Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inference of time-varying regression models

We consider parameter estimation, hypothesis testing and variable selection for partially time-varying coefficient models. Our asymptotic theory has the useful feature that it can allow dependent, nonstationary error and covariate processes. With a two-stage method, the parametric component can be estimated with a $n^{1/2}$-convergence rate. A simulation-assisted hypothesis testing procedure is proposed for testing significance and parameter constancy. We further propose an information criterion that can consistently select the true set of significant predictors. Our method is applied to autoregressive models with time-varying coefficients. Simulation results and a real data application are provided.
Advances in the Breeding of Tree Peonies and a Cultivar System for the Cultivar Group Fangyun Cheng

Tree peonies native to China have become an internationalized ornamental plant and are widely cultivated in many countries in Asia, America, Europe and Australia. Breeding starting from domestication of wild plants through selection of bud mutations and seedlings to hybridization has been done for about 1500 years. At present a few thousand cultivars are cultivated globally in gardens or propagated in nurseries, all of which genetically originated from infraand inter-specific, inter-subsectional and -sectional hybridization and are included in different groups with distinct traits from each other. A cultivar system of tree peonies that considers the origin and diversity of cultivars should theoretically be set up at the base of a cultivar group, and would depend on recent advances from botanical studies and breeding achievements in the last few decades. Such a system composed of 17 cultivar-groups first identified by our work will explain the relationship between species and cultivar groups and among cultivar groups and would benefit tree peony breeding as an important reference for ascertaining breeding strategy and objectives, selecting and matching parents in crossing, and exploring and utilizing valuable genes controlling desirable ornamental traits and resistances. Attempts made in in vitro tissue culture, ovule and embryo culture, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration are uncovering a promising use of bio-techniques to overcome problematic issues of tree peony breeding such as cross incompatibility, hybrid abortion and sterility, slow growth to flower and difficulties in propagation. Combined with molecular marker-assisted and transgenic breeding, inter-subsectional and -sectional distant hybridization will effectively promote the breeding of tree peonies and undoubtedly bring about more opportunity to release better cultivars. A scientific strategy and an international cooperation on tree peony breeding are very necessary for effective work and objectives to be achieved in the future. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The "farthest" need the best. Human capital composition and development-specific economic growth

We provide robust and compelling evidence of the marked impact of tertiary education on the economic growth of less developed countries and of its the relatively smaller impact on the growth of developed ones. Our results argue in favor of the accumulation of high skill levels especially in technologically under-developed countries and, contrary to common wisdom, independently of the fact that these economies might initially produce low(er)-technology goods or perform technology imitation. Our results are robust to the different measures used in proxying human capital and to the adjustments made for cross-country differences in the quality of education. Country-specific institutional quality, as well as other indicators including legal origin, religious fractionalization and openness to trade have been used to control for the robustness of the results. These factors are also shown to speed up technology convergence thereby confirming previous empirical studies. Our estimates tackle problems of endogeneity by adopting a variety of techniques, including instrumental variables (for both panel and cross-section analyses) and the two-step efficient dynamics system GMM.
Popularity shocks and political selection: the effects of anti-corruption audits on candidates' quality

We show that the disclosure of information about a government's conduct affects the types of candidates who stand for election. Our empirical test focuses on Brazilian city council elections in 2004 and 2008. The identification strategy exploits the randomness of the timing of the release of audit reports on the (mis)use of federal funds by local governments. We observe that when the audit finds low levels of corruption (i.e., when it represents a positive popularity shock), the parties supporting the incumbent select less-educated candidates. On the contrary, parties pick, on average, more-educated candidates when the audit reveals a high level of corruption (i.e., when it represents a negative popularity shock). These effects are stronger in municipalities that have easier access to local media. Our evidence confirms that parties are strategic players: their decisions are affected by shocks that influence the electoral race.
RECONNECTION AND ELECTRON TEMPERATURE ANISOTROPY IN SUB-PROTON SCALE PLASMA TURBULENCE

Knowledge of turbulent behavior at sub-proton scales in magnetized plasmas is important for a full understanding of the energetics of astrophysical flows such as the solar wind. We study the formation of electron temperature anisotropy due to reconnection in the turbulent decay of sub-proton scale fluctuations using two-dimensional, particle-in-cell plasma simulations with a realistic electron-proton mass ratio and a guide field perpendicular to the simulation plane. A power spectrum fluctuation with approximately power-law form is created down to scales of the order of the electron gyroradius. We identify the signatures of collisionless reconnection at sites of X-point field geometry in the dynamic magnetic field topology, which gradually relaxes in complexity. The reconnection sites are generally associated with regions of strong parallel electron temperature anisotropy. The evolving topology of magnetic field lines connected to a reconnection site allows for the spatial mixing of electrons accelerated at multiple, spatially separated reconnection regions. This leads to the formation of multi-peaked velocity distribution functions with strong parallel temperature anisotropy. In a three-dimensional system that can support the appropriate wave vectors, the multi-peaked distribution functions would be expected to be unstable to kinetic instabilities, contributing to dissipation. The proposed mechanism of anisotropy formation is also relevant to space and astrophysical systems where the evolution of the plasma is constrained by linear temperature anisotropy instability thresholds. The presence of reconnection sites leads to electron energy gain, nonlocal velocity space mixing, and the formation of strong temperature anisotropy; this is evidence of an important role for reconnection in the dissipation of turbulent fluctuations.
HI column densities of z > 2 Swift gamma-ray bursts

Context: . Before the launch of the Swift satellite, the majority of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) afterglows for which Lyalpha was redshifted into the observable spectrum showed evidence for a damped Lyalpha absorber. This small sample indicated that GRBs explode either in galaxies, or regions within them, having high neutral hydrogen column densities. Aims: . To increase the spectroscopic sample of GRBs with z>2 and hence establish the N(H I) distribution along GRB lines-of-sight. Methods: . We have obtained six z > 2 GRB afterglow spectra and fitted the Lyalpha absorption line in each case to determine N(H I). This has been complemented with 12 other Swift N(H I) values from the literature. Results: . We show that the peak of the GRB N(H I) distribution is qualitatively consistent with a model where GRBs originate in Galactic-like molecular clouds. However, a systematic difference, in particular an excess of low column-density systems compared to the predictions, indicates that selection effects and conditions within the cloud (e.g. strong ionization) influence the observed N(H I) range. We also report the discovery of Lyalpha emission from the GRB 060714 host, corresponding to a star-formation rate of approximately 0.8 Mo yr-1. Finally, we present accurate redshifts of the six bursts: z = 3.240 ± 0.001 (GRB 050319), z = 2.198 ± 0.002 (GRB 050922C), z = 3.221 ± 0.001 (GRB 060526), z = 3.425 ± 0.002 (GRB 060707), z = 2.711 ± 0.001 (GRB 060714) and z = 3.686 ± 0.002 (GRB 060906).
Simulation of the typical Poisson–Voronoi–Cox–Voronoi cell

We consider stationary Poisson–Voronoi tessellations (PVT) in the Euclidean plane and study the properties of Voronoi tessellations induced by linear Poisson processes on the edges of the PVT. We are especially interested in simulation algorithms for the typical cell. Two different simulation algorithms are introduced. The first algorithm directly simulates the typical cell, whereas the second algorithm simulates cells from which distributional properties of the typical cell can be obtained. This second algorithm can also be used for simulating the typical cell of other Cox–Voronoi tessellations. The implementation of both algorithms is tested for their correctness using random software tests. Then different cell characteristics are studied by simulation and compared with the typical cell of PVT and Cox–Voronoi tessellations based on linear Poisson processes on the lines of Poisson line processes. Our results can be applied, for example, in the analysis of telecommunication networks and vesicle paths on cytoskeletal networks.
Retracts, fixed point index and differential equations

Many problems in the theory of differential equations were initially treated with analytic techniques and later evolved towards more topological approaches. Perhaps the most paradigmatic case is found in the study of nonlinear boundary value problems. The classical proofs based on successive approximations or in the implicit function theorem were soon replaced by the use of fixed points and degree theory. The modern point of view is already found in the famous paper by Leray and Schauder [15]. The same process has been experienced by other branches of differential equations. The next pages are an attempt to illustrate this evolution in two concrete problems. First we will discuss the existence of asymptotic solutions. These are non-trivial solutions tending to the origin as time increases to infinity and they appear in systems of differential equations having the trivial solution. Asymptotic solutions have been studied since Poincaré’s times. The classical method for proving their existence consists in the reduction of the problem to an integral equation. Once this equation has been found one uses the method of successive approximations or the contraction principle. This analytical method leads to the Principle of Linearization and to the Stable Manifold
On the isoperimetric constant, covariance inequalities and $L_{p}$-Poincaré inequalities in dimension one

Firstly, we derive in dimension one a new covariance inequality of $L_1-L{\infty}$ type that characterizes the isoperimetric constant as the best constant achieving the inequality. Secondly, we generalize our result to $L_p-L_q$ bounds for the covariance. Consequently, we recover Cheeger's inequality without using the co-area formula. We also prove a generalized weighted Hardy type inequality that is needed to derive our covariance inequalities and that is of independent interest. Finally, we explore some consequences of our covariance inequalities for $L_p$-Poincar\'{e} inequalities and moment bounds. In particular, we obtain optimal constants in general $L_p$-Poincar\'{e} inequalities for measures with finite isoperimetric constant, thus generalizing in dimension one Cheeger's inequality, which is a $L_p$-Poincar\'{e} inequality for $p = 2$, to any integer $p$.
A multi-decade record of high-quality fCO2 data in version 3 of the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT)

Abstract. The Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) is a synthesis of quality-controlled fCO2 (fugacity of carbon dioxide) values for the global surface oceans and coastal seas with regular updates. Version 3 of SOCAT has 14.7 million fCO2 values from 3646 data sets covering the years 1957 to 2014. This latest version has an additional 4.6 million fCO2 values relative to version 2 and extends the record from 2011 to 2014. Version 3 also significantly increases the data availability for 2005 to 2013. SOCAT has an average of approximately 1.2 million surface water fCO2 values per year for the years 2006 to 2012. Quality and documentation of the data has improved. A new feature is the data set quality control (QC) flag of E for data from alternative sensors and platforms. The accuracy of surface water fCO2 has been defined for all data set QC flags. Automated range checking has been carried out for all data sets during their upload into SOCAT. The upgrade of the interactive Data Set Viewer (previously known as the Cruise Data Viewer) allows better interrogation of the SOCAT data collection and rapid creation of high-quality figures for scientific presentations. Automated data upload has been launched for version 4 and will enable more frequent SOCAT releases in the future. High-profile scientific applications of SOCAT include quantification of the ocean sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide and its long-term variation, detection of ocean acidification, as well as evaluation of coupled-climate and ocean-only biogeochemical models. Users of SOCAT data products are urged to acknowledge the contribution of data providers, as stated in the SOCAT Fair Data Use Statement. This ESSD (Earth System Science Data) "living data" publication documents the methods and data sets used for the assembly of this new version of the SOCAT data collection and compares these with those used for earlier versions of the data collection (Pfeil et al., 2013; Sabine et al., 2013; Bakker et al., 2014). Individual data set files, included in the synthesis product, can be downloaded here: doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.849770 . The gridded products are available here: doi:10.3334/CDIAC/OTG. SOCAT_V3_GRID .
Preliminary distribution of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) in Kerian River Basin, Perak, Malaysia

A preliminary study on three aquatic insect orders, Ephemeroptera (mayfly), Plecoptera (stonefly) and Trichoptera (caddisJly) (EPT) was carried out in Kerian River Basin (KRB), at the border of Kedah-Perak states, in Peninsular Malaysia. Ephemeroptera comprising six families of 10 genera and 460 individuals was the most dominant order. Although both Plecoptera and Trichoptera was represented l7y similar number of families, stoneflies were found to be more abundant in the river basin. In order of abundance, stonefly Tetropina, mayJlies Caenis, and centroptilum, and caddisJly Macrostemum were the most common geneva. The diversity of the EPTfauna ranged 1.41 - 2.65 with significantly different distribution (ANOVA, F/534o = 1.68) at P= 0.05 and fairly unevenly distributed (Evennes Index Ranged 0.15-0.95). The EPT Richness i~dices were in low ranges in all river and the FBI scores categorised the water quality of river in this river basin as moderately polluted to excellent.
NEAR-INFRARED BAND STRENGTHS OF MOLECULES DILUTED IN N2 AND H2O ICE MIXTURES RELEVANT TO INTERSTELLAR AND PLANETARY ICES

The relative abundances of ices in astrophysical environments rely on accurate laboratory measurements of physical parameters, such as band strengths (or absorption intensities), determined for the molecules of interest in relevant mixtures. In an extension of our previous study on pure-ice samples, here we focus on the near-infrared absorption features of molecules in mixtures with the dominant components of interstellar and planetary ices, H2O and N2. We present experimentally measured near-infrared spectral information (peak positions, widths, and band strengths) for both H2O- and N2-dominated mixtures of CO (carbon monoxide), CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and NH3 (ammonia). Band strengths were determined during sample deposition by correlating the growth of near-infrared features (10,000–4000 cm−1, 1–2.5 μm) with better-known mid-infrared features (4000–400 cm−1, 2.5–25 μm) at longer wavelengths.
“Strength of Weak Ties,” Neighborhood Ethnic Heterogeneity, and Depressive Symptoms among Adults: A Multilevel Analysis of Korean General Social Survey (KGSS) 2012

A substantial body of research, based largely on North American and European contexts, demonstrates that social networks play a critical role in protecting and promoting mental, as well as physical, health. The purpose of this study is to examine how “weak” and “strong” network relations are differentially related to individual mental health (depressive symptoms) based on a nationally representative sample of South Korean adults. Using multilevel analysis, the current research also investigates the extent to which contextual or neighborhood-level factors moderate the associations between depression and social network. Findings show that regular interaction with weaker ties (acquaintances, neighbors, coworkers, etc.) are associated with better mental health. The number of strong ties (family members and friends), on the other hand, is not a significant predictor of psychological distress. In addition, a cross-level interaction term is observed: The negative relationship between weak ties and depressive symptoms is diminished in neighborhoods with more foreign-born residents or immigrants. General implications beyond the empirical case under investigation are discussed, as to why weak ties can be “strong” in relation to mental health and how this phenomenon can vary according to residential characteristics such as ethnic heterogeneity.
THE NATURE OF TRANSITION BLAZARS

Blazars are classically divided into the BL Lacertae (BLL) and flat-spectrum radio quasar (FSRQ) subclasses, corresponding to radiatively inefficient and efficient accretion regimes, respectively, largely based on the equivalent width (EW) of their optical broad emission lines (BELs). However, EW-based classification criteria are not physically motivated, and a few blazars have previously “transitioned” from one subclass to the other. We present the first systematic search for these transition blazars in a sample of 602 unique pairs of repeat spectra of 354 blazars in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, finding six clear cases. These transition blazars have bolometric Eddington ratios of ∼0.3 and low-frequency synchrotron peaks, and are thus FSRQ-like. We show that the strong EW variability (up to an unprecedented factor of >60) is due to swamping of the BELs from variability in jet continuum emission, which is stronger in amplitude and shorter in timescale than typical blazars. Although these transition blazars appear to switch between FSRQ and BLL according to the phenomenologically based EW scheme, we show that they are most likely rare cases of FSRQs with radiatively efficient accretion flows and especially strongly beamed jets. These results have implications for the decrease of the apparent BLL population at high redshifts, and may lend credence to claims of a negative BLL redshift evolution.
Clinicopathological study of benign breast diseases

Background: Study of pattern of benign breast disease is a challenge due to variants in occurrence and presentation in different age groups and different geographical areas. The objective is to study the clinical profile and pattern of benign breast disease and its pathological correlation. Methods: This is a prospective study of females with breast disease presenting to surgery department over a period of one year. This survey was mainly meant for studying the age distribution, to evaluate the different types of benign diseases of the breast, their mode of clinical presentation and pathology and to evaluate the various modes of management for different types of Benign Breast Diseases. Patients with obvious malignancy and males were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 100 females were included in the study. Fibroadenoma (37%) and fibroadenosis (23%) were the commonest diseases,both presenting mostly at 21-30years of age. Left side involvement was most common. The commonest presentation was breast lump which comprised 84 (84%) cases, out of which 26 (26%) had associated complaints like breast pain and nipple discharge. Conclusion: Benign breast diseases are common problems of 2nd and 3 rd decade in females and raises considerable fear of malignancy. The patients of BBDs generally present with one or more of these complaints – breast lump, breast pain or nipple discharge. All the patients with discrete breast lumps should undergo a triple assessment to make an early diagnosis.
Agents : A Prel iminary Study

and fibronectin (FN) in pulp repair after capping with calcium hydroxide (CH), following different hemostasis protocols. Class I cavities with a pulp exposure were prepared in 42 human third molars scheduled for extraction. Different hemostatic agents (0.9% saline solution, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate) were used and pulps were capped with CH cement. After 7, 30 or 90 days, teeth were extracted, formalin-fixed, and prepared for immunohistochemical technique. Hemostatic agents did not influence the expression of TN and FN. Both glycoproteins were found in the entire the pulp tissue and around collagen fibers, but were absent in the mineralized tissues. In the predentin, TN showed positive immunostaining and FN had a variable expression. Within 7 days post-treatment, a slightly more pronounced immunostaining on the pulp exposure site was observed. Within 30 days, TN and FN demonstrated a positive expression around the dentin barrier and at 90 days, a thin and linear expression of TN and FN was delimitating the reparative dentin. In conclusion, hemostatic agents did not influence TN and FN expression. Immunostaining for TN and FN was seen in different regions and periods, demonstrating their role in pulp repair. T e n a s c i n a n d F i b r o n e c t i n Expression after Pulp Capping w i t h D i f f e r e n t H e m o s t a t i c Agents: A Prel iminary Study
Burnout in nursing residents * BURNOUT

Nursing residents may experience physical and emotional exhaustion from the daily life of attending the Program. The aim of this study was to determine the Burnout incidence among Nursing Residents. An investigative, descriptive, analytical, longitudinal-prospective study was conducted with 16 Residents over two years. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used, translated and validated for Brazil, as well as a sociodemographic/occupational data tool. Of all residents, 17.2% showed high rates in Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization; 18.8% showed impaired commitment in Personal Accomplishment, 75% of which belonged to specialty areas, such as Emergency Nursing, Adult and Pediatric Intensive Care. Age and specialty area were positively correlated with Personal Accomplishment. One of the Residents was identified with changes in three subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, thus characterized as a Burnout Syndrome patient. Nursing Residents have profiles of disease. Knowing these factors can minimize health risks of these workers.
Taxing Calories in Mexico ( Preliminary and incomplete Draft )

We exploit a unique panel dataset of about 8000 households, including detailed information of their purchases of products at the barcode level to estimate the impact of the introduction of a series of taxes on sugary drinks and other products with high caloric density in Mexico using an “event-study” type methodology. We find almost full pass-through of the taxes to prices. We estimate a price-elasticity for the demand of sugary drinks close to -0.5, and for total calories consumed of -0.3, albeit not statistically significant (all these results are preliminary, estimated with 10% of the sample and the caloric content of 72 percent of food purchases).