Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gestational Age at Birth and ‘Body-Mind’ Health at 5 Years of Age: A Population Based Cohort Study

Numerous studies have identified the effects of prematurity on the neonate’s physical health, however few studies have explored the effects of prematurity on both the physical and mental health of the child as they develop. Secondary analysis of data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a longitudinal study of infants (n = 18 818, born 2000–2002 in the United Kingdom) was performed. Effects of gestational age at birth on health outcomes at 5 years were measured using parental rating of their children’s general health and severity of behavior problems. The association between parent’s general health ratings and behavior problem ratings was low: 86% of those reporting serious behavior problems (5% of the sample, n = 764) rated their child as being in excellent, very good, or good health. Still, a gradient of increasing risk of poorer outcome with decreasing gestational age was observed for a composite health measure (poor/fair health and/or serious behavior problems), suggesting an association with prematurity for this composite assessment of health status. The greatest contribution to the childhood composite health measure at 5 years was for children born at 32–36 weeks gestation: population attributable fractions for having poor outcomes was 3.4% (Bonferroni-adjusted 95% confidence interval 1.1%–6.2%), compared to 1% (0.2–2.3) for birth at less than 32 weeks. Results suggest that preterm children, by school entry, are not only at high risk of physical health problems, but also of behavioral health problems. The recognition of, and response to comprehensive health and well-being outcomes related to prematurity are important in order to correctly plan and deliver adequate paediatric health services and policies.
The effects of moderate-dose steroid therapy in sepsis: A placebo-controlled, randomized study

BACKGROUND: Despite the new developments in sepsis treatment, mortality rate is still high. In this study, we aimed to investigate endocrinologic changes and the effects of moderate dosage steroid treatment in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Fifty-five patients were included in the study. Basal hormonal evaluation and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation test were performed within 24 h in all patients. Both groups received standard treatment for sepsis. However, one group (steroid group) was also given intravenous prednisolone (20 mg/day). All-cause mortality was assessed during the first 28 days. RESULTS: Analysis of the findings revealed a 59.3% mortality rate in steroid group compared with a 53.6% mortality rate in placebo group (p = 0.787). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, and peak cortisol and ACTH levels were significant factors related to mortality. The incidence of adrenal insufficiency (AI) was 10.9% and relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) 36.4%. It was also found that steroid treatment did not have any effects on the mortality of patients with AI and RAI (p = 0.075 and p = 0.999, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-dose steroid therapy has no effect on mortality. Higher basal cortisol and peak cortisol levels were found more reliable mortality indicators compared to RAI. In addition, the study revealed that ACTH level was a significant indicator of mortality.
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND CARBON SEQUESTRATION Possibilities and constrains for the consideration of organic agriculture within carbon accounting systems

Acknowledgements First and foremost I would like to thank my supervisor Nadia Scialabba (FAO) for the guidance, ideas, and contributions. Furthermore, I thank Kevin Gallagher (FAO) for his helpful comments on the draft, Timo Kautz (University of Bonn) for the helpful discussion and Martin Wattenbach for supplying me useful articles.
Comparative studies of line and continuum positron annihilation radiation

Positron annihilation radiation from the Galaxy has been observed by the OSSE, SMM and TGRS instruments. Improved spectral modeling of OSSE observations has allowed studies of the distribution of both positron annihilation radiation components, the narrow line emission at 511 keV and the positronium continuum emission. The results derived for each individual annihilation component are then compared with each other. These comparisons reveal approximate agreement between the distribution of these two emissions. In certain regions of the sky (notably in the vicinity of the previously reported positive latitude enhancement), the distribution of the emissions differ. We discuss these differences and the methods currently being employed to understand whether the differences are physical or a systematic error in the present analysis.
Labor market rigidity and the transmission of business cycle shocks

This paper provides a detailed analysis of labor market flows in Germany and compares them to the US. It documents that in Germany average hiring and firing rates are much lower but that the firing rate volatility is 2.5 times larger. This leads to a contribution of 60 − 70% of firings to aggregate unemployment volatility, the opposite of what is found for the US. We document further that wage rigidity is not at the root of the large differences. To explain these cross-country differences we develop a labor market search model with endogenous firings, quits on the job, and skill heterogeneity. We show theoretically that lower average transition rates imply a higher firing rate volatility and amplify the response of the economy to business cycle shocks. We calibrate the model to jointly match stylized labor market facts for the US and Germany. The impulse-response analysis of the model shows that the lower transition rates are also responsible for substantially higher persistence of the unemployment rate in Germany in response to shocks. Thereby, the paper establishes a theoretical link between the effect of labor market institutions and the reaction to business cycle shocks. JEL Classification System: E31, E32, E24, J64
Instrumental Variable Treatment of Nonclassical Measurement Error Models

While the literature on nonclassical measurement error traditionally relies on the availability of an auxiliary data set containing correctly measured observations, we establish that the availability of instruments enables the identification of a large class of nonclassical nonlinear errors-in-variables models with continuously distributed variables. Our main identifying assumption is that, conditional on the value of the true regressors, some "measure of location" of the distribution of the measurement error (e.g., its mean, mode, or median) is equal to zero. The proposed approach relies on the eigenvalue-eigenfunction decomposition of an integral operator associated with specific joint probability densities. The main identifying assumption is used to "index" the eigenfunctions so that the decomposition is unique. We propose a convenient sieve-based estimator, derive its asymptotic properties, and investigate its finite-sample behavior through Monte Carlo simulations. Copyright The Econometric Society 2008.
Association between Nutritional Awareness and Diet Quality: Evidence from the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) Study

This study examined the association between nutritional awareness and diet quality, as indicated by energy density, dietary diversity and adequacy to achieve dietary recommendations, while considering the potentially important role of socioeconomic status (SES). Data were derived from 1351 subjects, aged 18–69 years and enrolled in the ORISCAV-LUX study. Energy density score (EDS), dietary diversity score (DDS) and Recommendation Compliance Index (RCI) were calculated based on data derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Nutritional awareness was defined as self-perception of the importance assigned to eating balanced meals, and classified as high, moderate, or of little importance. Initially, a General Linear Model was fit that adjusted for age, sex, country of birth, and body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, simultaneous contributions to diet quality of individual-level socioeconomic factors, education, and household income were examined across levels of nutritional awareness. Attributing high importance was associated inversely with energy density (p = 0.02), positively with both dietary diversity (p < 0.0001), and adequacy to dietary recommendations (p < 0.0001), independent of demographic factors, weight status and SES. Further adjustment for household income in the EDS-related multivariable model, reduced the β coefficient by 47% for the “moderate importance” category and 36% for the “high importance” category. Likewise, the β coefficient decreased by 13.6% and 10.7% in the DDS-related model, and by 12.5%, and 7.1% in the RCI-related model, respectively, across awareness categories. Nutritional awareness has a direct effect on diet quality, with a minor component of variance explained by improved income. The impact of nutritional awareness on diet quality seems to be a promising area for both health promotion and health policy research.
Comparative Evaluation of 10 Prehospital Triage Strategy Paradigms for Patients With Suspected Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background The best strategy to identify patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke and unknown vessel status (large vessel occlusion) for direct transport to a comprehensive stroke center instead of a nearer primary stroke center is unknown. Methods and Results We used mathematical modeling to estimate the impact of 10 increasingly complex prehospital triage strategy paradigms on the reduction of population‐wide stroke‐related disability. The model was applied to suspected acute ischemic stroke patients in (1) abstract geographies, and (2) 3 real‐world urban and rural geographies in Germany. Transport times were estimated based on stroke center location and road infrastructure; spatial distribution of emergency medical services calls was derived from census data with high spatial granularity. Parameter uncertainty was quantified in sensitivity analyses. The mothership strategy was associated with a statistically significant population‐wide gain of 8 to 18 disability‐adjusted life years in the 3 real‐world geographies and in most simulated abstract geographies (net gain −4 to 66 disability‐adjusted life years). Of the more complex paradigms, transportation of patients with clinically suspected large vessel occlusion based on a dichotomous large vessel occlusion detection scale to the nearest comprehensive stroke center yielded an additional clinical benefit of up to 12 disability‐adjusted life years in some rural but not in urban geographies. Triage strategy paradigms based on probabilistic conditional modeling added an additional benefit of 0 to 4 disability‐adjusted life years over less complex strategies if based on variable cutoff scores. Conclusions Variable stroke severity cutoff scores were associated with the highest reduction in stroke‐related disability. The mothership strategy yielded better clinical outcome than the drip‐‘n'‐ship strategy in most geographies.
Developing Multimodal Adaptation Algorithm for Mobility Impaired Users by Evaluating Their Hand Strength

Recent research on interactive electronic systems like computer, digital TV, smartphones can improve the quality of life of many disabled and elderly people by helping them to engage more fully to the world. Previously, a simulator was developed that reflects the effect of impairment on interaction with electronic devices and thus helps designers in developing accessible systems. In this article, the scope of the simulator has been extended to multiple pointing devices. The way that hand strength affects pointing performance of people with and without mobility impairment in graphical user interfaces was investigated for four different input modalities, and a set of linear equations to predict pointing time and average number of submovements for different devices was developed. These models were used to develop an adaptation algorithm to facilitate pointing in electronic interfaces by users with motor impairment using different pointing devices. The algorithm attracts a pointer when it is near a target and thus helps to reduce random movement during homing and clicking. The algorithm was optimized using the simulator and then tested on a real-life application with multiple distractors involving three different pointing devices. The algorithm significantly reduces pointing time for different input modalities.
The Relationship between Social Support and Death Anxiety among the Elderly

Introduction: Social support is one of the most important indices affecting adaptation to aging process as well as the problems and complications of the aging period such as anxiety, death and social support. This study was aimed to determine the correlation of social support with death anxiety among the elderly of Tehran, Iran. Methods: In this correlational study, 208 elderly referring to the daycare centers of Tehran were selected through cluster random sampling. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire, Vaux Social Support Appraisals Scale (SS-A) and Templer death anxiety scale. Both social support and death anxiety scales have been validated in Iran and enjoy the required reliability. Results: From among the participant elderly, 5.3 % were male and 67 % were single, with their mean age of 66.6 years. Also, 60.1 % were under diploma in terms of education and 64.9 % lived in their personal houses with their families. The results showed the mean social support of 24.94 and mean death anxiety of 24.43 for the elderly. Further, the Pearson correlation coefficient indicated a reverse correlation between social support and death anxiety (r = -0.020). Conclusion: Death anxiety was reduced with increased social support among the elderly. Social support, a component affecting the mental health and spirit of the elderly, can be considered a cheap source and a social capital in line with decreasing death anxiety, increasing dynamicity and improving the life quality of the elderly.
A quasi-spherical inner accretion flow in Seyfert galaxies?

ABSTRA C T We study a phenomenological model for the continuum emission of Seyfert galaxies. In this quasi-spherical accretion scenario, the central X-ray source is constituted of a hot spherical plasma region surrounded by spherically distributed cold dense clouds. The cold material is radiatively coupled with the hot thermal plasma. Assuming energy balance, we compute the hard X-ray spectral slope G and the reflection amplitude R. This simple model enables us to reproduce both the range of observed hard X-ray spectral slopes and the reflection amplitude R. It also predicts a correlation between R and G that is very close to what is observed. Most of the observed spectral variations from source to source would be caused by differences in the cloud covering fraction. If some internal dissipation process is active in the cold clouds, darkening effects may provide a simple explanation for the observed distributions of reflection amplitudes, spectral slopes and ultraviolet to X-ray flux ratios.
PEMBELAJARAN MENGANALISIS MENULIS PUISI DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN PENDEKATAN KONTEKSTUAL IMAJINATIF

The reason researchers in choosing the title is the examine the ability of students in “Writing Poetry”. This study aims to introduce the learning of writing materials spontaneously. From the results of this activity, students can develop creativity and imagination that later developed become a poem, cultivate a critical attitude to the problems that occur in everyday life, and foster the attitude of daring to issue ideas or ideas about an accurate problem. This study uses an imaginative contextual approach where the teacher presents the situation real world into the classroom and encourage students to make connections between their knowledge as a process of rebuilding perceptions of understanding. This research data obtained through observation, interview, and test. Then the data is analyzed students’ creativity divided into two cycles. Between cycle 1 and cycle 2 gradually increased by an average of 52,10% increased to 74,40%.
Microsimulation, CGE and macro modelling for transition and developing economies

Alternative approaches to modelling distributional and welfare effects of changes in policy and the economic environment in developing and transition countries are surveyed. Microsimulations range from pure accounting approaches to models with behavioural equations based on econometric estimates and various dynamic models. Microsimulation accounting models are key to analysing the impact effects of tax and benefit changes and are becoming widespread. Computable general equilibrium (CGE) modelling endogenizes price changes and changes in industry and labour market structure.
A cross-sectional study

Exertional dyspnea scales (EDS) and health-related quality-of-life questionnaires (HRQoLQs) are used to assess chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The GOLD guidelines categorize patients according to either 1 of these 2 domains, the lung function and the frequency of acute exacerbations in the preceding year, however with inconsistent results. Combining EDS and HRQoLQs may yield better results; however, the best combination is unclear. Whether the EDS quantifies the exercise capacity or the dyspnea perception is also unclear. The study was designed to correlate the EDS with exercise capacity and dyspnea perception and to evaluate the best combination of the EDS and HRQoLQ. Three EDS were compared by exercise capacity and Borg scores at rest and during exercise in 57 patients with COPD. Three HRQoLQs were compared by 4 domains of clinical assessments, and 2 types of exercise. The strength of correlation jrj was categorized by quartiles from <0.3 to ≥0.6. The EDS was better correlated with exercise capacities (jrj=0.29–0.65, P<0.05–<0.0001) than with the resting and exertional Borg scores (jrj=0.08–0.55, P=NS<0.0001). The EDS were moderately to strongly interrelated, but this correlation was weaker when including Oxygen-cost Diagram (OCD) (with the modified Medical Research Council, mMRC r= 0.56, with the baseline dyspnea index, BDI r=0.49 vs. mMRC with BDI r= 0.73); however, the OCD had the strongest correlation with walking distance (r=0.65, vs mMRC r= 0.59, BDI r=0.5) and peak oxygen uptake (r=0.39 vs mMRC r= 0.29, BDI r=0.36). Among the HRQoLQs, the COPD assessment test (CAT) was most strongly correlated with the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) (r=0.77) and similar to the SGRQ regarding significant correlations with the other instruments (jrj=0.29–0.67 vs. 0.36–0.77) but poorly with walking distance (r= 0.02). The OCD was mildly correlated with the CAT (r= 0.4). The EDS was more related to the exercise capacity than to the dyspnea perception and the CAT was most closely related to the other instruments but poorly with walking distance. The OCD can be used to compensate for this weak correlation. The study suggests using the CAT and the OCD simultaneously when undertaking clinical evaluation of patients with COPD. Abbreviations: 6MWD= six-minute walking distance, 6MWT= six-minute walk test, ADL= activity of daily life, BDI= the Baseline Dyspnea Index scales, CAT = COPD assessment test, CETs = clinial evaluation tools, COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, CRQ = chronic respiratory disease questionnaire, EDs = exertional dyspnea scales, FEV1 = forced expired volume in 1 second, GOLD= the global initiative of chronic obstructive lung disease, HAD=Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, HRQoL= healthrelated quality of life, mMRC = modified Medical Research Council, OCD = oxygen-cost diagram, Q = questionnaire, SGRQ = St. Gorge Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ-C = the SGRQ specific for COPD.
Injection of Water above Gas for improved sweep in Gas IOR: Non-uniform Injection and Sweep

With the continuous increase in the demand for oil and gas, there is a need for application of novel techniques such as Improved Oil Recovery (IOR) and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) methods. Most of the secondary recovery processes start with water flooding. However, injecting gas along with water gives higher recovery than water flood alone. This happens due to the presence of residual gas saturation at the end of the flood which results in lower residual oil saturation than would result from water flood only. Water alternating gas (WAG) injection is the accepted approach for field application in which slugs of water and gas are injected alternatively. Gravity governs the fluid flow in the reservoir if the heterogeneities are not significant. Gharbi et al. (2003) and Stone (2004, 2007) propose an injection scheme in which water is injected simultaneously with, but above, gas into the reservoir. Algharaib et al. (2007) calls this process “modified SWAG (simultaneous water and gas)” injection. Jamshidnezhad et al. (2010) further investigate the effect of instability of gas injection in this process. Non-uniformity of gas injection correlates inversely with the total injection rate and directly increasing vertical distance between the two horizontal injection wells. The paper also speculates that the relationship of gas saturation and gas relative permeability is one of the factors causing instability. The objective of the thesis is to find out the factors that controls the stability of gas injection. To do so, we propose a simulation study which will take into account sensitivity on several parameters that can contribute to stability of gas injection. We start with a homogeneous reservoir model and later investigate the effects of local grid refinement near the well and heterogeneities. We speculate that the relationship of gas injection rate with gas relative permeability and well gridblock pressure are the vital factors that control the stability of gas flow through the reservoir. The simulation output data is analyzed for varying input data. The variation in the input data is controlled so as to have a clear understanding between results and parameters. The results from the study indicate that the non-uniform nature of gas injection depends on saturation and relative-permeability behaviour in the neighbouring gridblocks. The instability in the injection process is triggered in the near-well region. Refining the area near the well solves the issue of non-uniform injection process, at least in this study. Segmenting the well into multiple segments gives a wider spread of gas front instead of localized fingering from either end of the well. We study one of the issues in simultaneous water and gas injection process, but several problems like the geology of the reservoir, rock type, geometry of the field, operational aspects and feasibility needs more research and development.
Goodness-of-fit tests for perturbed dynamical systems

We consider the goodness of fit testing problem for stochastic differential equation with small diffiusion coefficient. The basic hypothesis is always simple and it is described by the known trend coefficient. We propose several tests of the type of Cramer-von Mises, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-Square. The power functions of these tests we study for a special classes of close alternatives. We discuss the construction of the goodness of fit test based on the local time and the possibility of the construction of asymptotically distribution free tests in the case of composite basic hypothesis.