Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Augmentation Techniques for Adult-Speech to Generate Child-Like Speech Data Samples at Scale

Technologies such as Text-To-Speech (TTS) synthesis and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) have become important in providing speech-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in today’s AI-centric technology sector. Most current research work and solutions focus largely on adult speech compared to child speech. The main reason for this disparity can be linked to the limited availability of children’s speech datasets that can be used in training modern speech AI systems. In this paper, we propose and validate a speech augmentation pipeline to transform existing adult speech datasets into synthetic child-like speech. We use a publicly available phase vocoder-based toolbox for manipulating sound files to tune the pitch and duration of the adult speech utterances making them sound child-like. Both objective and subjective evaluations are performed on the resulting synthetic child utterances. For the objective evaluation, the similarities of the selected top adults’ speaker embeddings are compared before and after the augmentation to a mean child speaker embedding. The average adult voice is shown to have a cosine similarity of approximately 0.87 (87%) relative to the mean child voice after augmentation, compared to a similarity of approximately 0.74 (74%) before augmentations. Mean Opinion Score (MOS) tests were also conducted for the subjective evaluation, with average MOS scores of 3.7 for how convincing the samples are as child-speech and 4.6 for how intelligible the speech is. Finally, ASR models fine-tuned with the augmented speech are tested against a baseline set of ASR experiments showing some modest improvements over the baseline model finetuned with only adult speech.
Identification and Expression of the MADS-box Gene Family in Different Versions of the Ginkgo biloba Genome

MADS-box transcription factors play important roles in many organisms. These transcription factors are involved in processes such as the formation of the flower organ structure and the seed development of plants. Ginkgo biloba has two genome versions (version 2019 and version 2021), and there is no analysis or comparison of the MADS-box gene family in these two genomes. In this study, 26 and 20 MADS-box genes were identified from the two genomes of Ginkgo, of which 12 pairs of genes reached more than 80% similarity. According to our phylogenetic analysis results, we divided these genes into type I (Mα and Mγ subfamilies) and type II (MIKC and Mδ subfamilies) members. We found that both sets of genomes lacked the Mβ gene, while the MIKC gene was the most numerous. Further analysis of the gene structure showed that the MIKC genes in the two genomes had extralong introns (≥20 kb); these introns had different splicing patterns, and their expression might be more abundant. The gene expression analysis proved that GbMADS genes were expressed to varying degrees in eight Ginkgo biological tissues. Type II GbMADS genes not only were found to be related to female flower bud differentiation and development but also are important in seed development. Therefore, MADS-box genes may play important roles in the development of Ginkgo reproductive organs, which may suggest a genetic role in sexual differentiation. This study further contributes to the research on MADS-box genes and provides new insights into sex determination in Ginkgo.
Numerical Flow Simulation and Cavitation Prediction in a Centrifugal Pump
 using an SST-SAS Turbulence Model

The paper handles the subject of the modelling and simulation of the flow inside a centrifugal pump through non-cavitating and cavitating conditions. Operating under cavitation state is so perilous to a pump and can considerably reduce its lifetime service. Hence, to provide highly reliable pumps, it is essential to comprehend the inner flow of pumps. The investigated centrifugal pump comprises five backward curved-bladed impeller running at 900 rpm. The modelling process started with an unsteady numerical analysis under non-cavitating conditions to validate the numerical model and the solver comparing with the available testing data. Due to high Reynolds numbers, turbulence effects have been taken into account by unsteady RANS methods using an SST-SAS turbulence model. The obtained pump performances were numerically compared with the experimental ones, and the outcome shows an acceptable agreement between both. The temporal distribution of the internal flow parameters such as pressure and velocity was then studied. Furthermore, basic investigations of cavitating flow around 3D NACA66-MOD profile using a recently developed and validate cavitation model was established. The verification of the numerical simulation validity was based on comparing calculated and experimental results and presented good agreement. Finally, a 3D simulation of the inception of the cavitating pocket inside the centrifugal pump is performed to analyze the impact of the cavitation in the decrease of the head and efficiency.
Characterizing Markov Random Fields and Coefficient of Variations as Measures of Spatial Distributions for Hyperspectral Image Classification

Characterizing spatial information as reinforcement of spectral signatures can largely assist the performance in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification. Markov random fields (MRFs) are probabilistic image texture models and are capable of encoding contextual dependencies through characterizing local conditional probabilities. As a representative standardized measure of dispersion of image probability distributions, the coefficient of variation (CoV) can be a useful tool for characterizing spatial heterogeneity. Their parameter derivation processes also share strong compatibility with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) that specify spatial correlations in local neighborhoods. In this work, we propose an MRF and CoV-based spectral–spatial convolutional network (MRF-CoV-CNN) for HSI classification. MRF models and CoVs are characterized as measures of spatial distributions and further combined with spectral information. Then the proposed MRF-CoV-CNN takes the fused features as input and produces reliable classification results. Comprehensive experiments have been conducted on the Pavia University dataset and the Salinas dataset to evaluate the proposed method both visually and quantitatively.
Etude du rayonnement dans les plasmas de divertor

Nous avons etudie le refroidissement du plasma de bord par rayonnement dans le volume du divertor, afin d'optimiser l'extraction de puissance dans les tokamaks et de limiter l'erosion de leur paroi. Dans les experiences de plasmas attaches de divertor, la concentration d'impuretes intrinseques au bord depend de la reponse de la paroi au flux d'energie incident du plasma, selon une loi phenomenologique. Nous avons realise une analyse du rayonnement en fonction de cette loi et des parametres de controle des decharges. La plus grande fraction rayonnee et la meilleure synergie sont obtenues lorsque la concentration d'impuretes intrinseques augmente fortement avec l'energie du plasma incident. En contrepartie, l'erosion de la paroi est plus forte. Dans les plasmas detaches, nous avons montre que les performances en termes de perte d'energie et de charge du plasma incident sont optimales lorsque la densite des neutres les plus lents est forte au bord et lorsque leur penetration radiale est faible. Sur tore supra, nous avons mis en evidence les correlations entre le maximum du nombre de mach du flux de plasma incident, le front de rayonnement et la penetration des neutres. Un diagnostic simple fonde sur la localisation du maximum du nombre de mach prouve que le regime detache n'est pas optimal sur tore supra. Dans une derniere partie, nous avons obtenu la topologie tridimensionnelle du rayonnement dans le divertor ergodique, a l'aide d'un code de decomposition spectrale et en utilisant des conditions aux limites consistantes avec la distribution de temperature sur la paroi. Le rayonnement est maximal en face des modules de divertor ce qui prouve que la puissance rayonnee est sous-estimee par les mesures standard de tore supra, situees entre les modules. Nous avons enfin montre que les profils de temperature le long des lignes de champ sont modules, ce qui est specifique a la configuration divertor ergodique.
The role of various heterostructures on radiation tolerance of Cu-based nanocomposites

Using heterogeneous or multilayer structures of graphene and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has bright prospects for designing NCs with high radiation tolerance. This heterostructure can improve the radiation tolerance of Cu-based nanocomposites (NCs). In this study, the effects of the morphology of interface materials on the radiation tolerance of NCs are investigated. Single cascade induced by 3, 6, and 9 keV primary knocked-on atom (PKA) and 6 keV PKA-induced cascade overlaps are studied in three different NCs using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results show the performance of interface morphology to inhibit defects in bulk regions of NCs. A comparison between radiation tolerance and stability of the Cu-based NCs including MoS2/gr/MoS2 heterostructure (Sample 1), Cu/5gr/Cu (Sample 2), and Cu/MoS2@Cu@MoS2/Cu (Sample3) shows that Cu-MoS2-gr configuration has the lower number of surviving defects after single cascade induced by different energies of PKA. This phenomenon highlights the bonds’ role of S-S, Mo-Mo, and Mo-S of the MoS2 and ultra-strength C-C bonds of graphene in controlling the frequent collision-triggered shock wave’s energy in layers of the Cu-MoS2-gr interface. We found that with increasing the number of cascade overlaps, the number of defects in the cascade bulk (bulkc) region of Sample 2 and Sample 3 NCs fluctuates. Results show that after about fifth overlapped cascades, the raising rate of the number of defects in the sub-cascade bulk (bulksc) region of the Sample 3 NC is higher than that of other NCs. These results prove that the damaged area which has been created by the first collision cascade, doesn’t change with increasing the number of overlapped cascades, but can affect controlling defects in bulks. Results imply that the composite resulting from Cu-MoS2-gr and Cu-gr exhibits an extraordinary ability to resist irradiation damage. These results highlight the role of interface morphology in inhibiting damage and suggest new models of NCs.
Energy Poverty—Do Energy Companies Care? Study Results from European Energy Companies

Energy poverty is one of the most critical social challenges in the debate about energy transformation. Reducing the risk of this challenge and mitigating the effects are at the heart of public policies. However, not only the government sector can support people who experience or are at risk of energy poverty. The business sector, especially energy companies, which are the main actors in predefining energy systems in individual countries, can actively participate in this process, among others, through socially responsible activities. The article aims to examine to what extent the problem of energy poverty is an element of social responsibility projects undertaken by energy companies. In addition, it was examined to what extent national climate policies address this issue. The study was conducted using content analysis. The results indicate energy companies’ weak interest and engagement in the energy poverty problem. They treat it very peripherally and do not include material topics on the list. The article ends with a set of conclusions for business sector representatives to help develop projects supporting energy poverty combat.
Computational design for the development of natural molecules as compelling inhibitors against the target SARS-CoV-2: An in-silico attempt

A threat to the global human population has been established by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and it is quite challenging to identify innovative medications in this epidemic. These are zoonotic and can potentially create massive outbreaks of illnesses that can result in morbidity and death. As a consequence, natural therapies for the anticipation and dealing of COVID-19 are widely acknowledged as a quick means to find successful therapeutic choices that can be found through in-silico drug screening tests. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a vital precursor involved in the virus’s life cycle, is present in SARS-CoV-2. Blocking the formation of the RdRp–RNA complex inhibits viral replica and boosts the immune response of the host. In our present research, with the use of a SuperNatural Database, we started the high-throughput virtual screening method to recognize inhibitors aiming for SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. According to extra-precision docking data, two compounds, SN00293542 and SN00391842 had −14.79 and −14.65 kcal/mol docking scores, respectively. In addition, Prime molecular mechanics generalized bond surface area research has identified hydrophobic energy and Van der Waal energy footings as significant contributions towards total binding free energy. Additionally, a hundred nanosecond Molecular dynamics simulation of the SN00391842/7D4F complex was run to determine its dynamic behavior.
Student perceptions of the impact of quality matters essential standards in an animal physiology course

Abstract As online learning becomes increasingly popular in higher education, the quality of courses that utilize this modality is becoming a focus of inquiry. Quality Matters (QM) is a leading quality assurance organization that reviews online and hybrid (partially online, partially in-person) courses for standards of pedagogy and instructional design and certifies courses that sufficiently meet these standards. In this study, we examine student perceptions of course quality in a hybrid three-credit-hour animal science course that has been certified by QM. The class met twice a week for 1.25 h with one class period online and one in person. It consisted of 11 modules, each of which included learning content, learning activities, and assessments. Upon completion, 46 of 114 students completed a survey in which they rated the course on each of the 21 QM essential standards (Fifth edition). Descriptive analysis revealed that for 19 of the 21 specific review standards, 75% to 91% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the course reflected the best practice described in the standard. For the other two standards, over half of students (72%, 63%) agreed or strongly agreed that best practices were reflected in course design. Another way to examine the data is to collapse specific review standards into eight general review categories as specified by QM; the collapsed data revealed that 75% to 88% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the course design reflected the eight general course design standards. The percentage of students disagreeing that the course reflected each best practice was 11% or lower. Cronbach analysis to examine the internal consistency of the QM questionnaire (0.96), indicated instrument reliability and stability. A principal component analysis of the data conducted to further examine features and patterns of student responses revealed four primary factors that students rated highly (learning objectives, learner interaction and engagement, accessibility and usability, and clarity) that explained 78% of the data variance. This study demonstrates that the high quality of course design and delivery in a QM-certified course is clear to students. and provides justification for the investment in high-quality online and hybrid course design. In the future, we plan to compare student perceptions of course quality in a course that has not been QM-certified with one that has, as well as the impact of those revisions on student outcomes.
Effects of N-acetylcysteine on aging cell and obesity complications in obese adults: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Background We decided to conduct this study with the aim of investigating the effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on obesity complications and senescence of visceral adipose tissue in obese adults. Methods and analysis The present study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial (RCT) (Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20220727055563N1) on 40 obese adults candidates for bariatric surgery, who were randomly assigned to receive 600 mg of NAC (n = 20) or placebo as a control (n = 20) for 4 weeks. During bariatric surgery, visceral adipose tissue was used to examine gene expression and senescence cells using SA-β-gal. Results Our findings showed that intervention with NAC significantly reduces SA-β-gal activity (as a marker of senescence) and expression of p16 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the visceral adipose tissue compared to placebo in obese adults for 4 weeks. In addition, our findings showed the potential and beneficial effect of NAC administration on reducing the levels of inflammatory factors including IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as well as the level of fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and insulin compared to placebo after adjusting for confounders. No significant effect was indicated on anthropometric factors and lipid profile. Conclusion Findings showed that NAC, in addition to having a potential beneficial effect on reducing some of the complications caused by obesity, seems to have synolytic/senomorphic potential as well. Clinical trial registration [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [IRCT20220727055563N1].
Effects of Yi Jin Jing on juvenile cervical spondylopathy in China: A parallel, randomized, assessor-blinded clinical trial

Background: Cervical spondylopathy is a common musculo-articular disorder, multiple exercises are recommended. Chinese fitness exercises are prevalent and used to treat various diseases. Aim: To explore the efficacy of Chinese fitness exercise Yi Jin Jing exercise in intervening the cervical spondylopathy in adolescents. Patients and Methods: The study was conducted in 60 adolescent patients with cervical spondylopathy, with 30 patients in each group. Methods: The study was conducted in 60 adolescent patients with cervical spondylopathy, with 30 patients in each group. The observation group was required to take Yi Jin Jing exercise, and the control group took the brisk walking exercise. The first week was the preparatory period for the patients, and then the participants were required to do exercises three times a week for at least 30 minutes in the later 3 weeks. Before and after treatment, Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and cervical curvature in both groups were observed, and the incidence of adverse events in both groups was recorded during the trial. Results: The NDI and VAS scores in both groups statistically decreased after intervention and mildly increased at follow-up, while the reduction in scores of the Yi Jin Jing group was more significant. Cervical curvature in both groups improved on day 28 compared to day 0. There were no adverse reactions during the evaluation period. Conclusion: The Chinese health-care qigong Yi Jin Jing exercise is more effective than brisk walking in improving the cervical range of motion and relieving pain in adolescents with cervical spondylopathy. Trial registration/Protocol registration: Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000030723)
An Empirical Review on the Effects of ICT on the Humanist Thinking

The present article shows the results of a content analysis of scientific publications with two main goals – firstly, it is aimed at identifying the way the implications of ICT in dynamics that impact on the humanisation and dehumanisation of our societies are perceived in scientific publications. The second goal is to check if such representations provide continuity to the humanist thinking existing in the historical periods prior to the emergence of ICT. The content analysis is applied to the identification of narrative structure typologies with different arguments. A total of 136 different types of representations have been identified by applying the Systems Theory designed for the sampling of non-redundant systems. They are analysed with logical and structural methodologies that systemise the representations depending on whether they refer to socio-genetic or anthropo-genetic dynamics. The expected effects are identified, and it is verified that – in most cases – they will be considered both humanising and dehumanising. It is concluded that, as regards to the history of ideas, many humanist representations have continuity – they are still in force because they reflect persistent problems which remain unresolved; and there is a breakdown with the humanist thinking proposed by post-humanisms, which propose genetic and digital interventions that alter human nature.
Core Statistics: Theory of maximum likelihood estimation

Statistics aims to extract information from data: specifically, information about the system that generated the data. There are two difficulties with this enterprise. First, it may not be easy to infer what we want to know from the data that can be obtained. Second, most data contain a component of random variability: if we were to replicate the data-gathering process several times we would obtain somewhat different data on each occasion. In the face of such variability, how do we ensure that the conclusions drawn from a single set of data are generally valid, and not a misleading reflection of the random peculiarities of that single set of data? Statistics provides methods for overcoming these difficulties and making sound inferences from inherently random data. For the most part this involves the use of statistical models , which are like ‘mathematical cartoons’ describing how our data might have been generated, if the unknown features of the data-generating system were actually known. So if the unknowns were known, then a decent model could generate data that resembled the observed data, including reproducing its variability under replication. The purpose of statistical inference is then to use the statistical model to go in the reverse direction: to infer the values of the model unknowns that are consistent with observed data. Mathematically, let y denote a random vector containing the observed data. Let θ denote a vector of parameters of unknown value. We assume that knowing the values of some of these parameters would answer the questions of interest about the system generating y. So a statistical model is a recipe by which y might have been generated, given appropriate values for θ . At a minimum the model specifies how data like y might be simulated, thereby implicitly defining the distribution of y and how it depends on θ . Often it will provide more, by explicitly defining the p.d. f. of y in terms of θ .
The Quaternion Representation of Static Gravitational Field: Poisson’s Equation

The quatemions are numbers which have division algebra. This property advantages for physicists. So, Quaternions can be used in the each field of physics and, physical quantities can be represented by the quatemions. In this paper, a quatemionic equation which replaces to the two vector equations of static gravitational field is written in 4-dimensions. In addition, Poisson's equation is also defined in quatemionic representation. Key Word: Quatemion, Poisson's Equation, Static Gravitational Field. STATiK GRAViTASYONEL ALANıN KUATERNioN GÖSTERiMi: POiSSON DENKLEMi ÖZ Kuatemionlar bölüm cebri olan bir sayı sistemidir. Bu özellik fizikçiler için avantaj sağlamaktadır. Kuaternionlar fiziğin her alanında kullanılabildiği gibi fiziksel nicelikler kuatemionlarla gösterilebilir. Bu çalışmada, statik gravitasyonel alana ait iki vektör denklemi yerine geçen 4-boyutta tek bir kuatemion denklemi yazılmıştır. Ayrıca, Poisson denklemi de kuatemionik gösterimde tanımlanmıştır. Anahtar Kelimeler: Kuatemion, Poisson Denklemi, Statik Gravitasyonel Alan.