bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A unit selection text-to-speech-and-singing synthesis framework from neutral speech: proof of concept
Authors: Freixes Marc , Alías Francesc , Socoró Joan Claudi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractText-to-speech (TTS) synthesis systems have been widely used in general-purpose applications based on the generation of speech. Nonetheless, there are some domains, such as storytelling or voice output aid devices, which may also require singing. To enable a corpus-based TTS system to sing, a supplementary singing database should be recorded. This solution, however, might be too costly for eventual singing needs, or even unfeasible if the original speaker is unavailable or unable to sing properly. This work introduces a unit selection-based text-to-speech-and-singing (US-TTS&S) synthesis framework, which integrates speech-to-singing (STS) conversion to enable the generation of both speech and singing from an input text and a score, respectively, using the same neutral speech corpus. The viability of the proposal is evaluated considering three vocal ranges and two tempos on a proof-of-concept implementation using a 2.6-h Spanish neutral speech corpus. The experiments show that challenging STS transformation factors are required to sing beyond the corpus vocal range and/or with notes longer than 150 ms. While score-driven US configurations allow the reduction of pitch-scale factors, time-scale factors are not reduced due to the short length of the spoken vowels. Moreover, in the MUSHRA test, text-driven and score-driven US configurations obtain similar naturalness rates of around 40 for all the analysed scenarios. Although these naturalness scores are far from those of vocaloid, the singing scores of around 60 which were obtained validate that the framework could reasonably address eventual singing needs.
A modified algorithm for computation issues in UAV-enabled wireless communications
Authors: Hu Bing , Ding Xiaojian , Yang Fan , Liu Jian 
Published: December 2019

AbstractUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in wireless communication have received significant interests recently due to its low cost and flexibility in providing wireless connectivity in areas without infrastructure coverage. In this paper, we optimize the location of UAVs to maximize their coverage areas. We propose a modified artificial bee colony (MABC) incorporating bee number reallocation and a new search equation. In the proposed algorithm, a greater number of bees in the population are assigned to execute local searches near food sources to enhance solution accuracy, and the bees are guided by elite vectors to enable the algorithm to rapidly converge to a potentially globally optimal position. The deployment of UAVs is thus obtained. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm achieves great improvements over the traditional algorithm.
Compound Poisson point processes, concentration and oracle inequalities
Authors: Zhang Huiming , Wu Xiaoxu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis note aims at presenting several new theoretical results for the compound Poisson point process, which follows the work of Zhang et al. (Insur. Math. Econ. 59:325–336, 2014). The first part provides a new characterization for a discrete compound Poisson point process (proposed by Aczél (Acta Math. Hung. 3(3):219–224, 1952)), it extends the characterization of the Poisson point process given by Copeland and Regan (Ann. Math. 37:357–362, 1936). Next, we derive some concentration inequalities for discrete compound Poisson point process (negative binomial random variable with unknown dispersion is a significant example). These concentration inequalities are potentially useful in count data regression. We give an application in the weighted Lasso penalized negative binomial regressions whose KKT conditions of penalized likelihood hold with high probability and then we derive non-asymptotic oracle inequalities for a weighted Lasso estimator.
Certain inequalities via generalized proportional Hadamard fractional integral operators
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Abdeljawad Thabet , Jarad Fahd , Khan Aftab , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In the article, we introduce the generalized proportional Hadamard fractional integrals and establish several inequalities for convex functions in the framework of the defined class of fractional integrals. The given results are generalizations of some known results.
Fixed points of differences of meromorphic functions
Authors: Wu Zhaojun , Wu Jia 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Let f be a transcendental meromorphic function of finite order and c be a nonzero complex number. Define $\Delta _{c}f=f(z+c)-f(z)$

Δ
c

f
=
f
(
z
+
c
)
−
f
(
z
)
. The authors investigate the existence on the fixed points of $\Delta _{c}f$

Δ
c

f
. The results obtained in this paper may be viewed as discrete analogues on the existing theorem on the fixed points of $f'$

f
′

. The existing theorem on the fixed points of $\Delta _{c}f$

Δ
c

f
generalizes the relevant results obtained by (Chen in Ann. Pol. Math. 109(2):153–163, 2013; Zhang and Chen in Acta Math. Sin. New Ser. 32(10):1189–1202, 2016; Cui and Yang in Acta Math. Sci. 33B(3):773–780, 2013) et al.
A fast numerical method for fractional partial differential equations
Authors: Mockary S. , Babolian E. , Vahidi A. R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we use operational matrices of Chebyshev polynomials to solve fractional partial differential equations (FPDEs). We approximate the second partial derivative of the solution of linear FPDEs by operational matrices of shifted Chebyshev polynomials. We apply the operational matrix of integration and fractional integration to obtain approximations of (fractional) partial derivatives of the solution and the approximation of the solution. Then we substitute the operational matrix approximations in the FPDEs to obtain a system of linear algebraic equations. Finally, solving this system, we obtain the approximate solution. Numerical experiments show an exponential rate of convergence and hence the efficiency and effectiveness of the method.
Bark beetle larval dynamics carved in the egg gallery: a study of mathematically reconstructing bark beetle tunnel maps
Authors: Li Hui , Li Tianwei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractScolytinae (bark beetle) is one of the most detrimental pests on the Chongming Island. It is desirable to understand the behaviour of the Scolytinae throughout its life cycle. Behaviour studies regarding mass attacks, mating behaviour and chemical control have been frequently reported in literature. However, little research could be found regarding the life of Scolytinae in the larval stage, especially for beetles in the field. In this paper, we analyse the tunnel map beneath the tree bark, since it is a potential source of information on the population size, egg gallery and larval development. We propose four hypotheses including synchronous larval growth (SLG), outward normal direction (OND), communication and repulsion (CR) and individual differences(ID), then employ the methods of curve fitting and differential equation modelling to mathematically reconstruct the tunnel map. Furthermore, we introduce the Frechet distance to measure the similarity of curves. Numerical simulation shows that the reconstructed tunnel map closely matches the collected sample.
The cloud application modelling and execution language
Authors: Achilleos Achilleas P. , Kritikos Kyriakos , Rossini Alessandro , Kapitsaki Georgia M. , Domaschka Jörg , Orzechowski Michal , Seybold Daniel , Griesinger Frank , Nikolov Nikolay , Romero Daniel , Papadopoulos George A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCloud computing offers a flexible pay-as-you-go model for provisioning application resources, which enables applications to scale on-demand based on the current workload. In many cases, though, users face the single vendor lock-in effect, missing opportunities for optimal and adaptive application deployment across multiple clouds. Several cloud modelling languages have been developed to support multi-cloud resource management, but still they lack holistic cloud management of all aspects and phases. This work defines the Cloud Application Modelling and Execution Language (CAMEL), which (i) allows users to specify the full set of design time aspects for multi-cloud applications, and (ii) supports the models@runtime paradigm that enables capturing an application’s current state facilitating its adaptive provisioning. CAMEL has been already used in many projects, domains and use cases due to its wide coverage of cloud management features. Finally, CAMEL has been positively evaluated in this work in terms of its usability and applicability in several domains (e.g., data farming, flight scheduling, financial services) based on the technology acceptance model (TAM).
Integrating policy, market, and technology for sustainability governance of agriculture-based biofuel and bioeconomic development in the US
Authors: Gan Jianbang , Stupak Inge , Smith C. T. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe scaled-up production of biofuels and bioproducts in the US is likely to cause land use expansion and intensification domestically and internationally, possibly leading to undesirable environmental and socioeconomic consequences. Although these concerns have been widely recognized, sustainability governance systems are yet to be developed. Here, we review (1) the US bioenergy policies, (2) biofuel production and market trends, (3) major sustainability concerns, and (4) existing regulations and programs for sustainability governance, including potential interactions with markets and technology. US bioenergy policy dates back to the 1970s and has evolved over time with various tax incentives plus production mandates in recent key legislation. Commercial production of cellulosic biofuels is impeded largely by technology and cost barriers. Uncertainties exist in the estimates of environmental and socioeconomic impacts due to the lack of empirical data and knowledge of complex relationships among biofuel and bioeconomic development, natural ecosystems, and socioeconomic dimensions. There are various existing sustainability governance mechanisms on which a biofuel sustainability governance system can be built on. Considering all these, we propose an adaptive system that incorporates regulations, certification, social norms, market, and technology for sustainability monitoring and governance, and is able to contribute to addressing the overall environmental concerns associated with collective land use for food, fiber, and fuel production. Building on existing programs and mechanisms and with proper monitoring of biofuel and bioproduct development, such a governing system can be developed and implemented in response to sustainability concerns that may arise as biofuel and bioproduct production increases.
A Computational Model for Prestressed Concrete Hollow-Core Slab Under Natural Fire
Authors: Pečenko R. , Hozjan T. , Planinc I. , Bratina S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPerformance-based approach, introducing a new two-phase computational model for determining the response of prestressed hollow-core concrete slab exposed to natural fire including heating and cooling phase, is presented. Firstly, the two-dimensional coupled hygro-thermo-chemical model is used to determine time dependent temperature and moisture field in the characteristic cross-section of the concrete hollow-core slab during fire. In addition, the influence of opening on the temperature distribution over prestressed hollow-core concrete slab is accounted for. Secondly, stress–strain state of prestressed concrete hollow-core slab is determined with a newly developed one-dimensional geometrical and material non-linear model, which includes a slip between concrete and tendon. Temperature dependent mechanical properties of concrete, tendon and bond stiffness are accounted for in the model. Model validation showed that the presented two-phase computational model is suitable for the analysis of prestressed hollow-core concrete slab exposed to natural fire. Furthermore, parametric studies revealed that heat exchange between the concrete section and the opening has a significant influence on the development of temperatures in the slab, particularly in the cooling phase, and consequently also on the development of slab displacements. In addition, it was identified that accounting for the slip between concrete and tendon enables the determination of the bond stress distribution and evaluation of the load bearing capacity of the contact.
Effect of platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma on peri-implant innervation in dog mandibles
Authors: Song Dandan , Huang Yan , Van Dessel Jeroen , Shujaat Sohaib , Orhan Kaan , Vangansewinkel Tim , Van den Eynde Kathleen , Lambrichts Ivo , Roskams Tania , Politis Constantinus , Jacobs Reinhilde 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Autologous plasma fractions, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP), contain growth factors that can enhance neural cell survival and are therefore likely to have the ability to promote nerve regeneration. The present study compared the effect of PRP and PPP application on myelinated nerve density and diameter in the peri-implant bone region. In addition, the effect of healing time on nerve regeneration was assessed.

Materials and methods
Nine beagle dogs randomly received 54 dental implants in the bilateral mandible according to a split-mouth design. Each implant was randomly assigned to one of three implant protocols: delayed implant placement with delayed loading (DIP + DL) with local application of PRP, DIP + DL with local application of PPP and DIP + DL without any plasma additive. The animals were euthanized at 1, 3, and 6 months after loading (3 dogs per time point). Block biopsies were prepared for histomorphometry in the peri-implant bone within 500 μm around the implants.

Results
Myelinated nerve fibers were identified in the trabecular bone and in the osteons near the implants surface. The nerve fibers in the PRP group (median ± IQR; 2.88 ± 1.55 μm) had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater diameter compared to the PPP (2.40 ± 0.91 μm) and control (2.11 ± 1.16 μm) group. The nerve diameter after 6 months healing (3.18 ± 1.58 μm) was significantly (p < 0.05) greater compared to 1 (2.08 ± 0.89 μm) and 3 (2.49 ± 1.22 μm) months. No significant difference was found for myelinated nerve density between groups and healing time.

Conclusions
The present study showed that the healing time significantly influenced the diameter of the myelinated nerve fibers in peri-implant bone. PRP exerted a significant effect on the diameter of the myelinated nerve fibers as compared to PPP. Large-scale animal studies and longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings and to verify whether platelet plasma can facilitate nerve regeneration process.
Two extremely rare cases of extrapleural hematoma
Authors: Oka Soichi , Ono Kenji , Kajiyama Kenta , Yoshimatsu Katsuma 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Extrapleural hematoma is uncommon. However, according to the size of hematoma and/or the progression of anemia, surgical treatment to control bleeding might be necessary because a huge hematoma can cause ventilator and circulatory disturbances to press heart and lung. We present two unusual cases of huge extrapleural hematoma in an anticoagulated patient with no apparent history of trauma or otherwise traumatic episodes.

Case presentation
Case 1: A 78-year-old man presented to our emergency department with pain in his right shoulder and disturbance of consciousness. He had no apparent history of trauma. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed the presence of a huge lens-like encapsulated lesion measuring 220 × 90 mm in the right thoracic cavity. These findings all supported a diagnosis of extrapleural hematoma with hemothorax. Case 2: A 73-year-old man was brought to our hospital by ambulance after bruising his back in his house. CT of the chest revealed the presence of a huge lens-like encapsulated lesion measuring 230 × 70 mm in the left thoracic cavity. Hemorrhagic effusion was obtained by thoracocentesis, and the lesion was suspected of being a hematoma. In both two cases, we performed video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which was minimally invasive and effective. These two patients were cured and discharged smoothly after surgery.

Conclusions
We reported two rare cases of extrapleural hematoma. This disease requires close attention when it manifests in patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy. Regarding treatment, VATS was particularly effective in these cases.
Wide-field imaging of sickle retinopathy
Authors: Linz Marguerite O. , Scott Adrienne W. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
Wide-field imaging is a newer retinal imaging technology, capturing up to 200 degrees of the retina in a single photograph. Individuals with sickle cell retinopathy commonly exhibit peripheral retinal ischemia. Patients with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy develop pathologic retinal neovascularization of the peripheral retina which may progress into sight-threatening sequelae of vitreous hemorrhage and/or retinal detachment. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current and future applications of wide-field retinal imaging for sickle cell retinopathy, and recommend indications for best use.

Main body
There are several advantages to wide-field imaging in the clinical management of sickle cell disease patients. Retrospective and prospective studies support the success of wide-field imaging in detecting more sickle cell induced retinal microvascular abnormalities than traditional non-wide-field imaging. Clinicians can easily capture a greater extent of the retinal periphery in a patient’s clinical baseline imaging to follow the changes at an earlier point and determine the rate of progression over time. Wide-field imaging minimizes patient and photographer burden, necessitating less photos and technical skill to capture the peripheral retina. Minimizing the number of necessary images can be especially helpful for pediatric patients with sickle cell retinopathy. Wide-field imaging has already been successful in identifying new biomarkers and risk factors for the development of proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. While these advantages should be considered, clinicians need to perform a careful risk–benefit analysis before ordering this test. Although wide-field fluorescein angiography successfully detects additional pathologic abnormalities compared to traditional imaging, a recent research study suggests that peripheral changes differentially detected by wide-field imaging may not change clinical management for most sickle cell patients.

Conclusions
While wide-field imaging may not carry a clinically significant direct benefit to all patients, it shows future promise in expanding our knowledge of sickle cell retinopathy. Clinicians may monitor peripheral retinal pathology such as retinal ischemia and retinal neovascularization over progressive time points, and use sequential wide-field retinal images to monitor response to treatment. Future applications for wide-field imaging may include providing data to facilitate machine learning, and potential use in tele-ophthalmology screening for proliferative sickle retinopathy.
Retinopathy of prematurity: incidence report of outliers based on international screening guidelines
Authors: Romo-Aguas Juan Carlos , González-H.León Ana , Meraz-Gutiérrez Miroslava Paolah , Martínez-Castellanos María A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Aim
The objective of this study is to report the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) outliers that fall outside the screening guidelines of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in our country.

Methods
A retrospective review of 503 records of newborns evaluated in our institution between January 2011 and March 2017. We analyzed the data by subgroups based on gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW) and stage, focusing on the outliers that don’t meet the criteria of the screening AAO guidelines (GA ≤ 30 weeks, BW ≤ 1500 g).

Results
Of the 503 records, 352 had some degree of ROP, 91.76% being bilateral, and 26.2% require treatment. The mean GA at delivery was 30.56 ± 2.33 weeks, and the mean BW was 1287.90 ± 338.52 g. For the current AAO/AAP ROP screening, 19.9% were outliers, of which (57%) had ROP diagnosis and (38%) required treatment.

Conclusions
ROP diagnosis in newborns of BW > 1500 g or GA > 30 weeks is not uncommon in Mexico, and it is important to take this into account to adjust the selection criteria on each population to reach all the infants at risk.
Using simulation to explore the impact of device design on the learning and performance of peripheral intravenous cannulation
Authors: Reid-McDermott Bronwyn , Browne Maryanne , Byrne Dara , O’Connor Paul , O’Dowd Emily , Walsh Chloe , Madden Caoimhe , Lydon Sinéad 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The design of medical devices impacts upon the performance of healthcare professionals and patient safety. However, multiple devices serving the same function are often available. The purpose of this study was to use simulation as a means of examining the impact of differences in device design on (1) learning of, or attainment of behavioral fluency in, peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC); and (2) the generalization, or transfer, of learning on one device to performance of PIVC using an untrained device.

Methods
A total of 25 final cycle medical students participated in this study which used a randomized two-group design. Participants were randomly assigned to learn PIVC using either a closed PIVC device (a single device which consists of an intravenous cannula with a pre-attached extension tube; n = 14) or an open PIVC device (a two-piece device made up of an intravenous cannula and a separate extension tube which is attached following insertion of the cannula; n = 11). Task analyses were developed for the performance of PIVC using each device. Subsequently, simulation-based fluency training was delivered to both groups using their assigned PIVC device, and continued for each participant until the fluency criterion was achieved. Following achievement of fluency, participants were asked to perform PIVC using the untrained device (i.e., the PIVC device that they had not been trained on).

Results
All participants in both groups met the fluency criterion, and no significant differences were observed in the number of trials or total training required by groups to achieve fluency. Participants in both groups improved significantly from baseline (M = 11.69) to final training trial (M = 100). However, a significant decrement in performance (M = 81.5) was observed when participants were required to perform PIVC using the untrained device.

Conclusions
Participants achieved fluency in PIVC regardless of the device used. However, significant decrements in performance were observed when participants were required to perform PIVC using a novel device. This finding supports the need for careful consideration of devices purchased and supplied in the clinical setting, and the need for training prior to the introduction of novel devices or for new staff members.