Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
in continuous

We propose an optimal test procedure for testing the marginal density functions of a class of nonlinear diffusion processes + The proposed test is not only an optimal one but also avoids undersmoothing + An adaptive test is constructed , and its asymptotic properties are investigated + To show the asymptotic properties , we establish some general results for moment inequalities and asymptotic distributions for strictly stationary processes under the a -mixing condition + These results are applicable to some other estimation and testing of strictly stationary processes with the a -mixing condition + An example of implementation is given to demonstrate that the proposed model specification procedure is applicable to economic and financial model specification and can be implemented in practice + To ensure the applicability and implementation , we propose a computer-intensive simulation scheme for the choice of a suitable bandwidth involved in the kernel estimation and also a simulated critical value for the proposed adaptive test + Our finite sample studies support both the proposed theory and the simulation procedure +
Gender-Equitable Parental Decision Making and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration in Bangladesh

∗Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA. ∗∗Department of Sociology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, England. ∗∗∗Department of Psychology, Emory University, 26 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA. ∗∗∗∗International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh. ∗∗∗∗∗Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA (kyount@emory.edu).
(2020). Carrier-based Closed-loop DC-link Voltage Balancing Algorithm for Four Level NPC Converters based on Redundant Level Modulation. IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. https://

—Four-level neutral-point-clamped (NPC) multilevel converter topologies have been proposed and actively studied for low/medium voltage applications. As an inherent issue with these topologies, the voltage balancing of dc-link capacitors is challenging, especially when it operates as a single-end inverter/rectifier with high power factors and high modulation indexes. This paper proposes a closed-loop voltage balancing algorithm that is effective and simple to implement with regular level-shifter carriers for a four-level NPC converter, e.g. a π -type converter. This approach is based on the Redundant Level Modulation (RLM), which utilizes one additional voltage level in one switching cycle to gain extra controllability of the capacitor voltages without distorting/undermining the fundamental-frequency output voltage. An algorithm based on analytical expressions and logical operations is developed to achieve a dynamic closed-loop voltage balancing with RLM. The proposed method is effective over the full span of linear modulation indexes ( M = 0 ~ 1.15) and power factors. The proposed algorithm is validated and evaluated in both simulations and experiments.
Federico Etro Endogenous Market Structures and International Trade. I: Theory

With strategic interactions and endogenous entry in a market, opening up to trade creates gains under very general conditions. Under Dixit-Stiglitz preferences and Cournot (or Bertrand) competition, an expansion of the market size induces exit of domestic firms, lower prices and larger production of the surviving firms due to competition from more foreign firms, without resorting to selection effects à la Melitz. This holds also in a 2x2x2 Heckscher-Ohlin model with Cournot (or Bertrand) competition in a sector. I study heterogenous preferences between countries as a source of trade: the country with a relative preference for the differentiated goods becomes a net importer of them facing radical business destruction. Finally, I extend the model to cost heterogeneity à la Melitz. In all cases, the elasticity of the number of firms to market size decreases wit h the substitutability between goods and reaches 1/2 under Cournot co mpetition with homogenous goods.
Democratic Legitimacy or Regional Representation: Support for Upper Chamber Reform in Scotland and Quebec

This paper studies support for upper chamber reforms in multinational countries. In his seminal work on the topic, Lijphart (1984) argues that the upper chamber can be used to accommodate minority groups. However, to date, we still know very little about the perception of minority populations of this institution. We explore this topic building upon an original survey experiment conducted in Scotland and Quebec, where there has been a recent debate about reforming the upper chamber. The results demonstrate that the national minorities in the UK and Canada strongly support a reform of the upper chamber. Also, we find that a reform that would increase the democratic legitimacy of the institution is more popular than one that would foster the regional representation of the minority group, even among respondents who report a strong regional identity.
Cage aquaculture : regional reviews and global overview

This document contains nine papers on cage aquaculture including a global overview, one country review for China, and seven regional reviews for Asia (excluding China), northern Europe, the Mediterranean, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America and Oceania, all of which were presented during the FAO Special Session on Cage Aquaculture - Regional Reviews and Global Overview at the Asian Fisheries Society Second International Symposium on Cage Aquaculture in Asia (CAA2), held in Hangzhou, China, from 3 to 8 July 2006.Each review, by geographic region, gives information about the history and origin of cage aquaculture; provides detailed information on the current situation; outlines the major regional issues and challenges; and highlights specific technical, environmental, socio-economic and marketing issues that cage aquaculture faces and/or needs to address in the future. The review recognizes the tremendous importance of cage aquaculture today and its key role for the future growth of the aquaculture sector.
Phylogeographic Inference of Insular Mule Deer ( Odocoileus Hemionus ) Divergence in North America's Desert Southwest

ii List of Figures vii List of Figures (Supplementary) viii List of Tables ix List of Tables (Supplementary) x Acknowledgements xi Chapter 1 – Introduction Fossil record of Odocoileus spp. in Mexico 1 Mule deer distribution and desert ecology 2 Desert southwest subspecies 3 Tiburon Island mule deer 3 Cedros Island mule deer 4 Insular deer morphology 5 Mule deer from San Jose Island 6 Chapter 2 – Phylogeographic inference of insular mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) divergence in North America’s desert southwest Introduction 7 Methods 12 Taxonomic sampling 12 Historical DNA precautions 13 Extraction methods 14 Markers and PCR conditions 15 Molecular diversity and variation partitioning indices 17 Lineage inference with networking and phylogenetic analyses 19 Demographic and lineage divergence estimations 21 Results 23 Museum samples and authenticity 23 Molecular diversity and variation partitioning indices 24 Lineage inference with networking and phylogenetic analyses 26 Demographic and lineage divergence estimations 28
SMOS RETRIEVALS OF VEGETATION OPTICAL DEPTH OVER A VARIETY OF LAND USE: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

OF LAND USE: TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS Yann H. Kerr, Philippe Richaume, Jean Pierre Wigneron, Ahmad Al Bitar, Arnaud Mailon, Jennifer Grant, Heather Lawrence *, Paolo Ferrazzoli, Rachid Rahmoune, Ali Mahmoodi Centre d’Etudes Spatiales de la Biosphère, Toulouse, France 2 INRA EPHYSE Bordeaux France Lund University, Lund, Sweden 4 Tor Vergata University Rome Italy 5 Array Systems, Toronto Canada *Now at ECMWF, Reading UK
University of Birmingham Viscoelastic properties of mitral valve leaflets:

The aim of this study was to determine the regional variation in viscoelastic properties of mitral valve leaflets over a range of physiological and patho-physiological frequencies. This included comparisons to be made between anterior and posterior leaflets, anterior leaflet clear and rough zones, and radial and circumferential leaflet orientation. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) was used to determine frequency-dependent viscoelastic properties. The valve leaflets were dissected from eight porcine hearts. The leaflets were loaded under a sinusoidal tensile displacement, with a mean dynamic peak to trough strain of 11%, applied to all leaflet samples at 9 different frequencies, ranging from 0.5 to 10 Hz. The anterior leaflet has higher storage and loss stiffness than the posterior leaflet. The storage stiffness of circumferential tissue is greater than that of radially orientated valve tissue (2.0 ± 1.6 N/mm cf. 1.7 ± 0.9 N/mm; p < 0.05); however, the loss stiffness is greater for radial tissue (0.15 ± 0.07 cf. 0.14 ± 0.09 N/mm; p < 0.05). Likewise, the storage stiffness of the anterior leaflet clear zone is greater than that of the rough zone (2.4 ± 1.6 cf. 2.1 ± 1.2; p < 0.05), but the loss stiffness is greater for the rough zone (0.17 ± 0.09 N/mm cf. 0.14 ± 0.08 N/mm; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the viscoelastic properties of porcine mitral valve leaflets have regional variations, with dynamic stiffness being dependent on circumferential or radial orientation and on location at a clear or rough zones.
R&D spending intensity of private versus public firms: the role of cashflow, leverage and information quality

Purpose : This study provides a large sample comparison of R&D spending intensity in private and public firms and the extent to which these firms’ unique characteristics affect their R&D spending rate. Design/method/approach : The study compares both private and public data from UK firms for the period 2006-2016, generating a total matched 232,029 firm-year observations, and applies a probability model technique to our large panel datasets. Findings : We uncover that private firms show lower R&D spending intensity compared to their public counterparts. Our evidence also shows that privately owned firms in the technological (non-technological) sector display higher (lower) probability of R&D spending intensity. Compared with public firms, we further observe that the intensity of private firms’ R&D spending increases with higher internal cash flow, leverage, and industry information quality. Our results remain robust to alternative econometric models. Originality/value : By combining both private and public firms’ datasets, we are able to provide new evidence to suggest that the intensity of private firms’ R&D spending is dependent on internal cash flow, leverage and the industry information level. In fact, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that explores these relationships.
Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Pediatric Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a public health problem that affects children. Although continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is effective, the CPAP adherence rate in children is varied. This study aimed to evaluate the CPAP adherence rate and factors associated with CPAP adherence in children with OSA using a systematic review. Methods The inclusion criteria were observational studies conducted in children with OSA and assessed adherence of CPAP using objective evaluation. The literature search was performed in four databases. Meta-analysis using fixed-effect model was conducted to combine results among included studies. Results In all, 34 studies that evaluated adherence rate and predictors of CPAP adherence in children with OSA were included, representing 21,737 patients with an average adherence rate of 46.56%. There were 11 calculations of factors predictive of CPAP adherence: age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index, obesity, income, sleep efficiency, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), severity of OSA, residual AHI, and lowest oxygen saturation level. Three different factors were linked to children with adherence and non-adherence to CPAP: age, body mass index, and AHI. Conclusion The CPAP adherence rate in children with OSA was 46.56%. Young age, low body mass index, and high AHI were associated with acceptable CPAP adherence in children with OSA.
Agriculture, bioenergy, and water implications of constrained cereal trade and climate change impacts

International trade increases connections and dependencies between countries, weaving a network of global supply chains. Agricultural commodity trade has implications for crop producers, consumers, crop prices, water and land uses, and other human systems. Interconnections among these systems are not always easy to observe when external impacts penetrate across multiple sectors. To better understand the interactions of non-linear and globally coupled agricultural-bioenergy-water systems under the broader economy, we introduce systematic perturbations in two dimensions, one human (restrictions on agricultural trade) and the other physical (climate impacts on crop yields). We explore these independently and in combination to distinguish the consequences of individual perturbation and interactive effects in long-term projections. We show that most regions experience larger changes in cereal consumption due to cereal import dependency constraints than due to the impacts of climate change on agricultural yields. In the scenario where all regions ensure an import dependency ratio of zero, the global trade of cereals decreases ~50% in 2050 compared to the baseline, with smaller decreases in cereal production and consumption (4%). The changes in trade also impact water and bioenergy: global irrigation water consumption increases 3% and corn ethanol production decreases 7% in 2050. Climate change results in rising domestic prices and declining consumption of cereal crops in general, while the import dependency constraint exacerbates the situation in regions which import more cereals in the baseline. The individual and interactive effects of trade perturbations and climate change vary greatly across regions, which are also affected by the regional ability to increase agricultural production through intensification or extensification.
Serveur Académique Lausannois SERVAL serval.unil.ch

association Abstract Understanding why some people establish and maintain effective control of HIV-1 and others do not is a priority in the effort to develop new treatments for HIV/AIDS. Using a whole-genome association strategy, we identified polymorphisms that explain nearly 15% of the variation among individuals in viral load during the asymptomatic set-point period of infection. One of these is found within an endogenous retroviral element and is associated with major histocompatibility allele human leukocyte antigen ( HLA )– B*5701 , whereas a second is located near the HLA-C gene. An additional analysis results suggest two possible directions for therapeutic intervention. First, if HCP5 and contribute to the control associated with HLA-B*5701 , they could lead to therapeutic
Total oxidant and antioxidant status and paraoxonase 1 levels Total oxidant and antioxidant status and paraoxonase 1 levels ofchildren with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis ofchildren with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

In addition, serum PON1 levels were significantly higher in the patients [106.5 (42.5–154.2) U/L] than in the controls [47.7 (27.5–82.1) U/L] (P < 0.001). The patients with low FEV1 had decreased TAC when compared to those who had normal FEV1 in non-CF BE. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that compared with the control group the children with non-CF BE had elevated oxidative status, antioxidant defenses parameters, and PON1 values.
Toward Human-Understandable, Explainable AI

Recent increases in computing power, coupled with rapid growth in the availability and quantity of data have rekindled our interest in the theory and applications of artificial intelligence (AI). However, for AI to be confidently rolled out by industries and governments, users want greater transparency through explainable AI (XAI) systems. The author introduces XAI concepts, and gives an overview of areas in need of further exploration—such as type-2 fuzzy logic systems—to ensure such systems can be fully understood and analyzed by the lay user.
Computerized clinical decision support: a technology to implement and validate evidence based guidelines.

UNLABELLED Faced with a documented crisis of patients not receiving appropriate care, there is a need to implement and refine evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) to ensure that patients receive the best care available. Although valuable in content, among their deficiencies, EBGs do not provide explicit methods to bring proven therapies to the bedside. Computerized information technology, now an integral part of the US healthcare system at all levels, presents clinicians with information from laboratory, imaging, physiologic monitoring systems, and many other sources. It is imperative that we clinicians use this information technology to improve medical care and efficacy of its delivery. If we do not do this, nonclinicians will use this technology to tell us how to practice medicine. Computerized clinical decision support (CCDS) offers a powerful method to use this information and implement a broad range of EBGs. CCDS is a technology that can be used to develop, implement, and refine computerized protocols for specific processes of care derived from EBGs, including complex care provided in intensive care units. We describe this technology as a desirable option for the trauma community to use information technology and maintain the trauma surgeon/intensivist's essential role in specifying and implementing best care for patients. We describe a process of logical protocol development based on standardized clinical decision making to enable EBGs. The resulting logical process is readily computerized, and, when properly implemented, provides a stable platform for systematic review and study of the process and interventions. CONCLUSION : CCDS to implement and refine EBG derived computerized protocols offers a method to decrease variability, test interventions, and validate improved quality of care.
Development of a structural model for quality cultural heritage tourism

The aim of this research is to develop and test a theoretical model of quality cultural heritage tourism. It offers an integrated approach to understanding cultural heritage development and management of tourist destinations, and attempts to extend the theoretical and empirical evidence regarding causal relationships including quality of experience, perceived quality, satisfaction and behavioural intentions. The previous literature has already presented the relationship among perceived quality, quality of experience, satisfaction and behavioural intentions in cultural heritage tourism. However, there is a relative lack of academic interest, particularly in Macao. Thus, this research tries to investigate the quality and related constructs in cultural heritage tourism. It seeks to understand the major constructs considered by local stakeholders and visitors in evaluating the quality in cultural heritage tourism, the importance of the availability of quality in the overall experience, visitors‘ behaviour toward quality cultural heritage tourism and also the constructs related to quality. The methodological approach of this research includes qualitative and quantitative methods in the field research in Macao, China. Semi-structured interviews with Macao stakeholders and a questionnaire survey with Macao visitors were used for data collection. A structural model of the relationships between perceived quality, quality of experience, satisfaction and behavioural intentions was tested SEM used in quantitative study tested the validity, reliability and potential of the quality models developed from literature reviews and grounded theory.
Is the Indian Ocean MOC driven by internal wave breaking

This dissertation investigates the energetics of the Indian Ocean Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) using hydrographic data (Part I), and the interaction between a broad band internal wave field and a mean flow using idealized numerical simulations (Part II). The main objective of this work is to quantify how much energy is needed to drive the Indian Ocean MOC and to compare this with the energy available in the internal wave field. The turbulent dissipation needed to sustain the MOC is estimated by assuming a `mixing efficiency' of 0.2 and an advective-diffusive balance in neutral density layers. The advective transport of mass into this box-model is based on published estimates of the flow field at 32? S and the Indonesian Through-flow. A comparison of the large scale dissipation rates with estimates of the input of energy by the tides and the wind shows that most published overturning solutions require more energy than is likely to be available. This result suggests that energy budgets may be useful as constraints in inverse models. Estimates of turbulent dissipation due to internal wave breaking are inferred from in-situ observations of shear and strain using a fine scale parameterization. The isoneutral mean of the inferred internal wave dissipation rates is about one order of magnitude smaller than dissipation rates inferred from the large scale flow fields. This result appears robust when considering potential sampling biases in the internal wave observations and leads to the main conclusion of this work: the Indian Ocean MOC cannot primarily be driven by internal wave breaking. A preliminary investigation into other processes capable of dissipating energy in the ocean interior shows that the MOC may be closed by hydraulic turbulence in the numerous Fracture Zones in the Indian Ocean.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Drinking motives, alcohol use, and sexual attraction in youth

Sexual minority youth were found to be more likely to drink alcohol during weekdays compared to heterosexual youth. Drinking during weekdays was associated with consuming alcohol as a coping strategy. Sexual minority youth also more frequently consumed alcohol to eliminate personal worries (coping) and to not be excluded by their peers (conformity). Sexual orien-tation–related alcohol problems should be addressed at an early stage. Such efforts are likely to be effective if insecurities and stress related to sexual orientation are addressed as well. Same-sex-attracted youth have been shown to have higher rates of alcohol use than youth without same-sex attraction The minority stress and persons experience stressors a
Spectroscopic analysis and dynamics of dissolved organic carbon in an oil-palm plantation peatland in Riau Province, Indonesia

Drainage following peatland conversion into an oil palm plantation is always associated with carbon (C) loss, one of which is in the form of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The analytical procedure commonly used to determine DOC concentration applies the high-temperature combustion (HTC) technique, which requires expensive instruments. An alternative low-cost and faster procedure has been tested. This research aimed to determine and validate the most suitable UV-Vis spectrophotometer wavelength for estimating DOC concentration and evaluating its fluxes and spatial dynamics in an oil-palm plantation peatland in Riau Province, Indonesia. UV-Vis spectroscopic DOC determinations were done on the ground and canal-water samples at tested wavelengths of 254, 270, and 350 nm. The obtained absorbance data were then validated against reference DOC data resulting from applying the HTC technique using a Total Organic Carbon analyzer based on regression analysis. The most suitable UV-Vis spectroscopic wavelength for estimating DOC concentration was 350 nm. The DOC concentration in groundwater (35.67 ± 8.40 mg L -1 ) was