Improving music genre classification using automatically induced harmony rules

We present a new genre classification framework using both low-level signal-based features and high-level harmony features. A state-of-the-art statistical genre classifier based on timbral features is extended using a first-order random forest containing for each genre rules derived from harmony or chord sequences. This random forest has been automatically induced, using the first-order logic induction algorithm TILDE, from a dataset, in which for each chord the degree and chord category are identified, and covering classical, jazz and pop genre classes. The audio descriptor-based genre classifier contains 206 features, covering spectral, temporal, energy, and pitch characteristics of the audio signal. The fusion of the harmony-based classifier with the extracted feature vectors is tested on three-genre subsets of the GTZAN and ISMIR04 datasets, which contain 300 and 448 recordings, respectively. Machine learning classifiers were tested using 5 × 5-fold cross-validation and feature selection. Results indicate that the proposed harmony-based rules combined with the timbral descriptor-based genre classification system lead to improved genre classification rates

Potential of Probing the Lunar Regolith using Rover-Mounted Ground Penetrating Radar: Moses Lake Dune Field Analog Study

Probing radars have been widely recognized by the science community to be an efficient tool to explore lunar subsurface providing a unique capability to address several scientific and operational issues. A wideband (200 to 1200 MHz) Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) mounted on a surface rover can provide high vertical resolution and probing depth from few tens of centimeters to few tens of meters depending on the sounding frequency and the ground conductivity. This in term can provide a better understand regolith thickness, elemental iron concentration (including ilmenite), volatile presence, structural anomalies and fracturing. All those objectives are of important significance for understanding the local geology and potential sustainable resources for future landing sites in particular exploring the thickness, structural heterogeneity and potential volatiles presence in the lunar regolith. While the operation and data collection of GPR is a straightforward case for most terrestrial surveys, it is a challenging task for remote planetary study especially on robotic platforms due to the complexity of remote operation in rough terrains and the data collection constrains imposed by the mechanical motion of the rover and limitation in data transfer. Nevertheless, Rover mounted GPR can be of great support to perform systematic subsurface surveys for a given landing site as it can provide scientific and operational support in exploring subsurface resources and sample collections which can increase the efficiency of the EVA activities for potential human crews as part of the NASA Constellation Program. In this study we attempt to explore the operational challenges and their impact on the EVA scientific return for operating a rover mounted GPR in support of potential human activity on the moon. In this first field study, we mainly focused on the ability of GPR to support subsurface sample collection and explore shallow subsurface volatiles

Torricelli's Curtain: Morphology of Horizontal Laminar Jets Under Gravity

Viscous fluid exiting a long horizontal circular pipe develops a complex structure comprising a primary jet above and a smaller secondary jet below with a thin fluid curtain connecting them. We present here a combined experimental, theoretical and numerical study of this 'Torricelli's curtain' phenomenon, focusing on the factors that control its morphology. We propose a theoretical model for the curtain in which particle trajectories result from the composition of two motions: a horizontal component corresponding to the evolving axial velocity profile of an axisymmetric viscous jet, and a vertical component due to free fall under gravity. The model predicts well the trajectory of the primary jet, but somewhat less well that of the secondary jet. We suggest that the remaining discrepancy may be explained by surface tension-driven (Taylor-Culick) retraction of the secondary jet. Finally, direct numerical simulation reveals recirculating 'Dean' vortices in vertical sections of the primary jet, placing Torricelli's curtain firmly within the context of flow in curved pipes.Comment: 33 pages, 15 figures. To be published in Physics of Fluid

Nutrient upcycling and flows of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in Hediste diversicolor (OF Müller, 1776) (Annelida: Nereididae) fed aquaculture sludge

IntroductionWith the continuous growth of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) aquaculture, appropriate management of nutrient-rich waste streams from both land- and sea-based production has become increasingly important. Following a circular approach, nutrients contained in aquaculture sludge can be utilized for biomass production of the polychaete Hediste diversicolor. While the potential for upcycling nutrients has been established previously, this study aimed to assess nutrient flows in H. diversicolor fed aquaculture sludge as understanding these will be crucial for optimizing future large-scale production of this species.Materials and methodsWe investigated the effect of low and high feed supply of smolt sludge on the nutrient flows of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in H. diversicolor on an individual level. Hereby we assessed ingestion, defecation, excretion, respiration, and uptake for growth.Results and discussionNutrient flows differed between the nutrients C, N, and P in the high feed supply group where C uptake for growth was significantly higher than N and P uptake, and N uptake was significantly higher than P uptake. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the low feed supply group. In the high feed supply group, most of the ingested C, N, and P by H. diversicolor was allocated to uptake for growth (76% C, 83% N, 85% P) with smaller proportions allocated to defecation (7% C, 7% N, 11% P) and respiration/excretion (18% C, 9% N, 5% P). The results from the low feed supply group suggest insufficient nutrient supply as most ingested C was allocated to respiration (84%), while most N was expended on uptake for growth (45%), and ingested P was either taken up for growth (58%) or spent on defecation (34%). Overall, nutrient uptake reflected the smolt sludge composition rather than nutrient requirements for H. diversicolor, which may be a short-term effect and needs to be investigated further. The flow of nutrients was strongly affected by feed supply, as ingestion, defecation, excretion, and uptake for growth were significantly higher in the high feed supply group than in the low feed supply group

Biochemical composition of Hediste diversicolor (OF Müller, 1776) (Annelida: Nereidae) reared on different types of aquaculture sludge

IntroductionSustainable growth of the salmon aquaculture industry is highly dependent on the availability of new feed resources as well as improved management and utilization of waste streams from production. Polychaetes are capable of recapturing and recycling valuable biomolecules contained in aquaculture sludge and at the same time constitute a possible resource for aquafeeds.Material and methodsIn this study, the potential of Hediste diversicolor (OF Müller, 1776) to recover nutrients and energy contained aquaculture sludge was evaluated. Hereby, the effect of two different diets, smolt and post-smolt sludge, and different feed levels on polychaete growth, and biochemical and elemental composition was assessed.Results and discussionSurvival ranged from 80-90%, independent of treatment. Specific growth rates at the highest feed levels were significantly higher than at the lowest feed levels and growth was not affected by the type of diet. Similarly, total lipid and total fatty acid content of polychaetes were positively correlated with feed level while the type of diet had a limited effect. Fatty acid composition of polychaetes reflected feed levels: in both diet groups, polychaetes at lower feed levels showed a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids; monounsaturated fatty acids increased with increased feed supply for smolt sludge-fed group and polychaetes fed post-smolt sludge showed increased polyunsaturated fatty acid content with increasing feed levels. Neither diet nor feed levels affected protein content and amino acid composition of polychaetes. In conclusion, H. diversicolor could be successfully cultivated on both smolt and post-smolt sludge and was rich in proteins and lipids as well as essential amino and fatty acids. The species can be considered a promising candidate for recycling valuable nutrients from different types of side streams salmon aquaculture

Upcycling of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from aquaculture sludge using the polychaete Hediste diversicolor (OF Müller, 1776) (Annelida: Nereididae)

IntroductionFocusing on circular bioeconomy and finding solutions for managing finite and scarce resources such as phosphorus are issues that need to be addressed across sectors to attain food security. Land-based aquaculture of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) smolt and post-smolt results in a large output of aquaculture sludge. These nutrient-rich side streams from aquaculture production constitute a valuable resource for cultivation of polychaetes Hediste diversicolor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of H. diversicolor to upcycle carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) contained in aquaculture sludge from Norwegian salmon production.Material and methodsWe investigated the effect of two diets, smolt sludge and post-smolt sludge, which were supplied at four different feed levels, on the gain of C, N, and P in H. diversicolor and established uptake rates for the upcycling of these nutrients. Additionally, we examined how different feed composition (type of diet) and supply (feel level) influenced C, N, and P content as well as the elemental ratios of H. diversicolor.Results and discussionPolychaetes fed with both types of sludge were shown to incorporate C, N, and P from their diets into biomass. Incorporation of C, N, and P in polychaete biomass was highest at the highest feed levels, following specific growth rates. Uptake of diet C, N, and P into polychaete biomass was similar for both diets and across feed levels. On average, C and N uptake rates amounted to 2–10% and 2–15%, respectively, while values for P uptake were lower at 0.5–1.5%. C, N, and P content of polychaetes was not affected by different diets or feed levels while the C:N ratio increased with increasing feed supply. Overall, we found that H. diversicolor can successfully take up nutrients contained in aquaculture sludge and thus can be beneficial for upcycling of side streams from Atlantic salmon production

Phase 1/2 AAV5-hRKp.RPGR (Botaretigene Sparoparvovec) Gene Therapy: Safety and Efficacy in RPGR-associated X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa

Purpose: To assess the safety and efficacy of AAV5-hRKp.RPGR in participants with retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator (RPGR)-associated X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). // Design: Open-label, phase 1/2 dose escalation/expansion study (NCT03252847). // Methods: Males (≥5 years old) with XLRP-RPGR were evaluated. In the dose escalation phase, subretinal AAV5-hRKp.RPGR (low: 1.0×1011 vg/ml; intermediate: 2.0×1011 vg/ml; high: 4.0×1011 vg/ml) was administered to the poorer-seeing eye (n = 10). Dose confirmation (intermediate dose) was carried out in 3 pediatric participants. In the dose expansion phase, 36 participants were randomized 1:1:1 to immediate (low or intermediate dose) or deferred (control) treatment. The primary outcome was safety. Secondary efficacy outcomes included static perimetry, microperimetry, vision-guided mobility, best corrected visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. Safety and efficacy outcomes were assessed for 52 weeks for immediate treatment participants and 26 weeks for control participants. // Results: AAV5-hRKp.RPGR was safe and well tolerated, with no reported dose-limiting events. Most adverse events (AEs) were transient and related to the surgical procedure, resolving without intervention. Two serious AEs were reported with immediate treatment (retinal detachment, uveitis). A third serious AE (increased intraocular pressure) was reported outside the reporting period. All ocular inflammation–related AEs responded to corticosteroids. Treatment with AAV5-hRKp.RPGR resulted in improvements in retinal sensitivity and functional vision compared with the deferred group at Week 26; similar trends were observed at Week 52. // Conclusions: AAV5-hRKp.RPGR demonstrated an anticipated and manageable AE profile through 52 weeks. Safety and efficacy findings support investigation in a phase 3 trial

Microallopatry Caused Strong Diversification in Buthus scorpions (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the Atlas Mountains (NW Africa)

The immense biodiversity of the Atlas Mountains in North Africa might be the result of high rates of microallopatry caused by mountain barriers surpassing 4000 meters leading to patchy habitat distributions. We test the influence of geographic structures on the phylogenetic patterns among Buthus scorpions using mtDNA sequences. We sampled 91 individuals of the genus Buthus from 51 locations scattered around the Atlas Mountains (Antiatlas, High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Jebel Sahro). We sequenced 452 bp of the Cytochrome Oxidase I gene which proved to be highly variable within and among Buthus species. Our phylogenetic analysis yielded 12 distinct genetic groups one of which comprised three subgroups mostly in accordance with the orographic structure of the mountain systems. Main clades overlap with each other, while subclades are distributed parapatrically. Geographic structures likely acted as long-term barriers among populations causing restriction of gene flow and allowing for strong genetic differentiation. Thus, genetic structure and geographical distribution of genetic (sub)clusters follow the classical theory of allopatric differentiation where distinct groups evolve without range overlap until reproductive isolation and ecological differentiation has built up. Philopatry and low dispersal ability of Buthus scorpions are the likely causes for the observed strong genetic differentiation at this small geographic scale