bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accent modification for speech recognition of non-native speakers using neural style transfer
Authors: Radzikowski Kacper , Wang Le , Yoshie Osamu , Nowak Robert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNowadays automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems can achieve higher and higher accuracy rates depending on the methodology applied and datasets used. The rate decreases significantly when the ASR system is being used with a non-native speaker of the language to be recognized. The main reason for this is specific pronunciation and accent features related to the mother tongue of that speaker, which influence the pronunciation. At the same time, an extremely limited volume of labeled non-native speech datasets makes it difficult to train, from the ground up, sufficiently accurate ASR systems for non-native speakers.In this research, we address the problem and its influence on the accuracy of ASR systems, using the style transfer methodology. We designed a pipeline for modifying the speech of a non-native speaker so that it more closely resembles the native speech. This paper covers experiments for accent modification using different setups and different approaches, including neural style transfer and autoencoder. The experiments were conducted on English language pronounced by Japanese speakers (UME-ERJdataset). The results show that there is a significant relative improvement in terms of the speech recognition accuracy. Our methodology reduces the necessity of training new algorithms for non-native speech (thus overcoming the obstacle related to the data scarcity) and can be used as a wrapper for any existing ASR system. The modification can be performed in real time, before a sample is passed into the speech recognition system itself.
On semidifferentiable interval-valued programming problems
Authors: Lai Kin Keung , Shahi Avanish , Mishra Shashi Kant 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the semidifferentiable case of an interval-valued minimization problem and establish sufficient optimality conditions and Wolfe type as well as Mond–Weir type duality theorems under semilocalE-preinvex functions. Furthermore, we present saddle-point optimality criteria to relate an optimal solution of the semidifferentiable interval-valued programming problem and a saddle point of the Lagrangian function.
Some Padé approximations and inequalities for the complete elliptic integrals of the first kind
Authors: Mahmoud Mansour , Anis Mona 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we present Padé approximations of some functions involving complete elliptic integrals of the first kind$K(x)$K(x), and motivated by these approximations we also present the following double inequality:$$ \frac{1-x^{2}}{1-x^{2}+\frac{x^{4}}{62}}< \frac{2 e^{\frac{2}{\pi }K(x)-1}}{ (1+\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-x^{2}}} )}< \frac{1-\frac{96}{100}x^{2}}{1-\frac{96}{100}x^{2}+\frac{x^{4}}{64}},\quad x\in ( 0,1 ). $$1−x21−x2+x462<2e2πK(x)−1(1+11−x2)<1−96100x21−96100x2+x464,x∈(0,1).Our results have superiority over some new recent results.
On a doubly degenerate parabolic equation with a nonlinear damping term
Authors: Xu Wenbin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConsider a double degenerate parabolic equation arising from the electrorheological fluids theory and many other diffusion problems. Let $v_{\varepsilon }$

v
ε

be the viscous solution of the equation. By showing that $|\nabla v_{\varepsilon }|\in L^{\infty }(0,T; L_{\mathrm{loc}}^{p(x)}(\Omega ))$
|
∇

v
ε

|
∈

L
∞

(
0
,
T
;

L
loc

p
(
x
)

(
Ω
)
)
and $\nabla v_{\varepsilon }\rightarrow \nabla v$
∇

v
ε

→
∇
v
almost everywhere, the existence of weak solutions is proved by the viscous solution method. By imposing some restriction on the nonlinear damping terms, the stability of weak solutions is established. The innovation lies in that the homogeneous boundary value condition is substituted by the condition $a(x)| _{x\in \partial \Omega }=0$
a
(
x
)

|

x
∈
∂
Ω

=
0
, where $a(x)$
a
(
x
)
is the diffusion coefficient. The difficulties come from the nonlinearity of $\vert {\nabla v} \vert ^{p(x)-2}$
|
∇
v

|

p
(
x
)
−
2

as well as the nonlinearity of $|v|^{\alpha (x)}$

|
v
|

α
(
x
)

.
Existence of an approximate solution for a class of fractional multi-point boundary value problems with the derivative term
Authors: Sang Yanbin , He Luxuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we consider a class of fractional boundary value problems with the derivative term and nonlinear operator term. By establishing new mixed monotone fixed point theorems, we prove these problems to have a unique solution, and we construct the corresponding iterative sequences to approximate the unique solution.
The dynamics of COVID-19 in the UAE based on fractional derivative modeling using Riesz wavelets simulation
Authors: Mohammad Mutaz , Trounev Alexander , Cattani Carlo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe well-known novel virus (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus family, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a dangerous epidemic. More than 3.5 million positive cases and 250 thousand deaths (up to May 5, 2020) caused by COVID-19 and has affected more than 280 countries over the world. Therefore studying the prediction of this virus spreading in further attracts a major public attention. In the Arab Emirates (UAE), up to the same date, there are 14,730 positive cases and 137 deaths according to national authorities. In this work, we study a dynamical model based on the fractional derivatives of nonlinear equations that describe the outbreak of COVID-19 according to the available infection data announced and approved by the national committee in the press. We simulate the available total cases reported based on Riesz wavelets generated by some refinable functions, namely the smoothed pseudosplines of types I and II with high vanishing moments. Based on these data, we also consider the formulation of the pandemic model using the Caputo fractional derivative. Then we numerically solve the nonlinear system that describes the dynamics of COVID-19 with given resources based on the collocation Riesz wavelet system constructed. We present graphical illustrations of the numerical solutions with parameters of the model handled under different situations. We anticipate that these results will contribute to the ongoing research to reduce the spreading of the virus and infection cases.
A prospective cohort study evaluating screening and assessment of six modifiable risk factors in HPB cancer patients and compliance to recommended prehabilitation interventions
Authors: van Wijk Laura , van der Snee Lizzel , Buis Carlijn I. , Hentzen Judith E. K. R. , Haveman Marjolein E. , Klaase Joost M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction
Despite improvements in perioperative care, major abdominal surgery continues to be associated with significant perioperative morbidity. Accurate preoperative risk stratification and optimisation (prehabilitation) are necessary to reduce perioperative morbidity. This study evaluated the screening and assessment of modifiable risk factors amendable for prehabilitation interventions and measured the patient compliance rate with recommended interventions.

Method
Between May 2019 and January 2020, patients referred to our hospital for HPB surgery were screened and assessed on six modifiable preoperative risk factors. The risk factors and screening tools used, with cutoff values, included (i) low physical fitness (a 6-min walk test < 82% of patient’s calculated norm and/or patient’s activity level not meeting the global recommendations on physical activity for health). Patients who were unfit based on the screening were assessed with a cardiopulmonary exercise test (anaerobic threshold ≤ 11 mL/kg/min); (ii) malnutrition (patient-generated subjective global assessment ≥ 4); (iii) iron-deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL for women, < 13 g/dL for men and transferrin saturation ≤ 20%); (iv) frailty (Groningen frailty indicator/Robinson frailty score ≥ 4); (v) substance use (smoking and alcohol use of > 5 units per week) and (vi) low psychological resilience (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale ≥ 8). Patients had a consultation with the surgeon on the same day as their screening. High-risk patients were referred for necessary interventions.

Results
One hundred consecutive patients were screened at our prehabilitation outpatient clinic. The prevalence of high-risk patients per risk factor was 64% for low physical fitness, 42% for malnutrition, 32% for anaemia (in 47% due to iron deficiency), 22% for frailty, 12% for smoking, 18% for alcohol use and 21% for low psychological resilience. Of the 77 patients who were eventually scheduled for surgery, 53 (68.8%) needed at least one intervention, of whom 28 (52.8%) complied with 100% of the necessary interventions. The median (IQR) number of interventions needed in the 77 patients was 1.0 (0–2).

Conclusion
It is feasible to screen and assess all patients referred for HPB cancer surgery for six modifiable risk factors. Most of the patients had at least one risk factor that could be optimised. However, compliance with the suggested interventions remains challenging.
Determinants of smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to the effects of climate change: Evidence from northern Uganda
Authors: Atube Francis , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Nyeko Martine , Okello Daniel M. , Alarakol Simon Peter , Okello-Uma Ipolto 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundClimate change poses a threat to the sustainability of food production among small-scale rural communities in Sub-Saharan Africa that are dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Understanding farmers’ adaptations and the determinants of their adaptation strategies is crucial in designing realistic strategies and policies for agricultural development and food security. The main objectives of this study were to identify the adaptation strategies used by smallholder farmers to counter the perceived negative effects of climate change in northern Uganda, and factors influencing the use of specific adaptation strategies. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed to collect data from 395 randomly selected smallholder farmers’ household heads across two districts by the administration of a semi-structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ adaptation to climate change.ResultsThe three most widely practiced adaptation strategies were planting of different crop varieties, planting drought-resistant varieties, and fallowing. Results of the binary logit regression model revealed that marital status of household head, access to credit, access to extension services, and farm income influenced farmers’ adoption of planting drought-resistant varieties as an adaptation strategy while access to credit, annual farm income, and time taken to market influenced adoption of planting improved seeds. Gender of household head and farm income had a positive influence on farmers’ adoption of fertilizer and pesticide use. Farming experience, farm income, and access to extension services and credit influenced farmers’ adoption of tree planting. Household size, farming experience, and time taken to market had positive influence on the use of fallowing, while size of land cultivated significantly influenced farmers’ planting of different crop varieties as an adaptation strategy.ConclusionFindings of the study suggest there are several factors that work together to influence adoption of specific adaptation strategies by smallholder farmers. This therefore calls for more effort from government to strengthen the provision of agricultural extension services by improving its climate information system, providing recommended agricultural inputs and training farmers on best agronomic practices to enhance their holistic adaptation to the effect of climate change.
The PD-L1 metabolic interactome intersects with choline metabolism and inflammation
Authors: Pacheco-Torres Jesus , Penet Marie-France , Mironchik Yelena , Krishnamachary Balaji , Bhujwalla Zaver M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundHarnessing the power of the immune system by using immune checkpoint inhibitors has resulted in some of the most exciting advances in cancer treatment. The full potential of this approach has, however, not been fully realized for treating many cancers such as pancreatic and breast cancer. Cancer metabolism influences many aspects of cancer progression including immune surveillance. An expanded understanding of how cancer metabolism can directly impact immune checkpoints may allow further optimization of immunotherapy. We therefore investigated, for the first time, the relationship between the overexpression of choline kinase-α (Chk-α), an enzyme observed in most cancers, and the expression of the immune checkpoint PD-L1.MethodsWe used small interfering RNA to downregulate Chk-α, PD-L1, or both in two triple-negative human breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and SUM-149) and two human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines (Pa09C and Pa20C). The effects of the downregulation were studied at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels. The findings were compared with the results obtained by the analysis of public data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program.ResultsWe identified an inverse dependence between Chk-α and PD-L1 at the genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels. We also found that prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) play an important role in this relationship. We independently confirmed this relationship in human cancers by analyzing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program.ConclusionsOur data identified previously unknown roles of PD-L1 in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, and revealed the immunosuppressive increased PD-L1 effect of Chk-α downregulation. These data suggest that PD-L1 regulation of metabolism may be mediated through Chk-α, COX-2, and TGF-β. The observations provide new insights that can be applied to the rational design of combinatorial therapies targeting immune checkpoints and cancer metabolism.
Associations between conformity to masculine norms and depression: age effects from a population study of Australian men
Authors: Herreen Danielle , Rice Simon , Currier Dianne , Schlichthorst Marisa , Zajac Ian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Strict adherence to masculine norms has been associated with deleterious consequences for the physical and mental health of men. However, population-based research is lacking, and it remains unclear whether ageing influences adherence to masculine norms and the extent to which mental health problems like depression are implicated.

Methods
This study reports on data from 14,516 males aged 15–55 years who participated in Wave 1 of the Australian Longitudinal Study of Male Health (Ten to Men). Group differences in self-reported conformity to masculine norms (CMNI-22), current depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), and self-reported 12-month depression history were examined for males aged 15–17 years, 18–25 years, 26–35 years, 36–50 years, and 51–55 years. Generalised linear models were used to examine the relationships between these variables across age groups.

Results
Conformity to masculine norms decreased significantly with age. However, models predicting depression generally showed that higher conformity to masculine norms was associated with an increased risk of current depressive symptoms, especially in the oldest age group. Conversely, higher conformity was associated with a decreased likelihood of a self-reported 12-month depression history, although nuances were present between age groups, such that this trend was not evident in the oldest age group.

Conclusions
Findings provide important insights into the complex relationship between conformity to masculine norms and depressive symptoms across the lifespan and further highlight the importance of mental health campaigns that address the complexities of gendered help-seeking behaviour for men.
Staged patellar tendon reconstruction using doubled bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft for infected patellar tendon rupture: a rare case report of three years follow-up
Authors: Choi Hyung Suk , Jang Byung-Woong , Chun Dong-Il , Kim Yong Beom , Seo Gi-Won , Hwang Jinyeong , Lee Byung Ill 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Patellar tendon rupture is a relatively rare injury that usually requires surgical treatment. The optimal therapeutic strategy is still controversial, especially when either concomitant patellar tendon infection or soft tissue infection surrounds the patellar tendon. Until recently, most reported reconstruction methods are extensive and difficult to apply because of the poor condition of the soft tissue surrounding the patellar tendon.

Case presentation
A 19-year-old male patient presented to our clinic three weeks following a motorcycle accident. There was a 5 x 4 cm sized skin defect with soft tissue infection below the inferior pole of patella. We performed a staged patellar tendon reconstruction using a doubled bone-patellar tendon-bone allograft (BPTB) to the infected patellar tendon rupture, following local random fasciocutaneous flap and split-thickness skin graft. Three months following surgery, the patient was able to perform an active knee motion with no extension lag and excellent clinical functional result.

Discussion and conclusions
Our technique introduced in this specific case is a relatively simple method to reconstruct chronic patellar tendon defects with limited incision exposing only the patellar tendon areas. We expect it can be less invasively performed on patients who have a soft tissue problem and cannot have extensive surgery.
Sirius Scheimpflug–Placido versus ultrasound pachymetry for central corneal thickness: meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Yili , McAlinden Colm , Sun Yong , Wen Daizong , Wang Yiran , Yu Jinjin , Feng Ke , Song Benhao , Wang Qinmei , Chen Shihao , Huang Jinhai 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo compare the difference in central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements in normal eyes between a rotating Scheimpflug camera combined with a Placido-disk corneal topographer (Sirius, CSO, Italy) and ultrasound pachymetry (USP).MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted for relevant studies published on PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to August 1st, 2019. Primary outcome measures were CCT measurements between Sirius and USP. A random effects model was used to pool CCT measurements.ResultsA total of twelve studies involving 862 eyes were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found CCT measurements between Sirius and USP to be statistically significantly different (P < 0.0001). The mean difference between Sirius and USP was −11.26 μm with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (−16.92 μm, −5.60 μm). The heterogeneity was I2 = 60% (P = 0.004).ConclusionCCT measurements with the Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido topographer were statistically significantly lower than USP. However, it may be argued that the mean difference of 11.26 μm is not a clinically significant difference.
Optimization of scleroglucan production by Sclerotium rolfsii by lowering pH during fermentation via oxalate metabolic pathway manipulation using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Bai Tianlong , Wang Teng , Li Yan , Gao Na L. , Zhang Lixin , Chen Wei-Hua , Yin Xiushan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Sclerotium rolfsii is a potent producer of many secondary metabolites, one of which like scleroglucan is an exopolysaccharide (EPS) appreciated as a multipurpose compound applicable in many industrial fields.

Results
Aspartate transaminase (AAT1) catalyzes the interconversion of aspartate and α-ketoglutarate to glutamate and oxaloacetate. We selected AAT1 in the oxalate metabolic pathway as a target of CRISPR/Cas9. Disruption of AAT1 leads to the accumulation of oxalate, rather than its conversion to α-ketoglutarate (AKG). Therefore, AAT1-mutant serves to lower the pH (pH 3–4) so as to increase the production of the pH-sensitive metabolite scleroglucan to 21.03 g L−1 with a productivity of up to 0.25 g L−1·h−1.

Conclusions
We established a platform for gene editing that could rapidly generate and select mutants to provide a new beneficial strain of S. rolfsii as a scleroglucan hyper-producer, which is expected to reduce the cost of controlling the optimum pH condition in the fermentation industry.
Alveolar ridge preservation in defect sockets in the maxillary aesthetic zone followed by single-tooth bone level tapered implants with immediate provisionalization: a 1-year prospective case series
Authors: Meijndert Caroliene M. , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Vissink Arjan , Meijer Henny J. A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical studies of single-tooth replacement in compromised bone using bone level tapered implants in the aesthetic zone are scarce.AimTo assess clinically, radiographically and aesthetically over 1 year the performance of a bone level tapered implant in the maxillary aesthetic zone in sites after alveolar ridge preservation.Material and methodsThirty patients (16 male, 14 female) with a failing tooth and large bone defect after removal received alveolar ridge preservation. After 3 months, implants were placed with immediate provisionalization. Definitive restorations were placed after 3 months. The treatment was evaluated 1 year following the definitive restoration.ResultsAll the patients attended the 1-year follow-up. One implant was lost (96.7% implant survival rate). The mean implant stability quotient value was 68.9 ± 8.74 at implant placement. The mean marginal bone level change was minor (− 0.07 ± 0.12 mm). The mean mid-buccal mucosa changed with + 0.01 ± 0.45 mm. The median Pink Esthetic Score and White Esthetic Score after 1 year were 6 [4; 7] and 8 [7; 9], respectively. The patients’ mean overall satisfaction (0–100 VAS scale) was 86.6 ± 10.3.ConclusionBone level tapered implants with immediate provisionalization perform well after alveolar ridge preservation in the maxillary aesthetic zone, according to implant stability, clinical, radiographic, aesthetic and patient-centred outcomes.Trial registrationNTR,NL8755. Registered on 1 January 2016
Asthma and stroke: a narrative review
Authors: Corlateanu A. , Stratan Iu , Covantev S. , Botnaru V. , Corlateanu O. , Siafakas N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAsthma is a heterogeneous disease, usually characterized by chronic airway inflammation, bronchial reversible obstruction and hyperresponsiveness to direct or indirect stimuli. It is a severe disease causing approximately half a million deaths every year and thus possessing a significant public health burden. Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide. Asthma and asthma medications may be a risk factors for developing stroke. Nevertheless, since asthma is associated with a variety of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory, the increased incidence of stroke in asthma patients may be due to a confounding effect. The purpose of this review is to analyze the complex relationship between asthma and stroke.