Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerating real-time music beat tracking based on hidden Markov model by using genre information

The essence of enjoying music is that people can track music beat anytime and be brought into the scene expressed by music. Music beat tracking is a common task in Music Information Retrieve (MIR). While numerous studies have been done in this field, most works focus on the offline beat tracking. However, tracking music beat in real time is a challenging task for computers. In the past few years, people attach more importance to this field. Researchers care about the music beat without taking music style or context into consideration. In this paper, we propose a method for tracking music beats in real time in conjunction with music genre. Specifically, the proposed model is based on a widely-used framework of Hidden Markov Model (HMM). By recognizing the genre of input music, we narrow the range of beats per minute (BPM), which significantly reduces the number of hidden states in HMM. Consequently, the inference time of beat tracking decreases. We experimentally verify the model on the open-source Ballroom dataset, and its accuracy remains at a competitive level while having a much shorter inference time.
Partition Design and Optimization for High-Order Spectral Volume Schemes

An analysis of the accuracy and stability properties of the spectral volume (SV) method, with applicability to very high-order accurate simulations, is presented. In the SV method, each simplex grid cell is called a spectral volume (SV), and the SV is further partitioned into polygonal (2D), or polyhedral (3D) control volumes (CVs) to support high-order data reconstructions. In general, the partitioning of an SV into CVs is not uniquely defined, and thus it is of great importance to select a partition which yields favorable stability properties, and results in an interpolation polynomial of high quality. Here we present a new approach to efficiently locate stable partitions by means of constrained minimization. This is motivated by the fact that, at present, an exhaustive search approach to SV partition design would be prohibitively costly and thus not feasible. Once stable partitions are located, a high quality interpolation polynomial is then assured by subsequently minimizing the dissipation and dispersion errors of the stable partitions. Results are presented which demonstrate the potential of this method for producing stable and highly accurate partitions of arbitrary order. In particular, a new 4 th -order partition is presented which has improved accuracy and stability properties over previously used partitions, and a new stable 5 th -order partition is introduced.
A Control Theoretic Study on Dynamical Biped Locomotion

The dynamics of the biped locomotion system with many degrees of freedom are analyzed from a control theoretic point of view. By the use of the singular perturbation technique, it is shown that biped locomotion can be divided into two modes with respective time scales, the fast mode and the slow mode. Based on this fact, a control system for dynamical biped locomotion is constructed. The effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is verified using computer simulation.
Improving Iodine Intake in Rural Haiti through Social Enterprise: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Central Plateau

Iodine intake in Haiti has increased in recent years thanks to the “Bon Sel” social enterprise approach to salt fortification and distribution by the market segment. However, it was uncertain whether this salt reached remote communities. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the iodine status of school-age children (SAC) and women of reproductive age (WRA) in a remote region of the Central Plateau. A total of 400 children (9–13 years) and 322 women (18–44 years) were recruited through schools and churches, respectively. Urinary iodine (UIC) and urinary creatinine (UCC) concentrations were measured in spot samples, and thyroglobulin (Tg) on dried blood spots. Their iodine intake was estimated, and dietary information collected. The median (IQR) UIC in SAC was 130 µg/L (79–204, n = 399), and in WRA, 115 µg/L (73–173, n = 322). The median (IQR) Tg in SAC was 19.7 µg/L (14.0–27.6, n = 370), and in WRA, 12.2 µg/L (7.9–19.0, n = 183); 10% of SAC had Tg > 40 µg/L. Estimated iodine intake was 77 µg/day and 202 µg/day in SAC and WRA, respectively. Iodized table salt was rarely consumed, though bouillon was used daily; this is hypothesized to be a major contributor to dietary iodine intake. Iodine intake in this remote region seems to have improved considerably since the 2018 national survey, though SAC remain at risk. These results point to the potential effectiveness of using social business principles to deliver humanitarian solutions.
Optimal Design of Turn-Off Switching Loss of Full-Bridge CLLC Converter

The turn-off loss of the switches is the main loss of the full-bridge CLLC converter under high-frequency conditions, and it is a variable closely related to the resonance parameters of the resonant tank and the voltage gain. First, the gain characteristics of the full-bridge CLLC converter are analyzed based on the first harmonic approximation (FHA). Then, the precise functional relationships of the switches’ turn-off current and turn-off loss are derived by time domain analysis (TDA). On this basis, the constraint space of resonance parameters is reduced based on the monotonicity constraints of the gain curve, soft switch realization conditions, overall efficiency constraints, and turn-off loss characteristics constraints, and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used to solve the resonant parameter under the turn-off loss optimization. Finally, a simulation model was built through optimized parameters, and prototype experiments were carried out. Meanwhile, compared with the traditional loss optimization method, it is proven that the proposed method can make the output voltage closer to the design value and reduce the turn-off current and turn-off loss under the premise of ensuring soft switching.
A flexible Bayesian approach for estimating survival probabilities from age‐at‐harvest data

Understanding survival probabilities is critical for the sustainable harvest of wildlife and fisheries populations. Age‐ and stage class‐specific survival probabilities are needed to inform a suite of population models used to estimate abundance and track population trends. However, current techniques for estimating survival probabilities using age‐at‐harvest methods require restrictive assumptions or incorporate potentially unknown parameters within the model. Using a Bayesian approach, we developed a flexible age‐at‐harvest model that incorporates either age‐ or stage‐structured populations, while accounting for uncertainty in age structure, population growth rates and relative selectivity. Survival probabilities can vary by age or stage class, as well as by environmental covariates, and both population growth rates and selectivity for each age or stage class can be specified as fixed and known or these parameters can be specified as informative priors, allowing for the incorporation of expert opinion. We evaluated our model with simulations and empirical data from harvested bobcats Lynx rufus and American paddlefish Polyodon spathula. Models fit to simulated age‐at‐harvest data yielded unbiased estimates of survival probability when population growth rates and selectivity were centered on the data‐generating parameter. We obtained unbiased estimates of survival probability even with biased prior estimates of selectivity and random departures from the assumed stage distribution, although the latter increased uncertainty in those estimates. We found biased estimates of survival probability when the prior distribution for population growth rate was not centered on the data‐generating value. When fit to empirical harvest data, our proposed age‐at‐harvest model produced estimates of survival probability congruent to those reported in the literature within similar geographic regions. We demonstrate the utility of a novel age‐at‐harvest model that estimates survival probability and realistically account for uncertainty in model parameters, transcending the restrictive assumptions and auxiliary data requirements of other methods. Furthermore, we advise collecting information about population trends and age structure alongside age‐at‐harvest data to help reduce bias. Although our model cannot replace more rigorous methods, we believe our model will be transformative for wildlife and fisheries practitioners who collect age‐at‐harvest data to estimate age‐ or stage‐specific survival probabilities to help inform management decisions.
Using developmental mentoring and coaching approaches in academic and professional development to address feelings of ‘imposter syndrome’

We are three women who have all helped each other in our university careers. We are from different backgrounds, have varying educational experiences and have different roles. All three of us are neurodiverse and champion inclusive learning, teaching, and assessment in our professional roles and from personal experiences. Developmental mentoring and coaching brought us together to address feelings of discomfort in work situations where we second guess our own abilities. We have felt the effects of ‘imposter syndrome’ (Clance & Imes, 1978) but through mentoring we recognize our successes are justified. In this article we question the notion of ‘imposter syndrome’ and ask why this might be disproportionally applied to women (Tulshyan & Burey, 2021). We also offer an affirmation model of disability (Swain & French, 2000) as a framework, asking how this can be applied in a broader intersectional context. Recognising our abilities and not having a tragic view of disabilities has enabled us to challenge attitudes towards inclusive learning and teaching. We can all demonstrate our abilities but some of us would like to do this differently than in a Higher Education traditional environment. We give a theoretical, personal, and professional context and appraise two different mentoring models - sponsorship and development (Megginson, Clutterbuck, Garvey, Stokes and Garret-Harris, 2006), reflecting on how developmental mentoring and coaching can be used for academic and professional development related to inclusive learning and teaching.
Heating and cooling in semiconductor structures by an electric current

A comprehensive study of the mechanisms of heating and cooling originated by an electrical current in semiconductor devices is reported. The authors studied the Peltier, Joule, and Thomson phenomena self-consistently and found that the magnitudes of all of them were commensurable. A new formulation and interpretation of the Thomson effect are offered. The main conclusion of the present work is that the thermal analysis of any semiconductor device under real working conditions demands the inclusion of all heating and cooling mechanisms simultaneously.
An Overview of Thermal Exposure on Microstructural Degradation and Mechanical Properties in Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloys

Microstructural stability at elevated temperatures is one of the main concerns for the service reliability of aero-engine turbine blades. Thermal exposure, as an important approach to examine the microstructural degradation, has been widely studied in Ni-based single crystal (SX) superalloys for decades. This paper presents a review on the microstructural degradation induced by high-temperature thermal exposure and the associated damage in mechanical properties in some typical Ni-based SX superalloys. The main factors affecting the microstructural evolution during thermal exposure and the influencing factors in the degradation of mechanical properties are also summarized. Insights into the quantitative estimation of the thermal exposure-affected microstructural evolution and the mechanical properties will be beneficial for the understanding and improvement of reliable service in Ni-based SX superalloys.
Aconite Poisoning: A Case Report

Aconite is the well-known toxic plant as well as valuable drug since decades. Most of the intoxications are accidental whereas suicidal attempt is rather rare after ingestion. This case report is about three persons who landed in our emergency department after consuming Aconite accidentally as an herbal medicine. Two of them were managed immediately while one was declared dead on arrival.
Magnetic Separation and Hydrodynamic Interactions in Micro∞uidic Systems

Magnetic bead manipulation, in particular separation, in microfluidic systems is a technique which offers to simplify and integrate separation and rinsing procedures for minute samples of biological material. We study the physics of magnetic bead motion in such systems. The force on a body in a magnetic field is determined from principles of thermodynamics. From that result, the force between two spherical linearly paramagnetic particles immersed in an external magnetic field is derived provided that they are well separated. Furthermore, we find the magnetic dipole moments that two linearly paramagnetic spherical particles induce in one another; both being immersed in an external magnetic field. The leading magnetic interaction force decays as particle separation to the power −3. The hydrodynamic interaction, which stems from the fluid motion set about by particles moving in a viscous fluid, is shown to decay with separation to the power −1 by means of hydrodynamic Green’s functions. The magnetic interaction decays much faster with separation. This significantly influences the dynamics of magnetic bead motion which is illustrated through numerical simulations that study individual beads. Instead of adding more and more beads on an individual basis, we go on to treat the beads as a continuum described by a distribution that is coupled to the problem of fluid flow in a model microfluidic channel. This shows that hydrodynamic interactions help the capturing of magnetic beads and that this depends on the concentration of beads. An effort is underway to test this prediction in experiments. Finally, we have derived an analytic framework for the description of the slow motion of spherical particles in a viscous fluid in confined geometries. This enables us to derive a first approximation to the mobility of a spherical particle at the centre of a cube filled with viscous fluid.
An Inverter Circuit Configuration Suitable for Vessels of Different Material for Multiload Induction Cooking Application

In heating applications, induction heating (IH) is a dominant technology in the market due to several advantages over conventional heating techniques. Most of the research in the past has focused on heating ferromagnetic (FM) material-type vessels. Now, there is an increase in research for proposing topologies suitable for heating FM and non-FM (N-FM) type vessels. In this article, an inverter circuit is proposed for heating FM and N-FM material vessels. A simple ON–OFF control is used for obtaining simultaneous as well as independent control for both loads. It offers linear power control. The range of power control for N-FM load is increased by using frequency-based control. The proposed inverter circuit has been simulated in OrCAD PSpice and experimentally verified with a prototype for 1624 W. It offers a peak experimental efficiency of 94.3%. It can also be extended for multiple loads by adding a low-frequency operated switch and a diode combination for additional IH load. A detailed loss analysis for the proposed inverter has been carried out using PSIM software. The simulation and experimentation results are in good accord with each other. Hence, the proposed inverter circuit is a suitable solution for heating FM and N-FM material vessels for multiload applications.
Vortical Interactions Behind Deployable Vortex Generator for Airfoil Static Stall Control

An OA209 airfoil equipped with an innovative deployable vortex generator device is investigated through static stall numerical simulations. Computations are performed by solving the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the elsA code, which is developed by the Office National d'Etudes et de Recherche Aerospatiale–the French Aerospace Lab. Deployable vortex generator computations are compared to a wide set of experimental data, and the actuator effect on the airfoil boundary layer is highlighted. Detailed flow analysis provides an understanding of the vortex generation mechanisms, and the influence of initial vortex interactions and merging over the control effect is shown. The influence of the deployable vortex generator thickness on static stall control efficiency is finally investigated through simulations featuring a deployable vortex generator of reduced thickness.
Thoracic ultrasound to monitor lung health and assist decision making in preweaned dairy calves

In young dairy cattle, respiratory disease is economically challenging, subclinical disease exists, and producer based diagnosis lacks in sensitivity. Therefore, monitoring lung health in young cattle should be considered a priority for maintaining proper drug use, animal wellbeing, and profitability. Incorporating lung ultrasound at regular intervals provides an understanding of the epidemiology of respiratory disease in client herds, and can help identify problems before they become catastrophic. The growing pains from learning how to perform lung ultrasound are worthwhile, and will help you become indispensable to your clients. This article will review the available technologies, the benefits of a systematic examination, and how to implement thoracic ultrasound to monitor lung health and assist in management decisions.
Coherent synthesis of visible-region optical pulses by using an optical parametric oscillator and a laser

We demonstrated coherent pulse synthesis between the carrier-envelope phase slip (CEPS) locked second-harmonic (SH) pulses from an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) and those from its pump laser. By using a single nonlinear crystal with cascaded gratings for parametric and SH generation, we maximized the common-mode rejection of environmental noise, obtaining a temporal overlap between the pulses as low as 30 attoseconds in an observation time of 20 ms. The CEPS frequencies of the pump laser and the OPO SH signal were locked individually to the same subharmonic of the repetition rate with a coherence time of at least 1.4 ms by using the pump supercontinuum as a common reference. Auto-correlation traces of the combined pulses showed an 8:1 ratio between the peak and the background once the CEPS frequencies were locked, in contrast with a much lower ratio when they were not locked, indicating successful pulse synthesis. This research illustrates the viability of using OPOs for sub-femtosecond optical pulse synthesis. The very low timing jitter and phase coherence between the pulses from this system, which spans from the ultraviolet (SH of the pump) to mid-infrared (idler), also make the system a powerful tool for optical spectroscopy and optical metrology.
Association of Computed Tomography Measures of Muscle and Adipose Tissue and Progressive Changes throughout Treatment with Clinical Endpoints in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Simple Summary The impact of sarcopenia (i.e., progressive and generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass) and obesity on survival are substantially investigated in cancer patients. However, the relationship between sarcopenia and mortality is quite unclear in patients with lung cancer treated with immunotherapy, while the prognostic value of obesity remains controversial. These issues are potentially related to the obesity paradox and lack of precise measures of body composition on survival. As a result, we aimed to explore the associations between measures of skeletal muscle mass and adiposity (i.e., intramuscular, visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue) and changes during treatment with disease progression and overall survival in patients with advanced lung cancer receiving immunotherapy. Our results demonstrated that rather than sarcopenia, higher intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue are associated with better prognosis during immunotherapy. These findings are of great importance for clinical practice and may inform specific and tailored therapies to improve immunotherapy prognosis. Abstract To investigate the association between skeletal muscle mass and adiposity measures with disease-free progression (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced lung cancer receiving immunotherapy, we retrospectively analysed 97 patients (age: 67.5 ± 10.2 years) with lung cancer who were treated with immunotherapy between March 2014 and June 2019. From computed tomography scans, we assessed the radiological measures of skeletal muscle mass, and intramuscular, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue at the third lumbar vertebra. Patients were divided into two groups based on specific or median values at baseline and changes throughout treatment. A total number of 96 patients (99.0%) had disease progression (median of 11.3 months) and died (median of 15.4 months) during follow-up. Increases of 10% in intramuscular adipose tissue were significantly associated with DFS (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.95) and OS (HR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.95), while increases of 10% in subcutaneous adipose tissue were associated with DFS (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.95). These results indicate that, although muscle mass and visceral adipose tissue were not associated with DFS or OS, changes in intramuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissue can predict immunotherapy clinical outcomes in patients with advanced lung cancer.
Does Voluntary Family Planning Contribute to Food Security? Evidence from Ethiopia

This study aims to explore the effects of voluntary family planning (FP) utilization on food security in selected districts of Ethiopia. Quantitative research methods were used to conduct a community-based study among a sample of 737 women of reproductive age. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical logistic regression constructed in three models. The findings showed 579 (78.2%) were using FP at the time of the survey. According to the household-level food insecurity access scale, 55.2% of households experienced food insecurity. The likelihood of food security was lower by 64% for women who used FP for less than 21 months (AOR = 0.64: 95%CI: 0.42–0.99) in comparison to mothers who used FP for more than 21 months. Households having positive adaptive behaviors were three times more likely (AOR = 3.60: 95%CI 2.07–6.26) to have food security in comparison to those not having positive adaptive behaviors. This study also revealed that almost half of the mothers (AOR: 0.51: 95%CI: 0.33–0.80) who reported being influenced by other family members to use FP had food security, in comparison to their counterparts. Age, duration of FP use, positive adaptive behaviors, and influence by significant others were found to be independent predictors of food security in the study areas. Culturally sensitive strategies need to be considered to expand awareness and dispel misconceptions that lead to hesitancy around FP utilization. Design strategies should take into account households’ resilience in adaptive skills during shocks, natural disasters, or pandemics which will be invaluable for food security.