of formulating the research problem and/or question, where to get inspiration for its compilation, what are the steps to be followed for its refinement and what is its usefulness during the research process. We also intend to recommend the use of some software packages that assist the researcher, during questioning in other research phases, and thus maintain internal coherence throughout the research, as well as obtain an answer to the research question.
Finite element modelling of ceramics and glass, an addendum - A bibliography (1998-2004)

Purpose - Ceramic materials and glasses have become important in modern industry as well as in the consumer environment. Heat resistant ceramics are used in the metal forming processes or as welding and brazing fixtures, etc. Ceramic materials are frequently used in industries where a wear and chemical resistance are required criteria (seals, liners, grinding wheels, machining tools, etc.). Electrical, magnetic and optical properties of ceramic materials are important in electrical and electronic industries where these materials are used as sensors and actuators, integrated circuits, piezoelectric transducers, ultrasonic devices, microwave devices, magnetic tapes, and in other applications. A significant amount of literature is available on the finite element modelling (FEM) of ceramics and glass. This paper gives a listing of these published papers and is a continuation of the author's bibliography entitled "Finite element modelling of ceramics and glass" and published in Engineering Computations, Vol. 16, 1999, pp. 510-71 for the period 1977-1998. Design/methodology/approach - The form of the paper is a bibliography. Listed references have been retrieved from the author's database, MAKEBASE. Also Compendex has been checked. The period is 1998-2004. Findings - Provides a listing of 1,432 references. The following topics are included: ceramics - material and mechanical properties in general, ceramic coatings and joining problems, ceramic composites, piezoceramics, ceramic tools and machining, material processing simulations, fracture mechanics and damage, applications of ceramic/composites in engineering, glass - material and mechanical properties in general, glass fiber composites, material processing simulations, fracture mechanics and damage, and applications of glasses in engineering. Originality/value - This paper makes it easy for professionals working with the numerical methods with applications to ceramics and glasses to be up-to-date in an effective way.
Evaluating Domain-Specific Languages for the Development of OPC UA Based Applications

Abstract The OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is becoming more and more important for industrial automation products. The development of OPC UA components is currently supported by the use of special SDKs for OPC UA. However, these SDKs provide only low level support for creating OPC UA based applications. This leads to higher efforts in developing such applications. The domain-specific metamodel that OPC UA defines could serve as a good basis for creating domain-specific languages on a higher abstraction level. This has the potential of significantly reducing development efforts. In this paper, we analyse the various use cases within the development of OPC UA applications for their potential to be supported by a domain-specific language.
Monitoring of ageing chips of semiconductor power modules using eddy current sensor

The relevance of the eddy current sensing technique to monitor the ageing state of electronic power modules has been experimentally studied. To do so, a commercial eddy current sensor was implemented for the evaluation of COOLMOSTM transistor chips soldered on a direct copper bonded ceramic substrate of a power module. The measurement data obtained over a large frequency bandwidth were analysed in the normalised complex impedance plane. The analysis shows that the sensor enables the chip and the substrate to be separately sensed. Furthermore, the ageing state of artificially aged chips can be clearly monitored. These preliminary results allow the design of eddy current micro-sensors dedicated to power module in-service monitoring purposes to be envisaged.
Activation of canonical Wnt signaling accelerates intramembranous bone regeneration in male mice

Canonical Wnt signaling plays an important role in skeletal development, homeostasis, and both endochondral and intramembranous repair. While studies have demonstrated that the inhibition of Wnt signaling impairs intramembranous bone regeneration, how its activation affects intramembranous bone regeneration has been underexplored. Therefore, we sought to determine the effects of activation of canonical Wnt signaling on intramembranous bone regeneration by using the well‐established marrow ablation model. We hypothesized that mice with a mutation in the Wnt ligand coreceptor gene Lrp5 would have accelerated intramembranous bone regeneration. Male and female wild‐type and Lrp5‐mutant mice underwent unilateral femoral bone marrow ablation surgery in the right femur at 4 weeks of age. Both the left intact and right operated femurs were assessed at Days 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14. The intact femur of Lrp5 mutant mice of both sexes had higher bone mass than wild‐type littermates, although to a greater degree in males than females. Overall, the regenerated bone volume in Lrp5 mutant male mice was 1.8‐fold higher than that of littermate controls, whereas no changes were observed between female Lrp5 mutant and littermate control mice. In addition, the rate of intramembranous bone regeneration (from Day 3 to Day 7) was higher in Lrp5 mutant male mice compared to their same‐sex littermate controls with no difference in the females. Thus, activation of canonical Wnt signaling increases bone mass in intact bones of both sexes, but accelerates intramembranous bone regeneration following an injury challenge only in male mice.
TESTING OF DATABASE APPLICATION USING AGENT BASED METHOD

This paper, deals with the process of testing a Database, through automated testing using multi-agents which will ensure that testing time is not wasted and aids in better decision-making for the Test Managers. We have proposed an effective automated test framework using multi-agents that manages testing of database applications thereby reducing the various resource attributes such as people, cost, time during the test process. This framework also ensures quality in the testing process by reducing the manual work. We have measured the effectiveness of the test process through various metrices that enhances the quality of the process. We have implemented the test process for six different database applications and their effectiveness computed through metrics.
Aberrant RNA splicing and therapeutic opportunities in cancers

There has been accumulating evidence that RNA splicing is frequently dysregulated in a variety of cancers and that hotspot mutations affecting key splicing factors, SF3B1, SRSF2 and U2AF1, are commonly enriched across cancers, strongly suggesting that aberrant RNA splicing is a new class of hallmark that contributes to the initiation and/or maintenance of cancers. In parallel, some studies have demonstrated that cancer cells with global splicing alterations are dependent on the transcriptional products derived from wild‐type spliceosome for their survival, which potentially creates a therapeutic vulnerability in cancers with a mutant spliceosome. It has been c. 10 y since the frequent mutations affecting splicing factors were reported in cancers. Based on these surprising findings, there has been a growing interest in targeting altered splicing in the treatment of cancers, which has promoted a wide variety of investigations including genetic, molecular and biological studies addressing how altered splicing promotes oncogenesis and how cancers bearing alterations in splicing can be targeted therapeutically. In this mini‐review we present a concise trajectory of what has been elucidated regarding the pathogenesis of cancers with aberrant splicing, as well as the development of therapeutic strategies to target global splicing alterations in cancers.
First Things First: How to Elicit the Initial Program Theory for a Realist Evaluation of Complex Integrated Care Programs

Policy Points Realist evaluation (RE) is an emerging and promising research approach for evaluating integrated care, addressing what works, how, for whom, and in what circumstances. The rich philosophical foundation of RE, critical realism, can help to systematically unravel an integrated care program's initial theory prior to implementation, as a first step within RE. RE can be considered a robust methodological asset in integrated care research by facilitating a deeper level of insight into program functioning than traditional forms of evaluation do and by shaping a realist‐informed monitoring and evaluation process. Context The complexity of integrated care and the need for transferable evaluation insights ask for a suitable evaluation paradigm. Realist evaluation (RE), underpinned by the philosophy of critical realism, is a theory‐driven approach that addresses what works, how, for whom, and in what circumstances. The current study illustrates the process needed for RE's first step: eliciting the initial program theory (IPT). The TARGET program, a Dutch primary care initiative to facilitate more integrated care for chronically ill patients, i.e., care that is efficient, tailored, and holistic, was taken as a real‐world case. Methods An RE approach informed the phased IPT elicitation: (1) identifying an abstract theory framework; (2) formulating the preliminary IPT, building on the abstract theory and informed by previous scientific studies that underpin TARGET; and (3) refining the preliminary IPT, informed by RE expert interviews (n = 7). An RE heuristic tool, specifying the interplay between intervention‐context‐actors‐mechanisms‐outcomes (ICAMO) and retroductive reasoning, was applied to synthesize the underlying theory of individual TARGET components into TARGET's IPT. Findings Separate but related IPTs were identified for the two main types of actors involved in TARGET: primary care professionals (PCPs) and patients. For both actors, two sorts of mechanisms are assumed to be activated by TARGET, which—via instrumental outcomes—contribute to long‐term quadruple aim targets. The first is confidence to enhance PCPs’ person‐centered conversational skills and to increase patients’ active engagement in TARGET. The second is mutual trust, between PCPs and patients and between PCPs and their network partners. A supportive context is assumed crucial for activating these mechanisms—for example, sufficient resources to invest in integrated care. Conclusions Although the IPT elicitation process is time intensive and requires a mind shift, it facilitates a deeper insight into program functioning than accommodated by the prevailing experimental designs in integrated care. Furthermore, the design of a realist‐informed evaluation process can be informed by the IPT.
Quantitative photogrammetric analysis of digital underwater video imagery

This paper presents a photogrammetric model for digital underwater video imagery, which has been mostly applied to qualitative analysis in the marine environment. With this model, quantitative analysis of underwater images is possible, e.g., to locate positions, calculate sizes, and measure shapes of objects from image features. The underwater photogrammetric model is based on a three-dimensional optical ray tracing technique which rigorously models imaging systems with multilens configurations and multiple refractions. The calibration procedure with two independent phases has been proven to be efficient in simplifying the computation and improving the calibration accuracy. With the current imaging system configuration and photogrammetric model, an accuracy of 0.8 cm in lateral directions and 1.2 cm along the depth direction for objects located about 2-3 m from the camera system in the object space is attainable. A PC-based digital underwater photogrammetric prototype system has been developed to implement the underwater photogrammetric model.
A novel asymmetric CDI device for targeted removal of cation in water desalination

ABSTRACT A novel asymmetric capacitive deionisation (CDI) device was home-made for the removal of cations from an aqueous solution through the structural innovation in this experiment. The adsorbent materials were characterised by Scanning Electron Microscope and BET as well as performing cyclic voltammetry curve tests. The results showed that the materials exhibited excellent performance (the specific surface area is 321.14 m²/g) and the maximum specific capacitance of the adsorbent material can reach 60 F/g at the 5 mV/s. The optimal operating conditions of the asymmetric CDI device were obtained using an orthogonal test method analysis and response surface methodology: the best desalination efficiency of CDI obtained at the concentration is 455.82 mg/L, the potential is 1.18 V and the flow rate is 46.54 mL/min. After the analysis of first-order kinetic model, it can be obtained that the fastest adsorption efficiency for Ca2+, followed by Mg2+, and the slowest for Na+, and the CDI device had a better adsorption effect on divalent cations. Simulation by Comsol software showed that the adsorption efficiency was better at a high flow rate. In addition, the CDI device has good stability and the mechanism of targeted cation removal and mass transfer process of the CDI were discussed in detail. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Guidelines for Designing and Evaluating Feasibility Pilot Studies

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Pilot studies test the feasibility of methods and procedures to be used in larger-scale studies. Although numerous articles describe guidelines for the conduct of pilot studies, few have included specific feasibility indicators or strategies for evaluating multiple aspects of feasibility. In addition, using pilot studies to estimate effect sizes to plan sample sizes for subsequent randomized controlled trials has been challenged; however, there has been little consensus on alternative strategies. Methods: In Section 1, specific indicators (recruitment, retention, intervention fidelity, acceptability, adherence, and engagement) are presented for feasibility assessment of data collection methods and intervention implementation. Section 1 also highlights the importance of examining feasibility when adapting an intervention tested in mainstream populations to a new more diverse group. In Section 2, statistical and design issues are presented, including sample sizes for pilot studies, estimates of minimally important differences, design effects, confidence intervals (CI) and nonparametric statistics. An in-depth treatment of the limits of effect size estimation as well as process variables is presented. Tables showing CI around parameters are provided. With small samples, effect size, completion and adherence rate estimates will have large CI. Conclusion: This commentary offers examples of indicators for evaluating feasibility, and of the limits of effect size estimation in pilot studies. As demonstrated, most pilot studies should not be used to estimate effect sizes, provide power calculations for statistical tests or perform exploratory analyses of efficacy. It is hoped that these guidelines will be useful to those planning pilot/feasibility studies before a larger-scale study.
Physiology and Clinical Relevance of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in the Aging Brain

Perivascular spaces (PVS) are fluid-filled compartments that are part of the cerebral blood vessel wall and represent the conduit for fluid transport in and out of the brain. PVS are considered pathologic when sufficiently enlarged to be visible on MRI. Recent studies have demonstrated that enlarged PVS (ePVS) may have clinical consequences related to cognition. Emerging literature points to arterial stiffening and abnormal protein aggregation in vessel walls as 2 possible mechanisms that drive ePVS formation. We describe the clinical consequences, anatomy, fluid dynamics, physiology, risk factors, and in vivo quantification methods of ePVS. Given competing views of PVS physiology, we detail the 2 most prominent theoretical views and review ePVS associations with other common small vessel disease markers. Because ePVS are a marker of small vessel disease and ePVS burden is higher in Alzheimer disease, a comprehensive understanding about ePVS is essential in developing prevention and treatment strategies.