Adversarially Trained Autoencoders for Parallel-Data-Free Voice Conversion

We present a method for converting the voices between a set of speakers. Our method is based on training multiple autoencoder paths, where there is a single speaker-independent encoder and multiple speaker-dependent decoders. The autoencoders are trained with an addition of an adversarial loss which is provided by an auxiliary classifier in order to guide the output of the encoder to be speaker independent. The training of the model is unsupervised in the sense that it does not require collecting the same utterances from the speakers nor does it require time aligning over phonemes. Due to the use of a single encoder, our method can generalize to converting the voice of out-of-training speakers to speakers in the training dataset. We present subjective tests corroborating the performance of our method

Research Tendencies in the Discipline of Distance Education (2015-2022): Examination of Doctoral Theses in Higher Education in Turkey

The discipline of distance education is evolving and becoming mainstream, and this view requires examining research tendencies in the field. Motivated by this justification, it can be argued that understanding distance education to the fullest extent is possible partially through examining changes in theory and practice, as research conducted in the field reflects changes, dynamics, and perspectives. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to present the research tendencies in doctoral theses in the Turkish higher education context with a specific focus on distance education. In line with this aim, a total of 265 doctoral theses published between 2015 and 2022 were examined through data mining and analytics approaches. The analysis of the titles through t-SNE analysis revealed four broad themes. These are: (1) more emphasis on learning processes; (2) the comparison of online technologies and online learning spaces; (3) a strong focus on educational technologies; and (4) the limitations emerging from comparative studies. The examination of the abstracts through text-mining identified the following themes: (1) the methodological vicious circle, the pursuit of methodological perfection, and lack of critical perspectives; (2) the tendency to use online [educational] technologies; (3) the comparison of distance and face-to-face education; and (4) the design of social interaction and communication in distance education processes. Finally, the analysis of the keywords through word clouds surfaced the following research tendencies: (1) Technology-supported distance education processes; (2) the wide use of educational technologies; (3) focusing on issues related to the learners in distance education. The paper concludes with implications and recommendations for future research directions

Comparison of halothane/thiopental and propofol anesthesia for strabismus surgery

Day case surgery has become a widely accepted practice for many ophthalmological procedures including strabismus surgery. Prompt recovery from anesthesia and minimal postoperative morbidity are especially requested to the anesthesiologists to deal with the high clay case surgery burden. The purpose of this study was to compare two anesthesia techniques, halothane/thiopental anesthesia and propofol anesthesia, for patients undergoing monocular strabismus surgery. We studied the level of postoperative consciousness, nausea and vomiting, ocular pain, starting oral intake and activity in 43 patients, ranging from 7 to 41 years of age. A scoring system was used to assess these parameters in the first postoperative 48 h. Although there was not a significant difference in the level of ocular pain, the propofol group had less morbidity in terms of having a better level of consciousness and appetite, less nausea and vomiting and enhanced activity than the halothane/thiopental group. We conclude that propofol anesthesia has significant advantages over halothane/thiopental anesthesia on an outpatient basis for strabismus surgery

Enhancement of cisplatin sensitivity in human cervical cancer: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate

Cisplatin is one of the effective chemotherapeutics in the treatment of several types of cancers. However, in addition to the efforts against to its toxicity, the amelioration of cisplatin sensitivity is an important point in treatment of cervical cancer. To do so, additional substances such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol in green tea, have been used in combination with chemotherapeutics. We aimed to investigate the possible molecular pathways to potentiate cervical cancer cell (HeLa) growth inhibition by combination therapy of cisplatin and EGCG. HeLa cells were treated with EGCG (25µM), cisplatin (250 nM), and their combination for 24 h. Cell viability was determined by MTS Assay. We analyzed the expressions of NF-κB p65, COX-2, Nrf2, HO-1, p-mTOR, p-p70S6K1, p-4E-BP1, and p-Akt byWestern blot analysis. Herein, we have demonstrated that EGCG works synergistic with cisplatin in inhibiting growth of cervical cancer cells. EGCG improved efficacy of cisplatin treatment in HeLa cells by regulating NFκB p65, COX-2, p-Akt, and p-mTOR pathways, whereas it increased the expression levels of Nrf2/HO-1 in combined therapy. Our observations revealed that EGCG increases the sensitization of cisplatin to cervical cancer cells by inhibiting cell survival and inducing apoptosis

Effect of cortical bone thickness and density on pullout strength of mini-implants: An experimental study

Introduction: Anchorage, which is defined as resistance against undesired tooth movements, is one of the most important factors in success of orthodontic treatment. In recent years, mini-implants have been used instead of uncomfortable headgears and Nance appliances. The pullout test is the most common method for measuring the anchorage capacity of mini-implants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cortical bone thickness and cortical layer bone density on pullout strength of mini-implants. Methods: Mini-implants were placed in polyurethane foam blocks representing 3 different cortical thicknesses (1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm) and 3 different cortical bone densities (grade 40, grade 45, and grade 50). Pullout tests were performed with 5 mm/min loading rate. Load vs displacement values were recorded during the tests. Results: Comparing cortical thicknesses on the same bone densities, statistically significant differences were found between 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm thicknesses. Likewise, comparing bone densities on the same cortical thicknesses, statistically significant differences were found among all groups. Spearman rank tests showed that both cortical thickness and cortical bone density are correlated with pullout strength (rs, 0.548; P<0.001 and rs, 0.691; P<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Although both factors are positively correlated with pullout strength, the effect of cortical bone density was the dominant factor affecting primary stability