Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uniform post selection inference for LAD regression models

We develop uniformly valid confidence regions for a regression coefficient in a high-dimensional sparse LAD (least absolute deviation or median) regression model. The setting is one where the number of regressors p could be large in comparison to the sample size n, but only s « n of them are needed to accurately describe the regression function. Our new methods are based on the instrumental LAD regression estimator that assembles the optimal estimating equation from either post l- penalised LAD regression or l1- penalised LAD regression. The estimating equation is immunised against non-regular estimation of nuisance part of the regression function, in the sense of Neyman. We establish that in a homoscedastic regression model, under certain conditions, the instrumental LAD regression estimator of the regression coefficient is asymptotically root-n normal uniformly with respect to the underlying sparse model. The resulting confidence regions are valid uniformly with respect to the underlying model. The new inference methods outperform the naive, 'oracle based' inference methods, which are known to be not uniformly valid- with coverage property failing to hold uniformly with respect the underlying model- even in the setting with p = 2. We also provide Monte-Carlo experiments which demonstrate that standard post-selection inference breaks down over large parts of the parameter space, and the proposed method does not.
Workplace Perception and Attitude Towards People Living with HIV/AIDS of Persons in Senior Administrative Positions in Public Universities in Nigeria

Persons in senior administrative positions (SAP) in public universities are an important segment of the workforce, which could play an important role in the control of HIV/AIDS through their impact on the attitude to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) both within and outside the university community. However, there is a gross dearth of information on their perception of HIV/AIDS and the corresponding attitude to PLWHA. This is unlike the profusion of data on the perception of students in tertiary institutions of higher learning. The objective of this study was thus to determine the level of awareness and perception of HIV/AIDS, and the workplace attitude to PLWHA, of persons in SAP in public universities and the association with the demographic factors of age, gender and religion. A self-administered questionnaire, ‘Awareness and Attitude towards PLWHA scale’ was used to elicit responses from 250 persons, representing 91.6% of those eligible, in a cross-sectional survey of Deans of Faculties, Directors and Heads of Departments in two public universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Mean scores and mean percentage responses were compared between groups using Student’s t-test and one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was set at P <0.05. The mean (standard deviation, SD) of Respondents with correct answers to the questions on perception was 72.7 (12.8)% on perception of the nature of HIV/AIDS, 45.1 (38.6)% on transmission, 90.9 (7.4)% on diagnosis and 85.8 (10.8)% on perception of its prevention (P = 0.034). The mean (SD) of the responses on general attitude was 96.8 (2.9)% and that on workplace attitude 85.2 (7.5)% (P = 0.036). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean overall scores on perception and attitude in relation to age, gender and religion. We conclude that the perception of HIV/AIDS and workplace attitude to PLWHA among persons in SAP in public universities in Nigeria are quite favourable, except in relation to the transmission of infection. We also conclude that the perception is unrelated to the demographic factors of age, gender and religion. These findings are relevant to the development of HIV/AIDS control messages, particularly those targeted at the reduction of stigmatization and discrimination, important attitudinal problems fueling the transmission of HIV/AIDS in resource-poor countries.
Has Foreign Capital Made us Richer

ustralia’s current account deficit approached seven per cent of GDP in 2004-05, one of its highest ever levels, renewing concerns in financial markets and economic policy circles about the sustainability of the economy’s balance of payments (see Edwards, 2005, Swan, 2005). External deficits of similar magnitude relative to GDP have recently been experienced by the United States, New Zealand and to a lesser extent by the United Kingdom. These deficits have been largely funded by high saving economies in East Asia, especially Japan and China, and oil exporting nations (see MacFarlane, 2005; International Monetary Fund, 2005). Financial market traders and policymakers worry that current account deficits of this size reflect poor international trade performance; that imports are too high and exports are too low. In addition, escalating external debt levels are considered inherently risky because over-reliance on foreign funds exposes an economy to sudden shifts in international investor sentiment and hence to capital flow reversals that could precipitate a currency and financial crisis, spark high inflation and induce a major recession (see, amongst others, Mann, 2002; and Fischer, 2003). The significance of current account deficits has been a long-running theme in Australian economic policy debate. As argued previously (Makin, 1989) at a time when the balance of payments was the central macroeconomic issue, external deficits are often best interpreted as saving-investment imbalances that allow real domestic capital accumulation to proceed more quickly. As a counter to concerns about external imbalances, it can therefore be argued that external deficits and matching capital account surpluses should actually be welcomed since they allow real investment to be higher. Similarly, in stock terms when foreign funds finance expansion of the domestic capital stock, the rise in external liabilities is matched by an increase in the level of productive plant, equipment and buildings. In sum, irrespective of its form net capital inflow allows more domestic capital accumulation which, if used for this purpose, improves the economy’s overall productive capacity. Numerous theoretical approaches have previously been advanced to demonstrate this (see, amongst others, Frenkel and Razin, 1987; McDougall, 1960; Grubel, 1987; Ruffin, 1987; and Makin, 2003). In the resurgent economic policy debate about Australia’s external imbalance, an important question not yet asked nor answered is: By how much has foreign capital raised Australia’s living standards? Or, in other words, how much better off, income-wise, have persistent current account deficits and rising foreign debt levels made us?
Food insecurity in South Australian single parents: an assessment of the livelihoods framework approach

Single parent households experience periods of food insecurity more frequently than other Australian families. Despite elevated risk, many single parents achieve food security with limited means. This article applies and evaluates the utility of the livelihoods framework approach as a tool for understanding food insecurity in this population and generating relevant policy recommendations. The approach is adapted here to provide insight into the skills, strategies and resource individuals use to attain or strive for food security. The framework incorporates these individual capabilities into a model of the social, economic and political structures and processes through which individuals navigate to attain food security. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with single parents living in rural and urban South Australia. Transcripts were analysed in an effort to populate a food security livelihoods framework for single parents. The livelihoods framework is found to be capable of reproducing the types and levels of capabilities reported in previous findings. Furthermore, it provides novel insight into the relationships that form between classes of capabilities and between capabilities and the structures and processes in which they are utilised. These insights are considered in terms of relevance to policy.
Nutrient Release From Permafrost Thaw Enhances CH4 Emissions From Arctic Tundra Wetlands

High‐latitude climate change has impacted vegetation productivity, composition, and distribution across tundra ecosystems. Over the past few decades in northern Alaska, emergent macrophytes have increased in cover and density, coincident with increased air and water temperature, active layer depth, and nutrient availability. Unraveling the covarying climate and environmental controls influencing long‐term change trajectories is paramount for advancing our predictive understanding of the causes and consequences of warming in permafrost ecosystems. Within a climate‐controlled carbon flux monitoring system, we evaluate the impact of elevated nutrient availability associated with degraded permafrost (high‐treatment) and maximum field observations (low‐treatment), on aquatic macrophyte growth and methane (CH4) emissions. Nine aquatic Arctophila fulva‐dominated tundra monoliths were extracted from tundra ponds near Utqiaġvik, Alaska, and placed in growth chambers that controlled ambient conditions (i.e., light, temperature, and water table), while measuring plant growth (periodically) and CH4 fluxes (continuously) for 12 weeks. Results indicate that high nutrient treatments similar to that released from permafrost thaw can increase macrophyte biomass and total CH4 emission by 54 and 64%, respectively. However, low treatments did not respond to fertilization. We estimate that permafrost thaw in tundra wetlands near Utqiaġvik have the potential to enhance regional CH4 efflux by 30%. This study demonstrates the sensitivity of arctic tundra wetland biogeochemistry to nutrient release from permafrost thaw and suggests the decadal‐scale expansion of A. fulva‐dominant aquatic plant communities, and increased CH4 emissions in the region were likely in response to thawing permafrost, potentially representing a novel case study of the permafrost carbon feedback to warming.
The aim of the study is to model relative motion in an oscillating contact with slip. FOUNDATIONS OF PHYSICAL MODELING OF LOW AMPLITUDE FRETTING

A model of dynamic effect during low amplitude oscillations of surfaces comparable with the pre liminary displacement and the first acts of sleep under the oscillating tangential loading of the contact is developed. Solving a system of differential force balance equations has yielded the main characteristics of the process of the dynamics of a nominally stationary contact depending on the governing parameters of the sys tem. Regularities of the friction characteristic at low sliding velocity are determined with allowance for the preliminary displacement phenomenon, the Stribeck effect, as well as the parameter of the plasticity and vis cosity of friction. The model allows one tracing the evolution of relative displacements and slip velocities, cal culating phase diagrams, as well as deriving the friction characteristic and real slip amplitudes typical of the mixed friction mode and low amplitude fretting.
Trends in Entrepreneurial Activity in Central and East European Transition Economies

After 1989, radical changes in the level of entrepreneurial activity have taken place in the Central and East European (CEE) region countries, transitioning from the communist to a market economy system. In this paper we explore these developments at the macro level of countries. In particular, we investigate developments in business ownership rates in four CEE transition economies (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovak Republic) in the period 1989-2008, and compare them with developments in other OECD countries. To this end we make use of EIM’s COMPENDIA data base, which contains harmonized data on the number of business owners in OECD countries. Data for the four CEE region countries under consideration have recently been added to COMPENDIA. Our analysis reveals that, since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, business ownership rates in the four CEE countries have been converging rapidly towards the levels of other OECD countries, and more specifically, Western European countries. This shows that the communist system did not have prolonged negative effects on the private business sector in these four countries. Instead, based on their institutional and cultural roots, or ‘civilization fundamentals’, these CEE countries were able to rebuild the entrepreneurial sector in a relatively short period of transition. Finally, in spite of the general trend of convergence towards Western European countries, we also find sizable differences among these four CEE countries in the level and development of business ownership since 1989.
Attributional beliefs of Singapore students: relations to self-construal, competence and achievement goals

This study investigates attributional beliefs of Singapore secondary students in their English study and how they can be predicted by self-construal, competence and achievement goals. A total of 1,496 students were administered surveys on seven attributions, independent and interdependent self-construals, previous achievement, self-efficacy, mastery approach and avoidance goals and performance approach and avoidance goals. We found that Singapore students attributed academic success mainly to internal regulation (effort, interest and study skills), followed by teachers’ help, ability, parents’ help and tuition classes. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that three predictors (self-construal, competence and achievement goals) explained 4.2–12.3% of the variances in students’ attributional beliefs. In particular, students with interdependent self-construal, high competence or mastery goals tended to attribute academic success to internal regulation (effort, interest and study skills) and support from teachers and parents. Students with low competence, high mastery avoidance goals or high performance goals were more likely to value tuition classes, and those with high performance avoidance goals also tended to ascribe academic success to ability and parent’s help. The findings are discussed in relation to the culture of Singapore.
Using Rutile TiO2 Nanoparticles Reinforcing High Density Polyethylene Resin

The TiO2 nanoparticles were used as a reinforcement to prepare nanocomposites with high density polyethylene (HDPE) by melt blending process. The original TiO2 (ORT) was modified by 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPMS) to improve the dispersion into HDPE matrix. The FT-IR spectroscopy and FESEM micrographs of modified TiO2 (GRT) demonstrated that GPMS successfully grafted with TiO2 nanoparticles. The tensile test of HDPE/ORT and HDPE/GRT nanocomposites with various contents of dispersive particles indicated that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of HDPE/GRT nanocomposites are superior to the values of original HDPE and HDPE/ORT nanocomposites. At 1 wt. % of GRT, the mechanical properties of nanocomposites were optimal. In DSC and TGA analyses, with the presence of GRT in the nanocomposites, the thermal stability significantly increased in comparison with pure HDPE and HDPE/ORT nanocomposites. The better dispersion of GRT in polymer matrix as shown in FESEM images demonstrated the higher mechanical properties of HDPE/GRT nanocomposites to HDPE/ORT nanocomposites.
PRIMARY INFERTILITY PROBLEMS AMONG FEMALE HAVE BEEN A SOURCE OF CONCERN IN INDIA LATELY

ABSTRACT Background and objectives: Primary infertility is a common, preventable but neglected reproductive health problem in developing countries like India. Considering the escalating incidence and its potentiality to create serious psychosocial complication the present study was undertaken in an attempt to find out some risk factors pertaining to female primary infertility. Methods: An Age, residence matched case-control study was conducted in two infertility clinics. A 240 cases and controls were selected at random.Data was collected using a constructed questionnaire including socio-demographic data. Gynecological history, questions about polycystic ovarian disease, endometriosis, fibroid, irregularity in menstrual cycle and intake of Oral Contraceptive Pills. Results: Evidence shown in this study allows the author to conclude that the significant risk factors for primary infertility among females are higher education, age at marriage >25, postponement of child bearing for ≥1 year, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, irregular menstrual pattern, endometriosis, STI and age at menarche >14 years. Conclusion: Medical case studies, escalating incidence as well as the rising number of infertility clinics in urban areas of the country are pointing to the fact that infertility is becoming a health challenge in the country. We hope as treatment of infertility is expensive for the families especially in developing countries, identifying the risk factors can be of great help to prevent infertility in many females. Keywords: Primary Infertility, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, obesity, female
CONCEPTUAL DIFFICULTIES PRE-SERVICE PRIMARY TEACHERS HAVE WITH STATIC ELECTRICITY

Static electricity is the introductory chapter to electricity in all high school and university Physics textbooks. The interpretations of static electricity phenomena are not obvious, even in higher education. This research was conducted to identify the major difficulties which pre-service primary teachers encounter in explaining static electricity. They conducted electrostatic experiments focused on different types of electricity, in the context of an Introductory Physics Laboratory Course. The data were collected through the reports they wrote at the end of the course. The qualitative content analysis method was used in order to analyze the data. The sample, which was a convenient one, consisted of 200 pre-service primary teachers, 170 females and 30 males. The analysis showed that pre-service primary teachers have considerable difficulty conceptualizing the microscopic processes – more specifically, charging by induction – that explain these phenomena. The different roles electrons play in conductors and insulators seemed to pose difficulties for pre-service primary teachers. The findings implied an emphasis on microscopic models during macroscopic experimental processes. This could help pre-service primary teachers to understand the role of electrons in conductors and insulators and the different mechanisms involved in different types of charging. Keywords: conceptual difficulties, content analysis, static electricity.
The Moderation Effect of the Teachers’ Anxiety on the Relationship Between Empowerment and Organizational Commitment

Abstract This study aims to determine the moderation effect of anxiety competencies of teachers on the relationship between primary empowerment and organizational commitment. The target population of this research, which is in causal-comparative model, consists of school administrators and teachers working in primary schools in the city center of Kahramanmaras in 2012-2013 academic year. The sampling of the research consists of 165 teachers who were selected randomly from the target population. Data were analyzed by hierarchical multiple linear regression method. As a result, empowerment competencies of teachers and anxiety competencies of teachers significantly predict Organizational Commitment levels. The results of the moderation tests show that teachers’ anxiety is moderator of the relationship between empowerment and organizational commitment levels.
Braincase and phylogenetic relationships of Estesia mongoliensis from the late Cretaceous of the Gobi Desert and the recognition of a new clade of lizards. American Museum novitates ; no.3211

A description of a newly discovered partial skeleton of Estesia mongoliensis with a relatively wellpreserved braincase is provided and allows a reassessment of the relationships of this taxon with other varanoids. Analysis of a data set of 89 characters across 19 ingroup taxa rejects the previously suggested Estesia mongoliensis-Varanidae sister-group relationship, revealing instead that Estesia mongoliensis is a member of a distinct clade of lizards including the extant Heloderma and its fossil relatives. This clade can be diagnosed by the following unequivocal derived characters: (1) foramen ovale located anterior to spheno-occipital tubercle; (2) pterygoid lappet of quadrate present; and (3) vertebral neural spine narrow and tall. Several other characters diagnose sequential less inclusive groups and therefore also support an Estesia mongoliensis-Heloderma relationship. Recognition of the new clade necessitates revision of the definition and diagnosis of the Helodermatidae. The name Helodermatidae is restricted to the descendants of the last common ancestor of the extant taxa Heloderma suspectum and Helodermna horridum.
Improving image retrieval by introducing locality sensitive encoding to visual similarity measures

The objective of this thesis is to develop a large scale image retrieval system in which search is purely based on visual analysis. Specifically, given a query image and a large database of reference images, we are interested in retrieving images in the database that depict the same object as the query one. Even though astonishing progress has been made in recent years in terms of scalability and precision, accuracy on common retrieval benchmarks still shows room for significant improvements. Therefore, the main focus of this thesis is to improve the accuracy of retrieval systems while keeping search speed near real-time and memory consumption manageable. At the heart of many image retrieval systems lies the pairwise image similarity measure. Over the years through much experimentation we have found out that many available similarity measures are only reliable in a localized region of the descriptor space. They should not be but are commonly used to measure visual similarities globally. To address this problem, we present four contributions to make these measures more accurate by adapting them using locality information. As a first contribution, we present a probabilistic framework to model featureto-feature similarity for high-dimensional local features. We show by experiment that the de facto standard Euclidean distance is discriminating locally but not globally, and therefore propose to adapt the original Euclidean distance by a local neighborhood statistic of a query feature. We also propose a function to score the individual feature-to-feature contributions to an image-to-image similarity. Experimental results show that our method consistently gives a significant boost to retrieval accuracy. As a second contribution, we analyze the commonly used hand crafted methods for measuring pairwise similarity between bag of visual words (BoVW) histograms, and propose a simple linear additive function which can well approximates these functions. We illustrate that an approximation of the mean