Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binaural reproduction of spherical microphone array signals.

An efficient method for the production of binaural audio signals from spherical microphone array signals using head related impulse responses (HRIRs) is presented. The processing is done directly in the spherical Fourier transform domain which offers significant speed advantages over the conventional method of beamforming toward each HRIR measurement point. The encoding of HRIRs into the spherical Fourier domain is complicated by the fact that the available HRIR databases (CIPIC, MIT, KEMAR) use irregular sampling positions around the sphere and do not contain data for sound coming from angles below the subject. However, for spatially bandlimited processing it is possible to use an LMS technique with regularization to perform the spherical Fourier transform of these HRIRs. A real‐time system with head‐tracking using the eigenmike (TM) and the CIPIC HRIR database is presented which processes spherical harmonics up to third order. Since the head‐rotation operation is performed digitally, this technique is e.
10ℏ superconducting quantum interference device amplifier for acoustic gravitational wave detectors

From measurements of additive and back action noise, we estimate the noise temperature of a two-stage superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) amplifier developed for the acoustic wide-band gravitational wave detectors of the next generation. The minimum noise temperature evaluated at 8.9 kHz and T≤0.3 K is about 4 μK and corresponds to 10 times the quantum-limited noise temperature. As the high-Q electrical resonator used for the back action noise measurements behaves in many respects like the input load constituted by an acoustic gravitational wave detector, this SQUID amplifier is expected to keep the same noise performance once installed on the detector.
Open heavy-flavour results from ALICE

The ALICE Collaboration has measured heavy-flavour production in a wide rapidity range and in several decay channels in pp, Pb-Pb and, recently, in p-Pb collisions. An overview of some recent results is presented in this paper, with a particular emphasis on the first measurements in p-Pb collisions at = 5.02 TeV. A selection of the new results in Pb-Pb collisions at = 2.76 TeV is discussed as well.
Probing protoplanetary disk evolution with the Hi 21 cm line

Little is known about the gas disk dispersal timescales in the planet formation process. Disks have a complex chemical structure and a wide range of excitation conditions, making the interpretation of line observations difficult. Here, we use detailed chemo–physical models to predict the Hi abundance for a wide range of disk evolutionary stages. Hi traces the surface layers and the Hi 21 cm line—if detected–can be used to study the effects of UV, x-ray irradiation and evaporation in addition to the disk kinematics. We use a simple radiative transfer approach to convert the model disk parameters into predicted 21 cm line maps and spectral profiles. These are compared to upper limits on the 21 cm emission from the Australia Telescope Compact Array and Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope to obtain limits on the total disk mass for Herbig Ae, T Tauri and debris disk stars. We also discuss more recent VLA observations of the protoplanetary disks in Orion, where we looked for the Hi 21 cm line in absorption against the bright nebula background. As an outlook, we briefly address the capabilities of the planned Square Kilometer Array for imaging the surfaces of disks during the planet formation stage.
CLOSED‐FORM METHOD FOR SOLVING THE STEADY‐STATE GENERALISED ENERGY‐MOMENTUM CONSERVATION EQUATIONS

The Boltzmann transport equation applied to electron transport in a heterostructure semiconductor is discussed. The closed‐form methods for solving the heterostructure energy‐momentum conservation equations are considered and the energy flux conservation equation is suggested as an additional equation to be solved in the hydrodynamic hot electron transport model. Suitable numeric stable discretisation schemes for the conservation equations are presented.
How Brazilian Schoolchildren Identify, Classify, and Label Foods and Beverages—A Card Sorting Methodology

This study examined how Brazilian schoolchildren identified, classified, and labeled foods and beverages. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 133 schoolchildren aged 7 to 10 years old from a public school located in southern Brazil in 2015. A set of cards with pictures of 32 food and beverage items from the web-based Food Intake and Physical Activity of Schoolchildren tool (Web-CAAFE) were used. Participants identified each item, formed groups for them based on similarity, and assigned labels for those groups. Student’s t-tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to verify the mean difference between the groups of items. K-means cluster analysis was applied to identify similar clusters. Schoolchildren made an average of 9.1 piles of foods and beverages that they thought were similar (±2.4) with 3.0 cards (±1.8) each. Five groups were identified: meats, snacks and pasta, sweets, milk and dairy products, and fruits and vegetables. The most frequently used nomenclature for labeling groups was taxonomic-professional (47.4%), followed by the specific food item name (16.4%), do not know/not sure (13.3%), and evaluative (health perception) (8.8%). The taxonomic-professional category could be applied to promote improvements in the identification process of food and beverage items by children in self-reported computerized dietary questionnaires.
Corrosion Inhibition Potential of Thiosemicarbazide Derivatives on ALuminium: Insight from Molecular Modelling and QSARs Approaches

The potentials of six thiosemicarbazide derivatives towards corrosion inhibition were investigated theoretically using density functional theory (DFT) and quantitative structural-activity relationships (QSARs) methods. Their performance as corrosion inhibitors were evaluated using their calculated quantum chemical parameters such as molecular weight, softness, electronegativity, dipole moments, hardness, bandgap energy (\Delta E), highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO), and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy (ELUMO). Regression analysis was carried out using the ordinary least square method to develop a model that establishes the relationship between chemical parameters and inhibition efficiencies that have been measured experimentally. According to the results, quantum chemical parameters confirm the inhibition potential of TSC5 to be greater than TSC2, while the predicted inhibition efficiencies of the studied thiosemicarbazide derivatives correspond to experimentally reported values with a root mean square error (%) of 1.116 and correlation coefficient of 0.998. The high correlation demonstrates and validates the quantum chemical approach’s reliability in studying corrosion inhibition on a metal surface. The validation of the developed model internally and externally demonstrates that it is robust and stable, with high predictability
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of an Asymmetrically Electrostatically Actuated Microbeam

This paper deals with the study of bifurcational behavior of a capacitive microbeam actuated by asymmetrically located electrodes in the upper and lower sides of the microbeam. A distributed and a modified two degree of freedom (DOF) mass–spring model have been implemented for the analysis of the microbeam behavior. Fixed or equilibrium points of the microbeam have been obtained and have been shown that with variation of the applied voltage as a control parameter the number of equilibrium points is changed. The stability of the fixed points has been investigated by Jacobian matrix of system in the two DOF mass–spring model. Pull-in or critical values of the applied voltage leading to qualitative changes in the microbeam behavior have been obtained and has been shown that the proposed model has a tendency to a static instability by undergoing a pitchfork bifurcation whereas classic capacitive microbeams cease to have stability by undergoing to a saddle node bifurcation.
Relationships between External, Wearable Sensor-Based, and Internal Parameters: A Systematic Review

Micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) are used to record training and match play of intermittent team sport athletes. Paired with estimates of internal responses or adaptations to exercise, practitioners gain insight into players’ dose–response relationship which facilitates the prescription of the training stimuli to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and to guide rehabilitation processes. A systematic review on the relationship between external, wearable-based, and internal parameters in team sport athletes, compliant with the PRISMA guidelines, was conducted. The literature research was performed from earliest record to 1 September 2020 using the databases PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and SportDISCUS. A total of 66 full-text articles were reviewed encompassing 1541 athletes. About 109 different relationships between variables have been reviewed. The most investigated relationship across sports was found between (session) rating of perceived exertion ((session-)RPE) and PlayerLoad™ (PL) with, predominantly, moderate to strong associations (r = 0.49–0.84). Relationships between internal parameters and highly dynamic, anaerobic movements were heterogenous. Relationships between average heart rate (HR), Edward’s and Banister’s training impulse (TRIMP) seem to be reflected in parameters of overall activity such as PL and TD for running-intensive team sports. PL may further be suitable to estimate the overall subjective perception. To identify high fine-structured loading—relative to a certain type of sport—more specific measures and devices are needed. Individualization of parameters could be helpful to enhance practicality.
Role of Bacillus subtilis Spore Core Water Content and pH in the Accumulation and Utilization of Spores’ Large 3-Phosphoglyceric Acid Depot, and the Crucial Role of This Depot in Generating ATP Early during Spore Germination

The development of Bacillus spore cores involves the accumulation of 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA) during sporulation, following core acidification to ~6.4, and before decreases in core water content occur due to Ca-dipicolinc acid (CaDPA) uptake. This core acidification inhibits phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) at pH 6.4, allowing 3PGA accumulation, although PGM is active at pH 7.4. Spores’ 3PGA is stable for months at 4 °C and weeks at 37 °C. However, in wild-type spore germination, increases in core pH to 7.5–8 and in core water content upon CaDPA release and cortex peptidoglycan hydrolysis allow for rapid 3PGA catabolism, generating ATP; indeed, the earliest ATP generated following germination is from 3PGA catabolism. The current work found no 3PGA in those Bacillus subtilis spores that do not accumulate CaDPA during sporulation and have a core pH of ~7.4. The ATP production in the germination of 3PGA-less spores in a poor medium was minimal, and the germinated spores were >99% dead. However, the 3PGA-replete spores that germinated in the poor medium accumulated >30 times more ATP, and >70% of the germinated spores were found to be alive. These findings indicate why 3PGA accumulation during sporulation (and utilization during germination) in all the Firmicute spores studied can be crucial for spore revival due to the generation of essential ATP. The latter finding further suggests that targeting PGM activity during germination could be a novel way to minimize the damaging effects of spores.
Ciclopirox Olamine Induces Proliferation Inhibition and Protective Autophagy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common fatal malignancies worldwide. Thus far, the hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis has been bleak due to deficiencies in the identification and diagnosis of early hepatocellular carcinoma. Ciclopirox olamine (CPX) is a synthetic antifungal agent and has been considered as an anti-cancer candidate drug recently, though the detailed mechanisms related to its anti-cancer effect in hepatocellular carcinoma have not yet been revealed. Here, we found that CPX could inhibit proliferation in HCC cells but not in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells by arresting the cell cycle. Moreover, the anti-cancer effects of CPX in HCC cells were also attributed to CPX-triggered ROS accumulation and DJ-1 downregulation. Additionally, CPX could promote complete autophagic flux, which alleviated the anti-cancer effect of CPX in HCC cells, whereas the ROS scavenger (NAC) would attenuate CPX-induced protective autophagy. Interestingly, CPX could also induce glycogen clustering in HCC cells. Altogether, this study provides a new insight into the detailed molecular mechanisms of CPX as an anti-cancer therapy and a strategy for treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fluid flow pattern analysis in a trough region: a nonparametric approach

This paper aims at identifying statistically different circulation patterns characterising fluid flow in the trough region between two adjacent asymmetric waveforms, using the velocity data collected by 3D acoustic Doppler velocimeter. Statistical clustering has been performed using ideas originating from information theory and scale space theory in computer vision for splitting the trough region into different spatially connected segments (identifying the circulation bubble in the process) on the basis of circulation patterns. The paper attempts to visualise the fluid fluctuations in the trough region, with emphasis on the circulation region, by simulating the directional fluctuations of fluid particles from the kernel density estimates learned from the experimental data. The image representation of the estimate of the spatial turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) function reveals interesting features corresponding to the regions of high TKE, suggesting the possibilities for further research in this area along the lines of feature extraction and image analysis.
A case study on 360 Degree Evaluation of Programme Performance Indicators to Enrich Student Learning Experience at Middle East College

The purpose of this study is to explore the programme performance indicators so that the student experiences on teaching and learning can be enhanced at Middle East College(MEC). Improving the quality of education depends on the different parameters. Determining the objective for each indicator that measure the performance levels of students is necessary for maintaining quality assurance. In order for the department to maintain high standards, administrators and faculty members must identify all the performance indicators. The programme management team has set the action strategies to achieve the performance indicators based on the programme objectives. This research paper captures the action strategies implemented in the programme and a complete review of those activities to analyse the program performance which could be used for all education institution.
A direct method on camera’s ego-motion estimation using normal flows

In this paper, we propose a novel method to estimate the camera’s ego-motion parameters by directly using the normal flows. Normal flows, the projection of the optical flows along the direction of the gradient of image intensity, could be calculated directly from the image sequence without any artificial assumptions about the captured scene. Different from many traditional approaches which tackle the problem by establishing motion correspondences or by estimating optical flows, our proposed method could obtain the motion parameters directly by using the information of spatio-temporal gradient of the image intensity. Hence, our method requires no specific assumptions about the captured scene, such as the smoothness constraint, continuity constraint, distinct features appearing in the scene and etc. Our method has been experimentally tested by using both synthetic image data and real image sequences. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method is feasible and reliable.
Slotted‐Disk Velocity Selector of Extended Range

A slotted‐disk, mechanical velocity selector has been constructed and tested. It is similar to that reported by Hostettler and Bernstein, but may be used at velocities more than five times higher (to 6000 m/sec). Its velocity spread is somewhat less (3.4%), and its fractional open time is about the same (34.8%) as the Hostettler‐Bernstein instrument. A lithium beam has been velocity analyzed and found to be in agreement with the calculated distribution.
Subset selection of autoregressive time series models

We propose a solution to select promising subsets of autoregressive time series models for further consideration which follows up on the idea of the stochastic search variable selection procedure in George and McCulloch (1993). It is based on a Bayesian approach which is unconditional on the initial terms. The autoregression stepup is in the form of a hierarchical normal mixture model, where latent variables are used to identify the subset choice. The framework of our procedure is utilized by the Gibbs sampler, a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. The advantage of the method presented is computational: it is an alternative way to search over a potentially large set of possible subsets. The proposed method is illustrated with a simulated data as well as a real data. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanics of spin coating of polymer films

The process of spin coating is described, with particular attention to applications in microelectronics. The physical mechanisms involved in the process are discussed and those mechanisms that affect the final state are identified, viz., centrifugal and viscous forces, solute diffusion, and solvent evaporation: A model is proposed that incorporates only the latter mechanisms, with viscosity and diffusivity depending on solute concentration. The evaporation of solvent during spinning causes the solution viscosity to increase and the flow is reduced. The thickness of the final solid film is related to the thickness of a diffusion boundary layer near the free surface. The model predicts the final dry film thickness in terms of the primary process variables, spin speed, and initial polymer concentration. A similarity boundary‐layer analysis leads to a simple approximate result for the final film thickness that is consistent with limited experimental data, hf ∼KC0(ν0D0)1/4/Ω1/2, where K is a number of order un.
Use of Oxidative Coupling Strategy as a Means to Increase In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Vanillin Derivatives

: The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant properties in vitro of three different vanillic dimmers (Compounds 1a–c ). They were synthesized through an oxidative coupling strategy in good yields. The targeted compounds were found to be highly active for the total antioxidant assay, as well as for the lipid peroxidation test. All investigated compounds exhibited superior or comparable antioxidant capacity in comparison to precursor vanillin, proving that oxidative coupling is a great strategy to increase the antioxidant behavior of vanillin derivatives.
Contact Number Properties in the Study Of Cellular Networks

The purpose of the paper is to determine if different generating processes produce cellular networks with distinctive contact number properties. Properties resulting from patterns produced by three generating processes, the Poisson, the compound negative binomial, and the “Smalley,” are examined in detail. The implications of the findings for the analysis of empirical cellular networks are discussed.
Pattern identification using lattice spin systems: A thermodynamic formalism

The paper addresses data-driven statistical pattern identification in complex dynamical systems, where the concept is built upon thermodynamic formalism of symbolic data sequences in the setting of lattice spin systems. The transfer matrix approach has been used for generation of pattern vectors from time series data of observed parameters. Efficacy of pattern identification is demonstrated for early detection of anomalies (i.e., deviations from the nominal pattern) on an experimental apparatus of nonlinear active electronic circuits.
An Electrolytic-Capacitor-Less PFC LED Driver With Low DC-Bus Voltage Stress for High Power Streetlighting Applications

This article presents a single-stage, soft-switching, high power factor, flicker-free LED driver without any electrolytic capacitors for streetlighting application. The proposed LED driver consists of a buck–boost type power-factor correction (PFC) circuit integrated with an asymmetric half-bridge LLC resonant converter. The buck–boost type PFC circuit provides a high power factor, low input current harmonics, and low dc bus average voltage. Unlike other methods that use the first harmonic approximation (FHA) analysis or the differential equations in time domain to analysis the LLC circuit, in this article, a Fourier series-based analysis is proposed. The proposed method provides better accuracy in comparison with the FHA while being simpler than the time domain analyze method. The half-bridge LLC resonant converter is designed such that zero-voltage switching is obtained for the entire input voltage range (185–265 $V_{\text{rms}}$), and for 20% to 100% of the full-load power. In addition, a magnetic integration technique is utilized to increase efficiency and reduce converter size. The designed control system enables lowering the output current ripples without using any electrolytic capacitors. To verify the feasibility of the proposed LED driver, a 200 W prototype is implemented. The proposed LED driver achieves maximum efficiency of 94.6%, high PF, and a maximum of 15% output current ripples.
Optical tweezers force calibration using a fast-shuttering camera

We report using a fast-shuttering CCD camera to determine the transverse stiffness of an optical tweezers trap. By utilizing the relation between the particle position variance and the trap stiffness we are able to circumvent the sampling requirements of the position power spectrum approach. We find that for trap stiffness of order 10-5 N/m exposures shorter than 0.001 sec seem to be required in order to give valid measurements. For longer exposures (~0.01 sec) the trap stiffness can be overestimated by a factor of three or more.
Robustness of Interdependent Power Grid and Communication Networks to Cascading Failures

We consider the cascading failure process in interdependent power-communication networks, where the power grid provides the required energy for the communication nodes, and the communication network facilitates the monitoring and controlling the power networks. The proposed system model considers the flow dynamics in both networks and the failure rollover to study the cascade process in the system and capture the possible beneficial and adverse effects of interdependency between the networks. We suggest weak and strong interdependencies models that determine how and to what extent the loss of controllability after failures impacts the power network and a congestion-aware load balancing scheme that exploits the system state to decrease the density of severe cascades. The results of the cascading failure processes on data from two power networks are provided and discussed in terms of the average unserved load in the power network and the number of failed nodes in the communication layer in different scenarios. We find that increasing the coupling is beneficial in most cases; however, considering the robustness of each network and the nature of the interdependencies between the two networks, over-coupling can decrease the system's robustness against failure cascading in certain scenarios.