Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY SCSE19-0277 ROBUST SPEECH EMOTION RECOGNITION WITH REPRESENTATION LEARNING AND MULTI-TASK LEARNING OF EMOTION AND GENDER CLASSIFIERS

This project is divided into three parts. The first part of this project is to find robust representations of speech signals for predicting emotions. The representations should be invariant to speaker characteristics such as gender of speaker and language of speech. We mainly focus on gender. Different techniques such as Supervised Loss and Triplet Loss will be used to extract robust representations of emotional speeches from audio signals. The second part of this project will investigate the feasibility of combining two different tasks (emotion classification and gender classification) together so as to achieve improvements for both tasks. In other words, we are applying Multi-task learning (MTL) on emotion classification and gender classification for speech signals. The third part and the highlight of this project, is the use of the two techniques Class-based and and Re-centred (CAR) Data augmentation and Selective Accelerated Learning (SAL) to improve speech emotion recognition. However, due to a pending Technical Disclosure submission, we are unable to present details behind CAR and SAL.
Performance Analysis of Flameproof Submersible Pump for Mining Application

This paper seeks to predict and compare the performance of flameproof pumps same design parameters but with different operation stages. Firstly, two pump cases A and B were modelled. Secondly, the shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model was used to solve the 3D Navier Stokes equation. The performance characteristics were obtained and compared with experimental data. The pressure contours are plotted at the design point to delineate its internal flow characteristics. Pump case A was found to require more power for its operation and would hence consume more energy than pump case B. Further analysis shows that pump B is more efficient in operation, but with complex configuration. Lastly, the numerical simulations were validated with experimental data.
The Benefits and Challenges of e-Health Applications: A Content Analysis of the South African context

e-Health is referred to in literature as the usage of information and communication technologies (ICT’s) in the health domain, to administer treatment of patients, research, health education and the monitoring of public health. South Africa is in the process of re-engineering its public healthcare to improve healthcare for all South African citizens. Ehealth forms part of the re-engineering process. The purpose of this paper is therefore to explore benefits and challenges of e-health as experienced in other countries. A list of both e-health benefits and ehealth challenges are provided and could provide guidance in the implementation of e-health in South Africa. To realise the purpose of the paper, an inductive content analysis methodology was followed. The main results were that although the challenges outweighs the benefits in the provided lists, there is still hope that through proper ICT solutions the benefits of e-health can grow more rapidly. This can lead to improved e-health service delivery and citizens in countries can all benefit from this.
The Impact of the Image Feature Detector and Descriptor Choice on Visual Odometry Accuracy

—Building a fully autonomous mobile robotic system is a difﬁcult task, which requires accurate sensors and techniques for localization and mapping. One such techniques is Visual Odometry (VO), which uses stereo or monocular camera sensors to estimate the poses of a vehicle. The goal of this project was to implement VO and to analyze the accuracy of the localization when using different combinations of descriptor and detector. Simulation results were obtained by analyzing 10 KITTI dataset sequences, with Relative Pose Error (RPE), Absolute Trajectory Error (ATE) and runtime in term of frames per second (FPS) as evaluation metrics. Comparison of RPE and ATE for each combination of descriptor and detector were obtained as heatmap. Outliers in RPE and error accumulation in ATE were discussed, and future work were suggested for conclusive analysis as benchmark. Code of our report is publicly available at https://github.com/dysdsyd/VO benchmark.
Blockchain-based Decentralized KYC (Know-Your-Customer)

— Know Your Customer (aka KYC) is the regulatory and compliance obligation for the conventional banking and financial system to capture customer information before onboarding and providing any financial services. In banks, KYC is embedded into the account opening forms, which mandate customers to provide accurate information and ideally update as soon as any change occurs in the KYC data. Similarly, other financial institutions such as stocks, Mutual Funds, Insurance companies, etc. also require KYC information from prospective customers. Primarily KYC helps financial institutions to prevent identity thefts, money laundering, terrorist financing, and profiling and eliminating the runaway creditors. Conventional banking and financial institutions spend a substantial part of customer acquisition costs of operating residents and isolated KYC databases and try to keep them updated and accurate. The overall cost of managing the silo KYC per customer increases because of a lack of transparencies, poor control, mistrust, and data duplication. Blockchain technology offers a solution to establish trust and transparency and provide a secure and publicly verifiable KYC. This paper presents a unique trust management platform based on self-sovereign and decentralizes Know-Your-Customer (DKYC) model to enhance customer privacy through consent-based access, featuring regulator governance and helping banks to use trusted and accurate customer data while reducing the customer acquisition costs.
The Effect of Acellular Dermal Matrix and PRGF on Gene Expression in Human Gingival Fibroblasts In Vitro

Background: Gingival recession is a condition affecting the periodontium that is characterized by the displacement of the gingival margin apically from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and leads to compromised support of the tooth. While the gold standard of treatment often consists of harvesting autogenous tissue from a separate surgical site, other options involving cadaver tissue have been utilized. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have been investigated in many studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of adding additional growth factors during the rehydration of two preparations of ADM on gene expression in gingival fibroblasts. Methods: Gingival fibroblasts were grown on ADMs with and without plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF). PCR analysis was used to analyze the effect on gene expression. Results: The presence of ADMs led to a reduction in gene expression compared to control groups. The reduction in gene expression was reversed in the freeze-dried preparation of ADM when combined with PRGF, though this effect was not seen in the solvent-dehydrated preparation. PRGF alone did not show any significant changes in gene expression. Conclusion: When combined with PRGF, reductions in gene expression seen with ADMs alone were reversed, though this reversal was only seen in the freeze-dried preparation of the ADMs.
Grant agreement no: 768869 Call identifier: H2020-FOF-2017 Strategies and Predictive Maintenance models wrapped around physical systems for Zero-unexpected-Breakdowns and increased operating life of Factories Z-BRE4K

This deliverable reports barrier and obstacles that technical partners faced during Z-BRE4K solution implementation. Details about HOLONIX, ATLANTIS, TRIMEK and INNOVALIA are reported. Moreover, methods to overcome these issues are described. This report is in the form of White Paper that highlights some features of the Z-BRE4K solution. Further obstacles/barriers and methods used to overcome them, lessons learned, etc., will be considered, elaborated and presented if necessary within WP6 during the upcoming TRL7 project level considering the entire Z-BRE4K solution
High-Performance Control for a Permanent-magnet Linear Synchronous Generator Using State Feedback Control Scheme Plus Grey Wolf Optimization

This paper proposes an optimal control scheme for a permanent-magnet linear synchronous generator (PMLSG) using the state feedback control method plus the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm. First, A novel state-space model of linear PMLSG is established in order to obtain desired dynamics and enough power when used for the smooth wave energy. Second, the GWO algorithm is adopted to acquire weighting matrices Q and R in the process of optimizing linear quadratic regulator (LQR). What is more, a penalty term is brought into the fitness index to reduce the overstrike of output voltage and keep the rate of work more stable. Finally, optimal LQR-based state feedback controlled (SFC) with and without penalty term and PI controllers are compared both in simulations and in experiments. Results clearly prove that the proposed optimal control strategy performs a better response when compared to other strategies.
L‐strip proximity fed shorted rectangular microstrip antenna for mobile communication

A dual‐band L‐strip proximity fed shorted rectangular microstrip antenna is proposed and investigated theoretically simulated by HFSS and experimentally. Proposed radiating patch is located about (17.5 mm) above the ground plane. Return Loss and co‐ and cross polar radiation pattern are presented. Computed and measured results of return loss are in good agreement. The effect of the geometric parameters of the proposed antenna, such as length of the vertical and horizontal portion of the L‐strip is also investigated. The impedance bandwidth (−10 dB return loss) 32.5% (calculated) and 33.00% (measured) for the proposed antenna are achieved for optimized antenna design. Significant size reduction (i.e., ∼85%) is obtained as compared with conventional rectangular patch of same resonant frequency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 52: 1567–1571, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.25235
An Equal Portrayal?: British Media Representations of Male versus Female Child Sex Offenders

The main aim of this research was to uncover if there were any differences in the way the British newspapers portray male and female child sex offenders. Specifically, the labels, language, discourses and narratives were analysed to uncover if and what differences there were in the portrayals. Additionally, the theory which best explained these differences in portrayals was researched, in relation to news theory such as Newsworthiness or feminist theory such as Male Gaze or Double Deviance. Consequently, the main theories drawn on for this research were Newsworthiness and the Ideal Victim and Ideal Offender concepts, along with feminist theories of Double Deviance, Male Gaze and the Chivalry theory. The chosen methodological stance was qualitative, to understand why the offenders were presented the way there were by the media and subsequently, what theory best explained this portrayal. The sample consisted of three case studies of both male and female child sex offenders who had offended together. Five articles for each individual offender were collected, with a total sample of 24 articles. A content analysis was initially conducted to identify the labels the offenders were ascribed. Thematic analysis was the main analysis, where the language and discourses were explored in depth. The main finding was there were little differences between the portrayals of male and female child sex offenders. The labels were largely similar, although, females were more likely to have labels of an evil nature compared to males. However, both offenders were labelled as perverts/paedophiles, which is contrary to previous research. The language surrounding the instigation of the offences, portrayed males as the instigators and females as willing participants in the sexual abuse. Excuses were also mentioned for both sexes however, the media did not present any mitigating narratives. Chivalry and Male Gaze theory were not found to be a theoretical explanation of the portrayals due to the lack of comments on the offenders’ appearances and lack of gender differences. It was concluded that this change to an equal portrayal may show a change of societal views towards female sex offenders. However, future research should use single cases of male and female child sex offenders, as opposed to pairs of male and female child sex offenders who offend together, as it is likely this impacted on the results due to reporting structures as an offending pair. 4 Internet Journal of Criminology
Compressive Properties Study and Finite Element Analysis on Duck Eggshell

The mechanical properties of the sharp end, equator and blunt end of White-duck-eggshell were tested through the compression experiment, and the static load mechanical properties of the eggshell were simulated with finite element analysis method. The results showed that the maximum pressure that the loaded long axis of the eggshell can endure is obviously greater than that of the short axis, and that the maximum pressure that the sharp end can endure is greater than that of the blunt end in the long axis. Furthermore, the same results have been obtained both by finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental study, which can prove the feasibility of the FEA in the analysis of eggshell mechanics properties.
Mean-Square Performance of Selective Partial Update Subband Adaptive Filters

Abstract In this paper, we present a general formalism for the mean-square performance analysis of selective partial update subband adaptive filter (SPU-SAF) algorithms. This analysis is based on energy conservation arguments and does not need to assume a Gaussian or white distribution for the regressors. We demonstrate through simulations that the results are useful in predicting the performance of this family of adaptive filters.
Thermal Conductivity in Ferromagnetic Materials using Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Insulating non-magnetic solids conduct heat through the lattice vibrations, also colloquially known as phonons. In magnetic solids, additional channels for heat transport are available through the interaction of magnetic moments. Opposing this interaction are lattice vibrations which couple with the magnetic moments on the atoms and thus provide additional resistance to heat flow. There is currently no complete understanding of the magnitudes of these contributions, and the overall effect of the magnetic contribution is largely unknown. Using a combination of spin dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations, we modeled the contribution of the magnetic subsystem to the lattice thermal conductivity across ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transitions in elemental Iron. Application of the approach to the anti-ferromagnetic materials is discussed for the example of the technologically important material, uranium dioxide. Introduction Pressed uranium dioxide (UO2) pellets are used in the nuclear fuel rods in over 90% of nuclear fission reactors on the planet, covering roughly 14% of global electricity consumption [1]. These fuel rods, which are organized into fuel assemblies, are specifically designed to allow optimal heat transfer to the water surrounding the fuel assembly during reactor operation. One of the limiting factors of fuel assembly design is the thermal conductivity constant of UO2, which can be calculated using Fourier’s law of thermal conduction, Jz = −kz dT dz , where Jz , kz and dT dz represent z-direction heat flux, thermal conductivity, and temperature gradient, respectively. If the thermal conductivity of UO2 is lower than expected, then the cores of each fuel pellets may overheat, requiring a smaller diameter fuel pellet for safe operation, with the opposite being true if thermal conductivity is larger than expected. Thermal conductivity in cubic fluorite structures is presumed to be isotropic (symmetric) due to its symmetric structure. Prior experimental results show anisotropic thermal conductivity for UO2, which suggests that there is a directional dependence for the value of thermal conductivity [2]. These results were supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations using classical interatomic potentials, which are infeasible due to the lack of magnetic interaction present in the interatomic potential used. MD simulations which we reproduced using these classical interatomic potentials showed a magnitude of anisotropy of 0.04%, compared to 14.2% as measured by Gofryk et al. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is due to UO2’s anti-ferromagnetic properties at very low temperatures.
The Influence of a Seat Track Load Limiter on Lumbar Spine Compression Forces in Relaxed, Reclined, and Upright Seating Positions: A Sled Test Study using THOR-50M

Automated vehicles come with the expectation of new, comfortable seating positions, in particular with seats moved rearward to increase legroom, and with reclined seatbacks and tilted seat pans for relaxing and sleeping. However, in a frontal crash the increased seat back angle can induce more severe compression forces in the lumbar spine. This research evaluates the influence of active and passive seat track load limiting on lumbar spine compression forces in frontal impacts for three seating positions using THOR-50M. The objective was to reduce the lumbar spine compression force for reclined occupants to a level similar to that of upright occupants, yet without increasing the levels of any variables measured in the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) assessments of adult occupant safety. The lumbar compression forces sustained in the reclined seat back positions were reduced effectively by the active seat track load limiter from 6 kN to the 4 kN levels observed for upright occupants. All other injury measures except for chest compression measured as Rmax were likewise reduced. Despite the limitations of a simplified set-up and the use of THOR-50M outside its validation regime, the active seat track load limiter appears to be an implementable and efficient engineering solution to a pressing real-world issue.
MULTI PURPOSE LIFE SAVING TOOL UISNG IoT& CLOUD COMPUTING

An accident is unpredicted, abnormal and unintended incident that happens at several time without any proper reason. The negligence of the automobile driver is the foremost factor of such type of accidents. Though the traffic officials has created sufficient awareness to the vehicle operators w.r. t traffic rules, many of the common peoples do not follow the proper traffic rules. At present, the majority of the countries force the automobile drivers to use the helmet and to avoid using automobiles when the driver is in drunken state. But still, the traffic regulations are being dishonored by the various automobile drivers. In this proposed system, a life saving helmet system has been developed, which repeatedly examines whether the automobile user is using the helmet and having non-alcoholic inhalation while igniting the two wheeler. Accelerometer sensor is used to identify the accidents and update the data the cloud using Wi-Fi module and government database. This database is used to identify the accident zone as soon as possible.
Application of structural equation model in explaining the role of cognitive flexibility, emotional self-regulation and actively open-minded thinking on changing people's attitudes

Research Paper Application of structural equation model in explaining the role of cognitive flexibility, emotional self-regulation and actively open-minded thinking on changing people's attitudes Ebrahim Chellemal DezfooliNejad, Farzan Momeni, MirMohsen Pedram, Alireza Mordi 1. Ph.D Student in Cognitive Modeling, Department of Cognitive Modeling, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran. 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran (Adjunct Professor of the Institute for Cognitive Science Studies ,Tehran, Iran). 3. Associate Professor, Department of Computer Engineering, Facuty of Engineering, Kharazmi University,Tehran, Iran. 4. Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
PLACEBO EFFECT AFFECTING ATTENTION-A Smart Pill

Methods: Study participants were 38 students from the University of Zagreb, age 20 to 27. Before the Evoked Related Potential (ERP) measurements, the participants either took or did not take the „Brain Improver“ placebo pill, depending on the experimental condition to which they were exposed. A Stroop test constructed for the purposes of this research study was used for testing selective attention.
POND WATER SOURCE FOR IRRIGATION ON STEEP SLOPES

Existing technologies have been tailored to deliver cost-effective irrigation on a railway embankment and excavated steep slopes (referred to as batters) within a semiarid environment. Irrigation is to aid the establishment of 100% grass cover within a few weeks to mitigate soil erosion problems. It is based on water sourced from a temporary excavated pond plus the use of a solar powered pump and a drip irrigation system. Railway batter erosion remediation is timed for the wet summer season when irrigation can be used to supplement natural rainfall. For a given irrigation demand and catchment area, critical (minimum) pond volume is estimated from regional charts developed for ungauged catchments. About 20% of the critical volume is added to account for evaporation losses and dead storage. Also, seepage losses need to be considered if the soil is medium to coarse textured and if the pond is not lined with an impermeable material. Initial results are very encouraging with a cost estimate of AU$2.74/m² of batter area treated (irrigated). Irrigation unit cost is expected to decrease with a larger scale irrigated batter area and the refinement of technologies and installation procedures. Although irrigation methodologies were developed for railway embankments and excavated slopes, they can also be used for erosion control on steep slopes such as road embankments or excavated slopes and earth dam side slopes.