Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Thermal Degradation of DLC Film Using a Novel Raman Spectroscopy Technique

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films are extensively used in various industries due to their superior protective and lubrication properties. However, DLC films including sp2 and sp3 carbon bonding are metastable materials, which can be thermally degraded (or graphitized) at elevated temperature. In this study, a novel Raman spectroscopy technique was developed to evaluate the in-situ thermal stability of DLC films. When a laser beam is applied onto a DLC film, the surface temperature can increase depending on the laser power, laser duration time, and surface reflectivity. Based on this laser heating concept, the Raman spectrum data of DLC films (i.e., G peak position and width) were obtained at the controlled Raman laser power, which enabled to determine the critical temperature to initiate the thermal degradation of DLC films. Two different designs of DLC film (i.e., types A and B with different initial sp2-to-sp3 ratio) were prepared and their thermal stability was evaluated using the proposed Raman spectroscopy technique. From the systematic data analysis and comparison, it could be observed that the type-A DLC film showed the significant change of Raman parameters (i.e., G peak position and width) at lower laser power value (=lower temperature) than the type-B DLC film, which indicated that the type-B DLC film had better thermal stability.
Non-Native English Students Learning in English: Reviewing and Reflecting on the Research

As more countries adopt English as the language of learning in schools, more non-native speakers of English are learning English so that they can learn in English. In this paper, we review studies (mostly involving Filipino-English bilinguals) that look into the experiences of bilingual learners as they undertake learning activities in English, which is a second or a foreign language for them. Studies that investigate these experiences using a psycholinguistic approach point to (a) different effects of using the bilingual learner’s first and second language on different specific cognitive processes in various learning tasks, and (b) particular cognitive resources of the bilingual learner that can facilitate learning. Complementing these psycholinguistic studies, investigations that use sociolinguistic approaches reveal a range of important personal and social processes and factors that suggest a sense of agency on the part of the bilingual learner as the learner engages learning tasks amidst varying requirements of the social environments of learning. The insights drawn from the various studies reviewed are discussed in terms of how bilingual learners strategically use their multilingual resources to attain their learning goals. The paper ends with recommendations to study the experiences of bilingual learners’ experiences learning in English and with some reflections for ESL and EFL teachers, and other teachers of bilingual learners.
Original Contribution PREVALENCE OF HIV/AIDS AMONG TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS SEEN IN A RURAL CLINIC IN NIGERIA

PURPOSE - Coinfection with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis thecausative agent of Tuberculosis (TB), has been referred to as the ‘’cursed duet’’ as a result of the attendant morbidity and mortality due to their synergistic actions. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HIV infection among Tuberculosis (TB) confirmed patients of a TB/Leprosy referral centre. METHODS-The association of prevalence with gender and age as risk factors was also determined. Blood samples were collected by venepuncture from 257 TB patients and their HIV status determined. Viral antibody detection was carried out using ELISA kits, which detected both HIV-1 and HIV-2 and confirmed by Western blot. RESULT- Of the 257 patients screened, 44.20% (106) were HIV positive . The prevalence of coinfection was higher among the female (44.82%) than the male (38.30%) patients and highest among those aged 21-40 years old (45.30%). Coinfection was found to be statistically highly associated with gender and age (p<0.05). CONCLUSION- A very high prevalence of HIV infection was reported in this study among patients that were on admission on the grounds that they had only TB. Thus it might be pertinent to screen for HIV among all TB patients.
Contributions of the plankton community to ecosystem respiration, Tomales Bay, California

This paper presents direct measurements of plankton community respiration for Tomales Bay, California, U.S.A. , and compares these measurements with water column variables. These data were used to develop a regression model that predicts planktonic respiration and nutrient remineralization. Respiration was measured as change in dissolved O2in sealed, dark, 300 ml bottles. There was a consistent and linear decrease in O2concentrations over 35–48 h incubations. Chlorophyllaconcentration ranged from 1 to 10 μg chl a l−1. Bacterial counts were 2–11×106cells ml−1and leucine incorporation rates ranged from 200 to 1300 pmol l−1h−1over the period May 1992–July 1993. Respiration rates were 0·16–1·91 μmol O2l−1h−1, with an annualized average of 0·67 μmol O2l−1h−1. A multiple linear regression of O2consumption rate against the independent variables (chlorophyll concentration, temperature and particulate N concentration) explained 79% of the variation in the respiration rates. Modelled plankton community respiration rates for the period January 1988 to July 1993 ranged from 2·0 μmol O2l−1h−1. Over the same period, the average predicted areal respiration for inner Tomales Bay was 64·5 mmol O2m−2day−1. Mean predicted rates of N and P remineralization over the period of January 1988 to July 1993 were 9·8 and 0·6 mmol m−2day−1, respectively. Even in an embayment as shallow as Tomales Bay (meanz=3·1 m), planktonic respiration and remineralization are greater than benthic respiration and remineralization.
Cutaneous endometriosis: to scope or not to scope?

Background: Cutaneous endometriosis occurs in a surgical scar following abdominal or pelvic procedures. The incidence of scar endometriosis has been estimated to be only 0.03-0.15% of all cases of endometriosis. The tendency to use routine laparoscopic inspection of the pelvis to exclude concurrent pelvic endometriosis has been applied extensively over the years. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate if patients with cutaneous endometriosis should always undergo laparoscopy to exclude pelvic endometriosis. Material and methods The study included women presenting with a history of painful nodules at either the umbilicus, a midline incision or at the level of a Pfannenstiel scar, following gynecological or caesarean section procedures. The lesion may have been slightly tender around the time of menstruation. Bleeding from the umbilical or scar nodule during or after menstruation was also described by some patients. The study began in January 2010 and ended in December 2016. All patients underwent umbilical or scar nodule biopsy confirming the presence of endometriosis before the diagnostic laparoscopy took place. Results: Fourteen patients with cutaneous (scar) and umbilical endometriosis attended the clinic during the study period. Out of these, only eight cases (47.2%) met the inclusion criteria of scar endometriosis clinically and underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. The mean age was 35.6 years (29-47) and mean parity was 1.5 (0-3), with a history of previous pelvic surgery or caesarean sections. Biopsy of the lesion confirmed the presence of endometrial tissue (gland and stroma) and haemorrhage. Diagnostic laparoscopy, after the excision of umbilical or scar endometriosis, revealed no pelvic endometriosis. Conclusion: A laparoscopy to exclude pelvic endometriosis should not be undertaken in patients who present with scar endometriosis, as there is a potential risk of introducing endometriosis into the pelvic cavity.
NTUA-SLP at SemEval-2018 Task 3: Tracking Ironic Tweets using Ensembles of Word and Character Level Attentive RNNs

In this paper we present two deep-learning systems that competed at SemEval-2018 Task 3 “Irony detection in English tweets”. We design and ensemble two independent models, based on recurrent neural networks (Bi-LSTM), which operate at the word and character level, in order to capture both the semantic and syntactic information in tweets. Our models are augmented with a self-attention mechanism, in order to identify the most informative words. The embedding layer of our word-level model is initialized with word2vec word embeddings, pretrained on a collection of 550 million English tweets. We did not utilize any handcrafted features, lexicons or external datasets as prior information and our models are trained end-to-end using back propagation on constrained data. Furthermore, we provide visualizations of tweets with annotations for the salient tokens of the attention layer that can help to interpret the inner workings of the proposed models. We ranked 2nd out of 42 teams in Subtask A and 2nd out of 31 teams in Subtask B. However, post-task-completion enhancements of our models achieve state-of-the-art results ranking 1st for both subtasks.
Good Lies

Decision makers often face uncertainty both about the ability and the integrity of their advisors. If an expert is sufficiently concerned about establishing a reputation for being skilled and unbiased, she may truthfully report her private information about the decision-relevant state. However, while in a truthtelling equilibrium the decision maker learns only about the ability of the expert, in an equilibrium with some misreporting the decision maker also learns about the expert’s bias. Although truthful behavior allows for more informed current decisions, it may lead to worst sorting. Therefore, if a decision maker places enough weight on future choices relative to present ones, lying may be welfare improving.
Informed Consent and Psychotherapy: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Therapists’ Views

Objectives: To examine the issue of informed consent and how this is translated into clinical psychotherapy practice. Design: A qualitative approach was taken in which interviews were used to produce data. Methods: Nine clinical psychologists with specialist psychodynamic training took part in the research. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule. The interviews were transcribed and the data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: The tensions between balancing the requirements of informed consent with psychodynamic practice were explored and the notion of whether clients can truly be ‘informed’ prior to undertaking psychodynamic therapy was raised. Four major themes emerged from the data: ‘Psychodynamic therapy as risky’; ‘Balancing expectations between therapist and client’; ‘Psychodynamic therapy as unique and experiential’; and ‘Informed consent as complex: a linguistic conceit? ’ Conclusions: This research has been valuable in identifying therapists’ views and experiences of how the issue of informed consent is addressed in therapeutic practice. In light of the findings of this research, future investigation would benefit from more detailed examination of the process of providing informed consent, examining if, and
Predicting 30‐Day Hospital Readmissions in Acute Myocardial Infarction: The AMI “READMITS” (Renal Function, Elevated Brain Natriuretic Peptide, Age, Diabetes Mellitus, Nonmale Sex, Intervention with Timely Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, and Low Systolic Blood Pressure) Score

Background Readmissions after hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are common. However, the few currently available AMI readmission risk prediction models have poor‐to‐modest predictive ability and are not readily actionable in real time. We sought to develop an actionable and accurate AMI readmission risk prediction model to identify high‐risk patients as early as possible during hospitalization. Methods and Results We used electronic health record data from consecutive AMI hospitalizations from 6 hospitals in north Texas from 2009 to 2010 to derive and validate models predicting all‐cause nonelective 30‐day readmissions, using stepwise backward selection and 5‐fold cross‐validation. Of 826 patients hospitalized with AMI, 13% had a 30‐day readmission. The first‐day AMI model (the AMI “READMITS” score) included 7 predictors: renal function, elevated brain natriuretic peptide, age, diabetes mellitus, nonmale sex, intervention with timely percutaneous coronary intervention, and low systolic blood pressure, had an optimism‐corrected C‐statistic of 0.73 (95% confidence interval, 0.71–0.74) and was well calibrated. The full‐stay AMI model, which included 3 additional predictors (use of intravenous diuretics, anemia on discharge, and discharge to postacute care), had an optimism‐corrected C‐statistic of 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.76) with minimally improved net reclassification and calibration. Both AMI models outperformed corresponding multicondition readmission models. Conclusions The parsimonious AMI READMITS score enables early prospective identification of high‐risk AMI patients for targeted readmissions reduction interventions within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. A full‐stay AMI readmission model only modestly outperformed the AMI READMITS score in terms of discrimination, but surprisingly did not meaningfully improve reclassification.
The very-faint X-ray binary IGR J17062-6143: a truncated disk, no pulsations and a possible outflow

We present a comprehensive X-ray study of the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary IGR J17062-6143, which has been accreting at low luminosities since its discovery in $2006$. Analysing NuSTAR, XMM-Newton and Swift observations, we investigate the very faint nature of this source through three approaches: modelling the relativistic reflection spectrum to constrain the accretion geometry, performing high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy to search for an outflow, and searching for the recently reported millisecond X-ray pulsations. We find a strongly truncated accretion disk at $77^{+22}_{-18}$ gravitational radii ($\sim 164$ km) assuming a high inclination, although a low inclination and a disk extending to the neutron star cannot be excluded. The high-resolution spectroscopy reveals evidence for oxygen-rich circumbinary material, possibly resulting from a blueshifted, collisionally-ionised outflow. Finally, we do not detect any pulsations. We discuss these results in the broader context of possible explanations for the persistent faint nature of weakly accreting neutron stars. The results are consistent with both an ultra-compact binary orbit and a magnetically truncated accretion flow, although both cannot be unambigiously inferred. We also discuss the nature of the donor star and conclude that it is likely a CO or O-Ne-Mg white dwarf, consistent with recent multi-wavelength modelling.
The Pattern of Morphogenetic Traits Combination amongst the population of Ekpoma, Nigeria: Focus on Dimples, Widows Peak, Blood groups and Genotypes

Variations exist in the pattern by which blood types (ABO and Rh) and genotypes (AA, AS and SS) are inherited. Similar variations exist in the expression of genetic traits like dimples and widows peak. In this study however, we are concerned with the growing sense in genetic epidemiology that many findings are failing to replicate as many of the claimed associations are false positive and these false positives are seen because of the inability to study many genetic variants in relation to many disease outcomes, without knowing the precise bio-cultural background of the groups being studied. Thus, we present a preliminary attempt to determine the combination patterns between some morphogenetic traits expressed by 193 residents of Ekpoma, Nigeria. Focus is on dimples, widows peak, blood groups and genotypes. The results showed that the distribution of blood groups and genotypes are in line with previous finding while the results on morphogenetic trait combinations strikingly suggests that certain combinations might be rare or non-existent. We believe that this and similar findings may one day play a role in ‘predictive human screening’.
A multimodal smartphone interface for active perception by visually impaired

The diffuse availability of mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, has the potential to bring substantial benefits to the people with sensory impairments. The solution proposed in this paper is part of an ongoing effort to create an accurate obstacle and hazard detector for the visually impaired, which is embedded in a hand-held device. In particular, it presents a proof of concept for a multimodal interface to control the orientation of a smartphone's camera, while being held by a person, using a combination of vocal messages, 3D sounds and vibrations. The solution, which is to be evaluated experimentally by users, will enable further research in the area of active vision with human-in-the-loop, with potential application to mobile assistive devices for indoor navigation of visually impaired people.
Managing the virtual boundaries: Online social networks, disclosure, and privacy behaviors

Online social networks are designed to encourage disclosure while also having the ability to disrupt existing privacy boundaries. This study assesses those individuals who are the most active online: “Digital Natives. ” The specific focus includes participants’ privacy beliefs; how valuable they believe their personal, private information to be; and what risks they perceive in terms of disclosing this information in a fairly anonymous online setting. A model incorporating these concepts was tested in the context of communication privacy management theory. Study findings suggest that attitudinal measures were stronger predictors of privacy behaviors than were social locators. In particular, support was found for a model positing that if an individual placed a higher premium on their personal, private information, they would then be less inclined to disclose such information while visiting online social networking sites.
Genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation in plant populations: susceptible signals in plant traits and methodological approaches

Conservation of genetic diversity, one of the three main forms of biodiversity, is a fundamental concern in conservation biology as it provides the raw material for evolutionary change and thus the potential to adapt to changing environments. By means of meta‐analyses, we tested the generality of the hypotheses that habitat fragmentation affects genetic diversity of plant populations and that certain life history and ecological traits of plants can determine differential susceptibility to genetic erosion in fragmented habitats. Additionally, we assessed whether certain methodological approaches used by authors influence the ability to detect fragmentation effects on plant genetic diversity. We found overall large and negative effects of fragmentation on genetic diversity and outcrossing rates but no effects on inbreeding coefficients. Significant increases in inbreeding coefficient in fragmented habitats were only observed in studies analyzing progenies. The mating system and the rarity status of plants explained the highest proportion of variation in the effect sizes among species. The age of the fragment was also decisive in explaining variability among effect sizes: the larger the number of generations elapsed in fragmentation conditions, the larger the negative magnitude of effect sizes on heterozygosity. Our results also suggest that fragmentation is shifting mating patterns towards increased selfing. We conclude that current conservation efforts in fragmented habitats should be focused on common or recently rare species and mainly outcrossing species and outline important issues that need to be addressed in future research on this area.
The Role of the FSH System in the Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer

Introduction It is likely that dysregulation of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) system plays a significant role in the progression of abnormal prostate growth from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to hormone-dependent prostate cancer to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). This review will focus on the data supporting this role of FSH in prostate cancer, and begin to draw together evidence of the mechanisms by which the FSH system may be dysregulated. Finally, we will discuss the impact that pharmacologic androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone, also called luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH), receptor agonists and antagonists may have on the FSH system.1-5 Throughout this review, we use the term FSH system to encompass all aspects of FSH, including the synthesis, release, and circulating levels of FSH itself, as well as its receptor and receptor signaling.
Hydrophilic directional slippery rough surfaces for water harvesting

A hydrophilic directional slippery rough surface outperforms conventional liquid-repellent surfaces in water harvesting. Multifunctional surfaces that are favorable for both droplet nucleation and removal are highly desirable for water harvesting applications but are rare. Inspired by the unique functions of pitcher plants and rice leaves, we present a hydrophilic directional slippery rough surface (SRS) that is capable of rapidly nucleating and removing water droplets. Our surfaces consist of nanotextured directional microgrooves in which the nanotextures alone are infused with hydrophilic liquid lubricant. We have shown through molecular dynamics simulations that the physical origin of the efficient droplet nucleation is attributed to the hydrophilic surface functional groups, whereas the rapid droplet removal is due to the significantly reduced droplet pinning of the directional surface structures and slippery interface. We have further demonstrated that the SRS, owing to its large surface area, hydrophilic slippery interface, and directional liquid repellency, outperforms conventional liquid-repellent surfaces in water harvesting applications.
A Quantitative Prediction Method for Fracture Density Based on the Equivalent Medium Theory

Fracture density, a critical parameter of unconventional reservoirs, can be used to evaluate 11 potential of unconventional reservoirs and location of production wells. Many technologies, such 12 as amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOA) technology, vertical seismic profiling (VSP) 13 technology, and multicomponent seismic technology, are generally used to predict fracture of 14 reservoirs. they can qualitatively predict fracture by analyzing seismic attributes, including seismic 15 wave amplitudes, seismic wave velocities, which are sensitive to fracture. However, it is important 16 to quantitatively describe fracture of reservoirs. In this study, based on a double-layer model, the 17 relationships between fracture density and the double-layer model’s physical parameters, such as 18 velocity of fast shear-wave, velocity of slow shear-wave, and density, were established, and then a 19 powerful quantitative prediction method for fracture density was proposed dramatically. 20 Afterwards, the Hudson model for crack was used to test the applicability of the method. The result 21 shown that the quantitative prediction method for fracture density can be applied suitable to the 22 Hudson model for crack. Finally, the result of validation models indicated that the method can 23 predict fracture density effective, in which absolute relative deviation (ARD) were less than 5% and 24 root-mean-square error (RMSE) was 4.88×10-3. 25