Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Robust models for mixed effects in linear mixed models applied to Small Area Estimation

Hierarchical models are popular in many applied statistics fields including Small Area Estimation. A well known model in this field is the Fay-Herriot model, in which unobservable parameters are assumed Gaussian. In Hierarchical models assumptions about unobservable quantities are difficult to check. Sinharay and Stern (2003) for a special case of the Fay-Herriot model, showed that violations of the assumptions about the random effects are difficult to assess using posterior predictive checks. They conclude that this may represent a form of model robustness . In this paper we consider two extensions of the Fay-Herriot model in which the random effects are supposed to be distributed according to either an Exponential Power (EP) distribution or a skewed EP distribution. The aim is to explore the robustness of the Fay-Herriot model for the estimation of individual area means as well as the Empirical Distribution Function of their ’ensemble’. Based on a simulation experiment our findings are largely consistent with those of Sinharay and Stern as far as the efficient estimation of individual small area parameters is concerned. On the contrary, when the aim is the estimation of the Empirical Distribution Function of the ’ensemble’ of small area parameters, results are more sensitive to the failure of distributional assumptions.
The Association of the COPD Assessment Test (Cat) Score with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Grade among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Outpatients in the North East of Peninsular Malaysia

Objective: To determine the association between the Malay version of COPD Assessment Test (CAT) with severity of airflow limitation based on The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grade, cardiovascular co-morbidities and frequency of acute Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation among stable COPD outpatients in the two main hospitals of Kota Bharu, Kelantan over a period of one year. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted among 95 COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) patients who attended the respiratory clinics at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) and Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (HRPZ II). The Malay version of the COPD assessment test (CAT) and associated COPD data were used to obtain COPD severity. Spirometry was then performed on the subjects. Previous angiogram, echocardiogram (ECHO) and electrocardiogram (ECG) results were reviewed separately for patients who had a background history of cardiovascular disease. Results: Of the 95 subjects, 89.5% were male and 94.7% were Malay with a mean age of 66.43±8.61years. Most (48, 50.5%) had moderate CAT scores with 40 (42.1%) patients having severe airflow limitation ie GOLD grade III. There was a significant difference between the mean CAT score, between each GOLD grade. The association between CAT score with cardiovascular co-morbidities and frequency of acute exacerbation however were not statistically significant.
Effect of white-tailed deer on songbirds within managed forests in Pennsylvania

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations have been maintained at high densities in Pennsylvania for several decades with unknown effects on songbirds and their habitats. I evaluated effects of white-tailed deer density on songbird species richness, abundance, and habitat. I simulated 4 deer densities (3.7, 7.9, 14.9, and 24.9 deer/km2) within individually fenced enclosures on 4 65-ha forest areas in northwestern Pennsylvania. Within all enclosures, 10% of the area was clear-cut and 30% was thinned. Enclosures were subjected to 10 years of deer browsing, 1980-90, at the 4 simulated densities. I conducted bird counts in 1991. Varying deer density had no effect (P > 0.1) on ground- or upper canopy-nesting songbirds or their habitat, but species richness of intermediate canopy-nesting songbirds declined 27% (P = 0.01) and abundance declined 37% (P = 0.002) between lowest and highest deer densities. I did not observe the eastern wood pewee (Contopus virens), indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea), least flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), yellowbilled cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), or cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea) at densities >7.9 deer /km2, and the eastern phoebe (Sayomis phoebe), and American robin (Turdus migratorius) were not observed at 24.9 deer/km2. Threshold deer density for effect on habitat and songbirds within managed (100-yr rotation) forests was between 7.9 and 14.9 deer/km2.
ENERGY RECOVERY FROM RESIDUAL WASTE BY MEANS OF ANAEROBIC DIGESTION TECHNOLOGIES

Anaerobic digestion is largely based on a sequence of biochemical steps (hydrolysis, formation of volatile fatty acids and acetic acid, conversion into methane and carbon dioxide) and is hence a relatively slow process that can be seriously retarded by inhibitors and toxicants. Moreover, part of the organics (plastics, rubber, wood, lignin in board & paper…) do not degrade and, depending on process conditions, the bacteria responsible for various stages in the process show quite distinct growing rates, yet must still cohabitate harmoniously. Large molecules and hydrophobic substrates either require special pre-treatment for rendering digestion possible, or remain almost unchanged in a moist residue, the digestate. Treatment technology is subdivided into batch and continuous processes, continuous single step and double or multiple step (staged) digestion, vertical and horizontal treatment units, with various flow arrangements and mixing methods, meso- and thermophilic processes, and also into 'dry' (high solids) and wet' (low solids concentration) digestion . Changes in feed or operating conditions can either disturb equilibrium or result in intermediaries that may inhibit the overall process or shut it down altogether. It is crucial to use adequate designs, enhancing stability, as well as control technologies to continually monitor and adjust the environment to prevent such occurrence. Anaerobic digestion has been promoted for three decades by National as well as E.U. subsidies, destined for financing R&D and demonstration plants, resulting sometimes in successful process demonstration. However, both technical difficulties and poor economics have hampered a more widespread application. The promise of Green Energy subsidies will somewhat influence upon decision making. Hence, the more promising fields of application of energy recovery by AD are to be identified, as well as subsisting economic challenges. Several processes successfully demonstrated AD of organics from MSW. Unfortunately, only part of fuel values available can be converted by AD and the moist residue still leaves most of the original waste for final disposal by either landfill or thermal techniques. Thus, technical opportunities are limited to those cases in which the digestate can be recycled, i.e. when the fractions to be treated are sufficiently pure and exempt of heavy metals, plastics, and other undesirable contaminants!
Evolving flood patterns in a Mediterranean region (1301-2012) and climatic factors - the case of Catalonia

Data on flood occurrence and flood impacts for the last seven centuries in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula have been analysed in order to characterise long-term trends, anomalous periods and their relationship with different cli- matic factors such as precipitation, general circulation and solar activity. Catastrophic floods (those that produce com- plete or partial destruction of infrastructure close to the river, and major damages in the overflowed area, including some zones away from the channels) do not present a statistically significant trend, whereas extraordinary floods (the channel is overflowed and some punctual severe damages can be pro- duced in the infrastructures placed in the rivercourse or near it, but usually damages are slight) have seen a significant rise, especially from 1850 on, and were responsible for the total increase in flooding in the region. This rise can be mainly attributed to small coastal catchments, which have experi- enced a marked increase in developed land and population, resulting in changes in land use and greater vulnerability. Changes in precipitation alone cannot explain the variation in flood patterns, although a certain increase was shown in late summer-early autumn, when extraordinary floods are most frequently recorded. The relationship between the North At- lantic circulation and floods is not as strong, due to the im- portant role of mesoscale factors in heavy precipitation in the northwest of the Mediterranean region. However, it can ex- plain the variance to some extent, mainly in relation to the catastrophic floods experienced during the autumn. Solar ac- tivity has some impact on changes in catastrophic floods, with cycles related to the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and the Gleissberg solar cycle. In addition, anomalous pe- riods of high flood frequency in autumn generally occurred during periods of increased solar activity. The physical in- fluence of the latter in general circulation patterns, the high troposphere and the stratosphere, has been analysed in order to ascertain its role in causing floods.
Influence of training with inertional load on ability of force development and maximal running velocity

The aim of this research was, within the scope of training with appliance of additional inertial load, to generate changes in motor performance of maximal running velocity as well as to confirm in observed variables adaptive processes for which it is supposed that they significantly influence on maximal running velocity. The experiment with parallel groups was realized whereby the acting of experimental factor (inertial load) was in two levels. The first, control group K realized the designed sprint training freely, in other words it did not apply additional load. The second, experimental group E-R ran with load fasten on their hands, and the third experimental group E-N with the load on their legs. The research contains initial and final measurement variables of acceleration and maximal running velocity (VTF1 i VTF2) in running at maximal sprint of 50m. Also, variables force and normalized force were observed -coefficient force extensor in knee-joint (k-EKOL), coefficient of heels force-(k-PFST), level of force extensor in knee-joint reached in 100 milliseconds (F 100ms EKOL), level force of flexors reached in 100ms (F100ms-PFST), extensors in knee-joint (EKOL/r), heels flexors (PFST/r). The applied training treatment is on the level of statistical significance(p<0.05), influenced on force development of applicant, because small load was applied with maximal velocity performance. It came to significant change in level of velocity of force development variables extensor of knee (k-EKOL) and heels flexors (F 100ms PFST) within the group with load on legs E-N and control group K. Simultaneously, in each group is significantly enlarged force of extensors and flexors. Velocity of running increased with E-R in the phase of acceleration. Due to connection of maximal running velocity and force variables through force influence, it can be possible to influence on maximal running velocity. Using experimental factor in training for force development with small loads and maximal running velocity, increased the level of force and the result of such work is increased force in areas of lower loads during higher velocity performance. The variables of muscle force can be seen as a predictor when maximal running velocity is in question since there is connection with running velocity. The domination of maximal force variables in phase of acceleration is shown, while the influence of velocity of force development variables (RFD) remains disputable in maximal running velocity phase.
The Effect of Communication Quality and Quantity Indicators on Intimacy and Relational Satisfaction

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effect of communication quality and quantity indicators on relational satisfaction and intimacy. Individuals were asked to record all of their interactions with their same-sex friend or romantic partner on a daily basis for a week. A total of 79 participants took part in the study. Results indicated that communication quality indicators explained more variance in both relational satisfaction and intimacy than did communication quantity indicators; however, quantity indicators explained significant variance above and beyond quality indicators for intimacy. Regarding individual communication quality and quantity indicators, the communication quantity indicator of total time in face-to-face interaction related to experiencing intimacy in a relationship. The communication quality indicators of satisfaction with interactions, smooth, and activity related to experiencing relational satisfaction, as did the communication quantity indicator of the total number of face-to-face interactions. Conclusions are drawn regarding the impact of quality and quantity communication in close relationships.
Principalship as an Empowering Leadership Process: The Experiences of Women School Heads in Zimbabwe

Abstract The paper explores how women principals approached leadership in schools and empowered others to improve educational outcomes. An in-depth qualitative study which falls within the phenomenologicalinterpretivist paradigm was adopted as the research design. The emphasis was on rich contextual detail and individuals’ lived experiences. Interviews were used to generate information from participants. The findings show rich and diverse cultures of creativity in the way participants adopted strategies of negotiating and coaching, which generated the spirit of trust, respect and ownership among teachers, parents and the community. Despite the many challenges, the women primary school principals managed to excel.
The Role of Integrated Nutrient Management System for Improving Crop Yield and Enhancing Soil Fertility under Small Holder Farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review Article

Fertilizer usage plays a major role in the universal need to increase food production to meet the demands of the growing world population. Fertilizer application resulted in marked crop yield increases, which for most crops were more than hundred. The extent to which fertilizers are used still differs considerably between various regions of the world. Mostly in Ethiopia Urea and DAP are the only fertilizers that are used in agricultural productivity. But using balanced fertilizers has an impact on plant growth and physicochemical properties of soil. Due to the continuous decrease in organic matter and nutrient content of the soil, the importance of integrated nutrient management for efficient utilization of nutrient resources and for long-term maintenance of soil fertility has been indicated. Therefore, the aim of this review was to review the role of integrated nutrient management for improving crop yield and enhancing soil fertility under small holder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Ethiopia and recommend the appropriate approaches for enhancing soil fertility and increasing crop yield for small holder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Ethiopia. So, the results of this review showed that, the integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers improve productivity of crops as well as the fertility status of the soil. Nevertheless, though ISFM is the notably preferred option in replenishing soil fertility and enhancing productivity, it is not yet widely taken up by farmers. The reasons for this are many, which include access or availability of inputs, use of organic resources for other purposes in place of soil fertility, nutrient balancing, collecting, transporting and management of organic inputs and economic returns of investments. These are the key challenges of adoption in the scaling up of such alternative soil fertility management practices to millions of small-scale farmers in the country. There is a need, therefore, for research and extension to sort out issues of adoption and scaling up of the available options. In order to address soil fertility problems, potential synergies can be gained by combining technical options with farmers’ knowledge as well as training of farmers and development agent on new soil fertility management approaches. Keywords: Fertilizer, integrated nutrient management, ISFM and adoption
Applications of Innovation Adoption and Diffusion Theory to IPTV Loyalty Formation Process

In this paper, we report the empirical study results theorizing IPTV user`s loyalty formation process. Considering the convergent characteristics ofinnovative media and telecommunication, we employed innovation adoption and diffusion as our theoretical framework for research model development. As the purpose of this research includes verification of detail attributes of IPTV service, we formulated structural model which treats relative advantage as the second order factor, of which incorporates the seven detail attributes as the first order factors. Then, using the data collected from 250 Korean IPTV subscribers, the model is validated and relevant attributes are identified through PLS analysis. The results provide insights for future research on the adoption and diffusion of new digital convergent high-tech services.
The correlation of dust and gas emission in star-forming environments

We present ammonia maps of portions of the W3 and Perseus molecular clouds in order to compare gas emission with submillimetre continuum thermal emission which are commonly used to trace the same mass component in star-forming regions, often under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). The Perseus and W3 star-forming regions are found to have significantly different physical characteristics consistent with the difference in size scales traced by our observations. Accounting for the distance of the W3 region does not fully reconcile these differences, suggesting that there may be an underlying difference in the structure of the two regions. Peak positions of submillimetre and ammonia emission do not correlate strongly. Also, the extent of diffuse emission is only moderately matched between ammonia and thermal emission. Source sizes measured from our observations are consistent between regions, although there is a noticeable difference between the submillimetre source sizes with sources in Perseus being significantly smaller than those in W3. Fractional abundances of ammonia are determined for our sources which indicate a dip in the measured ammonia abundance at the positions of peak submillimetre column density. Virial ratios are determined which show that our sources are generally bound in both regions, although there is considerable scatter in both samples. We conclude that sources in Perseus are bound on smaller scales than in W3 in a way that may reflect their previous identification as low- and high-mass, respectively. Our results indicate that assumptions of local thermal equilibrium and/or the coupling of the dust and gas phases in star-forming regions may not be as robust as commonly assumed.
Will the Tibetan Plateau warming depend on elevation in the future?

Elevation‐dependent warming, greater warming at higher elevations, tends to accelerate the ablation of solid water reserves on the Tibetan Plateau and is thus expected to affect the sustainable water supply of the plateau. In the context of a global climate that is predicted to continue to warm, whether elevation‐dependent warming exists on the Tibetan Plateau in the future and, if so, what its characteristics and mechanisms are, are important issues that have not yet been fully assessed. Using six sets of high‐resolution outputs from dynamical downscaling simulations based on regional climate models, we investigated the future situation regarding the elevation dependency of climate warming on the Tibetan Plateau. The simulated air temperature trends from the six simulations are validated using meteorological station observations. The trends from only two simulations are selected for analysis due to their statistically significant correlation with the observations. The warming rate first increases to a peak and then slightly declines along with elevation increasing from 2000 m to 5600 m. The peak of the warming rate is reached at variable elevations (4400–5200 m), which depends on the intensity of the warming. The elevation at which this peak occurs increases when the warming intensifies. Such elevation‐dependent warming is mostly caused by the decrease in upward short‐wave radiation due to the depletion of snow based on surface energy budget analysis. These results provide some understanding of the future elevation‐dependent warming on the Tibetan Plateau, which will be useful for evaluating the sustainability of water resources of the Tibetan Plateau water‐affected area.
Scopoletin, a coumarin derivative compound isolated from Macaranga gigantifolia Merr

Akhmad Darmawan, Soleh Kosela, Leonardus B.S. Kardono, and Yana M. Syah Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia Research Center for Chemistry, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Kawasan PUSPIPTEK Serpong, Banten, Indonesia Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Bandung Institutes of Technology, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Effect of Some Preceded Peanut Cultivars on Wheat Yield and Agro – Economic Feasibility Under Two Cropping Systems in Sandy Soil

The cropping system is an approach to help farmer in decision making to remain sustainable in an ever-changing agricultural environment. A two-year study was carried out at Ismailia Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, ARC, Ismailia governorate, Egypt during 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 seasons to study the effect of preceded peanut cultivars on yield and profitability of wheat under two cropping systems in sandy soil. This experiment included six treatments which were the combinations of three peanut cultivars (Giza 4, Giza 5 and Ismailia 1) as preceding cultivars in the summer season and two cropping systems (conventional and intensive). A split plot design replicated thrice was used. The results indicated that peanut cv. Ismailia 1 increased available soil nitrogen (N) content which affected positively number of grains per spike and grain weight per spike and finally the economic yield. Growing fahlberseem in transition period between peanut and wheat enhanced available soil N content that increased grain yield per ha by about 1.00 percent as compared with those of conventional cropping system. Accordingly, intensive cropping system increased wheat grain yield and its attributes as compared with conventional cropping system. Peanut cultivars × cropping systems interaction had a significant effect on available soil N content and all the studied wheat traits except number of spikes/m2. Intensive cropping system increased total and net returns as compared with conventional cropping system. The Egyptian farmers could achieve an increase in their income by $ 2603.2 per ha when using intensive cropping system which included peanut cv. Ismailia 1
Interrogative city infrastructures

The term City Infrastructures is restricted often to the physical elements of a city, while in practice it represents both hard infrastructure of built environment and utilities, as well as soft infrastructures comprising services, networks, social groupings, and personal skills. Part of the confusion is the lack of clarity about the role and delivery of infrastructure and its relationship to livelihood and livability. To address this issue, a critical examination was undertaken of urban sustainability from perspectives of City Infrastructures using an interdisciplinary framework that investigates the relationships, conflicts and connections between soft and hard infrastructures in terms of utilities, institutions, communities and personal skills. Keywords-component; soft and hard infrastructures, interrogative infrastructures, collaborative urbanism, livelihood and livability, urban governance