Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Ultrasound Tongue Image Representation for Residual Network-Based Articulatory-to-Acoustic Mapping

Within speech processing, articulatory-to-acoustic mapping (AAM) methods can apply ultrasound tongue imaging (UTI) as an input. (Micro)convex transducers are mostly used, which provide a wedge-shape visual image. However, this process is optimized for the visual inspection of the human eye, and the signal is often post-processed by the equipment. With newer ultrasound equipment, now it is possible to gain access to the raw scanline data (i.e., ultrasound echo return) without any internal post-processing. In this study, we compared the raw scanline representation with the wedge-shaped processed UTI as the input for the residual network applied for AAM, and we also investigated the optimal size of the input image. We found no significant differences between the performance attained using the raw data and the wedge-shaped image extrapolated from it. We found the optimal pixel size to be 64 × 43 in the case of the raw scanline input, and 64 × 64 when transformed to a wedge. Therefore, it is not necessary to use the full original 64 × 842 pixels raw scanline, but a smaller image is enough. This allows for the building of smaller networks, and will be beneficial for the development of session and speaker-independent methods for practical applications. AAM systems have the target application of a “silent speech interface”, which could be helpful for the communication of the speaking-impaired, in military applications, or in extremely noisy conditions.
Inverted effective supersymmetry with combined Z′ and gravity mediation, and muon anomalous magnetic moment

Effective supersymmetry(SUSY) where stop is the lightest squark may run into a two-loop tachyonic problem in some Z' mediation models. In addition, a large A term or/and a large stop mass are needed to have about a 126 GeV Higgs boson with three families of quarks and leptons. Thus, we suggest an inverted effective SUSY(IeffSUSY) where stop mass is larger compared to those of the first two families. In this case, it is possible to have a significant correction to the anomalous magnetic moment of muon. A three family IeffSUSY in a Z' mediation scenario is explicitly studied with the Z' quantum number related to B-L. Here, we adopt both the Z' mediation and gravity mediation where the Z' mediation is the dominant one for stop, while the gravity mediation is the dominant one for the muonic leptons and Higgs multiplets. We present a numerical study based on a specific anomaly free model, and show the existence of the parameter region where all the phenomenological conditions are satisfied.
ON THE CONNECTION BETWEEN GIANT RADIO HALOS AND CLUSTER MERGERS

The frequently observed association between giant radio halos (RHs) and merging galaxy clusters has driven present theoretical models of non-thermal emission from galaxy clusters, which are based on the idea that the energy dissipated during cluster–cluster mergers could power the formation of RHs. To quantitatively test the merger–halo connection, we present the first statistical study based on deep radio data and X-ray observations of a complete X-ray-selected sample of galaxy clusters with X-ray luminosity ⩾5 × 1044 erg s−1 and redshift 0.2 ⩽ z ⩽ 0.32. Using several methods to characterize cluster substructures, namely, the power ratios, centroid shift, and X-ray brightness concentration parameter, we show that clusters with and without RH can be quantitatively differentiated in terms of their dynamical properties. In particular, we confirm that RHs are associated with dynamically disturbed clusters and clusters without RH are more “relaxed,” with only a couple of exceptions where a disturbed cluster does not exhibit a halo.
An Algorithm for Generating a Diverse Set of Multi-Modal Journeys

A direct way of reducing the number of cars on the road is to dissuade individuals from exclusively using their car and instead integrate public transport into their daily routine. Planning multi-modal journeys is a complex task for which individuals often rely on decision support tools. However, offering individuals different journey options represents a significant algorithmic challenge. The failure to provide users with a set of journey options that differ considerably from one another in terms of the modes of transport employed is currently preventing the widespread uptake of multi-modal journey planning among the general public. In this paper, we introduce a dynamic programming algorithm that remedies this situation by modeling different transport networks as a graph that is then pruned by various graph-reduction pre-processing techniques. This approach enables us to offer a diverse set of efficient multi-modal solutions to users almost instantaneously. A computational study on three datasets corresponding to various real-world mobility networks with up to 30,000 vertices and 596,000 arcs demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Mimicking general relativity in the Solar System

In order for a modified gravity model to be a candidate for cosmological dark energy, it has to pass stringent local gravity experiments. We find that a Brans-Dicke (BD) theory with well-defined second order corrections that include the Gauss-Bonnet term possesses this feature. We construct the generic second order theory that gives, to linear order, a BD metric solution for a pointlike mass source. We find that the Eddington parameter {gamma}, heavily constrained by time delay experiments, can be arbitrarily close to the general relativity value of 1, with an arbitrary BD parameter {omega}{sub BD}. We find the region where the solution is stable to small timelike perturbations.
Pair interaction of catalytically active colloids: from assembly to escape

The dynamics and pair trajectories of two self-propelled (active) colloids in a quiescent fluid for both axisymmetric and asymmetric cases are reported. The autonomous motions of the colloids are due to a catalytic chemical reaction taking place asymmetrically on their surfaces that generates a concentration gradient of interactive solutes around the particles and actuates particle propulsion. A combined analytical–numerical technique was developed to solve the coupled mass conservation equation for the solute and the hydrodynamics between the colloids in the Stokes flow regime. For axisymmetric motions, the translational swimming velocities of the particles in the near field can be enhanced or weakened (compared to their motions when they are far apart) depending on the relative orientations of their active sections. Moreover, it can be shown that different surface activities of two symmetric particles, e.g. an inert versus a catalytic particle or two catalytic particles, can also lead to a propulsion where the far-field swimming velocity for the inert and the catalytic particle attenuate as ${\sim}1/{\it\Delta}^{2}$ and ${\sim}1/{\it\Delta}^{5}$ respectively, ${\it\Delta}$ is the non-dimensional centre-to-centre distance. For asymmetric motions, our analysis indicates two possible scenarios for pair trajectories of catalytically active particles: either the particles approach, come into contact and assemble or they interact and move away from each other (escape). It is found that the direction of particle rotations is the key factor in determining the escape or assembly scenario due to an interplay between both hydrodynamic and phoretic effects. Based on the analysis, a phase diagram is sketched for the pair trajectory of the catalytically active particles as a function of reacting surface coverages and their initial relative orientations with respect to each other. We believe this study has important implications in elucidation of collective behaviours of autophoretically self-propelled colloids and would be certainly a guide for experimentalists to design and control active systems.
Overload Clutch With Integrated Torque Sensing and Decoupling Detection for Collision Tolerant Hybrid High-Speed Industrial Cobots

A hybrid high-speed industrial collaborative robot can switch between collaborative mode and high-speed mode, combining the advantages of both. While promising, this concept comes with some challenges such as dealing with collisions at high speed. An overload clutch with integrated torque sensing and clutch decoupling detection is presented as enabling technology. Both joint torque sensing and clutch decoupling detection are realized with the same capacitive measurement hardware that consists of paired electrodes. A prototype device is experimentally validated through comparison with a reference torque sensor.
A HOLOGRAPHIC MODEL OF STRANGE METALS

We give a review on our recent work arXiv:1006.0779 [hep-th] and arXiv:1006.1719 [hep-th], in which properties of holographic strange metals were investigated. The background is chosen to be anisotropic scaling solution in Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton theory with a Liouville potential. The effects of bulk Maxwell field, an extra U (1) gauge field and probe D-branes on the DC conductivity, the DC Hall conductivity and the AC conductivity are extensively analyzed. We classify behaviors of the conductivities according to the parameter ranges in the bulk theory and characterize conditions when the holographic results can reproduce experimental data.
Proximate Composition and Metabolizable Energy of Some Commercial Poultry Feeds Available in Abuja, Nigeria

Poultry feeds are prepared to contain all the nutrients in their right proportions necessary for good health, proper growth and egg production of the chicken. This study was undertaken to determine the proximate composition and variations of nutrient in some commercial poultry feeds sold in Abuja, Nigeria. Seven poultry feed brands in their various ratios were subjected to proximate analysis using standard methods. The results of the analysis revealed that the poultry feeds had proximate composition ranging from 6.58 ± 0.02 - 10.88 ± 0.19 % moisture content, 6.03 ± 0.16 - 14.78 ± 0.73 % ash content, 9.98 ± 0.81 - 20.05 ± 0.08 % crude lipid, 3.57 ± 0.11 - 14.77 ± 0.14 % crude fiber, 16.55 ± 0.07 % - 34.01 ± 0.09 % crude protein, 26.28 ± 1.80 % - 48.21 ± 2.07 % carbohydrate and 2971.48 ± 65.44 - 3686.18 ± 29.08 Kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Generally, there were differences in the proximate composition of the poultry feed brands analyzed, however, the poultry feeds have optimum nutrients in their feeds which meet most of the requirements recommended by SON and NRC. The moisture contents in all the feeds were within the recommended value of not more than 12 % while the mean values obtained in crude lipid were all higher than the maximum recommended requirements in poultry feeds.
Deep Hα observations of NGC 253: a very extended and possibly declining rotation curve?

This study presents a deep Hα kinematical analysis of the Sculptor Group galaxy NGC 253. The Fabry-Perot data were taken with the 36-cm Marseille Telescope in La Silla, Chile, using an EMCCD detector. Typical emission measures of ~0.1 cm -6 pc are reached. The observations allow the detection of the diffuse ionized gas component through [N II] emission at very large radii of 11.5, 12.8 and 19.0 arcmin, on the receding side of the galaxy. No Hα emission is observed at radii larger than the neutral component (11.5 arcmin). The very extended rotation curve confirms previous results and shows signs of a significant decline, on the order of 30 per cent υ max . Using the rotation data, mass models are constructed with and without the outer [N II] data points, and similar results are found. The declining part of the rotation curve is very well modelled, and seems to be truly declining.
Dynamical generation of interwoven soliton trains by nonlinear emission in binary Bose-Einstein condensates

We propose a method for the generation of trains of alternating bright solitons in two-component Bose-Einstein condensates, using controlled emission of nonlinear matter-waves in the uncoupled regime with spatially-varying intra-species interaction and out-of-phase oscillations of the ground states in the trap. Under this scheme, solitons are sequentially launched from the different components, and interact with each other through phase-independent cross-coupling. We obtain an analytical estimation of the critical condition for soliton emission using a geometric guiding model, in analogy with integrated optical systems. In addition, we show how strong initial perturbations in the system can trigger the spontaneous generation of supersolitons, i.e. localized phonon-like excitations of the soliton trains. Finally, we demonstrate the controllable generation of slow and fast supersolitons by adding external localized potentials in the nonlinear region.
The thermo-magnetic effect in metals

Initially the process of the heat transfer in electron gas of metals was originally described by Drude [1]. Late the Drude’s model has been enhanced by Lorentz and Sommerfeld. These models does not predict any thermomagnetic effects in metals (the Nernst-Ettinshausen and Righi-Leduc thermomagnetic effects are observed in semiconductors only). However, the measurements which was carried out with sensitive magnetometers are forcing us to reconsider this mechanism. Measurements show that the application of the temperature gradient to the metal rod causes the generation of magnetic field. The configuration of this field indicates that the inside of this cylindrical rod over its opposite sides electric currents flow directed towards each other (see Fig.1). The question arises: how the temperature gradient vector can cause circulation current of electrons? And this rotor of the current and the temperature gradient vector are orthogonal. The answer lies in the fact that within the metal, there are two different groups of electrons. They carry multidirectional currents, as the temperature gradient has the opposite direction of action for they.
Association of Image-Defined Risk Factors with Clinical, Biological Features and Outcome in Neuroblastoma

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common pediatric extracranial solid tumor and the most common cancer encountered in children younger than 12 months of age. Localized tumors have a good prognosis, but some cases undergo treatment failure and recurrence. The aim of the study was to analyze the link between the neuroblastoma risk factors and the prognosis for patients diagnosed with NB. Method: All patients admitted to the department of Pediatric Surgery, “Grigore Alexandrescu” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, between 1 January 2010 and 1 July 2022 were included in this analysis when diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Results: Thirty-one patients with NB were admitted to the surgical department, 20 boys and 11 girls. We observed an association between large tumors and positive imaging-defined risk factor (IDRF) status; The Fisher test showed an association between the tumor’s diameter when bigger than 8 cm and a positive IDRF status, with p < 0.001. We supposed that positive IDRF status at diagnosis may be linked to other prognostic factors. We discovered that an NSE value over 300 was associated with IDRF status (p < 0.001, phi = 0.692) and death. Conclusions: This study confirms the impact of IDRF status at diagnosis as it can be clearly correlated with other risk factors, such as a high level of NSE, MYCN amplification status, large tumor size, incomplete tumor resection, and an unfavorable outcome.
Fate of Dirac points in a vortex superlattice

We consider noninteracting fermions on the honeycomb lattice in the presence of a magnetic vortex superlattice. It is shown that depending on the superlattice periodicity, a gap may open at zero energy. We derive an expression of the gap in the small-flux limit but the main qualitative features are found to be valid for arbitrary fluxes. This study provides an original example of a metal-insulator transition induced by a strongly modulated magnetic field in graphene. At the same time, our results directly apply to Kitaev's honeycomb model in a vortex superlattice.
Superconducting critical temperature of hole doped blue phosphorene

We theoretically explore the superconducting critical temperature of hole doped blue phosphorene. Implementing the density functional theory calculations, we show that for the hole doped blue phosphorene, the isotropic superconducting state is induced owing to the quite strong electron-phonon coupling. The theory is based on the Migdal-Eliashberg formalism and the critical temperature is obtained through set-of-equations, self-consistency. In addition, we include a vertex correction diagram to the Migdal-Eliashberg formalism. The inclusion of the vertex correction beyond the Migdal-Eliashberg formalism changes the $T_c$ about $\pm20$K, depending on the level of the doping. Our accurate numerical results show that the superconducting critical temperature is still quite high, even in the cases that the vertex correction is implemented.
The effects of galaxy formation on the matter power spectrum: a challenge for precision cosmology

Upcoming weak lensing surveys, such as LSST, EUCLID and WFIRST, aim to measure the matter power spectrum with unprecedented accuracy. In order to fully exploit these observations, models are needed that, given a set of cosmological parameters, can predict the non-linear matter power spectrum at the level of 1 per cent or better for scales corresponding to comoving wavenumbers 0.1 k 10h Mpc −1 . We have employed the large suite of simulations from the OverWhelmingly Large Simulations (OWLS) project to investigate the effects of various baryonic processes on the matter power spectrum. In addition, we have examined the distribution of power over different mass components, the back-reaction of the baryons on the cold dark matter and the evolution of the dominant effects on the matter power spectrum. We find that single baryonic processes are capable of changing the power spectrum by up to several tens of per cent. Our simulation that includes AGN feedback, which we consider to be our most realistic simulation as, unlike those used in previous studies, it has been shown to solve the overcooling problem and to reproduce optical and X-ray observations of groups of galaxies, predicts a decrease in power relative to a dark matter only simulation ranging, at z = 0, from 1 per cent at k ≈ 0.3h Mpc −1 to 10 per cent at k ≈ 1h Mpc −1 and to 30 per cent at k ≈ 10h Mpc −1 . This contradicts the naive view that baryons raise the power through cooling, which is the dominant effect only for k 70h Mpc −1 . Therefore, baryons, and particularly AGN feedback, cannot be ignored in theoretical power spectra for k 0.3h Mpc −1 . It will thus be necessary to improve our understanding of feedback processes
Cascade Edge Filter for Demodulation of Quasi-Distributed FBG Sensor

The realization of multiple demodulation sche- mes of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is important for its engineering application. Here, we proposed a new edge filter that is formed by cascading dispersion compensation fiber (DCF) and no-core fiber (NCF) structure between two single-mode fibers (SMFs) for demodulation of quasi-distributed FBG sensor. The edge filter can be suitable for FBG with different center wavelengths by changing its structure parameters to achieve a wide range of FBG demodulation. In order to verify the performance of the edge filter, a demodulation system for quasi-distributed FBG sensor is successfully designed by introducing an optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR), the wavelength shift of FBG caused by the change of temperature and strain is converted into power change through the edge filter, so as to realize temperature and strain demodulation. In the experiment, two FBG sensors separated by 500 m were set at the end of a 3000-m optical fiber for temperature and strain monitoring. The results show that the temperature sensitivity is 0.23 dB/°C from 50 °C to 100 °C, and the strain sensitivity is 0.01658 dB/ $\mu \epsilon $ from 0 to $669.6\,\mu \epsilon $ . The edge filter for FBG demodulation has the advantages of high sensitivity, adjustable structural parameters, low cost, and independent multipoint/multiparameter demodulation.
Interpretation of the BRITE oscillation data of the hybrid pulsator ν Eridani: a call for the modification of stellar opacities

The analysis of the BRITE oscillation spectrum of the main sequence early B-type star $\nu$ Eridani is presented. Only models with the modified mean opacity profile can account for the observed frequency ranges as well as for the values of some individual frequencies. The number of the $\kappa$ modified seismic models is constrained by the nonadiabatic parameter $f$, which is very sensitive to the opacity changes in the subphotospheric layers where the pulsations are driven. We present an example of the model that satisfies all the above conditions. It seems that the OPLIB opacities are preferred over those from the OPAL and OP projects. Moreover, we discuss additional consequences of the opacity modification, namely, an enhancement of the efficiency of convection in the Z-bump as well as an occurrence of close radial modes which is a kind of avoided-crossing phenomenon common for nonradial modes in standard main sequence models.
Performance Comparison of Different Rotated QAM Based DMT Schemes in Underwater Optical Wireless Communication

In the paper, different rotated QAM-based DMT schemes are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. To overcome the severe high-frequency fading in the underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) channel, a deviation correction-based maximum likelihood detection (DC-MLD) is introduced into the rotated-QAM scheme. It can improve the precision of the de-rotated process and achieve a better performance than the MLD. Besides, other rotated-QAM schemes using machine learning, including k-means clustering, support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR), are investigated. These schemes do not need channel state information to achieve the de-rotated process. Meanwhile, the training overhead and execution time of SVM and LR are compared. The experimental results show that, after 5-m air and 4.2-m water channel, compared with the 16QAM DMT, the rotated-16QAM DMT can improve more than 2.5dB received optical power (ROP) sensitivity at the bit error rate (BER) of 1e-3 under the data rate of 3 Gb/s. Meanwhile, the proposed rotated-16QAM scheme with DC-MLD can save more 0.8dB ROP than that with MLD at BER of 2e-4. Besides, it has better performance than the rotated-16QAM DMT with k-means, LR, and SVM.
Nanoelectromechanical resonators from high-Tc superconducting crystals of Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8+δ

In this report, we present nanoelectromechanical resonators fabricated with thin exfoliated crystals of a high-Tc cuprate superconductor Bi2Sr2Ca1Cu2O. The mechanical readout is performed by capacitively coupling their motion to a coplanar waveguide microwave cavity fabricated with a superconducting alloy of molybdenum–rhenium. We demonstrate mechanical frequency tunability with external dc-bias voltage, and quality factors up to ∼36 600. Our spectroscopic and time-domain measurements show that mechanical dissipation in these systems is limited by the contact resistance arising from resistive outer layers. The temperature dependence of dissipation indicates the presence of tunneling states, further suggesting that their intrinsic performance could be as good as other two-dimensional atomic crystals such as graphene.
Warped spherical compactifications in the gravity theory

We present new exact solutions of the warped spherical compactifications in the higher-dimensional gravitational theory coupled to scalar and several form field strengths. We find two classes of solutions. One has a de Sitter spacetime with a static warp factor. The other gives an accelerating universe in the non-Einstein conformal frame with a time-dependent warp factor.