Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
From Sound Representation to Model Robustness

In this paper, we demonstrate the extreme vulnerability of a residual deep neural network architecture (ResNet-18) against adversarial attacks in time-frequency representations of audio signals. We evaluate MFCC, short time Fourier transform (STFT), and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to modulate environmental sound signals in 2D representation spaces. ResNet-18 not only outperforms other dense deep learning classifiers (i.e., GoogLeNet and AlexNet) in terms of recognition accuracy, but also it considerably transfers adversarial examples to other victim classifiers. On the balance of average budgets allocated by adversaries and the cost of the attack, we notice an inverse relationship between high recognition accuracy and model robustness against six strong adversarial attacks. We investigated this relationship to the three 2D representation domains, which are commonly used to represent audio signals, on three benchmarking environmental sound datasets. The experimental results have shown that while the ResNet-18 classifier trained on DWT spectrograms achieves the highest recognition accuracy, attacking this model is relatively more costly for the adversary compared to the MFCC and STFT representations.
Les puces à ADN vont-elles révolutionner l’identification des bactéries ?

Les puces a ADN sont des multicapteurs permettant de caracteriser et quantifier un acide nucleique dans un echantillon. Elles apportent une solution innovante au probleme ancien de la detection, de l’identification et du typage de bacteries dans un echantillon. Elles permettent la caracterisation genomique rapide de bacteries pathogenes et facilitent les etudes epidemiologiques, par exemple pour le controle des maladies nosocomiales ou la surveillance du bioterrorisme. Ces puces sont developpees dans les laboratoires de recherche pour l’etude de la diversite et de l’evolution du monde bacterien, pour rechercher des genes de resistance aux antibiotiques et pour la caracterisation de communautes bacteriennes constituees de centaines d’especes. L’industrialisation du processus de fabrication et d’utilisation, rendant la technologie robuste tout en en diminuant son cout, devrait permettre son utilisation dans les laboratoires hospitaliers et d’analyses specialisees, puis sa generalisation aux laboratoires de ville.
Combining Deep Reinforcement Learning and Search for Imperfect-Information Games

The combination of deep reinforcement learning and search at both training and test time is a powerful paradigm that has led to a number of a successes in single-agent settings and perfect-information games, best exemplified by the success of AlphaZero. However, algorithms of this form have been unable to cope with imperfect-information games. This paper presents ReBeL, a general framework for self-play reinforcement learning and search for imperfect-information games. In the simpler setting of perfect-information games, ReBeL reduces to an algorithm similar to AlphaZero. Results show ReBeL leads to low exploitability in benchmark imperfect-information games and achieves superhuman performance in heads-up no-limit Texas hold'em poker, while using far less domain knowledge than any prior poker AI. We also prove that ReBeL converges to a Nash equilibrium in two-player zero-sum games in tabular settings.
Inception neural network for complete intersection Calabi–Yau 3-folds

We introduce a neural network inspired by Google’s Inception model to compute the Hodge number h 1,1 of complete intersection Calabi–Yau (CICY) 3-folds. This architecture improves largely the accuracy of the predictions over existing results, giving already 97% of accuracy with just 30% of the data for training. Accuracy climbs to 99% when using 80% of the data for training. This proves that neural networks are a valuable resource to study geometric aspects in both pure mathematics and string theory.
Climate change implications for stand yields and soil expectation values: A northern Saskatchewan case study

We e xplore the effects of climate change on future stand yields and future area burned, and integrate these to determine future Soil Expectation Values (SEV) for white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) in central Saskatchewan. The results suggest that under most future scenarios, stand productivity increases, but decreases under extreme drought. However, projected increases in area burned offset these productivity increases. Under high levels of future area burned, SEV is lower than current values, resulting in a negative economic impact. We also find that the optimal economic rotation age under future climate is lower than that under present climatic conditions. RESUME Nous explorons les effets des changements climatiques sur les rendements futurs des peuplements et sur les superficies qui seront brulees, pour integrer le tout afin de determiner les valeurs futures de l’indice pedologique pour l’epinette blanche (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) dans le centre de la saskatchewan. Les resultats laissent entendre que dans la plupart des scenarios envisages, la productivite des peuplements s’accroit, mais decroit dans les cas d’extreme secheresse. To utefois, l’accroissement envisage des superficies brulees reduit ces accroissements de productivite. Dans le cas des hauts niveaux envisages de superficies brulees, les indices sont plus faibles qu’actuellement, ce qui entraine un impact economique negatif. Nous avons egalement trouve que le meilleur âge de rotation economique sous les climats a venir est inferieur a celui actuellement utilise sous les conditions climatiques actuelles. Mots cles : effets des changements climatiques, amenagement forestier, effets sur le rendement des peuplements, modeles des ecosystemes forestiers, apport de CO 2 controle stomatale, valeurs des indices pedologiques, rotation economique optimale, adaptation
Hyper-local sustainable assortment planning

Assortment planning, an important seasonal activity for any retailer, involves choosing the right subset of products to stock in each store.While existing approaches only maximize the expected revenue, we propose including the environmental impact too, through the Higg Material Sustainability Index. The trade-off between revenue and environmental impact is balanced through a multi-objective optimization approach, that yields a Pareto-front of optimal assortments for merchandisers to choose from. Using the proposed approach on a few product categories of a leading fashion retailer shows that choosing assortments with lower environmental impact with a minimal impact on revenue is possible.
Integer Programming as a General Solution Methodology for Path-Based Optimization in Robotics: Principles and Best Practices

The resolution of many robotics problems demands the optimization of certain reward (or cost) over a huge number of candidate paths. In this paper, we describe an integer programming (IP) solution methodology for path-based optimization problems that is both easy to apply (in two simple steps) and frequently high-performance in terms of the computation time and the achieved optimality. We demonstrate the generality of our approach through the application to three challenging path-based optimization problems: {\em multi-robot path planning (MPP)}, {\em minimum constraint removal (MCR)}, and {\em reward collection problems (RCPs)}. In the process, in addition to providing basic working IP models, we describe best practices (which include many generic heuristics) that lead to significant performance boosts. Associated simulation experiments show that the approach can efficiently produce (near-)optimal solutions for problems with large state spaces, complex constraints, and complicated objective functions.
Prognostic value of immune cell infiltration in bladder cancer: A gene expression-based study

The present study aimed to analyse the relationship between tumour-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and the prognosis of bladder cancer (BC). In the present study, an established computational method (CIBERSORT) was used to analyse the gene expression profile of BC from 409 patients to infer the number of infiltrating immune cells among 22 immune cell subsets. The relationship between each cell type and overall survival (OS) was further analysed. Single-sample GSEA and ESTIMATE algorithms were performed to evaluate the composition of immune microenvironment in each immune cluster. A significant difference in immune cell infiltration between BC and bladder tissue was observed. Increased natural killer and CD8+ T cell infiltration was associated with longer OS, whereas a higher percentage of M0 macrophages among the total immune cells was associated with shorter OS. The number of M0 macrophages increased with increasing BC stage, whereas the percentage of activated memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells decreased. Patients with BC were divided into three subgroups by hierarchical cluster analysis of immune cells, and each cluster was associated with distinct survival and immune characteristics. The data indicated differences in the cellular composition of TIICs in patients with BC. Moreover, these TIICs were shown to be potential drug targets and reliable prognostic indicators.
Tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) in tumor-promoting Inflammation, Tumorigenesis and Tumor Immunity

Over the years, tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) has been identified as an essential modulator of immune responses that conveys inflammatory signals to downstream effectors, subsequently modulating the generation and function of inflammatory cells. TPL2 is also differentially expressed and activated in several cancers, where it is associated with increased inflammation, malignant transformation, angiogenesis, metastasis, poor prognosis and therapy resistance. However, the relationship between TPL2-driven inflammation, tumorigenesis and tumor immunity has not been addressed. Here, we reconcile the function of TPL2-driven inflammation to oncogenic functions such as inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression and immune evasion. We also address the controversies reported on TPL2 function in tumor-promoting inflammation and tumorigenesis, and highlight the potential role of the TPL2 adaptor function in regulating the mechanisms leading to pro-tumorigenic inflammation and tumor progression. We discuss the therapeutic implications and limitations of targeting TPL2 for cancer treatment. The ideas presented here provide some new insight into cancer pathophysiology that might contribute to the development of more integrative and specific anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapeutics.
Tree litter functional diversity and nitrogen concentration enhance litter decomposition via changes in earthworm communities

Abstract Biodiversity is a major driver of numerous ecosystem functions. However, consequences of changes in forest biodiversity remain difficult to predict because of limited knowledge about how tree diversity influences ecosystem functions. Litter decomposition is a key process affecting nutrient cycling, productivity, and carbon storage and can be influenced by plant biodiversity. Leaf litter species composition, environmental conditions, and the detritivore community are main components of the decomposition process, but their complex interactions are poorly understood. In this study, we tested the effect of tree functional diversity (FD) on litter decomposition in a field experiment manipulating tree diversity and partitioned the effects of litter physiochemical diversity and the detritivore community. We used litterbags with different mesh sizes to separate the effects of microorganisms and microfauna, mesofauna, and macrofauna and monitored soil fauna using pitfall traps and earthworm extractions. We hypothesized that higher tree litter FD accelerates litter decomposition due to the availability of complementary food components and higher activity of detritivores. Although we did not find direct effects of tree FD on litter decomposition, we identified key litter traits and macrodetritivores that explained part of the process. Litter mass loss was found to decrease with an increase in leaf litter carbon:nitrogen ratio. Moreover, litter mass loss increased with an increasing density of epigeic earthworms, with most pronounced effects in litterbags with a smaller mesh size, indicating indirect effects. Higher litter FD and litter nutrient content were found to increase the density of surface‐dwelling macrofauna and epigeic earthworm biomass. Based on structural equation modeling, we conclude that tree FD has a weak positive effect on soil surface litter decomposition by increasing the density of epigeic earthworms and that litter nitrogen‐related traits play a central role in tree composition effects on soil fauna and decomposition.
Sperm morphology and its influence on swimming speed in Atlantic cod

Summary A protocol for staining fish spermatozoa using Hemacolor-stain was developed for light microscopy and successfully applied to Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Sperm head morphology was characterized by size (length, width, area and perimeter) and shape (ellipticity, rugosity, elongation and regularity) (n = 6500 spermatozoa), and tail length (n = 260 spermatozoa) of 12 individual cod. Two spermatozoa heads sperm were clearly identified: round and elongated, being this last one more abundant (86.3%). No evidence was detected in tail length for both head types. Tails were 96.4% length of sperm and no difference in tail length was detected between head types. A positive correlation existed between head and tail length, with variability existing among males. Sperm swimming speeds varied among males with a maximum curvilinear velocity between 151.5 and 201.5 μm s−1. Mean swimming speed declined by 8.2% from 30 to 70 s post-activation. Spermatocrit was negatively correlated with curvilinear velocity at 30 s post-activation. Males with short sperm heads maintained their swimming velocity for longer periods that those with long heads. Fulton’s condition factor was negatively correlated with straightness of path.
Purification and identification of buckwheat hull flavonoids and its comparative evaluation on antioxidant and cytoprotective activity in vitro

Abstract Buckwheat hulls, by‐products of buckwheat processing, contain various flavonoids, but the antioxidant capacity and synergy of different flavonoids are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of flavonoid monomers and high‐flavonoid component (HBHF) in buckwheat hulls using chemical‐based assays and cellular‐based assays. Four kinds of flavonoids were identified as rutin, isoorientin, vitexin, and hyperoside from buckwheat hulls. In chemical‐based assays, rutin and HBHF showed relatively high free radical scavenging activities and total antioxidant capacities. In cellular‐based assays, however, HBHF showed much higher proliferation activity against cell damage than flavonoid monomers when HepG2 cell was oxidatively damaged by H2O2 or high glucose. The cytoprotective activities of flavonoid monomers and HBHF were closely associated with reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) or increasing catalase (CAT) activity. In conclusion, buckwheat hull flavonoids are the favorable application candidates for natural antioxidants.
Maternal nutrition intervention focused on the adjustment of salt and sugar intake can improve pregnancy outcomes

Abstract Due to the increasing age of pregnant women, maternal nutrition management is becoming more important. Since pregnant women are more likely to consume sodium and sugars than nonpregnant women of the same age, we investigated whether maternal nutrition intervention focused on the adjustment of salt and sugar intake can help pregnancy outcome. This randomized controlled trial was performed on 142 pregnant women within 22 weeks of gestational age for at least 16 weeks until childbirth. Subjects were unequally assigned to the intervention group (n = 98) and the control group (n = 44). Dietary changes based on perceived taste preferences were evaluated by 24‐hr dietary recall and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) at pre‐ and postintervention. In the intervention group, while the intakes of energy, protein, and vitamins were maintained, the intakes of sodium (p < .001) and sugar from processed food (p < .05) were significantly reduced after the intervention. The decreases in salt and sugar consumption were more pronounced in the mothers who had a high preference for saltiness and sweetness. The mean neonatal birth weight of the intervention group was significantly greater than the weight of control group, (3,251.5 ± 402.2 g vs. 2,974.5 ± 294.8 g, p < .05). Through this study, nutrition intervention was found to be effective for the formation of healthy eating habits such as reduced salt and sugar intake in pregnant women especially with a high preference for saltiness and sweetness. Also, such specialized maternal nutrition intervention during pregnancy promotes the birth of healthy newborn babies of normal weight.
In Vitro and In Vivo Comparison of Changes in Antibiotics Susceptibility of E. coli and Chicken's Intestinal Flora after Exposure to Amoxicillin or Thymol

This study aims at verifying, in vitro, the extent to which the use of amoxicillin or thymol induces the selection of resistant bacteria and at evaluating in vivo their effects on the development of antimicrobial resistance in the intestinal flora of poultry. E. coli strain was subcultured on agar plates containing increasing concentrations of either amoxicillin or thymol. Thereafter, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of thymol, amoxicillin, and two other antibiotics, tylosin and colistin, were determined using the microdilution method. Groups of chicks were subjected to a 2-week regime of either amoxicillin or thymol added to their drinking water. During the treatment with either thymol or amoxicillin, the total aerobic mesophilic flora (TAMF) was counted on thymol-gradient plates or amoxicillin-gradient plates and the MICs of antibiotics and thymol for E. coli isolates were determined. The in vitro test showed that for E. coli, which had been serially subcultured on increasing concentrations of amoxicillin, a 32-fold increase in MIC values for amoxicillin and a 4-fold increase for colistin and tylosin were noted. However, the MIC of thymol for this strain remained constant. For the E. coli, which had been serially subcultured on increasing concentrations of thymol, no change in the MIC values for antibiotics and thymol was observed. The in vivo test confirmed the in vitro one. It demonstrated that exposure to amoxicillin induced a selection of antimicrobial resistance in TAMF and intestinal E. coli, whereas exposure to thymol did not. The results showed that the group receiving thymol had a lower consumption index compared to the other groups. This study demonstrates the feasibility of this natural product as an alternative solution to the current use of antibiotics in poultry farming.
Krill Hotspot Formation and Phenology in the California Current Ecosystem

In the California Current Ecosystem, krill represent a key link between primary production and higher trophic level species owing to their central position in the food web and tendency to form dense aggregations. However, the strongly advective circulation associated with coastal upwelling may decouple the timing, occurrence, and persistence of krill hotspots from phytoplankton biomass and nutrient sources. Results from a coupled physical‐biological model provide insights into fundamental mechanisms controlling the phenology of krill hotspots in the California Current Ecosystem, and their sensitivity to alongshore changes in coastal upwelling intensity. The simulation indicates that dynamics controlling krill hotspot formation, intensity, and persistence on seasonal and interannual timescales are strongly heterogeneous and related to alongshore variations in upwelling‐favorable winds, primary production, and ocean currents. Furthermore, regions promoting persistent krill hotspot formation coincide with increased observed abundance of top predators, indicating that the model resolves important ecosystem complexity and function.
Promoter DNA Methylation Frequency and Clinicopathological Role of miR-129-2 Gene in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Objectives Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of apparently mature B-type lymphocytes in the lymphohematopoietic organs. Methylation in promoters of tumor suppressor genes is one of the mechanisms that causes blood malignancy. In this study, we evaluated the promoter DNA methylation status of miR-129-2 tumor suppressor gene and its association with clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with CLL. Methods We studied the promoter DNA methylation frequency of the miR-129-2 gene in 50 patients with CLL and 50 healthy controls using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-18 software, and a p-value < 0.050 was considered statistically significant. Results The frequency of promoter DNA methylation of the miR-129-2 gene was significantly higher in the CLL group compared with control group (38.0% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001; χ2 = 23.457). The promoter DNA methylation frequency of miR-129-2 gene was not significantly different between the two sexes (p = 0.236). A significant but weak correlation was seen between the methylated state of the miR-129-2 gene and organomegaly (p = 0.019, r = 0.330) as well as hemoglobin levels (p = 0.020, r = -0.233). However, binary logistic regression analysis indicated organomegaly as the only clinical biomarker with a statistically significant association with the hypermethylated miR-129-2 gene state (p = 0.046). Conclusions The high frequency of promoter DNA methylation of the miR-129-2 gene in the CLL group compared to the control group, as well as its significant association with organomegaly, suggests the importance of this epigenetic biomarker in the pathogenesis and prognosis of CLL disease.
Fieldbus applications for electrical industrial systems

The authors investigate the possibility of using fieldbus communication techniques to automate electrical networks in an industrial environment. A digital connection among all the devices operating in a distribution network, such as breakers, contactors, and relays, may allow a large amount of data to be exchanged between such devices and from/to the control system. A survey of the existing techniques for interfacing the plant and the control system is presented, and the configurations that will be possible by using a fieldbus are examined. The possibility of integrating the control of the electrical system with the process control system is discussed. Specifications and functional requirements of different communication protocols are described with respect to the performances that can be achieved by the control devices of an electrical system. The benefits that could be derived from the use of fieldbus techniques to control electrical systems in the various phases (design, erection, start-up, and management) are highlighted. <<ETX>>