Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LPC analysis/Synthesis from speech inputs containing quantizing noise or additive white noise

An important problem in some communication systems is the performance of linear prediction (LPC) analysis with speech inputs that have been corrupted by (signal-correlated) quantization distortion or additive white noise. To gain a first insight into this problem, a high-quality speech sample was deliberately degraded by using various degrees (bit rates of 16 kbps and more) of differential PCM (DPCM), and delta modulation (DM) quantization, and by the introduction of additive white noise. The resulting speech samples were then analyzed to obtain the LPC control signals: pitch, gain, and the linear prediction coefficients. These control parameters were then compared to the parameters measured in the original, high quality signal. The measurements of pitch perturbations were assessed on the basis of how many points exceeded an appropriate difference limen. A distance measure proposed by Itakura was used to compare the original LPC coefficients with the coefficients measured from the degraded speech. In addition, the measured control signals were used to synthesize speech for perceptual evaluation. Results suggest that LPC analysis/synthesis is fairly immune to the degradation of DPCM quantization. The effects of DM quantization are more severe and the effects of additive white noise are the most serious.
A Property Preservation Method for Intelligent Manufacturing System Reconfiguration

Intelligent manufacturing systems (IMS) can realize the rapid production of small batches and multiple varieties according to the individual needs of users. However, the realization of fast and on-demand flexible reconfigurability is a key problem in IMS. The reason is that it is difficult to ensure that the IMS can realize the requirements reliably, safely and effectively. This paper models the IMS based on rewritable Petri nets, which establishes the resource modules and scheduling structures model of the system. Furthermore, we construct the rewritable rule library to preserve the property before and after the system reconfiguration.
Ordering polymer blend morphologies via solvent evaporation

We present computer simulations of the phase separation dynamics in thin films of polymer blend solutions subject to solvent evaporation. We find that phase separation initially occurs at the air-film interface, where the solvent concentration is at its lowest. As the solvent diffuses through the film, and evaporates from the surface, phase separation becomes energetically favourable progressively throughout the film. However, phase separation is now initiated and directed by regions closer to the air surface which have already undergone phase separation. This, in effect, produces an ordering front which propagates through the film and leaves an ordered lateral morphology in its wake. Through computer simulations not only can we directly view this process, for the first time, but we can also predict the optical properties of the thin film as the solvent evaporates.
Spectral characteristics and thermal evolution of long-period gratings in photonic crystal fibers fabricated with a near-IR radiation femtosecond laser using point-by-point inscription

The spectral properties of long-period gratings (LPGs) fabricated in photonic crystal fibers using femtosecond laser pulses by the point-by-point technique, without oil-immersion of the fiber, are investigated in detail. Postfabrication spectral monitoring at room temperature showed significant long-term instability of the gratings and stable spectra only after 600 h. The stabilized spectral properties of the gratings improved with increasing annealing temperature. The observed changes in resonant wavelength, optical strength, and grating birefringence were correlated to the laser inscription energy and were further used to study the mechanism of femtosecond inscription. Furthermore, the femtosecond-laser inscribed LPGs were compared to electric-arc fabricated LPGs. Comparison of experimental results with theoretical models of LPGs and laser propagation during inscription indicate that the major processes responsible for the index change are permanent compaction and thermally induced strain, the latter can be significantly changed through annealing.
Techno-Economic Assessment of a 1 MW Solar PV Rooftop System at Thaksin University (Phatthalung Campus), Thailand

This study presents a techno-economic assessment of a 1 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system at Thaksin University (Phatthalung Campus) in Thailand. A detailed analysis of the solar PV rooftop system is performed with particular attention to the performance of different PV technologies and the effects of different tilt angles and orientations of the PV panels on the annual energy production, the specific production, and the performance ratio. The economic analysis was performed for four scenarios: (1) self-investment and self-consumption scheme, (2) bankable and self-consumption scheme, (3) bankable and feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme, and (4) energy service company (ESCO) scheme. The results show that the amorphous silicon/micro-crystalline silicon (a-Si/µc-Si) technology shows the lowest annual energy production and performance ratio (PR), while the copper indium disulfide (CIS) technology records the largest annual energy production and PR. The largest annual energy production and specific production were obtained with the PV panels installed at a 10° tilt angle and with the PV modules facing South (S), while the lowest annual energy production and specific production were observed with the PV panels installed at a 45° tilt angle and the PV modules facing North (N). The economic analysis results show that the best scenarios are Scenario 3 (bankable and FiT scheme) and Scenario 1 (self-investment and self-consumption scheme). The findings of this research provide valuable information for regional stakeholders and policymakers regarding investments in solar PV rooftop systems.
Three-dimensional viscous-inviscid coupling method for wind turbine computations

In this paper, a computational model for predicting the aerodynamic behavior of wind turbine wakes and blades subjected to unsteady motions and viscous effects is presented. The model is based on a three-dimensional panel method using a surface distribution of quadrilateral sources and doublets, which is coupled to a viscous boundary layer solver. Unlike Navier-Stokes codes that need to solve the entire flow domain, the panel method solves the flow around a complex geometry by distributing singularity elements on the body surface, obtaining a faster solution and making this type of codes suitable for the design of wind turbines. A free-wake model has been employed to simulate the wake behind a wind turbine by using vortex filaments that carry the vorticity shed by the trailing edge of the blades. Viscous and rotational effects inside the boundary layer are taken into account via the transpiration velocity concept, applied using strip theory with the cross sectional angle of attack as coupling parameter. The transpiration velocity is obtained from the solution of the integral boundary layer equations with extension for rotational effects. It is found that viscosity plays a very important role in the predictions of blade aerodynamics and wake dynamics, especially at high angles of attack just before and after boundary layer separation takes place. The present code is validated in detail against the well-known MEXICO experiment and a set of non-rotating cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrusion detection model based on security knowledge in online network courses

Intrusion detection is important in the defense in depth network security framework and a hot topic in computer network security in recent years. In this paper, an effective method for anomaly intrusion detection with low overhead and high efficiency is presented and applied to monitor the abnormal behavior of processes. The method is based on rough set theory and capable of extracting a set of detection rules with the minimum size to form a normal behavior model from the record of system call sequences generated during the normal execution of a process. Based on the network security knowledge base system, this paper proposes an intrusion detection model based on the network security knowledge base system, including data filtering, attack attempt analysis and situation assessment engine. In this model, evolutionary self - organizing mapping is used to discover multi - target attacks of the same origin; The association rules obtained by time series analysis method are used to correlate online alarm events to identify complex attacks scattered in time; Finally, the corresponding evaluation indexes and corresponding quantitative evaluation methods are given for host level and LAN system level threats respectively. Compared with the existing IDS, this model has a more complete structure, richer knowledge available, and can more easily find cooperative attacks and effectively reduce the false positive rate.
Design and Implementation of DDoS Attack and Defense Simulation Subsystem Based on Mininet

As a software-defined network emulation software, Mininet can emulate networks with limited resources on a single host. When studying the DDoS attack and protection, Mininet can be used to emulate network topology and implement the DDoS attack and defense simulation through Mininet. This work made the design and implementation of the DDoS attack and defense simulation subsystem based on Mininet. The DDoS attack and corresponding defense were deployed in the system, and the system can simulate DDoS attack and defense. The implementation of this system provided a reference for constructing a network attack and defense simulation system based on Mininet.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Selecting Patients for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastrointestinal Neoplasms

Tumor invasion depth and lymph node metastasis determine the prognosis of gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms. GI neoplasms limited to mucosa (m1 or m2) and superficial submucosa (sm1) can be treated effectively with minimally invasive endoscopic therapy, while the deep invasion of the submucosa (sm2 or sm3) is associated with lymph node metastasis, and surgical resection is required. Correct staging is therefore crucial for preoperative evaluation and planning. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) can be used to detect the depth of invasion due to its close proximity to the lesion. The diagnostic accuracy of EUS, when compared to conventional endoscopic staging, is debated as it can under- or overstage the lesion. We aim in this study to determine if EUS can accurately differentiate mucosal from submucosal GI neoplasms to select patients with early GI lesions for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgery. From March 2014 to February 2022, 293 patients with early superficial GI neoplasms were admitted to our endoscopic unit for EUS staging. To evaluate the accuracy of EUS, we compared the preoperative EUS findings with the definitive histopathologic findings on the resected specimen. Overall, 242 of 293 lesions were correctly staged by EUS (82.59%). In the evaluation of submucosal invasion or deeper, EUS understaged 38 of 293 (12.96%) and overstaged 13 of 293 (4.43%) lesions. EUS has excellent accuracy in staging superficial GI neoplasms; its use is highly recommended before ESD since it can also detect lymph node metastases around the lesions, thus changing the indication from ESD to surgery.
Regulation of Energy Metabolism and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Mastiha Fractions from Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia

Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia resin (Chios Mastiha), the first natural chewing gum, is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and has been used in traditional medicine from ancient times. Regarding its chemical composition, Chios Mastiha is known to be rich in triterpenes. Triterpenes have a similar structure to glucocorticoids (GCs), the steroid hormones that exert strong anti-inflammatory activities and play crucial roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism. To simplify the characterization of the bioactive compounds of Mastiha resin, three different polarity fractions were isolated and were further analyzed regarding their main chemical composition and an assessment of their biological activities. The biological assessment focused on the evaluation of the potential anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic activities as well as the possible interference of the three different polarity Mastiha fractions with the glucocorticoid receptor signaling, with the aim of characterizing the biochemical mechanisms of the actions of the Mastiha fraction. Applying MTT cell viability assay, luciferase/β-galactosidase assay, and Western blot analysis showed that Chios Mastiha apolar, medium-polar, and polar fractions reduced the HEK293 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, possibly by mitochondrial-mediated induction of apoptosis. Medium-polar and polar Mastiha fractions also suppressed the GR and NF-κΒ transcriptional activation and the p65 protein levels. These activities were accompanied by the modulation of protein levels of regulatory molecules playing a crucial role in cellular energy homeostasis, such as GR, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), and/or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), and by the induction of phosphorylation and the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The medium-polar fraction was found to be enriched in triterpenes, such as lupeol, 24Z-masticadienonic acid methyl ester, and 24Z-isomasticadienonic acid methyl ester, and it was the most active one, so we propose that triterpenes in medium-polar fraction are possibly the bioactive compounds responsible for Mastiha’s regulatory actions on energy metabolism and anti-inflammatory activities via interference with GR, NF-κΒ, and AMPK signaling. This highlights its potential applications in many fields of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical interest.
The plasma environment of the Earth.

Abstract In this article we discuss the structure and dynamics of the Earth's plasma environment and how it is influenced by its interaction with the outer atmosphere of the Sun, as revealed by both space-based and ground-based observations over the past thirty years. We begin with a discussion of the basic physical principles involved, and then apply these principles to the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and their interaction with the Earth's magnetic field. The structure and flow of magnetospheric plasma populations then follows, together with consequent magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions. The initial discussion applies to a steady-state magnetosphere driven by steady reconnection, which we then generalized to the time-dependent case resulting from variations in the direction of the IMF.
Superresolution technique for planar objects based on an isoplane transformation

This paper presents an automatic superresolution method using multiviewpoint images. Viewpoints of objects in consecutive image frames often change in real video sequences. Hence, in order to adapt the conventional superresolution methods to multiviewpoint images, a geometric transformation of multiviewpoint images to a reference image plane should be performed. In this process, an accurate isoplane transformation is required. We propose a robust random sample consensus (RANSAC) criterion and a weighted homography estimation, which are important for accurate geometric transformation. Experiments were performed with several video sequences that simulate real surveillance systems. Multiviewpoint image sets were also used to verify the accuracy and stability of the proposed methods. The experimental results show that low-resolution images that are difficult to discern become recognizable high-resolution images using the proposed superresolution method.
Discussion of “Some Controversial Multiple Testing Problems in Regulatory Applications”

Simultaneous testing. The presence of secondary endpoints causes a slight penalty in the power of inference on the primary endpoint. For example, testing lack of efficacy of low dose in the primary endpoint needs to be adjusted for the possibility that a high dose lacks efficacy in the secondary endpoint. This is not unreasonable in our view, because there should be a penalty paid for the possibility of efficacy claim in the secondary endpoint.
Exploration of flat hearing protector attenuation and sound detection in noise

Flat-response devices are a class of hearing protectors with nearly uniform attenuation across frequency. These devices can protect the individual wearer while maintaining the spectral balance of the surrounding sounds. This is typically achieved by reducing the muffling effect of conventional hearing protectors which provide larger attenuation at higher than lower frequencies, especially with earmuffs. Flat hearing protectors are often recommended when good speech communication or sound perception is essential, especially for wearers with high-frequency hearing loss, to maintain audibility at all frequencies. However, while flat-response devices are described in some acoustical standards, the tolerance limits for the definition of flatness are largely unspecified and relatively little is known on the exact conditions when such devices can be beneficial. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the interaction between the spectrum of the noise, the shape of the attenuation-frequency response, and.
The Activation of PPARγ by (2Z,4E,6E)-2-methoxyocta-2,4,6-trienoic Acid Counteracts the Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Process in Skin Carcinogenesis

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common UV-induced keratinocyte-derived cancer, and its progression is characterized by the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. We previously demonstrated that PPARγ activation by 2,4,6-octatrienoic acid (Octa) prevents cutaneous UV damage. We investigated the possible role of the PPARγ activators Octa and the new compound (2Z,4E,6E)-2-methoxyocta-2,4,6-trienoic acid (A02) in targeting keratinocyte-derived skin cancer. Like Octa, A02 exerted a protective effect against UVB-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in NHKs. In the squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells, A02 inhibited cell proliferation and increased differentiation markers’ expression. Moreover, Octa and even more A02 counteracted the TGF-β1-dependent increase in mesenchymal markers, intracellular ROS, the activation of EMT-related signal transduction pathways, and cells’ migratory capacity. Both compounds, especially A02, counterbalanced the TGF-β1-induced cell membrane lipid remodeling and the release of bioactive lipids involved in EMT. In vivo experiments on a murine model useful to study cell proliferation in adult animals showed the reduction of areas characterized by active cell proliferation in response to A02 topical treatment. In conclusion, targeting PPARγ may be useful for the prevention and treatment of keratinocyte-derived skin cancer.
An optimized patch-point based approach for seismic fault interpretation using CNN

The interpretation of fault is essential for the oil and gas industries. This paper proposes an optimized patch-point-based approach for interpreting faults in a seismic data set using a convolutional neural network (CNN). We extract small patches of data for training and identify the fault patches. Next, we separately train seismic data points that are previously labeled as fault or non-fault. The strategy is to apply patch classification followed by analyzing fault patchs’ points to get the fault's location. We consider a mixture of synthetic and real data for training and as well as for testing. This method has used only the seismic amplitude values and has not considered any seismic attribute. We do normalization and quantization of seismic data to act as input to the CNN network, and the results show good accuracy when applied to synthetic and real data. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Formulation and evaluation of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system for improved oral delivery of exemestane hydrochloride

Exemestane HCl (EXM) is a new irreversible steroidal aromatase inhibitor for adjuvant therapy of hormonally sensitive breast cancer in post-menopausal women. EXM's low water solubility hinders solid oral dosage form development. The current work aims to increase EXM solubility by formulating the self nanoemulsifying drug delivery (SNEDDs) system. The water titration approach was employed in the development of SNEDDs. Based on solubility tests, SNEDDs components Caprol Microexpress and Labrafac were selected as oil phase, Tween 80 as surfactant, and Triacetin as co-surfactant. Phase investigations were carried out with various surfactant:co-surfactant ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, 3:1). Tween 80: triacetin (1:2) and (1:3) with Caprol Microexpress and Labrafac alone had the greatest nanoemulsion area. Visual evaluation, optical clarity, particle size, medication concentration, and viscosity were used to optimise 10 formulations. F3, F7, and F8 batches had the lowest size at 7.313 ± 1.44 nm, 6.379 ± 0.45 nm, and 14.67 ± 0.37 nm, respectively, with self-emulsification times under 1 min.But optical clarity data was suggested that F7 was not showing any precipitation up to 24 H. Overall, the developed SNEDDS formulation could be a promising approach for the improved oral delivery of EXE with enhanced dissolution and bioavailability.
The Role of MicroRNA in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common and severe complications of diabetes mellitus, affecting one in every five patients suffering from diabetes. Despite extensive research, the exact pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy is still unclear. Several factors and pathways are known to be involved in the development of the disease, such as reactive oxygen species or the activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. The expression of those proteins might be extensively regulated by microRNA. Recent research suggests that in diabetic nephropathy patients, the profile of miRNA is significantly changed. In this review, we focus on the actions of miRNA in various pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and the clinical usage of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Ridge Estimators in Logistic Regression

SUMMARY In this paper it is shown how ridge estimators can be used in logistic regression to improve the parameter estimates and to diminish the error made by further predictions. Different ways to choose the unknown ridge parameter are discussed. The main attention focuses on ridge parameters obtained by cross-validation. Three different ways to define the prediction error are considered: classification error, squared error and minus log-likelihood. The use of ridge regression is illustrated by developing a prognostic index for the two-year survival probability of patients with ovarian cancer as a function of their deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) histogram. In this example, the number of covariates is large compared with the number of observations and modelling without restrictions on the parameters leads to overfitting. Defining a restriction on the parameters, such that neighbouring intervals in the DNA histogram differ only slightly in their influence on the survival, yields ridge-type parameter estimates with reasonable values which can be clinically interpreted. Furthermore the model can predict new observations more accurately.