Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Storylines of UK drought based on the 2010–2012 event

Abstract. Spatially extensive multi-year hydrological droughts cause significant environmental stress. Given the impacts of climate change, the UK is expected to remain vulnerable to future multi-year droughts. Existing approaches to quantify hydrological impacts of climate change are often scenario-driven and may miss out plausible outcomes with significant impacts. Event-based storyline approaches aim to quantify storylines of how observed events could hypothetically have unfolded in alternative ways. This study uses the 2010–2012 drought, the most recent period of severe hydrological drought in the UK, as a basis, and analyses counterfactual storylines based on changes to 1) precondition severity, 2) temporal drought sequence, and 3) climate change. Evidence from multiple storylines shows that maximum intensity, mean deficit and duration of the 2010–2012 drought were highly conditioned by its meteorological preconditions, particularly for northern catchments at shorter time scales. Recovery time from progressively drier preconditions reflect both spatial variation in drought conditions and the role of physical catchment characteristics, particularly hydrogeology in the propagation of multi-year droughts. Two plausible storylines of an additional dry year with dry winter conditions repeated either before the observed drought or replacing the observed dramatic drought termination confirm the vulnerability of UK catchments to a three dry winter scenario. Applying the UKCP18 climate projections, we find that drought conditions worsen with global warming with a mitigation of drought conditions by wetter winters in northern catchments at high warming levels. Comparison of the storylines with a benchmark drought (1975–76) and a protracted multi-year drought (1989–93) shows that for each storyline, drought conditions could have matched and exceeded those experienced during the past droughts at catchments across the UK, particularly for southern catchments. The construction of storylines based on observed events can complement existing methods to stress test UK catchments against plausible unrealized droughts.
Opposition in times of crisis: COVID-19 in parliamentary debates

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic presents an exceptional crisis situation not only for governments, but also for politicians in opposition. This article analyses opposition party expressed sentiment vis-à-vis government actions and policies during the first six months of 2020. Based on an original content analysis of parliamentary debates in four established parliamentary democracies (Germany, Israel, Netherlands, United Kingdom), relatively positive opposition expressed sentiment in parliament early on during the crisis is observed, in line with a ‘rally effect’ observed in public opinion. Sentiment turned more negative as the first wave of the crisis abated. Larger opposition parties with considerable prior government experience were more positive than larger parties without such experience.
The contemporary challenge of activism as curriculum work

ABSTRACT The history of Australian mass schooling has seen contestations over school and curriculum purposes, zig-zagging across conservative and progressive directions. In this paper, we examine how possibilities for students to have ‘voice’, ‘participation’ and ‘leadership’ in their learning are currently limited in Australia. Policy framings, we argue, dampen potentials for connecting young people’s democratic and activist impulses – manifest, in our example, in the Schools Strike for Climate movement – with curriculum activity that responds to local-global challenges such as the viral-ecological crisis. We propose an activist curriculum praxis wherein young people undertake action-research – in collaboration with diverse community actors, teachers and academics – on problems that matter for local-global future life with others. Since local-global emergencies are emergent, curriculum must build citizen-capacities to work together, apprenticing to problems that matter for social futures, creating emergently needed knowledge-in-action. This participatory-democratic curriculum approach challenges schools to become more socially just and proactive institutions.
When the weak are mighty: A t
 wo‐sided
 matching approach to alliance performance

s Research Summary: Network centrality is an important determinant of alliance performance. However, estimating how each alliance member's centrality affects alliance performance is challenging because the end market might value each partner's contribution differently. We solve this empirical question with a two-sided matching model that accounts for the partners' endogenous selection and estimates the effect of each side's centrality and input quality on performance. We implement the method in the novel context of the Thoroughbred horse industry, in foal-sharing alliances between buyers and suppliers. We find that buyer centrality has a larger marginal effect on the alliance performance than the supplier centrality because buyers, who on average are less central in our context, are more likely to diffuse valuable information to the end market. Managerial Summary: Alliance partners often strug-gle with identifying what their contributions and their partner's contribution are to the alliance performance. We use a new method to identify each side's contribution to their alliance. Our findings offer a few recom-mendations to firms forming similar alliances. First, we find that the less central partner in the business network has greater impact on the alliance performance due to their ability to diffuse more valuable information to the market. Second, our results suggest that product input quality that is relatively unknown impacts alliance performance more than low and average quality. Alliance partners may benefit more from experimenting with unknown inputs. Third, more central actors may reduce spending on mass communica-tions if valuable information comes to the market through their less central partners.
Oscillator strengths and integral cross-sections of the valence-shell excitations of CH3Cl studied by fast electron scattering

The generalized oscillator strengths (GOSs) of the valence-shell excitations of CH3Cl have been determined at an incident electron energy of 1500 eV and an energy resolution of about 70 meV. The momentum transfer dependence behaviors of the GOSs of the valence-shell excitations have been carefully analyzed, and the A band shows a strong dipole-forbidden characteristic. By extrapolating the GOSs to the limit of a zero squared momentum transfer, the optical oscillator strengths have been obtained, which provide an independent cross-check for the previous experimental and theoretical results. The BE-scaled integral cross sections (where B is the binding energy and E is the excitation energy) of the valence-shell excitations of CH3Cl have been derived systematically from the threshold to 5000 eV with the aid of a BE-scaling method. The results provide the fundamental spectroscopic data of CH3Cl and have important applications in photochemical modeling for atmospheric physics.
Preoperative physical activity and functional performance levels are predictors of acute postoperative outcomes in a private South African colorectal cancer cohort

Background For patients with colorectal cancer, surgical resection of the primary tumour remains the best treatment option. Surgery for colorectal cancer is being performed on patients who would previously not have been considered as suitable candidates. It remains to be seen which factors influence hospital length of stay (LOS) and the development of acute postoperative complications in South African patients. Objectives The objectives of our study were to determine the modifiable factors that influence patients’ development of postoperative complications and hospital LOS and, to identify the types of postoperative complications that develop. Method A retrospective review and secondary analysis of information in an existing database of patients with colorectal cancer were conducted. Regression analysis statistics were used to determine the predictors of postoperative outcomes. The level of significance at which testing was performed was set at 5% (p ≤ 0.05). Results Data of 125 patients were included. Surgical site infections and postoperative paralytic ileus were the most frequently reported postoperative complications. Preoperative vigorous-intensity physical activity (p = 0.048, β = -0.000) and functional performance status (p = 0.05, β = 0.926) significantly predicted hospital LOS and the incidence of postoperative complications, respectively. Conclusion Preoperative physical activity and functional performance levels are predictors of acute postoperative outcomes in a private South African cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. Future research which includes other modifiable factors is required to make informed suggestions for changes in clinical practice. Clinical implications Patients requiring surgery for colorectal cancer should be screened for signs of physical deconditioning and referred for physiotherapy intervention before elective surgery to optimise their recovery.
The Influence of Finasteride on the Development of Prostate Cancer

This chapter describes the design, main findings, relevance, and limitations of the landmark Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT), which randomized men to finasteride versus placebo and followed them for 7 years. It found a major reduction in prostate cancer incidence but also a higher proportion of high-risk cancer in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. The study did not address the more important oncological outcomes of disease-specific and overall survival. Secondary analyses of PCPT outcomes favored the finasteride arm and suggested that the risk of high-risk cancer is not increased. Linkage analysis of participants from PCPT to Medicare claims data suggested no adverse long-term cardiac, endocrine, or sexual effects.
Excess Volatility in Bitcoin: Extreme Value Volatility Estimation

This article investigates the excess volatility in Bitcoin prices using an unbiased extreme value volatility estimator. We capture the time-varying nature of the excess volatility using bootstrap, multi-horizon, sub-sampling and rolling-window approaches. We observe that Bitcoin price changes are almost efficient. Although Bitcoin prices exhibit high volatility and show signs of excess volatility for a few periods, it is decreasing over time. After controlling for the outliers, we also notice that the Bitcoin market shows signs of increasing maturity. Overall, Bitcoin prices show a sign of increasing efficiency with decreasing volatility. Our findings have implications for investors making investment decisions and for regulators making policy choices.
Embodiment during the postpartum period: How bodily experience shapes parent’s understanding

ABSTRACT During the postpartum period, the bond with the infant is starting to take shape, as the emotional world of the mother is being formed by the bodily experiences. The current study uses the mother’s point of view to describe how psycho-physical experiences shape the process of becoming a mother. A qualitative-phenomenological approach was taken, and 12 first-time mothers were documented through a semi-constructed interview, and a recall interview. Results indicated, referring to the beginning of motherhood, that: (1) bodily sensations have powerful and surprising meanings for mothers, (2) physical identification with the infant constitutes a platform for awareness about the infant, and (3) conflicting bodily experiences stimulate difficulty and joy simultaneously. The findings deepen the understanding of the way bodily experiences shape the satisfaction from being a parent. The importance of the mother awareness to physical processes and to the connection between them and mental processes is discussed.
Training programmes for practitioners in sexual health promotion: an integrative literature review of evaluations

ABSTRACT This paper reports on findings from an integrative literature review of evaluation studies undertaken into sexual health promotion preparation programmes aimed at professionals with a sexual health promotion remit. Using a pre-defined search strategy, inclusion criteria and PRISMA guidelines, databases were systematically searched. Studies were screened and those included were quality assessed. Twenty-seven relevant studies were identified. Thematic analysis showed programmes were diverse in terms of how they had been developed, the content included, approaches to evaluation and outcomes identified. Evaluations showed participation in a training programme encouraged participants to feel more comfortable and confident to discuss sexual health within their role and more likely to introduce sexual health into client discussions. The types of programmes and evaluation approaches were diverse making direct comparison between them challenging. There should be agreed core outcome impact measures for sexual health education programmes in the areas of knowledge, comfort, skills and changes to practice, to allow for more direct comparison in future evaluation studies.
Attitude and its Associated Factors Among Adults Towards Traditional Eye Medicine in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia

Background Traditional medicines are commonly practiced in Africa. It is believed to be alternative health care used in the developing world. It is a more widely available and affordable alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. In Africa, about 13.2–82.3% of the population utilizes traditional eye medicine. This study aimed to assess attitude and its associated factors among adults towards traditional eye medicine in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 study participants using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 computer software. Association and strength between the outcome variable and independent variables were determined using the odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval. Results A total of 633 subjects were included in the study with a 95 % response rate. From the total study subjects, 292 (48.7 %) (95% CI: 44.7–52.7%)) had a good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Variables like being male (AOR = 2.00(95% CI: 1.23–2.68)), family history of traditional eye medicine use (AOR = 3.31(95% CI: 2.01–5.47)), availability of traditional healer (AOR = 1.81(95% CI: 1.12–2.95)) and absence of health insurance (AOR = 1.63(95% CI: 1.14–2.55)) were variables significantly associated with good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Conclusion The result of this study shows that attitude towards traditional eye medicine use for the treatment of eye disease was fairly good. It indicates that almost half of the study participants had a good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Even though the attitude is fairly good, still it needs improvement. Male sex, family history of traditional eye medicine use, availability of traditional healers, and absence of health insurance had a statistically significant relationship with good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Community awareness creation through the joint up effort by the health ministry of Ethiopia and traditional healers about traditional eye medicine use can help to build the right perception and reduce the risk of complications.
Hemoglobin and Cholesterol Affect Apparent Tacrolimus Clearance in Pediatric Transplant Recipients – a Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic index with substantial interand intra-patient variability. Factors beyond genetic and developmental factors are poorly understood. Recent adult studies suggest that hemoglobin affects the apparent clearance (CL/F), whereas this and other potential factors in children are understudied. Methods: After ethics approval, we performed a single center retrospective cohort study of pediatric renal transplant recipients, who were followed between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2018. Patients without tacrolimus therapy or concomitant sirolimus were excluded. The aim was to show the impact of hemoglobin, albumin, cholesterol and HDL on the apparent tacrolimus clearance (CL/F = Dose/AUC). Data were collected from electronic health record. We used 12-point pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. Results: Thirty-three patients were included. Median age at transplantation was 10 years, 52% were female, the median tacrolimus area under the curve (AUC) was 133 ng*h/mL. CL/F mainly correlated with hemoglobin (n=1,257, r=-0.3767, p<0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (n=236, r=-0.3973, p<0.0001) and total cholesterol (n=373, r=-0.1821, p=0.0004). Conclusion: The present study suggests a moderate impact of the biochemical factors studied in the tacrolimus CL/F. Lower hemoglobin seems to increase it, while higher cholesterol decreases it. Physicians should be aware of this association during the TDM follow up.
Students’ thinking process at the level of analysis in understanding square concept

Mathematics is important in all aspects of life. However, many students have problems understanding math problems, especially understanding the concept of geometry. Therefore, this study aims to describe the thinking process of students at the level of analysis in understanding the square concept. This research uses a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques were carried out by tests, interviews, and documentation. The research instrument used was the researcher, VHGT, test questions, and interview guidelines. The data source consisted of research subjects, namely two students of grade 8 with a level of analysis. The schematic of the square that S1 has built includes a square that has 4 sides and 4 angles. S1 undergoes an assimilation process when finding that a rectangle has 4 sides and 4 angles, where this property also belongs to square. S1 experiences a disequilibrium during the assimilation process when thinking that a rectangle is the same as a square visually. S1 experiences accommodation when it is found that squares and rectangles have different properties. S1 experiences a disequilibrium when understanding that the properties of a square and the properties of a rectangle are different. S2 experiences a disequilibrium during the assimilation process, which assumes that a rhombus is equal to a square. S2 experiences an accommodation process when understanding that a rhombus is not the same as a square. S2 experiences equilibrium when able to differentiate between a square and a rhombus.
Online Pre-Treatment of Thermomechanical Pulp with Emulsified Maleated Polypropylene for Processing of Extruded Thermoplastic Composites

The effectiveness of maleated polypropylene (MAPP) in emulsified form for the pre-treatment of thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) before extrusion with polypropylene fibres was evaluated. MAPP in pellet form, which was applied during the compounding step, served as a benchmark. In addition, commercial softwood flour was included as a reference. The influence of the temperature during the defibration process and the presence or absence of the coupling agent on composite performance were evaluated. Composites were processed with a high wood content of 70 wt. %, which is common for extruded profiles. It was found that TMP based on Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) conferred higher strength properties to the composites compared to TMP based on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), which was attributed to the higher length/diameter ratio of fibres in Robinia. However, under the conditions of this study, strength properties were superior and water uptake and swelling were reduced when wood flour was used instead of TMP. On the other hand, in many formulations, larger improvements in flexural and tensile strength due to MAPP were found for the TMP-based composites compared to the wood flour-based composites. This could be due to the larger surface/volume ratio for TMP compared to wood flour and more efficient stress transfer from fibres to the matrix. Results from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that TMP surfaces were more hydrophobic than wood flour due to coverage with lignin, which reduced the effectiveness of MAPP. Esterification between the emulsified MAPP and fibre surfaces was determined using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, but some non-activated maleic anhydride remained. Under the conditions of this study, MAPP added during compounding provided better performance compared to MAPP which included a non-ionic emulsifier and which was added during the refining process. Lower temperature (150 °C) during defibration was shown to be beneficial for the strength properties of composites compared to high temperature (180 °C) when MAPP was included in the formulations.
The effect of application of transverse rumble strips on traffic noise levels

Transverse rumble strips (TRS) are widely used by local authorities to reduce vehicle speed and to alert the driver of road conditions ahead. This study investigated the application and effects of installation of TRS on the roadway to the traffic noise climate condition. The evaluations were carried out through changes in noise levels and changes in traffic noise index (TNI) which indicate the dissatisfaction. The samplings were performed at a road installed with two types of TRS which has most noise complaints, located at a highway that passes through a rural area of South Malaysia. Results show that TRS increase the sound level indices LAeq, L10, L90 significantly and also increase the TNI values. All TNI values exceed the value intended for planning purposes. Therefore, engineers should compromise the environmental effects and the role of TRS as a tool in safety aspect.
Moisture content and mechanical properties reduction of hard capsules upon prolong drying process

Drying is a traditional preservation method to control the properties and quality of pharmaceutical product such as hard capsule. In this study, carrageenan and nanocellulose (NC) solution were mixed with crosslinker and toughening agents in the formulation solution and dipped for hard capsule formation. The dipping bar was dried at different drying times from 40-60 minutes in an oven. The properties of carrageenan hard capsule were compared with commercial hard capsule materials which were gelatine and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Prolong drying time decreased the moisture content and hydroxyl group absorbance of carrageenan hard capsule up to 20 % and 2%, respectively. The mechanical properties of the hard capsule sample reduced about 19.2 % due to reduction of intermolecular interaction between carrageenan, crosslinker and NC. Increment drying time leads to tissue shrinkage in carrageenan hard capsule thus collapse the biocomposite structure and mechanical properties. Gelatine and HPMC hard capsules had lower moisture content and higher mechanical strength and thermal properties as compared to carrageenan hard capsule. As the drying time increase, case hardening phenomena collapses the structure and change the structure chain in the biocomposite.
Determinants of Profitability in Indonesian Islamic Banking: Case Study in the COVID-19 Period

With a high level of COVID-19 virus spread throughout the world, Indonesia is one of the countries in Southeast Asia affected by the largest transmission chain. This affects various layers of the industry in this country, one of which is financial institutions and the banking system. This paper tries to look at the performance of Islamic banking in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the linear regression method, the authors use ROA as the dependent variable. Whereas CAR, NPF, FDR, and BOPO as independent variables. The results show that CAR and BOPO have significant results while the rest do not show satisfactory results. It can be concluded that during the pandemic, Islamic banking experienced a pretty good and convincing performance.