Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essentia.js: A JavaScript Library for Music and Audio Analysis on the Web

Open-source software libraries for audio/music analysis and feature extraction have a significant impact on the development of Audio Signal Processing and Music Information Retrieval (MIR) systems. Despite the abundance of such tools on the native computing platforms, there is a lack of an extensive and easy-to-use reference library for audio feature extraction on the Web. In this paper, we present Essentia.js, an open-source JavaScript (JS) library for audio and music analysis on both web clients and JS-based servers. Along with the Web Audio API, it can be used for efficient and robust real-time audio feature extraction on the web browsers. Essentia.js is modular, lightweight, and easy-to-use, deploy, maintain, and integrate into the existing plethora of JS libraries and Web technologies. It is powered by a WebAssembly back-end of the Essentia C++ library, which facilitates a JS interface to a wide range of low-level and high-level audio features. It also provides a higher-level JS API and add-on MIR utility modules along with extensive documentation, usage examples, and tutorials. We benchmark the proposed library on two popular web browsers, Node.js engine, and Android devices, comparing it to the native performance of Essentia and Meyda JS library.
Restoration of lighting sources for virtual reality systems using convolutional neural networks, computer vision algorithms, and disparity maps

The current work is dedicated to solving one of the problems for virtual reality systems - restoring the coordinates of light sources for rendering realistic images of the resulting scene. In this paper, we propose approaches based on convolutional neural networks, computer vision algorithms, algorithms based on the intersection of rays from the shadow of images and disparity maps to find the exact location of the light source and the power of its illumination. For easy use of the algorithms, a GUI application was developed that allows to select the necessary operating modes and evaluate the speed of their work.
Molecularly imprinted polymer for adsorption of venlafaxine, albendazole, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin in aqueous environment

ABSTRACT In this work, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by a bulk polymerization method, characterized and parameters were optimized for adsorption of albendazole, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin and venlafaxine in aqueous environment. The optimized MIP extraction parameters were adsorbent (MIP) mass 50 mg, sample pH of 9 and adsorption time of 20 min and 1 mL mixture of formic acid in water and methanol elution solvent. The adsorption experimental data ﬁtted with the Freundlich isotherm model which indicates that the binding occurred on the heterogeneous sites and pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted which implied adsorption through chemisorption. The polymer selectivity was found to be in the order of albendazole > venlafaxine > norfloxacin > ciprofloxacin.
Local Polyploidy Phenomenon in Escherichia coli and its significance in genetic engineering

Classic Helmstetter & Cooper model asserted that the multifork phenomenon in the process of replication. However, the impacts of the multifork on the evolution and genetic engineering are still vague. Here, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock-out eighteen Escherichia coli chromosomal fragments (over 50 kb) that represent all areas of the chromosome. We demonstrated that a single cell could have wild-type, color-reporter, and antibiotic-resistant genes simultaneously in the same locus of the different branches of the duplication forks after multiple rounds of deletions and replacements. This phenomenon that a single cell had different genotypes in its local polyploid chromosomes, which was similar to eukaryotic heterozygote, was named as local polyploidy. Under a defined selective pressure condition, offspring cells containing at least a copy of conditionally beneficial mutation could be enriched, and other alleles could be kept silently and peacefully in the duplication fork(s) of the same cell. The significance of this phenomenon in the genetic engineering was discussed.
Students’ Reflections on an Experiential Learning Rotation With the Peer-Education About Weight Steadiness Club Program

Overview. Experiential learning has become a common pedagogical approach to provide university students an opportunity to apply classroom-acquired knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Evaluation of such experiences from a student perspective is needed to improve experiential learning opportunities offered in higher education settings. Purpose. The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate the experience of 13 university students who rotated with a healthy lifestyle program for middle schoolers. Method. The Peer-education About Weight Steadiness Club program was implemented by peer or adult educators, as a healthy lifestyle after-school intervention. Trainees participated in a learning rotation with the program for 16 weeks and were exposed to research coordination and implementation of the nutrition and healthy lifestyles program. After finishing their rotation, trainees completed a structured elicitation interview conducted by a faculty member and a graduate assistant. The 11-question individual elicitation interview, ranging from 16 to 40 minutes, queried trainees on elements of the learning experience. A grounded theory approach was used to guide data coding and analyses, which led to formulation of themes. Results. Forty codes were assigned to segments of the interview responses, which were then coalesced to formulate six themes and 16 subthemes. Identified themes include (1) program context, (2) roles and responsibilities of trainees, (3) professional development of trainees, (4) overall program implementation, (5) factors influencing implementation, and (6) health and behavioral outcomes. Conclusions. Student trainees gained program content knowledge, acquired skills transferable to their careers, valued this learning experience, and planned to apply lessons learned.
Postfeminist performance of domesticity and motherhood during the COVID-19 global lockdown: the case of Chiara Ferragni

ABSTRACT Analysing the behaviour of key cultural actors such as social media influencers can shed some light on current social trends that underpin contemporary societies. Focusing on the case study of the influencer Chiara Ferragni, in this work I argue that her performance of domesticity and motherhood during the Italian lockdown caused by the novel coronavirus global spread can be understood as an intensification of postfeminist motherhood and domesticity; within a framework of heteronormative institutional marriage and a transnational existence affected by the construction of femininity and motherhood in Italy and in the United States, the two sociocultural milieus that Ferragni navigates. This may favour the tightening of gender roles in the midst of current and future anxieties of social annihilation. This article frames the recent global pandemic, and its attached restrictions of free movement for a large part of the world’s population, as a collective trauma, bringing with it a crisis of meaning and a reconstruction of social categories. Postfeminist performances of cultural actors with large followings need to be carefully recalibrated in the light of these new constructions of meaning.
Role of Clusterin in Murine Mammary Gland Development and Progression of Human Breast Cancer

by Lorna Louise Whyte Clusterin is a secreted glycoprotein, upregulated in many physiological and pathophysiological conditions that has been proposed to play a role in tissue remodeling and apoptosis. Although clusterin in the mammary gland has not been extensively studied, clusterin has been implicated in mammary gland development and in breast cancer progression. To address the role of clusterin in murine mammary gland development, mammary morphogenesis was monitored in clusterin knockout (CLUKO) and wild-type mice. The ablation of clusterin alters ductal outgrowth, ductal branching, terminal end bud growth, rates of mitosis and apoptosis, and gland mass. This leads to precocious pubertal mammary gland development. In several pathophysiological conditions such as cancer it is unclear whether the upregulation of clusterin is directly involved in the process of apoptotsis, whether its induction is secondary to stress and/or apoptosis, or whether the protein is induced as a protective or survival mechanism for the cell in response to stress. We have shown that the biogenesis of clusterin in MCF-7 Lorna Louise Whyte breast cancer cells is significantly altered after treatment with TNF-α or the antiestrogen tamoxifen, leading to an upregulation of clusterin and the appearance of a non-glycosylated isoform of clusterin in the nucleus. Overexpression of the wild-type and nuclear isoforms of clusterin in vitro demonstrates a role for clusterin in the regulation of tumor cell growth. Clusterin appears to protect cells from apoptosis, and contributes to an invasive phenotype. In vivo work has established that clusterin overexpression increases tumor size, provides resistance to tamoxifen and facilitates the progression to a metastatic phenotype. All of these characteristics are common to the highly aggressive phenotype observed in late stage breast cancer patients. These data are the first to clearly demonstrate that clusterin plays a role in pubertal mammary gland development and also helps to accelerate the progression of human breast cancer to a more invasive drug-resistant phenotype.
Synthesis of N-doped graphene quantum dots from bulk N-doped carbon nanofiber film for fluorescence detection of Fe3+ and ascorbic acid

Abstract Nitrogen doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) have attracted much attention because of their superior electronic and optical properties. The preparation of N-GQDs can be usually performed via a top-down method using vairous nanocarbon as raw materials. However, most carbon materials are powder, which increases the difficulty of separating quantum dots from the reaction solution. Herein, we verified a feasibility of N-GQDs preparation with a bulk carbon film composed of N-doped carbon nanofibers as raw mateial via an acid vapor cutting approach (only 1 ml nitric acid was used in the method). The synthesis method effectively voids a tedious separation process. And the as-prepared N-GQDs exhibit good dispersion, high photostability and blue-green fluorescence. Subsequently, fluorescence experiments confirmed the fluorescence of N-GQDs was quenched selectively by Fe3+ via the unique coordination interaction between them and recovered with the addition of AA. Based on the quenching (off) and recovering (on) processes, fluorescent sensor for Fe3+ and OFF-ON fluorescent sensor for AA were fabricated, showing good selectivity and wide linear range. Finally, the constructed sensors were successfully applied for Fe3+ and AA detection in real samples such as tap water and human urine.
Species Distribution Model of Trichinella Species in Cougars (Puma concolor) for the Southwestern Region of Colorado, USA

Abstract: Little information exists on the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in cougars (Puma concolor) throughout North and South America. However, species distribution models (SDM) can be used to predict suitable habitat for elusive species with limited occurrence data. In 2018, we used existing occurrence data to estimate the suitable habitat and ecological drivers of Trichinella species in cougars from the southwestern region of Colorado, US from winter months. Environmental layers were constructed and an SDM was then created for the southwestern region of Colorado. The final model (area under the curve=0.73) found areas of suitable habitat for Trichinella spp. to be associated with lower elevation, lower temperature, and higher proportions of evergreen needleleaf forests and grasslands. These results might indicate potential transmission hotspots for Trichinella spp. in the southwestern region of Colorado for where cougars are consuming infected hosts and where cougars can transmit to other hosts, including humans. However, due to limited occurrence data, more suitable habitat likely exists.
Numerical analysis of the back-coupling efficiency of the grating feedback external-cavity diode laser

The output linewidth and the electrical-to-optical power conversion efficiency of a grating-feedback external-cavity diode laser are directly related to the coupled optical power which is fed back into the laser cavity by the diffraction grating. This coupled power not only relies on the first-order grating reflectivity but also on the back-coupling efficiency which ultimately determines how much feedback optical power can couple into the diode laser cavity. It is qualitatively shown that the change in the collimating lens position could contribute significantly to the output linewidth in experiment. In this paper, the influence of the misaligned collimating lens on the back-coupling efficiency is numerically simulated and analyzed based on the beam coupling theory and ray transfer matrix theory. The results indicate that the distance from the lens to grating has little effect on the back-coupling efficiency, and the back-coupling efficiency reaches the maximum value when the diode laser front-facet is separated from the lens by the lens focal length. Meanwhile, it is found the back-coupling efficiency remains almost unchanged while the lens is tilted with respect to the axis perpendicular to opitcal aixs at small angle. Beside, the relationship between the coupling efficiency and the lens lateral displacement is also analysized and discussed.
Comparison of Machine-Learning Algorithms for Near-Surface Air-Temperature Estimation from FY-4A AGRI Data

Six machine-learning approaches, including multivariate linear regression (MLR), gradient boosting decision tree, k-nearest neighbors, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and deep neural network (DNN), were compared for near-surface air-temperature (Tair) estimation from the new generation of Chinese geostationary meteorological satellite Fengyun-4A (FY-4A) observations. The brightness temperatures in split-window channels from the Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) of FY-4A and numerical weather prediction data from the global forecast system were used as the predictor variables for Tair estimation. The performance of each model and the temporal and spatial distribution of the estimated Tair errors were analyzed. The results showed that the XGB model had better overall performance, with R2 of 0.902, bias of −0.087°C, and root-mean-square error of 1.946°C. The spatial variation characteristics of the Tair error of the XGB method were less obvious than those of the other methods. The XGB model can provide more stable and high-precision Tair for a large-scale Tair estimation over China and can serve as a reference for Tair estimation based on machine-learning models.
Effects of chitooligosaccharide supplementation on laying performance, egg quality, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity and immunity of laying hens during the late laying period

Abstract The effects of chitooligosaccharide (COS) supplementation in laying hen diets on egg production, egg quality, blood biochemistry, antioxidant capacity and immunity during the late laying period were investigated in this 10-week trial. A total of 3000 Fengda No.1 laying hens, 52 weeks of age, were randomly allocated to three treatment groups, each of which included five replicates of 200 hens. Treatments consisted of the basal diet only or the basal diet supplemented with COS at 75 or 125 mg/kg. Hens fed with both COS supplemented diets had improved hen-day egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio than control birds. The higher level of COS supplementation exerted positive effects on eggshell strength and eggshell thickness, but significantly decreased yolk colour. Addition of 125 mg/kg COS was also found to significantly increase serum albumin content and significantly decrease serum cholesterol level. Dietary supplementation with COS significantly decreased serum triglyceride level compared with birds fed the control diet. Moreover, COS significantly increased total antioxidative capacity and significantly decreased malondialdehyde level in serum, but had no significance on the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The only change in blood immune response compounds observed in this study was a significantly increased concentration of C3 when laying hens were fed COS supplemented diets. In conclusion, COS could improve laying performance and egg quality in hens during the late laying period. Inclusion of COS in the diet might be beneficial to hens’ health by lowering serum lipids, enhancing antioxidant activity and slightly enhancing immune ability. HIGHLIGHTS COS improved laying performance and egg quality in hens during the late laying period. Inclusion of COS in the diet might be beneficial to hens’ health by lowering serum lipids, enhancing the antioxidant activity and slightly enhancing immune ability. The optimum concentration of COS is 75 mg/kg in the basal diet in order to achieve an increased egg production, egg quality and health condition.
Exploring motivation in music teachers: the case of three primary schools in Spain

Abstract Music teachers enjoy carrying out teaching tasks; indeed, such pleasure may be perceived even when authoritarian pedagogical methods are applied. In this study, we will explore music teacher motivation in classroom settings, collecting data from three educators through psychological scales, lesson observations and personal interviews. Results indicate that teacher motivation in classroom settings is affected by five internal and five external factors. Therefore, the study allows concluding that teacher motivation is also satisfied or thwarted by ideas that school members have about music education. Some practical implications are suggested.
The pursuit of uniqueness and craving for freedom: the meaning of luxury in the age of access

ABSTRACT Luxury has always been an essential topic in consumer research. However, changing nature and fluidity of its definition makes luxury still an interesting topic for researchers. Today, a combination of developing internet technologies and a shifting in the habit of travelling is leading to the rise of access-based accommodation services. Furthermore, modern travellers are searching for luxury experiences even with short term rentals. In this regard, understanding access-based luxury has become crucial in the accommodation sector, where consumer experience is the focus. Therefore, this paper investigates the nature of luxury within access-based consumption in the context of consumers’ accommodation experiences. A qualitative approach is adopted to uncover the circumstances that constitute luxury for consumers who use Airbnb Plus. The study found that luxury manifests itself in search of uniqueness and freedom. Exploring that consumers are seeking more immaterial forms of luxury in their vacations, the paper makes a significant contribution to tourism literature.
Flow-independent accumulation of motor-competent non-muscle myosin II in the contractile ring is essential for cytokinesis

Cytokinesis in animal cells requires the assembly of a contractile actomyosin ring, whose subsequent constriction physically separates the two daughter cells. Non-muscle myosin II (myosin) is essential for cytokinesis, but the role of its motor activity remains poorly defined. Here, we examine cytokinesis in C. elegans one-cell embryos expressing myosin motor mutants generated by genome editing. Motor-dead myosin, which is capable of binding F-actin, does not support cytokinesis, and embryos co-expressing motor-dead and wild-type myosin are delayed in cytokinesis. Partially motor-impaired myosin also delays cytokinesis and renders contractile rings more sensitive to reduced myosin levels. Thus, myosin motor activity, rather than its ability to cross-link actin filaments, drives contractile ring assembly and constriction. We further demonstrate that myosin motor activity is required for long-range cortical actin flows, but that flows per se play a minor role in contractile ring assembly. Our results suggest that flow-independent recruitment of motor-competent myosin to the cell equator is both essential and rate-limiting for cytokinesis.
Effects of hamstring self-stretches on pelvic mobility in persons with low back pain

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of pelvic displacement when self-hamstring muscle stretches were applied to persons with low back pain. Design: Three-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Forty persons with low back pain participated in this study. Pelvic tilt angle, hamstring flexibility, Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale (QVAS), Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Korea version of the Oswestry Disability Index (KODI) and pelvic mobility were measured at pre-post. All participants were divided into either the pevic anterior tilt group (PAT group, n=12), pelvic midrange group (PMR group, n=18), or the pelvic posterior tilt group (PPT group, n=10). Self-stretching was performed using the pilates ring three times a week for a total of four weeks and the post-test was conducted and compared with the pre-test. Results: Hamstring flexibility, QVAS, KODI scores were significantly different compared to before the intervention ( p <0.05). The changes in hamstring flexibility of the three groups were significantly different ( p <0.05). Changes in KODI and FABQ results of the three groups were not significant. The pelvic posterior tilt range were significantly different in the PMR and PPT groups ( p <0.05). The pelvic anterior tilt ranges showed significant differences after stretching in the PPT group ( p <0.05). Conclusions: A large amount of change of hamstring flexibility, pelvic mobility of anterior and posterior tilt test in the PPT group was observed. Furthermore, therapists should consider pelvic displacement of the participant when applying intervention, which may, accordingly, have different effectiveness.
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM NEPAL

This paper, noting positive marks due to regular supply of electricity and increased consumption of its, examines the role of electricity consumption in export performance of Nepal employing the Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach of cointegration for the period of 1975-2018. The results show that electricity does have a strong long-run positive relationship with the export performance of Nepal. Therefore, it can be suggested, based on the results, that increasing electricity consumption might increase the exports values. Also, there is a need for building infrastructure to support production activities, not just the means of transportation to reach our villages. Only those infrastructures focused on production activities will contribute to increasing the exports attracting more foreign direct investment in the country.