Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian encompassing specification test under not completely known partial observability

This paper proposes the construction of a Bayesian specification test based on the encompassing principle for the case of partial observability of latent variables. A structural parametric model (null model) is compared against a non-parametric alternative (alternative model) at the level of latent variables. The null extended model is obtained by incorporating the non Euclidean parameter of the alternative model. This extension is defined through a Bayesian Pseudo-True Value, that makes the null model a reduction by sufficiency of the extended model. The same observability process is introduced in both the null and the alternative models; after integrating out the latent variables, a null and alternative statistical models are accordingly obtained. The comparison is made between the posterior measures of the non Euclidean parameter (of the alternative model) in the extended and in the alternative statistical models. The general development is illustrated with an example where only a linear combination of a latent vector is observed; in the example, the partial observability is known upto the vector defining the observed linear combination. Some identifiability issues are treated and the examples hows the operationality and some pitfalls of the proposed test, through a numerical experiment.
Intraoral Ultrasonography for Periodontal Tissue Exploration: A Review

This systematic review aims to investigate the possibilities of ultrasound imaging in the field of periodontal tissues exploration to visualize periodontal anatomical structures and to assess reliability in clinical evaluation using the PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search through the MEDLINE database was realized to identify studies that have explored ultrasonography in the field of periodontal imaging published from 2000 to March 2022. The search resulted in 245 records; after exclusions, a total of 15 papers were included in the present review. Various publications have shown the possibility of using intraoral ultrasound for a precise exploration of intraoral tissues and to perform measurements of periodontal structures. Studies argue that ultrasounds open the prospect of a complete paradigm shift on the diagnosis and follow-up of periodontal disease. However, there is currently no clinical device dedicated to periodontal ultrasound. This field is still under-studied, and studies are needed to explore the large field of applications from periodontal assessment to treatment reassessment, including surgery. Researchers should focus their efforts to develop special intraoral ultrasound device and explore the possibilities of clinical periodontal applications.
Scaling of GNSS Radio Occultation Impact with Observation Number Using an Ensemble of Data Assimilations

AbstractAn ensemble of data assimilations (EDA) approach is used to estimate how the impact of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) measurements scales as a function of observation number in the ECMWF numerical weather prediction system. The EDA provides an estimate of the theoretical analysis and short-range forecast error statistics, based on the ensemble “spread,” which is the standard deviation of the ensemble members about the ensemble mean. This study is based on computing how the ensemble spread of various parameters changes as a function of the number of simulated GNSS RO observations. The impact from 2000 up to 128 000 globally distributed simulated GNSS RO profiles per day is investigated. It is shown that 2000 simulated GNSS RO measurements have an impact similar to real measurements in the EDA and that the EDA-based impact of real data can be related to the impact in observing system experiments. The dependence of the ensemble statistics on observation error statist.
Initial Stage of Water Impact

The problem of interaction between a solid body and a liquid with a free surface is a broad subject that includes several significant sections of classical and modern hydrodynamics. In this review we confine our dis­ cussion to processes characterized by strong unsteadiness in their develop­ ment and by the existence of a contact line between the free surface of the liquid and the solid-body surface. Detailed investigation of such processes can be applied to problems in ship building, aviation, and energetics (e.g. slamming problems, and the problems of the landing of flying boats and of high-velocity liquid-drop impact upon structural elements). In a general form, such processes can be described in the following manner: At the initial instant of time t = 0, a solid body touches a free surface of liquid. At this moment the position of the solid body, the domain occupied by the liquid, and the velocity field of the liquid particles are assumed to be known. For t > 0, either the law of body motion or the external forces affecting it are prescribed. The liquid flow and the character of its action upon the body.are to be determined. Interest in this field of hydrodynamics arose more than a half century ago in connection with the problem of the landing of flying boats. The first theories of solid-body impact with a liquid (the penetration theory of von Karm{m and the impact theory of Sedov) were directed at a global description of this process. Many applied problems have since been solved on the basis of these theories. But in some cases, more complete infor­ mation about the process is required. Thus, in studying material erosion it is important to know the stress distribution in the contact zone between the liquid and the solid-body surface. It is also necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the flow velocity field in order to determine the
Efficiency and Validity Analyses of Two-Stage Estimation Procedures and Derived Testing Procedures in Quantitative Linear Models with AR(1) Errors

Abstract In a quantitative linear model with errors following a stationary Gaussian, first-order autoregressive or AR(1) process, Generalized Least Squares (GLS) on raw data and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) on prewhitened data are efficient methods of estimation of the slope parameters when the autocorrelation parameter of the error AR(1) process, ρ, is known. In practice, ρ is generally unknown. In the so-called two-stage estimation procedures, ρ is then estimated first before using the estimate of ρ to transform the data and estimate the slope parameters by OLS on the transformed data. Different estimators of ρ have been considered in previous studies. In this article, we study nine two-stage estimation procedures for their efficiency in estimating the slope parameters. Six of them (i.e., three noniterative, three iterative) are based on three estimators of ρ that have been considered previously. Two more (i.e., one noniterative, one iterative) are based on a new estimator of ρ that we propose: it is provided by the sample autocorrelation coefficient of the OLS residuals at lag 1, denoted r(1). Lastly, REstricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) represents a different type of two-stage estimation procedure whose efficiency has not been compared to the others yet. We also study the validity of the testing procedures derived from GLS and the nine two-stage estimation procedures. Efficiency and validity are analyzed in a Monte Carlo study. Three types of explanatory variable x in a simple quantitative linear model with AR(1) errors are considered in the time domain: Case 1, x is fixed; Case 2, x is purely random; and Case 3, x follows an AR(1) process with the same autocorrelation parameter value as the error AR(1) process. In a preliminary step, the number of inadmissible estimates and the efficiency of the different estimators of ρ are compared empirically, whereas their approximate expected value in finite samples and their asymptotic variance are derived theoretically. Thereafter, the efficiency of the estimation procedures and the validity of the derived testing procedures are discussed in terms of the sample size and the magnitude and sign of ρ. The noniterative two-stage estimation procedure based on the new estimator of ρ is shown to be more efficient for moderate values of ρ at small sample sizes. With the exception of small sample sizes, REML and its derived F-test perform the best overall. The asymptotic equivalence of two-stage estimation procedures, besides REML, is observed empirically. Differences related to the nature, fixed or random (uncorrelated or autocorrelated), of the explanatory variable are also discussed.
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Resections Larger than 10 cm: Outcomes from a Portuguese Center

Background Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive technique for en bloc resection of superficial neoplastic lesions, independent of their size. However, for giant gastrointestinal superficial neoplasia, the risk of invasive cancer is higher, and ESD is typically challenging. Despite the increasing literature on giant resections, data on their efficacy and safety are still lacking. Objective The aim of this study was to describe ESD outcomes from a Portuguese center, compare them with other international studies, and analyze the possible risk factors influencing outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center review using a prospectively collected database, including patients with rectal ESD resections larger than 10 cm, between January 2016 and December 2021. Clinical, procedural, and pathological data were collected and analyzed. Revision of the literature for comparison with international results was done through PubMed. Data were analyzed and statistical analysis performed, using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, to identify significant risk factors. Results The study included 15 rectal resections, with a mean diameter of 140.9 mm (range 105–270), corresponding to lesions of 125.9 mm (87–238). The overall en bloc resection rate was 100% (n = 15). According to ESGE criteria, procedure was considered curative in 53.3% (n = 8), non-curative with high risk in 13.3% (n = 2), and local-risk recurrence in 33.3% (n = 5). Adverse events occurred in 26.7% (n = 4): 1 minor perforation and 3 stenosis, most endoscopically managed. For non-curative resections with local-risk recurrence, surveillance without adjuvant therapy was performed in all cases. For high-risk non-curative resections, surgery was performed in 1 patient and adjuvant chemoradiation therapy in another. Follow-up (mean 16 months) demonstrated a recurrence rate of 0%. Statistical analysis revealed resection size ≥20 cm as a risk factor for perforation (p value 0.067), and involvement of ≥90% of the circumference and procedural time ≥4 h as risk factors for stenosis (p value 0.029 and 0.009, respectively). Conclusions Although challenging, ESD for giant lesions seems effective and safe, with a still relevant rate of complications, which were mostly endoscopically treated. Rigorous characterization of lesions is crucial to predict and avoid complications or the need for therapy escalation.
Sigma Coordinate Pressure Gradient Errors: Evaluation and Reduction by an Inverse Method

Abstract Sigma coordinate models currently suffer from the difficulty encountered in specifying the horizontal pressure gradient. Most of the efforts to reduce this truncation error lead to the loss of at least one integral constraint in the pressure gradient scheme (energy, tracer balance, etc.). Starting from a usual Arakawa-based scheme, it is shown that judicious adjustment of the sigma surfaces together with control of the bottom topography slope parameter and an “optimal modification” of the measured initial pressure field lead to a drastic reduction in the truncation errors. The first experiment is based on a coastal academic domain in order to compare the results of the proposed inverse method with published data. A few experiments are then conducted on the eastern part of the Gulf of Lions in the Mediterranean using data from the Suivilion experiment.
Reconstruction of the Sizes of Spherical Particles from Their Shadow Images. Part I: Theoretical Considerations

Abstract Imaging optical array probes (OAPs) have become conventional instruments in studies of cloud microphysics. Previous works have shown that the error particle sizing in OAPs may reach 100%. Correcting the particle size measurements is not a trivial task, since the error depends on its size and distance from the object plane. A new technique for the size reconstruction of spherical particles from its measured image is introduced here. This technique also enables the retrieval of the particle position along the depth of field in the sample volume. The essence of the algorithm consists in the deduction of size and position from the relationships between the size of the Poisson spots and the geometrical dimensions of the image. The retrieval technique has been tested on the simulated discrete binary diffraction images of spherical particles, similar to those produced by OAPs. The images were modeled using the Fresnel diffraction approximation. It is demonstrated that the new algorithm can be applied to.
Control of Magnetic Anisotropy by Micro-patterning Magnetic Thin Films.

Micro-patterned narrow parallel rectangles of soft magnetic fims shift the intrinsic ferromagnetic resonance frequency of the fims toward higher frequency ranges because of the increase in shape anisotropy energy. As a results, loss generation at the intrinsic ferromagnetic resonance frequency can be decreased. The hard axis of magnetization of a single film substrate can be bi-directional if bi-directional parallel rectangles are micro-fabricated. This is quite useful in enhancing the inductance of magnetic thin-film inductors and transformers having rectangle planar spiral coils; the direction of the magnetic hard axis of the film and parallel each other at each leg of the spiral.
Analysis of Household Fuelwood Consumption as Cooking Energy and the Implications on the Environment: A Case of Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

This study analysed households fuelwood consumption as domestic cooking energy source and the implications on the environment in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and forty (240) respondents were selected using multistage sampling procedure to elicit information for the study. Primary data for the study was garnered with the use of structured questionnaires and interview schedule and was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that the majority (81%) of the household heads were males with a mean age of 40 years. 83% of the respondents were married and had at least one form of education with secondary education having the highest share of 49%. The average household size of the respondents was 7 persons with majority (52%) of them taken to farming as their main occupation The mean monthly income of the respondents was N43,150. Majority (79%) of the respondents use firewood as their main fuel source for cooking which they obtained mostly at no cost from the forests (44%) and their farmlands (37%). The average cost price of a bundle of firewood stood at N200 in the study area while that of kerosene is N750/litre in the study area. Charcoal is sold at N2500/50kg bag (N50/kg), electricity, N61.5/kwh and gas, N780/kg. The average consumption level of fuelwood by respondents was estimated at 3 bundles daily. The result reveals that lack of cheaper energy alternatives (88%), large family sizes (84%), easy availability (77%) were the main reasons given by the respondents for fuelwood consumption over other sources. The perceived environmental effects of fuelwood utilization were; deforestation (75%), global warming (57%), Indoor and outdoor pollution (53%), and violent windstorms (46%), among others. Marital status, educational status, household size, monthly income and cost of Gas significantly influenced the consumption of fuelwood by households. The study recommends use of alternative and clean energy sources should be encouraged and the corresponding alternative energy technologies made available and affordable to residents to reduce the overreliance of households on the use of traditional energy carriers such as firewood and charcoal, thereby reducing their negative impact on health and environmental degradation. Tree planting campaigns should be embarked upon by both residents and relevant authorities to replenish the depleted forest resources and for their sustainability.
Subcritical instability on the attachment-line of an infinite swept wing

The leading-edge contamination (LEC) problem of an infinite swept wing is shown here as vortex-induced instability. The governing equation for receptivity is presented for LEC in terms of disturbance energy based on the Navier–Stokes equation. The unperturbed shear layer given by the swept Hiemenz boundary-layer solution is two-dimensional and an exact solution of incompressible the Navier–Stokes equation. Thus, the LEC problem is solved numerically by solving the full two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equation. The contamination at the attachment-line is shown by solving a receptivity to a convecting vortex moving outside the attachment-line boundary layer, which triggers subcritical spatio-temporal instability. The mechanism of LEC is shown to be due essentially to a convecting counter-clockwise rotating vortex, whereas a clockwise rotating vortex displays much weaker receptivity. These results are consistent with experimental results for the bypass mechanism. The role of linear and nonlinear mechanisms in the contamination problem is discussed as interactions between vorticity and velocity terms of the developed receptivity equation. The computed temporal growth rates reveal pattern formation during such instabilities. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the numerical solution shows the structure of the leading eigenvector as the coherent eddy excited during the bypass transition.
Examining Predictors of Psychological Well-Being among University Students: A Descriptive Comparative Study across Thailand and Singapore

Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) is a significant indicator of positive psychology. Thus far, the predictors of PWB are not well-understood among university students in Asian countries. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between PWB and its predictors (stress, resilience, mindfulness, self-efficacy, and social support) in Thai and Singaporean undergraduates. Stress is perceived to have a negative influence on PWB, but mindfulness, resilience, self-efficacy, and social support indicate positive influences. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive predictive research design was used with 966 Thai and 696 Singaporean university students. After calculating an adequate sample size and performing convenience sampling, we administered the following six standard scales: the Perceived Stress Scale, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Mindfulness Awareness Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Psychological Well-being Scale, along with a demographic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were performed for participants’ PWB. Results: Mindfulness had significant effects on both factors of PWB, including autonomy and growth, and cognitive triad, across two samples. In the Thai sample, resilience most strongly predicted autonomy and growth and perceived stress did so the cognitive triad, whereas in the Singaporean sample, perceived control most strongly predicted autonomy and growth and support from friends did so the cognitive triad. Conclusion: These findings provide specific knowledge towards enhancing psychosocial interventions and promoting PWB to strengthen mindfulness, resilience, perceived control of stress, and social support.
Hubble Space Telescope FOS spectroscopy of the ultrashort-period dwarf nova WZ Sagittae: The underlying degenerate

Two consecutive Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Faint Object Spectrograph (FOS) spectra of the exposed white dwarf in the ultrashort-period, high-amplitude, dwarf nova WZ Sge, reveal a rich absorption line spectrum of neutron carbon and ionized metals, the Stark-broadened Lyman-alpha absorption wing, the H2 quasi-molecular Lyman-alpha 'satellite' absorption line, and a double-peaked C IV emission line which is variable with orbital phase. A synthetic spectral analysis of the white dwarf yields T(sub eff) = 14,900 K +/- 250 K, log g = 8.0. In order to fit the strongest C I absorption lines and account for the weakness of the silicon absorption lines, the abundance of carbon in the photosphere must be approximately 0.5 solar, silicon abundance is 5 x 10(exp -3) solar, with all other metal species appearing to be 0.1-0.001 times solar. The H2 quasi-molecular absorption is fitted very successfully. The photospheric metals have diffusion timescales of fractions of a year, and thus they must have been accreted long after the 1978 December outburst. The source of the most abundance metal, carbon, is considered. If the time-averaged accretion rate during quiescence is low enough for diffusive equilibrium to prevail, then the equilibrium accretion rate pf neutron carbon is 7 x 10(exp -16) solar mass/yr. A convective dredge-up origin for the concentration of carbon is extremely unlikely, given that the white dwarf atmosphere is H-rich while in single degenerates showing carbon and hydrogen, the C and H are trace elements in a helium background. Additional implications are explored.
Rural community dependency on woodland resources: the case of Foley and Makomoto settlements in Central-East Botswana

ABSTRACT The unsustainable exploitation of savanna woodland resources in Botswana threatens the capabilities of the ecosystem to provide goods and services that are vital to rural household livelihoods, hence affecting the ecosystem sustainability and rural livelihoods. Therefore, this study documented the levels of rural households’ dependence on and socio-economic factors contributing to woodland resource dependency in Foley and Makomoto localities. Data was obtained in 92 sampled households using semi-structured questionnaires. The probit model was used to predict factors contributing to woodland resource dependency. Results established that rural household adapted various portfolios of livelihood activities which contribute to household income. Furthermore, woodland resources have a great significance to rural households’ well-being. The results show that the income derived from the woodland resources constitutes 58% in Makomoto and 43% in Foley of the total household income. The econometric results revealed that education, place of residence, non-agricultural income and household size significantly influenced the dependence on woodland resources . Woodland dependency decreased with educational level and non-agricultural income. Hence, a need to promote education and non-farming enterprises in rural communities. To combat unsustainable exploitation of the woodland resources, this study recommends the introduction of a community monitoring tool to rural communities.