Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tomography of the westernmost Ryukyu subduction zone and the serpentinization of the fore‐arc mantle

[1] Three-dimensional tomographic images of the subducting Philippine Sea slab and the fore-arc mantle beneath NE Taiwan and the westernmost Ryukyu were generated in this study. More than 5600 events recorded simultaneously by seismic networks in Taiwan and Japan were relocated for the inversion for variations in VP, VS, and VP/VS. Analysis of the trade-off between the data variance reduction and model variance helps to determine the appropriate strictness for regularization to avoid either overinterpretatioin or underinterpretation of data. The regularization parameters were also chosen to ensure suppression of artificial VP/VS anomalies. The subducting slab is characterized by high VP, high VS, and intermediate to low VP/VS. Notable in the mantle wedge is the high VP/VS anomalies that abut the surface of the subducting slab at depths of 30–80 km. The previously identified positive VP/VS channel connecting the slab and the arc volcano interpreted to be a melt pathway is not reproduced in this study. We convert VS and VP/VS to perturbations of temperature and serpentinization of the mantle. The slab is cooled by 200°C–400°C relative to the mantle, in accord with the estimates from theoretical modeling of subduction. The serpentinization reaches ∼15%, or 2% water content, at 50 km depth in the fore-arc mantle. We interpret the peak serpentinization as hydrated by the water released from the basalt-eclogite metamorphic reaction in the oceanic crust of the subducting Philippine Sea Plate. The spatial limitation of the present seismic networks in this region with respect to subduction zone events hinders a full description of the pattern of melting in much of the mantle wedge. Resolution tests of the tomographic inversion provide a basis to guide our interpretation to better resolved regions.
Group Sex Events Among Cisgender Men Who Have Sex With Men: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Survey Study to Explore Participation and Risk-Taking Behaviors

Background Group sex events (GSEs) are common among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), pose a unique risk profile for HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) transmission, and may be on the rise, in part because of Web-based networking platforms. However, collecting data on GSEs can be challenging, and many gaps exist in our knowledge about GSE participation among MSM. Objective The objective of this study was to develop survey questions addressing aggregate and partner-specific group sex behaviors to measure prevalence of GSEs and associated risks in persons participating in Project Diagnostic Evaluation To Expand Critical Testing Technologies (DETECT), including MSM seeking HIV and STD testing at a public clinic in Seattle, Washington. Methods We developed a computer self-assisted survey that included questions about participant demographics, sexual history, and risk behaviors, including group sex, as a part of Project DETECT, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–funded study evaluating point-of-care HIV tests. Aggregate and partner-specific questions asked about participation in all GSEs, threesomes, and four-or-more-somes including questions about number and HIV status of sex partners and condom use during the events. To evaluate question performance, we assessed the discrepancies in reporting between the aggregate and partner-specific questions, quantified question refusal rates, and calculated the additional time required to answer the GSE questions. Information about network density (number of partnerships of overlapping duration) was estimated and compared for MSM who did and did not report GSEs. Results Among 841 visits by 690 MSM who were asked any group sex survey question, participation in a GSE of any type in the past 3 months was reported at 293 visits (293/841, 34.8%). We found that 9.0% (76/841) of MSM in the sample reported ≥1 four-or-more-some in the partner-specific questions but did not report in the aggregate. The proportion of refusals on any given aggregate GSE-related question ranged from 0% (0/273) to 10.6% (15/141) (median 2.6%) and partner-specific questions ranged from 0% (0/143) to 22% (5/23) (median 3.0%), with questions about four-or-more-somes having the highest proportions of refusals. Completing the aggregate group sex questions added 1 to 2 minutes and the partner-specific questions added an additional 2 to 4 minutes per partner to the total survey length. As expected, the partner-specific GSE questions documented higher density of sexual networks that was not captured by asking about total partner counts and overlap of specific partnerships. Conclusions We found that the Project DETECT survey was able to obtain nuanced information about GSEs. The question skip patterns and consistency checks were effective, and survey fatigue was minimal. More research is needed on GSEs, and our survey represents a promising data collection tool to help fill gaps in knowledge about the subject.
The power of clinical data empowered by clinical prediction model: an R tutorial.

Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China Correspondence to: Haipeng Shen. Faculty of Business and Economics, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, China. Email: haipeng@hku.hk. Provenance: This is an invited article commissioned by the Editorial Office of Annals of Translational Medicine. Comment on: Zhou ZR, Wang WW, Li Y, et al. In-depth mining of clinical data: the construction of clinical prediction model with R. Ann Transl Med 2019;7:796.
Diagnostics of wild stingless bees from northeast India

This study is on the identification of wild stingless bee species by traditional and molecular taxonomy. Samples were collected from the previously tagged stingless bee hives at Medziphema, Nagaland and Upper Sabansari, Arunachal Pradesh. Laboratory analysis for taxonomic and molecular studies was carried out during 2016-2018 in the Insect Molecular Laboratory, Division of Crop Protection, ICAR Research Complex for North East Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. Two genera were identified i.e. stingless bee colonies collected from Arunachal Pradesh identified as Lepidotrigonaarcifera and three specimens from SASRD, Nagaland were identified as Tetragonula sp. I (Black SASRD and white SASRD) and Tetragonula sp.II (underground SASRD). The present study has generated a molecular data for the first time for Lepidotrigonaarcifera.
Containing the Virus or Reviving the Economy? Evidence from Individual Expectations during the COVID-19 Epidemic

How does an epidemic affect individuals’ expectations on economic prospects? Do people care more about containing the disease or sustaining normal economic activities during the epidemic? We implement an incentivized longitudinal online survey on economic expectations with randomized controlled trials during the COVID-19 epidemic in China to answer these questions. Conditioning on individual fixed effects, we find that lower number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in a city significantly increases individual’s expectation on GDP growth rate. However, individuals’ perception on the level of economic recovery is not correlated with their expectations on GDP growth. Moreover, individuals do not update their expectations when information on work resumption rate is provided in a randomized controlled trial. Our finding conveys the message to policy makers that, during an epidemic, containing the spread of the disease should be prioritized than resuming economic activities, at least from the perspective of maintaining positive economic expectations among individuals.
Patterns of HIV and SARS‐CoV‐2 co‐infection in Wuhan, China

Patterns of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection in Wuhan, China Wei Guo* , Fangzhao Ming*, Yong Feng*, Qian Zhang, Pingzhen Mo, Lian Liu, Ming Gao, Weiming Tang and Ke Liang Corresponding author: Ke Liang, Department of Infectious Diseases Zhongnan Hospital in Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China. Tel: +86-15327198964. (keliang@whu.edu.cn) *These authors equally contributed to this manuscript and are co-first authors. †These authors contributed equally.
Environmental variables affecting the sexual segregation of great white sharks Carcharodon carcharias at the Neptune Islands South Australia

The seasonal temporal sexual segregation of white sharks Carcharodon carcharias, at the Neptune Islands, South Australia, is described in relation to environmental variables. A significant sexual segregation was found at this site with sex ratios strongly favouring males overall. Males were more prevalent than females in all months in a 3 year sampling period, aside from April and May. There was a significant difference between the sexes in terms of mean daily numbers over the months of the study. It was also observed that sexual segregation fluctuated for unknown reasons on a temporal scale. Predictive models for estimating male and female numbers based on a series of abiotic factors were generated. Sea surface temperature, tidal height, tidal range, moon phase, cloud cover, underwater visibility and swell height were related to daily sightings of male and female white sharks to determine the influence of these variables on sexual segregation. Visibility and sea surface temperature affected male numbers, however, visibility did not affect sexual segregation. Tidal height was significantly different between males and females. Sea surface temperature also appeared to be related to sexual segregation in this species. Females were present when temperatures ranged from 15� 7t o 18� 1° C whereas males were observed at temperatures ranging from 14� 3t o 17� 8° C, with a peak in sightings in September, when sea surface temperatures were at their lowest. Since parturition is thought to occur in spring or summer, it is suggested that females are absent at this time and only return during prime feeding periods or times at which temperatures are elevated in order to increase developmental growth rates of their young. The significantly lower temperatures in 2003 may explain the absence of females in this year. Hypotheses related to temperature regulation in this species are put forward to explain the sexual segregation observed. # 2007 The Author Journal compilation # 2007 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
Insect pests of rice.

The rice water weevil is the most serious pest of rice in the US. It is native to Texas, but was accidentally introduced into California, as well as China, North and South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Europe. Thus, it is now a global pest of rice. Adults feed on rice leaves and lay their eggs underwater in rice stems. Eggs hatch and larvae move to the roots upon which they feed. As the larvae grow, they shed their skins periodically and increase in size. The larvae complete four instars (stages between molts) before pupating in a mud cocoon attached to rice roots. Research shows that an average of 1 larva per plant reduces yield about 80 lb/acre. This is a linear relationship; thus, 3 larvae per plant reduce yield about 240 lb/acre. Thus, 3 larvae per plant is the economic injury level (EIL) for the rice water weevil. The EIL is the population density that causes damage equal to the cost of control. This insect is controlled by 3 seed treatments (Dermacor X100, NipSIt INSIDE and CruiserMaxx Rice) and various foliarapplied insecticides. Currently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is concerned about the use of pesticides because of possible toxicity to honey bees. USEPA and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) regulate and label pesticides for use in our country and state.
Derivation and characterization of putative embryonic stem cells isolated from blastoderms of Taiwan Country chicken for the production of chimeric chickens

Abstract The conservation of Taiwan Country chicken (TCC) is important due to concerns for the local breed’s adaptability to the area and disease resistance. Furthermore, the genetic resource base of native chickens can be used to improve egg and meat production efficiency in commercial TCC. As the embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great potential for regenerative medicine and species conservation, the aims of this study were to isolate and characterize ESCs of TCC. The blastodermal cells (BCs) were isolated from the zona pellucida of stage X chicken embryos and cultured in conditioned medium for the proliferation and maintenance of BCs in vitro. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results showed that POUV, SOX2 and NANOG were expressed in the putative ESCs. In addition, the expression of pluripotent markers, SSEA-1 and SSEA-4, was detected. The DiI-stained ESCs were injected into the dorsal aorta of the E3.5 recipient fetuses soon after staining and the injected embryos were continuously incubated and checked on day 7 of incubation. It was shown that some DiI-positive cells were found in the 7-d-old chimeric embryos. The results demonstrated that some pluripotent cells existed in the cultured BCs for the production of germline chimeric embryos from TCC.
How does live video streaming affect customers’ purchase intention? From the perspective of perceived value

Live video streaming (LVS), as a relatively new phenomenon, has attracted little research attention. The study draws upon the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework, investigating external and internal stimuli frameworks (Information Interaction, Immediacy, Flow) from a live streaming environment on users' perceived value (Utilitarian Value, Hedonic Value, and Symbolic Value) and their subsequent responses (Purchase Intention). Data are collected via two online questionnaire platforms from Fujian (Mainland China) and Taiwan separately. The proposed model was tested with Fujian and Taiwan samples using structural Equation Modeling (SEM) data analysis. Based on the survey data (both from Fujian and Taiwan), we found that the three kinds of stimuli have direct effects on perceived value, and though different values have direct effects on the purchase intention. In addition, the empirical findings indicate that the purchase intention is determined by the moderation effect of perceived value through diverse paths in mainland China and Taiwan. These findings should help marketers to identify how live video stimuli influence consumer’s perceived value states, in turn affect consumers’ purchase intention in a live video streaming environment.
A matter of trust: a qualitative comparison of the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Taiwan, the United States, the Netherlands, and Haiti

ABSTRACT COVID-19 vaccination is an effective intervention preventing individuals from contracting SARS-CoV-2 or transmitting the virus to others. However, in many countries, vaccine hesitancy has impeded the progress of mass vaccination to reach herd immunity. This study aimed to understand the similarities and differences in the determinants of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Taiwan, the United States, the Netherlands, and Haiti. A qualitative study was conducted by face-to-face interviews with participants in Taiwan and remote online interviews with participants in the United States, the Netherlands, and Haiti. In total, 47 interviews were conducted. A reflective thematic analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. Distrust of COVID-19 vaccines was reported by the participants in all countries. A perception of a lack of necessity or urgency to be vaccinated was reported by the Taiwanese and Haitian participants. Lack of knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines was reported by the Taiwanese, U.S. and Haitian participants, contributing to hesitation or refusal to vaccination. Regarding misinformation and rumors, misinformation was found among a few Taiwanese and Dutch participants. Additionally, rumors concerning COVID-19 vaccines were mentioned by the Dutch and Haitian participants. Furthermore, a lack of verified information was reported by the participants in all four countries. Overall, the current study suggests that vaccine hesitancy exists among participants in Taiwan, the United States, the Netherlands, and Haiti. Building trust in the COVID-19 vaccine, cultivating vaccine literacy, clarifying misinformation and rumors concerning COVID-19 vaccines, and providing verified information are critical for increasing public acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine.
An update on the Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management of the Reemergent Life Threatening Scrub Typhus

Scrub typhus represents a robust Public Health ailment that is Prevalent in the Asia-Pacific region that is inclusive of although not restricted to Korea, China, India, Taiwan Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, as well as the Phillipines, This area has been referred to as the tsutsugumashi triangle. One billion people have a threat globally to get afflicted, that results in a disease generation in one million individuals. Scrub typhus alias tsutsugumashi disease occurs every year. Here we have stressed on the epidemiology world wise besides the significance of Scrub typhus in Indian scenario that presents as an acute febrile illness having life threat ening consequences. We conducted a Here we conducted a systematic review utilizing search engine pubmed, google scholar; web of science; embase; Cochrane review library utilizing the MeSH terms like Scrub typhus; other rickettsios is; differential diagnosis with other acutefebrile illnesses; epidemiology of Orientiatsutsugumashi (etiologic agent); malaria; Indian scenario; Leptrombidiumbitesllarvae; mites; serology; WeilFelix reaction; immuofluoresceceassay; met genomic next generation sequenc ing (mNGS), Scrub typhus cell surface display technology; treatment; doxycycline; azithromycin; rifampicin; chloramphenicol; innovative early diagnostics. We found a total of 3500 articles out of which we selected 51 articles for this update. Nometa-anal-ysis was done. Since this disease has reemerged it is usually not kept in mind as a differential diagnosis in acute febrile illnesses that is why we chose to review and update this life hreateningisease having central nervous system (CNS), Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT), complications, myocarditis, besides usually diagnostic eschar. Avoidamce is equally important specifically for farmers other vegetation areas etc.
How can independent fiscal institutions support the resilience of public finances?

Public finances will face significant challenges after the Covid-19 crisis and due to the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Government debt has reached the highest levels in decades, albeit interest payments are at historical lows. Population ageing and climate change will weigh on government budgets. Fiscal policy may also need to provide more macroeconomic stabilisation if monetary policy remains constrained by low interest rates.
Establishing legitimacy through the media and combating fake news on COVID-19: a case study of Taiwan

Abstract Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Taiwanese government has been able to retain legitimacy through prompt action and the use of multimedia to inform the public of prevention measures, quarantine rules, rationing of masks, and to build trust. First, the measures enacted by the Taiwanese government and its use of the media to address the impact of the pandemic were evaluated. Second, the study analyzed the communication strategies of the Taiwanese government to advise the public. The study also examined how an element of humor was also used to strengthen trust in the government and appeal to the citizens’ solidarity and responsibility in the information campaign against misinformation regarding COVID-19. Subsequently, fake news, misinformation, and disinformation regarding COVID-19 in Taiwan were examined in terms of source, themes, evidence, and format. Much of the disinformation was traced to Chinese propaganda. The study analyzed the role of fact-checking organizations, which played a crucial role in building trust and establishing social consensus between scientists and the general public.
Surgery Patients Thromboembolism in Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Spine Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hospital-Acquired Venous

Background: Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolisms (HA-VTE) are a significant source of morbidity and mortality in spine surgery patients. The purpose of this study was to review HA-VTE rates at our institution and evaluate the prevalence of known risk factors in patients who developed HA-VTE among both neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgeries. Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted of all spine surgery patients from January 1, 2013, to July 31, 2017, to evaluate rates of HA-VTE and prevalence of known HA-VTE risk factors among these patients. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis for categorical variables and independent Student t test for continuous variables were utilized with significance set at P , . 05. Results: The overall HA-VTE rate was 0.94% (0.61% orthopedic, 1.87% neurosurgery). Patients with VTEs had higher rates of thoracic procedure (P 1⁄4 .002), posterior approach (P 1⁄4 .001), diagnosis of fracture (P 1⁄4 .013) or flatback syndrome (P 1⁄4 .028), neurosurgery division (P , .001), and diagnosis-related group (DRG) of noncervical malignancy (P 1⁄4 .001). Patients with VTEs had lower rates of cervical procedure (P , .001), diagnosis of herniated nucleus pulposus (P 1⁄4 .006) and degenerative disc disease (P 1⁄4 .001), and DRG of cervical spine fusion (P , .001). In the patients who sustained VTE, the neurosurgical patients had higher rates of active cancer (22.86% vs 0%, P 1⁄4 .004) and age . 60 (80% vs 50%, P , .001), and orthopedic patients had higher estimated blood loss (EBL) (2436 ml vs 1176 mL, P 1⁄4 .006) and rates of anterior-posterior surgery (22.58% vs 0%, P 1⁄4 .003). Neurosurgery department, diagnosis of fracture, and DRG of noncervical malignancy were found to be significant independent risks for developing HA-VTE. Cervical procedures were independently associated with significantly lower risk. Postoperative anticoagulation initiated sooner in neurosurgery patients (postoperative day 1.26 vs 3.19, P , .001). Conclusions: The overall HA-VTE rate at our institution was 0.94% (0.61% orthopedic, 1.87% neurosurgery). In patients who sustained VTE, neurosurgical patients had higher rates of active cancer and age . 60 years, and orthopedic patients had higher EBL and rates of anterior-posterior surgery. This highlights the different patient populations between the 2 departments and the need for individualized thromboprophylaxis regimens. Level of Evidence: 4.
How Much Hate with #china? A Preliminary Analysis on China-related Hateful Tweets Two Years After the Covid Pandemic Began

Following the outbreak of a global pandemic, online content is filled with hate speech. Donald Trump's ''Chinese Virus'' tweet shifted the blame for the spread of the Covid-19 virus to China and the Chinese people, which triggered a new round of anti-China hate both online and offline. This research intends to examine China-related hate speech on Twitter during the two years following the burst of the pandemic (2020 and 2021). Through Twitter's API, in total 2,172,333 tweets hashtagged #china posted during the time were collected. By employing multiple state-of-the-art pretrained language models for hate speech detection, we identify a wide range of hate of various types, resulting in an automatically labeled anti-China hate speech dataset. We identify a hateful rate in #china tweets of 2.5% in 2020 and 1.9% in 2021. This is well above the average rate of online hate speech on Twitter at 0.6% identified in Gao et al., 2017. We further analyzed the longitudinal development of #china tweets and those identified as hateful in 2020 and 2021 through visualizing the daily number and hate rate over the two years. Our keyword analysis of hate speech in #china tweets reveals the most frequently mentioned terms in the hateful #china tweets, which can be used for further social science studies.