Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learned String Quartet Music with Variational Auto Encoder

Music holds a distinct place within the realm of human artistic. Music generation is also considered as one of the highly challenging domains, demanding significant expertise and innovation artificial intelligence of in the field. In this paper, we propose a novel architecture with multi-track encoder for multi-decoder network. Furthermore, we present a novel music dataset specifically designed for string quartet compositions. Experimental results demonstrate that our architecture is capable of generating very rich musical compositions.
The Antineoplastic Effect of Heparin on Colorectal Cancer: A Review of the Literature

Heparin and derivatives are commonly used for thrombophylaxis in surgical colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Recent studies have suggested that, besides its protective effect on the incidence of venous thromboembolism, heparin has an anti-cancer effect. The aim of this review was to explore the literature and report the antineoplastic effect of heparin and derivatives on CRC. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Nineteen studies were included (n = 19). Fifteen were lab studies conducted in vivo or in vitro on CRC cell lines and/or mice (n = 15). Four were in vivo clinical studies (n = 4). CRC tumor growth was reduced by 78% in one study, (p < 0.01), while tumorigenesis was suppressed in heparin-treated mice in seven studies. A high dose of low molecular weight heparin for extended duration significantly reduced post-operative VEGF, suggesting that such a regime may inhibit tumor angiogenesis and distant metastasis. A randomized trial demonstrated the antineoplastic effect of nadroparin as the 6 month survival in palliative patients increased. Another study has reported that disease-free survival of CRC patients was not affected by a similar tinzaparin regime. The anti-cancer properties of heparin and derivatives are promising, especially in lab studies. Further clinical trials are needed to investigate the anti-cancer benefit of heparin on CRC.
Effect of matrix dislocation strengthening on deformation-induced martensitic transformation behavior of metastable high-entropy alloys

In this study, we investigate the influence of dislocation strengthening in the metastable parent phase on the deformation-induced martensitic transformation behavior of a face-centered cubic (fcc) Co20Cr20Fe34Mn20Ni6 high-entropy alloy. Annealed and hot-swaged specimens were prepared. In-situ neutron diffraction experiments captured an accelerated transformation kinetics in the hot-swaged specimen due to accumulated dislocations. The phase-specific macrostress development showed that the hexagonal close-packed $ \rvarepsilon $ ε-martensite predominantly accommodated the macroscopic plastic deformation of the annealed counterpart. Conversely, the matrix dislocation strengthening promoted cooperative plasticity of the $ \rgamma $ γ-matrix and the $ \rvarepsilon $ ε-martensitic phase, thus enhancing yield stress while preserving ductility. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT IMPACT STATEMENT This paper firstly uncovers the role and significance of matrix dislocation strengthening on the mechanical behavior of metastable high-entropy alloys via in-situ neutron diffraction experiments.
Do Female CEOs Moderate the Link between Female Directors on Audit Committees and Audit Quality: Evidence from the UK

We examine female chief executive officers (CEOs) in the context of women directors on audit committees (ACs) and audit quality. Previous research has yet to examine whether the presence of a female CEO affects the relationship between female membership in AC and audit quality. This study focuses on FTSE 350 firms, covers the period 2009-2015, and utilizes ordinary least-squares regression to test our hypothesis. The research found a positive relation between the proportion of female directors on ACs and the quality of the audit in the event of a female CEO. Furthermore, the finding is robust to endogeneity bias. In addition, our result is robust to an alternative audit quality proxy. Appointing women to CEO roles in businesses can further increase the link between women on ACs and audit quality. In addition, the results of the study support the efforts of corporate governance regulators to expand the number of female directors.
FPGA-Based Cross-Hardware MBU Emulation Platform for Layout-Level Digital VLSI

As the feature size of integrated circuits (ICs) continues to shrink, radiation-induced multiple bit upsets (MBUs) become more frequent than single bit upsets (SBUs) in nanometer ICs. However, it is still very difficult and time consuming to evaluate the sensitivity of digital very large scale ICs (VLSIs) to MBUs. To accelerate MBU evaluation, an MBU emulation platform is proposed via hardware-software co-design approach in this paper. Based on the proposed layout back-annotation technique, the platform back-annotates information of adjacent flip-flop (FF) cells in layout-level physical gate-level (PGL) netlist to the matching register cells in register transfer level (RTL) code, and is able to perform fast and accurate MBU emulation for layout-level digital VLSIs. Finally, several experiments on four different digital designs are implemented with Xilinx Zynq-7000 FPGA, and the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed MBU emulation platform are verified by these experiments.
Heavy Metal Residue (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in Hen Eggs after Applying Different Cooking Methods

As a nutritious food, eggs are capable of accumulating heavy metals and are a good indicator of environmental contamination. This study is aimed at determining the levels of heavy metal residues (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in hen eggs after applying different cooking methods. In an experimentally designed study, forty-four hen egg samples were selected from 22 best-selling brands of supermarkets in Tehran and categorized into one of four groups (raw, dry-frying, and boiling with and without eggshells). The levels of heavy metal residues were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in raw samples were 0.307, 1.654, 0.121, and 6.5 (μg.kg-1), respectively. After applying cooking methods, the residue of two heavy metals in boiling without eggshells (As: 0.228 ± 0.197 ; Cd: 1.985 ± 0.037 ) was lower than boiling with eggshells (As: 0.457 ± 0.918 ; Cd: 2.11 ± 0.223 μg.kg-1), while the dry-frying method had the lowest level of heavy metal residue (As: 0.222 ± 0.109 ; Cd: 1.54 ± 0.223 ) ( p < 0.05 ) and could be identified as efficient in reducing the amount of these heavy metals. In addition, different cooking methods did not make a significant difference in other heavy metal residues (Hg and Pb). To explain this reduction, two hypotheses can be proposed to explain the reduction of heavy metals after applying different cooking methods. First, the eggshell is permeable; the second is the association of heavy metals bonding with sulfur groups and weight loss due to evaporation. All heavy metal residues were found to be within acceptable permissible thresholds. Therefore, policymakers should protect the health of the population by continuously monitoring heavy metals in foods and prioritizing education and research on how to reduce them in the food chain.
The Implementation of Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning by Snell X in Manufacturing Process Strategy: A Case Study of Skincare’s Company

In the midst of the growing awareness of the Indonesian people to use skincare products from various manufacturers, Company X is one of the SMEs involved in it. Skincare products are sensitive products that can have a direct impact on the wearer. The risk in the skincare business is that Company X must ensure that all materials and production processes are carried out safely and according to procedures. Meanwhile, Company X must also pay attention to maximizing existing resources, including time efficiency. Through this problem, Company X decided to implement an ERP system in its manufacturing process. The purpose of this research is to find out how the process takes place on the production side if it is implemented into the ERP system, as well as observe the benefits and challenges that will be faced by Company X. The method used in this research is qualitative with systematic review which will be described descriptively by conducting direct observations. As a result, the manufacturing process runs normally with the use of several new terms in the system, besides that several advantages are found such as cutting time and costs, however, regarding the limitation, this research only mentions time efficiency advantage. Due to the new system, the adaptation of employees and the high cost of maintaining the system will be the challenges for Company X.
Combining Motion Planner and Deep Reinforcement Learning for UAV Navigation in Unknown Environment

Navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in unknown environments is a challenging problem, and it is worth considering how to reach the target through static obstacles in a safe and energy-efficient manner. The traditional motion planning algorithm is easy to get into trouble when the obstacles are dense. The navigation algorithm based on reinforcement learning has better generalization and robustness, but the trajectory generated by the end-to-end method is not smooth and dynamic enough. In this work, a classical motion planning algorithm and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm are combined named RLPlanNav, which aims to solve the problem of safe and dynamic navigation of UAVs in unknown environments. The upper-layer DRL algorithm part of the framework receives the sensor raw information to generate the next local target, and the lower-layer classical planner generates a smooth and safe trajectory to reach the target. The DRL algorithm incorporates an LSTM network to add memory capabilities, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of local target selections. The proposed navigation framework is tested in a simulated environment where static obstacles are randomly generated, and has higher navigation success rates and more kinematic-compliant navigation trajectories compared to traditional motion planning methods and end-to-end methods.
Condition Monitoring on Railway Construction Site Using Timelapse Videos

Railway systems are usually in an open world environment. They are subject to climatic variations and their effects. A particularly disastrous event is landslides on tracks, which may cause heavy damages to the travelers and rolling stock. In response to those incidents, railway companies organize emergency work to clear the rails and to strengthen the earthen structure. During the reinforcement work, cracks may appear in the embankment, the landslide may spread, and boulders sometimes fall. To monitor and secure those areas, a timelapse device is installed. To date it provides hundreds of pictures a day, during daytime, as long as the construction work lasts to get feedbacks on the renovation process and train new agents. Data are also used to understand how events unfold through post-acquisition analysis by experts. The addition of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the system could develop the possibilities offered by the system. In this paper, the authors present their AI-based tool for asset management and condition monitoring. Two lines are proposed in parallel. The first detects agents and machines while the second segments the environment for changes detection. Limitations and potential solutions are discussed, such as rain drops or fog blur, luminosity changes and images quality deterioration.
Digital Branding and Online Marketing Communication Strategy Optimization: A Case Study of A Small Hits Beverage Business

Massive and global changes related to the Covid 19 pandemic have forced the industry to divert some of its activities through online media. The conventional activities of the business must be transferred online, including branding and marketing. Digital branding and online marketing must be optimized to make a business survive and grow. This research aims to be able to answer this online revolution phenomenon by implementing the right business strategy for small businesses. This research focuses on case study analysis on online marketing strategies and digital branding applied by the contemporary beverage business with the Qju brand. This study concludes that the communication strategy on online media carried out by Qju includes four things: Product information, services, purchases, and advertising. The communication strategy has been proven to be effective with increased sales and favorable customer growth rates. The redundancy, informative, persuasive, and educational communication methods implemented have proven to invite positive responses from target consumers. Digital branding carried out by Qju through online media can be successful with increased customer growth rate, customer satisfaction index, and customer retention rate. This study's results are significant and can be used as recommendations for other small businesses to maximize their marketing strategy through online media and use the right communication methods to increase the digital branding of their business products. © IEOM Society International.
Role of Community Sensitization Influences Minimization of Human Wildlife Conflictsat Lake Nakuru National Park in Rift Valley Province, Kenya

The concept of a company or corporation, and even business itself cannot be separated from society. Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility is where the firm is involved in Corporate Social Responsibility activities that are aligned to organizational goals. This guarantees the firm of its sustainability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility in minimizing human-wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park. In order to accomplish this study, the study objectives were: To identify the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy objectives; to determine the Corporate Social Responsibility activities practiced; to determine the effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility and to find out the measures used by Lake Nakuru National Park in ensuring the effectiveness of the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy in minimizing human-wildlife strategy in minimizing human-wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park. This study was supported by a comprehensive literature review section in chapter two. The study adopted a Correlational research design and the sample design was selected by purposive sampling technique and cluster sampling technique. The study used a sample size of 70 respondents; 60 from the Lake Nakuru National Park staff and 10 employees from the Municipal Council Environment Department office in Nakuru. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package Social Sciences and Microsoft excel. Descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, correlations and non parametric tests (chi -test)) were computed. The findings were presented in form of charts and tables. The study successfully addressed the set research objectives. The findings revealed that the activities practiced included electric fencing; community sensitization; enhancement of employee welfare; and improved quality of life to the community. These were presented as influential in the minimization of Human Wildlife Conflicts at Lake Nakuru National Park. However the study found out that the challenges of adequacy of financial resources; and human resource capacity and flexibility hindered successful minimization of human wildlife conflict at Lake Nakuru National Park to a large extent. The suggested measures included allocation of more funds to support the activities and enhancement of human and technological capacities. This study's findings may provide essential information to the Lake Nakuru National Park and Kenya Wildlife Services which could be useful in the alignment of the practiced Corporate Social Responsibility activities to the Corporate Social Responsibility objectives. The Government and concerned stakeholders could use this information for the enhancement of the services offered by Lake Nakuru National Park through Kenya Wildlife Services, as well as support sustainable eco-tourism.
Conceptual Framework on Antecedents of True and Fair View Reporting Surrounding Migration to Accrual-Based Accounting by Public Sector Entities: A Case of Federal Statutory Bodies (FSB) in Malaysia

Following the institutional reforms in Malaysia, the Federal Government issued Treasury Circular PS 1.2/2020. Federal Statutory Bodies (FSBs) are now required to adopt the Malaysian Public Sector Accounting Standard (MPSAS) as the standard for preparing financial statements. While most private sectors strongly embrace accrual accounting systems and derive many benefits from them, the practice and application in the public sector, including FSBs, is still in its infancy. Therefore, this study examines the antecedents of true and fair view reporting in the context of migration to accrual accounting by FSB in Malaysia. This study is due to the lack of research on accrual accounting in the public sector, as researchers rigorously focus on the private sector that controls the economy. In addition, there are few studies on the conversion of the public sector in emerging economies to accrual accounting. The study provided a conceptual discussion on the antecedents that potentially affect the true and fair view reporting through the adoption of accrual accounting. The discussion is expected to benefit many stakeholders, especially regulators and policymakers, as emerging economies such as Malaysia continue to actively pursue institutional reforms. By adding new variables from the study so that they can be used in various and extensive aspects of the research.
Asbestiform manjiroite and todorokite from the Kalahari manganese field, South Africa

Asbestiform manjiroite and todorokite occur as infill of bedding parallel extension veinlets in supergene altered braunite-kutnahorite lutite at the Smartt Mine in the Kalahari manganese field, South Africa. Geological evidence and preliminary geochronological studies suggest that hydraulic extension and formation of the asbestiform Mn oxihydroxides took place during Tertiary uplift and tilting of the South African Subcontinent. Careful chemical studies of both minerals confirm the role of Mg as a minor but essential constituent in the todorokite structure that is located on a distinct – but as yet undetermined – crystallographic site within the tunnels of the todorokite framework structure. This site is distinct from the one occupied by large cations such as Ca, Na and K.
Health risk assessment of mercury in the Lower Watut River

This assessment was undertaken to evaluate the health risks from consumption of fish and water from the lower Watut River among villagers in the Watut area of Wau/Bulolo, Papua New Guinea (PNG). Concerns surrounding the potential contamination of environmental media from mercury pollution as a result of small scale-alluvial mining activities taking place within the area have driven the need for this health risk assessment. The assessment was based on the Australian framework for environmental health risk assessment comprising the elements of hazard identification, dose- response assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterisation. Data examined in the calculations of risks were based on a report by Orathinkal, et al. (2011). Calculations of the risks using the water guideline approach showed no risk to the adults whereas the hazard quotient calculations revealed an elevated risk to both adults and children from mercury contamination when using the river as a drinking source as well as the consumption of fish harvested from the river. However, care must be taken when interpreting the results due to the limited number of samples involved in the study. On the other hand, it is prudent to adhere to precautionary principles particularly to ban pregnant mothers and children from consuming fish taken from the river as well as the need for proper regulation of small scale -alluvial mining within Papua New Guinea.
Antibacterial Activity of Surfactin and Synergistic Effect with Conventional Antibiotics Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Introduction The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is increasing, leading to a huge financial burden and human suffering. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance is an urgent problem in the realm of clinical practice. Antimicrobial peptides are an effective and feasible strategy for combating infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, we investigated the in vitro antimicrobial ability of the lipopeptide surfactin, either alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics, against the standard and clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), isolated from patients with DFUs. Methods The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of surfactin on the selected strains were evaluated by a microbroth dilution technique. The growth curves of the selected strains with and without surfactin were measured, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the structure of surfactin-treated bacterial cells. The biofilm inhibitory abilities of surfactin were assessed by crystal violet staining. The antimicrobial interactions between surfactin and conventional antibiotics were established using a checkerboard assay, as well as determining the mutant prevention concentration. The inhibitory effect of surfactin on penicillinase was tested by iodometry. Results The MIC and MBC values of surfactin ranged from 512 to 1024 µg/mL and 1024 to 2048 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, surfactin significantly prevented the S. aureus biofilm formation and displayed limited toxicity on human red blood cells. The synergies between surfactin and ampicillin, oxacillin, and tetracycline against S. aureus were revealed. In vitro resistance was not readily produced by surfactin. The action of surfactin may be by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and inhibiting penicillinase. Conclusion Surfactin appears to be a potential option for the treatment of DFUs infected with MRSA, as it is capable of improving antimicrobial activities and can be used alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics to prevent or postpone the emergence of resistance.
The Nordic Model and Management in International Corporations:A Scoping Review

The overall aim of this scoping review is to present empirical studies regarding how the Nordic model has been investigated in relation to management in international companies. The subse quent objective is to discuss the model’s robustness regarding internationalization. The question raised is how the Nordic model, in relation to management, is configured in empirical studies undertaken in international corporations. Using systematic literature searches to examine peer- reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022, 15 out of 972 studies were eligible for a full review. Primarily, one facet of the model was investigated: workplace democracy. Foreign-owned companies operating in Nordic countries partly adopted the model, whereas the model was implemented to some extent in Nordic-owned companies abroad. Management’s support and employee involvement were considered important. This review indicates that there is pressure on the model, although it has extended beyond the Nordic border and appears to be adaptable to global working life.