Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Kink Density and Rate of Step Movement during Growth and Dissolution of anABCrystal in a Nonstoichiometric Solution

Despite the fact that the growth and dissolution of sparingly soluble minerals in aquatic and biological systems usually occur under nonstoichiometric conditions, little attention has been paid to the effect of solution ionic ratio on the rates. Equations for kink density along an atomic step of an AB crystal with NaCl lattice in super- and undersaturated solutions have been derived using a kinetic approach previously developed for a Kossel crystal. The equations reduce to that obtained thermodynamically at solubility equilibrium. The rate of step movement can subsequently be calculated. For growth and dissolution controlled by integration and detachment, respectively, it is shown that the rate cannot be defined solely in terms of the ionic activity product; it also depends upon the activity ratio and the relative integration frequencies of the lattice ions. At a given thermodynamic driving force, a maximum rate occurs at a certain ratio of lattice ion activities. The present theory is expected to be applicable to sparingly soluble salts, which are characterized by a low kink density. The effect of solution stoichiometry is also discussed for diffusion-controlled crystal growth and dissolution.
Study by Raman microscopy of nine variants of the green–blue pigment verdigris

The Raman spectra of nine variants of ‘verdigris’ (organo-copper complexes) synthesized recently by different methods have been measured at room temperature and at 150 K. The spectra are all characterized by a strong band at ca 2935 cm−1 and weaker bands at 3010, 2985, 2935, 1550, 1445, 1415, 1350 and 940 cm−1 at both temperatures; the majority of spectra also feature bands at 220 and 140 cm−1. The features in the 3000–4000 cm−1 and 900–50 cm−1 regions of the spectra show the greatest differences from sample to sample: those in the high wavenumber region relate directly to the nature of the hydrogen bonding in each sample, while those in the lower region reflect the variations in the Cu–O bonding and crystal structures of each sample. The characteristic bands present in the 900–3000 cm−1 region are sufficient for the identification of a sample as a particular form of verdigris. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blog Writing for Learning

Blog has played a major role in enhancing writing among second language learners. However, at times, the messages written are confusing and not being delivered appropriately especially among second language learners. Therefore, this study focuses on the use of blog writing in learning the Malay language. The objectives of the study are to identify and analyze the adjectives and verbs in the blog. The samples of the study consist of six volunteered female subjects from a class of Malay language at a university in Korea. The subjects are given a task as in writing a story about their stories, experiences and feelings towards the autumn season. The subjects are told to write at least a hundred words of writing in the blog. The writings from the subjects are analyzed by using the discourse analysis theory. The results of the study revealed that each subject managed to write at least five adjectives and five verbs in the writing. The subjects also managed to write interesting experiences and stories in the blog. The result of the study also revealed that the subjects managed to write more than one story and show that they are happy with the task given to them. This showed that blog writing helps in the process of learning the second language. It is hoped that future studies will focus on blog writing for other means of grammar usage.
Inter-subject variability in oral drug absorption

A low and highly variable bioavailability is often the main reason for the failure of the development of a drug intended for oral delivery. Focusing on absorption instead of bioavailability from oral administration enables the identification and understanding of key causes of low and erratic absorption to improve drug performance in early development. In the work carried out as part of this thesis, the in silico estimation of drug absorption (fa*fg) was carried out. The use of a population pharmacokinetic approach was proposed, as implemented in NONMEM, to estimate fa*fg and variability from phase I clinical studies (AstraZeneca database). This work enabled the identification of the rate limiting step in oral drug absorption, and allowed for comparisons of fa*fg and inter-subject variability for different drug formulations. Solubility/dissolution and permeability were investigated in vitro in terms of their variability for two model drugs – dipyridamole and furosemide. Physiological parameters such as bile salt concentrations and pH were simulated in vitro to understand their effects on the absorption process. Dipyridamole saturated solubility and dissolution are pH and bile salt dependent. However, when both dissolution and permeability were tested simultaneously, it was found that pH plays an important factor in the permeation of dipyridamole rather than bile salt concentration. This can explain to some extent the variability between individuals in the absorption of dipyridamole. Furosemide solubility experiments showed that pH, buffer capacity and, to a lesser extent, bile salt concentration affect its saturated solubility. Surprisingly, almost complete drug release was observed under all simulated conditions with a clinical dose. Similarly, the permeation of furosemide did not differ under different conditions. It was suggested that with this clinical dose, other physiological parameters contribute to variability in furosemide absorption, such as gastric emptying time. Moreover, the efficacy of three formulations (solid dispersion, Self Micro Emulsifying Drug Delivery systems and nano-particles) in increasing solubility\ dissolution in vitro and in vivo in the rat model was compared. Lack of IVIVC was observed. It was suggested that the missing link is the human absorption estimation that can be resolved by the proposed population pharmacokinetics approach presented herein.
Modified FOLFOXIRI With or Without Cetuximab as Conversion Therapy in Patients with RAS/BRAF Wild-Type Unresectable Liver Metastases Colorectal Cancer: The FOCULM Multicenter Phase II Trial.

PURPOSE This trial evaluated the addition of cetuximab to a modified FOLFOXIRI (mFOLFOXIRI: 5-fluorouracil/folinic acid, oxaliplatin, irinotecan) as conversion therapy in a two-group, nonrandomized, multicenter, phase II trial in patients with initially technically unresectable colorectal liver-limited metastases (CLM) and BRAF/RAS wild-type. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients were enrolled to receive cetuximab (500 mg/m2) plus mFOLFOXIRI (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 165 mg/m2, folinic acid 400 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil 2,800 mg/m2 46-hour infusion, every 2 weeks) (the cetuximab group) or the same regimen of mFOLFOXIRI alone (the control group), in a 2:1 ratio allocation. The primary endpoint was the rate of no evidence of disease (NED) achieved. Secondary endpoints included resection rate, objective response rate (ORR), survival, and safety. RESULTS Between February 2014 and July 2019, 117 patients were registered for screening at six centers in China, and 101 of these were enrolled (67 cetuximab group, 34 control group). The rate of NED achieved was 70.1% in the cetuximab group and 41.2% in the control group (difference 29.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9.1%-48.8%; p = .005). Patients in the cetuximab group had improved ORR (95.5% vs. 76.5%; difference 19.1%; 95% CI, 17.4%-36.4%; p = .010) compared with those in control group. Progression-free survival and overall survival showed the trend to favor the cetuximab group. The incidence of grade 3 and 4 adverse events was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION Addition of cetuximab to mFOLFOXIRI improved the rate of NED achieved. This combination could be an option of conversion regimen for molecularly selected patients with initially technically unresectable CLM. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This trial evaluated the addition of cetuximab to a modified FOLFOXIRI as conversion therapy in a phase II trial in patients with initially technically unresectable colorectal liver-limited metastases and BRAF/RAS wild-type. The rate of no evidence of disease achieved was 70.1% in the cetuximab plus modified FOLFOXIRI group and 41.2% in the modified FOLFOXIRI group. Objective response rates, overall survival, and progression-free survival were improved in the cetuximab group when compared with the modified FOLFOXIRI group. Addition of cetuximab to modified FOLFOXIRI increased the rate of no evidence of disease achieved, and this combination could be an option of conversion regimen for molecularly selected patients with initially technically unresectable colorectal liver-limited metastasis.
Effects of Environmental Awareness on Green Practices: A Study Among Homestay Operators in Selangor

Homestay is a human-oriented service industry. This industry partially contributes to environmental issues, especially through its day-to-day operations which involve the consumption of resources such as water and energy. Increasing tourist arrivals will also add on to the impact on the environment. In recent times, demand from consumers for eco-friendly accommodation has increased. However, some accommodation managers still operate in an outdated manner and do not fully recognise or fully appreciate the demands and environmental values associated with their business. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the level of green practices among homestay operators based on the level of awareness about the environment. This study used quantitative methods where a questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected respondents consisting of 210 homestay operators from 16 homestays in Selangor that are registered with the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. The analysis for this study used Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software for descriptive and inferential analysis such as T test and ANOVA; as well as AMOS software to build a Structured Equation Model (SEM). Results indicate that there is no significant relation between homestay operators’ awareness and green practices.
Study on anisotropic silicon etching characteristics in various surfactant-added tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide water solutions

Three ion-typed surfactants, including anionic sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate (SDSS), cationic ammonium salt of poly(ethylene glycol) (ASPEG) and non-ionic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), were added to 10 wt% tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide water (TMAHW) solutions to evaluate the silicon anisotropic etching properties of the (1 0 0) silicon plane without agitation and no isopropyl alcohol (IPA) additive. The results indicate that the wetting capacity of the etchants cause the efficacies of the etchants on the roughness reduction to follow the order cationic ASPEG, non-ionic PEG, pure solution and anionic SDSS in TMAHW solutions, especially at high etching temperatures. Moreover, the chemical activities of the etchants cause the efficacies of the etchants on the etching rates to follow the order anionic SDSS, pure solution, cationic ASPEG and non-ionic PEG in TMAHW solutions at a given etching temperature. The cationic ASPEG has a reasonable etching rate of 0.7 µm min−1 and the lowest surface roughness of 4 nm in TMAHW solutions at an etching temperature of 100 °C. ASPEG and PEG in TMAHW solutions markedly affect aluminum passivation. The undercutting of the convex corners in PEG-added TMAHW solutions can be drastically reduced without using corner compensation; the undercutting ratio obtained using a PEG surfactant is about 45% lower than that obtained in pure TMAHW solution. This finding reveals that non-ionic PEG should be added to TMAHW solutions when accurate profiles are required without extremely deep etching. This study also demonstrated that non-ionic PEG is more appropriate than IPA for anisotropic silicon TMAHW etching.
A note on the effect of nitrogen timing on the grain yield of winter barley.

Previous work in Ireland (Conry, 1986) showed that timing and splitting of nitrogen had only a small effect on grain yield and quality of winter barley where the total nitrogen applied was 120 kg N/ha. In the experiments reported here an application rate of 160 kg N/ha was investigated. The results confirm that the same total amount of nitrogen applied in spring in one, two or three applications had only a small overall effect on grain yield and little effect on grain quality. However, two-way and three-way split applications of nitrogen in which the main dressing was applied in early April gave significantly greater yields than a single application in either March or April.
Determinan Kinerja Dosen pada Pengajaran Metode Daring pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 dengan Faktor Stres sebagai Pemediasi

The Covid-19 pandemic that hit the world, especially in Indonesia, apprently continued and still uncertain when completed. In early 2020 along with the emergence of this virus, the predicted impact of Covid-19 have been widely publicized in which various aspects will also be affected such as indonesia's economic growth decline, import disruption, aviation, tourism, and increased in food prices. In addition, this also has an impact on the education sector in Indonesia, especially in the lecture method in higher education. One impact is the change in the lecture method from the face-to-face method in the classroom to the online method. However, this is not necessarily successful. In the process many difficulties occur especially for lecturers. This study aims to analyse the determinants of the performance of college lecturers in Jakarta with stress factors in the use of online teaching technology. This study uses a quantitative method with a questionnaire instrument. The results of the study using SMART PLS 3.0 explain that both directly the performance of lecturers is influenced by workload factors that exist and the level of stress in the use of online teaching methods during this pandemic. In addition, this study also explains that Technostress as a mediating factor also explains the effect between workload on lecturer work performance. In the midst of conditions of rapid and limited change, training in the use of online teaching methods, especially in technical matters, is very much needed for lecturers to establish confidence in using online methods as well as the efficiency and effectiveness of switching from the face-to-face method in the class room to the online method.
Econometric Modelling On Satisfaction In Rice Farming Under Philippine Rice Tariffication Law

This study focused on the farmers’ satisfaction and its influencing determinants under the implementation of Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) in Leyte, Philippines. Currently, very limited studies are available in literature regarding the Law. Hence, this study is conducted to evaluate the farmers’ satisfaction while experiencing the Law. With the aid of probabilistic sampling method, the study employed 169 rice farmers as the participants. A developed questionnaire was used to gather primary data and analyzed using descriptive statistics and econometric modelling. Results showed that the farmers’ actual satisfaction is relatively lower compared to expected satisfaction. This is due to negative effects of RTL. The study documented a significant socio-demographic determinants of satisfaction in farming, namely: gender, marital status, education and rice farm ownership. Income from rice farming has inverse effect on satisfaction. Farmers with high income also experience high expenses in agricultural inputs which negatively affects their well-being. A low other monthly income of farmers has a chance of being satisfied in rice farming. Satisfied farmers spend more time in farming and results to higher opportunity cost for other income activities. Furthermore, household consumption, household assets, and household expense positively affects satisfaction of farmers due to the benefits and comfort.
Going Viral : COVID-19 and the Accelerated Transformation of Jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean

[Coronavirus Disease 2019] COVID-19 started as a health emergency, but it is rapidly evolving into an employment crisis. There is still uncertainty as to how severe the economic impact of the pandemic will be. As things go, however, the drag on the region's employment could last longer than the epidemic itself. Beyond the immediate impacts on the level of employment, the crisis is deepening and accelerating the transformation of jobs, bringing the future closer. This report focuses on recent trends in the economies of the region that have been significantly changing the labor market: premature deindustrialization, the servicification of the economy, and the changing skill requirements of jobs as automation advances.
Localization guided speech separation

Voice based personal assistants are part of our daily lives. Their performance suffers in the presence of signal distortions, such as noise, reverberation, and competing speakers. This thesis addresses the problem of extracting the signal of interest in such challenging conditions by first localizing the target speaker and using the location to extract the target speech. In a first stage, a common situation is considered when the target speaker utters a known word or sentence such as the wake-up word of a distant-microphone voice command system. A method that exploits this text information in order to improve the speaker localization performance in the presence of competing speakers is proposed. The proposed solution uses a speech recognition system to align the wake-up word to the corrupted speech signal. A model spectrum representing the aligned phones is used to compute an identifier which is then used by a deep neural network to localize the target speaker. Results on simulated data show that the proposed method reduces the localization error rate compared to the classical GCC-PHAT method. Similar improvements are observed on real data. Given the estimated location of the target speaker, speech separation is performed in three stages. In the first stage, a simple delay-and-sum (DS) beamformer is used to enhance the signal impinging from that location which is then used in the second stage to estimate a time-frequency mask corresponding to the localized speaker using a neural network. This mask is used to compute the second-order statistics and to derive an adaptive beamformer in the third stage. A multichannel, multispeaker, reverberated, noisy dataset --- inspired from the famous WSJ0-2mix dataset --- was generated and the performance of the proposed pipeline was investigated in terms of the word error rate (WER). To make the system robust to localization errors, a Speaker LOcalization Guided Deflation (SLOGD) based approach which estimates the sources iteratively is proposed. At each iteration the location of one speaker is estimated and used to estimate a mask corresponding to that speaker. The estimated source is removed from the mixture before estimating the location and mask of the next source. The proposed method is shown to outperform Conv-TasNet. Finally, we consider the problem of explaining the robustness of neural networks used to compute time-frequency masks to mismatched noise conditions. We employ the so-called SHAP method to quantify the contribution of every time-frequency bin in the input signal to the estimated time-frequency mask. We define a metric that summarizes the SHAP values and show that it correlates with the WER achieved on separated speech. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known study on neural network explainability in the context of speech separation.
Awareness of Breast Cancer and Practice of Breast Self-Examination among Urban Underprivileged Women in Bangalore city, India

Background: The low breast cancer survivorship in India compared to developed countries has been found to be attributed to late detection. Breast self-examination (BSE) still remains a viable screening option among poor and marginalised communities. We conducted the present study to determine breast cancer awareness and practice of BSE and their determinants among urban underprivileged women.Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study in an urban underprivileged area in Bangalore city in early 2020, among women aged 25 years or more. Our sample size was estimated as 714 subjects. The interview schedule included Breast Cancer Awareness Measure We employed chi-square test for associations and logistic regression analysis for adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.Results: Out of the 751 women, 60.3% were not aware of any symptoms and 61.1% were not aware of any risk factors of breast cancer. Only 6% had heard of BSE and 3.4% reported performing BSE in the past year. The practice of BSE was found to be more prevalent among women who were aware of at least one symptom [OR=6.8(2.5-18.2), p <0.001] or one risk factor [OR=12.9(3.9- 43.6), p <0.001] of breast cancer and among those with past attendance at a breast cancer screening camp [OR=31.4(13.3-74.1),p <0.001]. Conclusion: Poor awareness concerning breast cancer and woefully inadequate practice of BSE among urban underprivileged women highlights the requirement for targeted interventions in such communities. The importance of awareness of breast cancer as a precursor to practice BSE was evident in our study, which emphasizes the need for increased access to quality and credible health information. This study emphasizes the importance of community-based programming, like breast cancer screening camps, in order to improve practice of BSE.
Pulsed Disc‐and‐Doughnut Column Performance

Abstract: A study of the hydrodynamic variables, drop size, continuous phase axial dispersion, and mass‐transfer coefficients of a pulsed annular disc‐and‐doughnut liquid extraction column are presented for three different systems. The results indicate that the characteristic velocity plot of Gayler et al. (1953) can be used to describe the variation of holdup with flow rate for a range of pulsation velocities. The existence of several different operating regimes, namely streamline, mixer‐settler, and emulsion regimes, was observed when the input energy was altered. Mass‐transfer data from 72.5 mm i.d. and 2.5 m i.d. columns were interpreted in terms of the differential axial‐dispersion model; the number of transfer units in a unit length of column is proposed as the basis for scale‐up of the mass‐transfer performance. By considering the free areas in the column, a method is proposed for the geometric scale‐up of pulsed disc‐and‐doughnut columns.
A comparison of actual evapotranspiration estimates based on Remote Sensing approaches with a classical climate data driven method

The knowledge of actual evapotranspiration at farm level is a prerequisite for irrigation planning, farm management, to increase production and reduce water consumption. To accomplish this, comprehensive and accurate assessment methods should be applied. In order to evaluate accurately evapotranspiration processes we compared lysimeter evapotranspiration data with MODIS (Aqua and Terra satellites) and LANDSAT (SEBAL algorithm) satellite images as well as with the FAO Penman-Montith method. The findings indicate the low error rate, high correlation (1) and appropriateness of SEBAL in estimating actual evapotranspiration. The error values MAD, MSE and RMSE between lysimeter and the SEBAL algorithm were 0.59, 0.36 and 0.60 respectively. The second best performance was established for the FAO Penman-Montith method. The obtained error values MAD, MSE and RMSE between the lysimeter and FAO-Penman-Montith method are 0.91, 1.29 and 1.13, respectively.