Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploration of thermolithography for micro- and nanomanufacturing

Lithography is a critical enabling technology for manufacturing micro- and nanoscale devices and structures. The present work explores alternative lithography techniques that pattern photoresist layers through selective thermochemical cross-linking. Microfabricated thin-film heaters are used as precisely defined heat sources to determine the thermal transport properties of photoresist layers and study the kinetics of cross-linking reactions. The present work identifies heating temperature, heating duration, and UV exposure dose as independent control parameters in thermolithography and demonstrates its potential for three-dimensional micro- and nanomanufacturing.
SMALL-CHAMBER MEASUREMENTS OF CHEMICAL- SPECIFIC EMISSION FACTORS FOR DRYWALL

Imported drywall installed in U.S. homes is suspected of being a source of odorous and potentially corrosive indoor pollutants. To support an investigation of those building materials by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) measured chemical-specific emission factors for 30 samples of drywall materials. Emission factors are reported for 75 chemicals and 30 different drywall samples encompassing both domestic and imported stock and incorporating natural, synthetic, or mixed gypsum core material. CPSC supplied all drywall materials. First the drywall samples were isolated and conditioned in dedicated chambers, then they were transferred to small chambers where emission testing was performed. Four sampling and analysis methods were utilized to assess (1) volatile organic compounds, (2) low molecular weight carbonyls, (3) volatile sulfur compounds, and (4) reactive sulfur gases. LBNL developed a new method that combines the use of solid phase microextraction (SPME) with small emission chambers to measure the reactive sulfur gases, then extended that technique to measure the full suite of volatile sulfur compounds. The testing procedure and analysis methods are described in detail herein. Emission factors were measured under a single set of controlled environmental conditions. The results are compared graphically for each method andmore » in detailed tables for use in estimating indoor exposure concentrations. « less
Prevalence and determinants of type 2 diabetes among lean African migrants and non-migrants: the RODAM study

Background Exposure to adverse conditions earlier in life-course can predispose to type 2 diabetes in adulthood, irrespective of body mass index (BMI). However, the burden of type 2 diabetes in lean Africans is not well understood despite higher exposure to adverse early life conditions. Mirroring ongoing epidemiological transition, we assessed the burden and determinants of type 2 diabetes in a homogenous group of lean Ghanaians residing in rural and urban Ghana, and as migrants in Europe. Methods Baseline data from 2179 RODAM study participants with BMI<25kg/m2 (25-70 years) were analyzed. Prevalence and determinants of type 2 diabetes were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Adjustments were made for socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, use of anti-diabetic medication and optimal blood glucose control. Results Prevalence of type 2 diabetes in rural, urban and migrant lean participants were 3.5%, 8.9% and 7.5% respectively, representing 55.4%, 35.6%, 13.2% of all participants with type 2 diabetes. Compared with lean rural participants, the odds of type 2 diabetes were higher in lean urban participants (adjusted OR = 8.81, 95% CI = 6.56-11.06), followed by migrants (5.27, 95% CI = 3.51-6.91). Irrespective of site, determinants of type 2 diabetes in lean participants include; presence of hypertension, physical inactivity, hypercholesterolemia and age (>45 years). Conclusions Our study shows a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes among lean African populations in different geographical settings. Future studies are needed in-order to examine how contextual differences are related to the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes in lean individuals.
Spatial variability and abiotic determinants of termite mounds throughout a savanna catchment

Termite mounds contribute to the spatial heterogeneity of ecological processes in many savannas, but the underlying patterns and determinants of mound distributions remain poorly understood. Using the Carnegie Airborne Observatory (CAO), we mapped the distribution of termite mounds across a rainfall gradient within a river catchment (~ 27 000 ha) of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. We assessed how different factors were associated with the distribution and height of termite mounds at three spatial scales: the entire catchment, among three broad vegetation types, and on individual hillslope crests. Abiotic factors such as the underlying geology and mean annual precipitation shaped mound densities at broad scales, while local hillslope morphology strongly influenced mound distribution at finer scales, emphasising the importance of spatial scale when assessing mound densities. Fire return period had no apparent association with mound densities or height. Mound density averaged 0.46 mounds ha, and exhibited a clustered pattern throughout the landscape, occurring at relatively high densities (up to 2 mounds ha) on crests, which are nutrient-poor elements of the landscape. Mounds exhibited significant over-dispersion (even spacing) at scales below 60 m so that evenly spaced aggregations of termite mounds are embedded within a landscape of varying mound densities. The tallest mounds were found in dry savanna (500 mm yr) and were positively correlated with mound density, suggesting that dry granitic savannas are ideal habitat for mound-building termites. Mound activity status also varied significantly across the rainfall gradient, with a higher proportion of active (live) mounds in the drier sites. The differential spacing of mounds across landscapes provides essential nutrient hotspots in crest locations, potentially sustaining species that would otherwise not persist. The contribution to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning that mounds provide is not uniform throughout landscapes, but varies considerably with spatial scale and context.
Combinatorial Effects of SDF-1 and CCL3L1 Gene Variants and Susceptibility to HIV-1/AIDS in Indian Population

HIV-1 infection requires the expression of CD4+ molecules in colligation with C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) as the major coreceptors. The role of SNP in 3’ untranslated region of SDF-1 (SDF1-3’A) and low copy number (CN) of the CCL3L1 gene is reported to confer increased resistance to HIV-1 infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze the combinatorial effect of both the variations in protection towards HIV-1 infection in Indian population. The combinatorial effect of genetic variation in terms of SNP in SDF-1 gene and CCL3L1 CN was investigated in 105 healthy individuals and 78 HIV-1 patients. Genotyping of SDF-1 was performed by RFLP-PCR and CCL3L1 by real-time PCR using TaqMan chemistry. The genotype frequency distribution of SDF-1 was found to be (SDF-1/SDF-1: 65.4%, SDF-1/SDF1-3’A: 29.5% and SDF1-3’A/SDF1-3’A: 5.1%) in HIV patients as compared to (SDF-1/SDF-1: 64.8%, SDF-1/SDF1-3’A: 30.5% and SDF1-3’A/SDF1-3’A: 4.7%) in healthy individuals, whereas a range of 1 to 6 copies per diploid genome was observed for CCL3L1 gene.
Toward Preserving User Privacy in Collected Visual Data of Autonomous Cars

In this paper, we motivate the idea of anonymizing textual data in images captured by autonomous cars that could potentially impair the location privacy of the passengers. More precisely, we focus on text instances that seem irrelevant to location at first glance but turn out to be revealing. In order to recognize privacy-sensitive texts, we take advantage of recent advancements in deep learning methods for visual perception as well as place search APIs. We evaluate our approach on real-world test data and report on a preliminary performance assessment.
Canada-Denmark MRI scoring system of the spine in patients with axial spondyloarthritis: updated definitions, scoring rules and inter-reader reliability in a multiple reader setting

Objective To validate the Canada-Denmark (CANDEN) MRI scoring system for the spine in axial spondyloarthritis with updated lesion definitions. Methods Lesion definitions in the CANDEN system were updated and illustrated by a consensus set of reference images. Sagittal spine MRIs of 40 patients with axial spondyloarthritis obtained at baseline and at week 52 after initiation of treatment with the tumour necrosis factor inhibitor golimumab were evaluated in unknown chronology by seven readers blinded to all other data. Results CANDEN MRI spine inflammation score had very good reliability for status scores (single-measure intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 21 reader pairs median of 0.91 (IQR 0.88–0.92)) and change scores (ICC 0.88 (0.86–0.92)). CANDEN MRI spine fat score had good to very good reliability for status scores (ICC 0.79 (0.75–0.86)) and moderate to good reliability for detecting change (ICC 0.59 (0.46–0.73)). CANDEN MRI spine bone erosion score and CANDEN MRI spine new bone formation score had slight to moderate reliability for status scores (ICC 0.38 (0.32–0.52) and 0.39 (0.27–0.49), respectively). Conclusion The CANDEN MRI spine scoring system allows a comprehensive evaluation of inflammation, fat, bone erosion and new bone formation of the spine in patients with axial spondyloarthritis. It demonstrated very good reliability for detecting change in inflammation, moderate to good reliability for detecting change in fat, and slight to moderate reliability for detecting bone erosions and new bone formation. Studies with longer follow-up or patients with more advanced spinal involvement may be needed to reliably detect change in bone erosion and new bone formation scores. Trial registration number NCT02011386.
Optimization of y-linolenic acid ( GLA ) production in Spirulina platensis

The cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis is one of the most promising sources of the polyunsaturated fatty acid -y-linolenic acid (GLA). The GLA content of Spirulina can be enhanced by cultivation under light-dark cycles in the laboratory or outdoors. Thus, in strain BP, the GLA content increased from 1.2 to 1.6% when cultivated under light-dark cycles. Moreover, in the derived mutant Z19, the GLA content reached 2.4% when cultivated outdoors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest GLA content ever reported for any alga.
Income Inequality and Financial Expectations

Before the Great Recession, the rising income inequality within the “old” European Union has been suggested as an important driver of the increase in Euroskepticism. We revisit this finding for the 27 EU member states from 2006 to 2011, introducing individual negative financial expectations as a further driving factor. We also distinguish between Western and Eastern European countries. In the period of Eastern EU enlargement after 2005, Euroskepticism increased by one third while income inequality on average remained stable. Negative financial expectations are positively related to Euroskepticism in the West and non-significantly negatively related in the East. This suggests that Westerners interpret European integration as a threat, while Easterners view it as a chance. In addition, income inequality lost its role in “old” Europe. An increase of one Gini point decreases the probability of Euroskepticism by half a percentage point in the West, while it has no impact in the East. JEL Classification: D31, J31, O43, O52, P48, Z18.
Reducing fat deposition in poultry by immunisation against adipocyte membranes: II. Effects of active immunisation on chicken performance and carcass composition (Mengurangkan lemak melalui imunisasi terhadap membran adiposit pada poltri: II. Kesan imunisasi aktif terhadap prestasi dan kandungan kar

Kajian ini adalah untuk menentukan sama ada imunisasi aktif boleh menggantikan imunisasi pasif yang memerlukan antibodi yang banyak apabila penyelidikan dijalankan. Ketahanan antibodi pasif yang disuntik ke dalam sistem darah ternakan itu juga tidak lama. Dalam imunisasi aktif yang dijalankan ini antigen dalam bentuk membran sel lemak telah disuntikkan (250 µg sel membran lemak/ekor/suntikan) ke tubuh ayam sebagai ternakan sasaran. Hasil kajian aktif ini menunjukkan bahawa sejumlah 77.8% ayam mengeluarkan antibodi yang maksimum pada tahap imunisasi ketiga. Kepekatan spesifik antibodi adalah dalam kadar pencairan 1:10, 000. Dari segi prestasi, ayam yang diimunisasi kurang makan tetapi karkasnya lebih besar berbanding dengan yang dikawal. Kajian juga menunjukkan bahawa ayam yang diimunisasikan mengalami kekurangan lemak sebanyak 17% berbanding dengan ayam kawalan. Pengurangan ini berbeza antara depo lemak (kekurangan lemak dada 5%, lemak leher 15%, dan lemak lain 41%). Tahap pengurangan lemak juga bertambah mengikut penambahan imunisasi. Selain ini, tidak ada perbezaan antara ayam imunisasi dengan ayam kawalan melalui kajian metabolit darah seperti urea, glukosa, kretinin, trigliserida, kolestrol, GOT dan bilirubin. Ini menandakan bahawa ayam ini tidak mengalami kesan sampingan. Memandangkan kesan kajian ini hampir serupa dengan kajian imunisasi pasif, ini menunjukkan bahawa
stav: text annotation visualiser

Pontus Stenetorp∗ Goran Topic∗ Sampo Pyysalo†‡ Sophia Ananiadou†‡ and Jun’ichi Tsujii†‡$ ∗Department of Computer Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan †School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK ‡National Centre for Text Mining, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Microsoft Research Asia, Beijing, People’s Republic of China {pontus,goran,smp}@is.s. u-tokyo.ac. jp sophia.ananiadou@manchester.ac. uk jtsujii@microsoft.com
Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Association of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Among University Students

Prevalence of Stress, anxiety and depression has been identified to be high among university students which may affect their social and professional lives. The study aims at assessing the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression among university students and analyzes their association with gender, ethnicity and area of upbringing. The study also intends to identify their coping strategies. This was a cross sectional study utilizing validated questionnaires. It was conducted among a total of 143 university students in Johar bahru. The questionnaires used were the socio-demographic questionnaire, DAAS-21 questionnaire and Brief coping strategy Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was used. The mean age of the students under the study was 25.02±8.6 years. Depression was seen in 62.2% of the students and anxiety and stress were seen in 78.3% and 55.9 % students respectively. Depression, anxiety and stress were found more in females than males. Anxiety was more in Malays and depression and stress was more among other ethnic groups. Anxiety and depression were seen more in students with a rural upbringing and stress in students with a urban upbringing. There was no significant association between depression, anxiety, stress and gender, ethnicity and area of upbringing. The mean score for the common coping strategies employed which was acceptance, positive reframing and self distraction were 2.8±0.9, 2.8±1.0, 2.8±1.0 respectively. Prevalence of anxiety was more compared to stress or depression. Students used active coping Strategies to cope with stress.
Affective Learning in Digital Education—Case Studies of Social Networking Systems, Games for Learning, and Digital Fabrication

Technological innovations, such as social networking systems, games for learning, and digital fabrication, are extending learning and interaction opportunities of people in educational and professional contexts. These technological transformations have the ability to deepen, enrich, and adaptively guide learning and interaction, but they also hold potential risks for neglecting people's affective learning processes – that is, learners’ emotional experiences and expressions in learning. We argue that technologies and their usage in particular should be designed with the goal of enhancing learning and interaction that acknowledges both fundamental aspects of learning: cognitive and affective. In our empirical research, we have explored the possibility of using various types of emerging digital tools as individual and group support for cognitively effortful and affectively meaningful learning. We present four case studies of experiments dealing with social networking systems, programming with computer games, and “makers culture” and digital fabrication as examples of digital education. All these experiments investigate novel ways of technological integration in learning by focusing on their affective potential. In the first study, a social networking system was used in a higher education context for providing a forum for online learning. The second study demonstrates a Minecraft experiment as game-based learning in primary school education. Finally, the third and the fourth case study showcases examples of “maker” contexts and digital fabrication in early education and in secondary school. It is concluded that digital systems and tools can provide multiple opportunities for affective learning in different contexts within different age groups. As a pedagogical implication, scaffolding in both cognitive and affective learning processes is necessary in order to make the learning experience with emerging digital tools meaningful and engaging.
Effective Water Use and Growth of a Prostrate Lifeform Shrub, Juniperus Sabina, in Semiarid Areas of China

Juniperus sabina L. is an evergreen shrub with prostrate life form that may effectively stabilize sand dunes and moving sand. Therefore, it serves as an important woody species for revegetation in semiarid areas of China. The main root system of J. sabina can reach deep into soil while adventitious roots mostly extend into surface soil. To evaluate water movement between different soil-layers these root systems that is associated with rainfall-induced vertical heterogeneity in soil moisture, we measured changes in sap flow and soil moisture content as well as atmospheric temperature and humidity. The patch radius of twenty-four patches was also measured for 7 years to monitor changes in growth rate. Nighttime sap flow between the main root system and adventitious roots during periods of no rainfall was measured; nighttime sap flow decreased or disappeared after rainfall. The annual growth rate of the patch radius was significantly correlated with the annual deposition rate of sand and the amount of annual precipitation. It was suggested that water movement occurs from the deeper moist soil layer to dry surface soil layer via the main root system and adventitious roots by hydraulic redistribution (HR). This movement increased with the progression of drought in the surface soil layer after a rain event. J. sabina can effectively use both subsoil water during periods of drought and rainwater in surface soil layer after an occasional rain event through the HR. This allows the plant to survive and continuously grow under water-limited conditions and in a mobile sand environment in semiarid areas.
Changes in the Biotransformation of Green Tea Catechins Induced by Different Carbon and Nitrogen Sources in Aspergillus niger RAF106

Biotransformation of green tea catechins mediated by microbes and/or enzymes could increase their bioavailability and improve their health benefits, but the regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Here, Aspergillus niger RAF106 isolated from Pu-erh tea was proved to be capable of degrading gradually ester-catechins into non-ester-catechins with higher bioavailability and gallic acid (GA) in aqueous solution only containing green tea catechins, and the products displayed similar radical-scavenging activity in vitro with the control. Meanwhile, the degradation was mediated by inducible enzymes as the extracellular form, and tannase might be an important enzyme among the extracellular enzymes. Moreover, it was found for the first time that the biotransformation was accelerated significantly by the addition of different nitrogen sources (i.e., yeast extract, peptone, NaNO3, and NH4Cl) and lactose through stimulating the hyphal growth and the tannase activities but was inhibited by glucose effect. Furthermore, nitrogen sources continued to promote the degradation of GA and/or non-ester-catechins by up-regulating the transcriptional expression of two dioxygenases and 10 monooxygenases. Besides, the addition of different nutrient sources except yeast extract did not alter the radical-scavenging activity of green tea catechins during the whole fermentation. These results provide a global insight into the roles of A. niger RAF106 and different nutrient sources in mediating the biotransformation of green tea catechins and modifying the radical-scavenging activity of biotransformed catechins.
Food Insecurity and the Unsustainable Hunting of Wildlife in a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Madagascar faces dual challenges in biodiversity conservation and public health. In order to identify strategies to reduce the unsustainable hunting of threatened species while maintaining or improving child nutrition, we quantified interactions among ecosystem indicators (lemur density and habitat biodiversity indices), health indicators (stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia), nutrition, food security, and wildlife hunting through interviews of 1750 people in 387 households and surveys of 28 wildlife transects with 156 habitat plots at 15 sites on Madagascar’s Masoala Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surveyed population ate 6,726 forest animals (mammals and birds), or a mean of 3.27 kg of wild meat per person (4.48 kg per adult equivalent) during the prior year. Local Malagasy were highly food insecure (78% of households) and malnourished (for children under five, as many as 67% were stunted, 60% were underweight, 25% were wasted, and 40% were anemic). In some communities, nearly 75% of animal-sourced calories, 76% of protein, and 74% of iron came from forest animals- demonstrating a strong dependence on wild foods. Few micronutrient-rich alternatives to wild meats were available in adequate supply and many were highly volatile; for example, 79% of chickens died from Newcastle disease in the prior year. The survivorship of lemurs (94% of lemur species are threatened with extinction) depends on providing food security to a malnourished human population who commonly hunts wildlife for food. Currently, wildlife provides a critical source of micronutrients, yet the hunting of threatened species is an untenable solution to poor diet and food insecurity. Given the established connection between wild foods and human nutrition, reductions in forests and wildlife populations will also threaten the local food supply. In order to reduce the unsustainable hunting of threatened species while improving household food security and child health, we suggest testing the effects of increasing the affordability, accessibility, and stability of micro-nutrient rich animal-sourced foods in communities where forests contribute the most to food security.