Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Which Method is More Reliable in Performing Model Modification: Lasso Regularization or Lagrange Multiplier Test?

ABSTRACT Data-driven model modification plays an important role for a statistical methodology to advance the understanding of subjective matters. However, when the sample size is not sufficiently large model modification using the Lagrange multiplier (LM) test has been found not performing well due to capitalization on chance. With the recent development of lasso regression in statistical learning, lasso regularization for structural equation modeling (SEM) may seem to be a method that could avoid capitalizing on chance in finding an adequate model. But there is little evidence validating the goodness of lasso SEM. The purpose of this article is to examine the performance of lasso SEM by comparing it against the LM test, aiming to answer the following five questions: (1) Can we trust the results of lasso SEM for model modification? (2) Does the performance of lasso SEM depend more on the effect size or the absolute value of the parameter? (3) Does lasso SEM perform better than the widely used LM test for model modification? (4) Are lasso SEM and LM test affected by nonnormally distributed data in practice? and (5) Do lasso SEM and LM test perform better with robustly transformed data? By addressing these questions with real data, results indicate that lasso SEM is unable to deliver the expected promises, and it does not perform better than the LM test.
Mean-Structure and Autocorrelation Consistent Covariance Matrix Estimation

Abstract We consider estimation of the asymptotic covariance matrix in nonstationary time series. A nonparametric estimator that is robust against unknown forms of trends and possibly a divergent number of change points (CPs) is proposed. It is algorithmically fast because neither a search for CPs, estimation of trends, nor cross-validation is required. Together with our proposed automatic optimal bandwidth selector, the resulting estimator is both statistically and computationally efficient. It is, therefore, useful in many statistical procedures, for example, CPs detection and construction of simultaneous confidence bands of trends. Empirical studies on four stock market indices are also discussed.
Photometry of Particles Ejected From Active Asteroid (101955) Bennu

Near‐Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu is an active asteroid experiencing mass loss in the form of ejection events emitting up to hundreds of millimeter‐ to centimeter‐scale particles. The close proximity of the Origins, Spectral Interpretations, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer spacecraft enabled monitoring of particles for a 10‐month period encompassing Bennu's perihelion and aphelion. We found 18 multiparticle ejection events, with masses ranging from near zero to hundreds of grams (or thousands with uncertainties) and translational kinetic energies ranging from near zero to tens of millijoules (or hundreds with uncertainties). We estimate that Bennu ejects ~104 g per orbit. The largest event took place on 6 January 2019 and consisted of ~200 particles. The observed mass and translational kinetic energy of the event were between 459 and 528 g and 62 and 77 mJ, respectively. Hundreds of particles not associated with the multiparticle ejections were also observed. Photometry of the best‐observed particles, measured at phase angles between ~70° and 120°, was used to derive a linear phase coefficient of 0.013 ± 0.005 magnitudes per degree of phase angle. Ground‐based data back to 1999 show no evidence of past activity for Bennu; however, the currently observed activity is orders of magnitude lower than observed at other active asteroids and too low be observed remotely. There appears to be a gentle decrease in activity with distance from the Sun, suggestive of ejection processes such as meteoroid impacts and thermal fracturing, although observational bias may be a factor.
Steroid hormones and energetic metabolites profiles in ewes raised under arid and semi-arid climates of Algeria

ABSTRACT Serum progesterone, estradiol 17-β and energetic metabolites profiles were investigated during the spring breeding season in non-pregnant and pregnant “Ouled Djellal” ewes bearing singleton or twin fetuses in arid and semi-arid climates of Algeria. Twenty and thirty ewes aged 1 to 4 years from semi-arid and arid zones, respectively, were used. In semi-arid zone, 15 ewes were pregnant (eight carrying one fetus and seven carrying twins). In arid zone, from 24 pregnant ewes, 14 carried singleton and 10 carried twins. Blood sampling were collected before mating, in the first and the last month of pregnancy and after lambing. Significant effect (p < 0.05) of litter size was found during early gestation on progesteronemia in arid region and on estradiolemia (p < 0.05) in both regions. During late pregnancy significant effect of fetal number was observed in semi-arid (p < 0.05) and arid (p < 0.001) area for progesterone and only in arid zone (p < 0.05) for estradiol. In the present study, no significant effect of litter size was found on serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in both regions. Reproductive hormones profiles and energetic metabolism in pregnant ewes raised in arid zone are more altered than those in semi-arid zone.
Faisceaux de protons générés par l'interaction d'un laser ultra court avec une cible solide

L'acceleration de protons par laser a connu une expansion exponentielle ces dernieres annees principalement grâce a une amelioration des lasers de puissance associee a une diminution de la taille et du cout de telles installations. Les applications envisagees de ces faisceaux sont nombreuses, tant dans le domaine medical (proton therapie, creation d'isotopes pour la TEP. . . ) que dans le domaine energetique (fusion inertielle, allumeur rapide. . . ). L'interaction entre un faisceau laser intense et une cible solide permet de generer differents types de rayonnement ionisant, notamment des electrons, ions, neutrons, rayons X et protons. L'interet de ma the��se est de caracteriser les faisceaux de protons produits par laser (divergence, energie, spectre, stabilite. . . ) en fonction des differents parametres laser, afin d'optimiser la conversion de l'energie laser en protons energetiques, pour, a plus long terme, une utilisation eventuelle de ce faisceau lors de traitements en proton therapie. Ceci nous a amene, dans un premier temps, a developper des diagnostics adaptes pour une detection en temps reel du faisceau de protons puis, dans un deuxieme temps, a ouvrir une discussion sur les parametres laser d'interet intervenant dans la generation du faisceau de protons. L'energie maximale des protons atteinte avec des impulsions courtes est de 10 MeV (LOA), en utilisant des impulsions plus longues (et plus d'energie laser), le record est de 58 MeV (LNL). Ces resultats sont prometteurs et encourageants pour l'avenir, mais encore bien loin de la gamme 70 - 200 MeV necessaire pour des traitements en proton therapie.
Effect of Phosphorus, VAM and FYM on Soil Fertility Status under Rice Cultivation

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most common and important food crop of India in terms of both the area and production. It has the second highest wide production after maize. Rice production in India crossed the mark of 112 million tonnes achieved in 2017-18 accounting for 21.19% of global production in the year. The productivity of rice has 3742 kg per hectare in 2017-18. India has largest area (43.20 million hectare) followed by China (30.35 m ha), Indonesia (12.16), Bangladesh (12.0 m ha) and Vietnam (7.66 m ha) (FAO STAT 2017). The major rice producing states in India falls in the regions of the middle and lower Ganga plains and the coastal lowlands of the peninsular India. Rice is grown in almost all the states of India but its cultivation is mainly concentrated in river valleys, deltas and low lying coastal areas in India. Andhra Pradesh (2.16 m ha), Bihar (3.21 m ha), International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 7 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Diazoxide-responsive hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in tyrosinaemia type 1

Summary Tyrosinaemia type 1 (TT1) is a rare inherited disorder of amino acid metabolism typically presenting with liver failure and renal tubular dysfunction. We describe three individuals with TT1 and transient hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia (HH). Two siblings with TT1 and acute liver dysfunction were diagnosed with hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in the neonatal period. Both siblings were successfully treated with diazoxide/chlorthiazide and treatment was gradually weaned and stopped after 8 and 6 months of age respectively. The third patient presented with a neonatal liver failure with mild cholestasis, coagulopathy, fundus haemorrhages, vitamin A and E deficiency and hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia. He maintained euglycaemia on high dose diazoxide (5–12 mg/kg/day) but developed pulmonary hypertension at 12 weeks of age. After discontinuation of diazoxide, he continued maintaining his blood glucose (BG) within the normal range. Although histological abnormalities of the pancreas including beta-cell hyperplasia are well documented, the exact mechanism of excessive insulin secretion in TT1 is not well understood. It may be related to the accumulation of toxic metabolites in the target organs including pancreas. Therefore, in patients with TT1 and persistent hypoglycaemia beyond the recovery of the acute liver failure, it is important to exclude hyperinsulinism which is usually transient and can be successfully treated with diazoxide and chlorothiazide. Further studies are required to determine which factors contribute to excessive insulin secretion in patients with TT1. Learning points Every child with TT1 should be monitored for signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia and screened for HH at the time of real hypoglycaemia. If hypoglycaemic episodes persist even after improvement of liver function, hyperinsulinism should be suspected. Treatment with diazoxide is effective, however, children need to be monitored closely for possible side effects. The pathophysiological mechanism of hyperinsulinism in children with TT1 is not elucidated yet and further studies are required to determine which factors contribute to excessive insulin secretion in patients with TT1.
Exchange Rate Misalignment and Economic Growth in Pakistan: The
 Role of Financial Development

This study endeavours to examine empirically how real exchange rate (RER) misalignment affects economic growth in Pakistan. In this regard, we have not only estimated the direct impact but also the indirect impact of misalignment on economic growth by using the financial development channel. We have used time series data ranging from 1980 to 2016 to carry out the empirical analysis. After testing the time series properties of the selected variables, we computed long run equilibrium RER later used to calculate RER misalignment. Finally, we estimated the impact of misalignment on per capita economic growth, both direct and indirect. Our results reveal an adverse impact of RER misalignment on economic growth. However, we report that financial development helps in minimising the adverse impact of RER misalignment, though not fully eliminating it. Based on the empirical findings, the study suggests that exchange rate policies need to be managed more cautiously. Moreover, the financial sector development needs to be strengthened which may help in fully alleviating the adverse impact of RER misalignment on economic growth.
Monitoring Preservice Teachers’ Language Assessment Literacy Development through Journal Writing

Available literature in the field of language assessment remarks the need to strengthen teacher education programs to develop future teachers’ assessment literacy since several studies conclude that even in-service teachers lack the knowledge and skills to implement sound assessment practices. In order to contribute to local and global discussions on the issue, the current paper describes the experience of implementing learning journal writing to monitor preservice teachers’ development of language assessment literacy in an assessment and testing course at the faculty of education in a private university in Medellin, Colombia. Outcomes evidence substantial changes in future teachers’ understandings regarding the definition and purposes of assessment, students’ and teachers’ roles, the what and how , ethical considerations, and desirable practices in language assessment. Moreover, implications related to the impact of teacher educators’ assessment practices on prospective teachers’ future choices derive from the experience.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF IPO UNDERPRICING IN STOCK MARKET OF PAKISTAN

In the earlier studies on IPOs underpricing, preponderance researchers explores that underpricing is an offering factor in attracting the new investor into the market. This study empirically attempts to investigate the economic effects of influencing factor of IPO underpricing in stock market of Pakistan selecting 103 listed companies taking data for the period of 2013-2017. In the methodology of the study the multiple regression techniques are applied consists of descriptive statistics analysis, variance inflation factor test and NLS and ARMA (OLS) regression technique. The results of the study shows that the selected variables (Return on Assets [ROA], Return on Equity [ROE], Earning per Share [EPS], Net Profit Margin [NPM], SetP1 and Offer Size) are statistically significant at 1% and 5% revealing that these are the influencing factor of IPO underpricing in stock exchange of Pakistan. However, on the basis of empirical results of this study the Price-Earnings Ratio (P\E) and Price\book valve (P\BV) remains insignificant and didnt consider an influencing factor of IPO underpricing in Pakistan stock market. The descriptive analysis of the study shows maturity of the selected variable and variance influencing factor indicates that the variables isn’t multi-collinear. The study concludes that impact the liquidity level of IPO underpricing in the optional market would help the financial investors in strategizing their speculation exchanging component. G23,
Implementation of Floating Treatment Wetlands for Textile Wastewater Management: A Review

The textile industry is one of the most chemically intensive industries, and its wastewater is comprised of harmful dyes, pigments, dissolved/suspended solids, and heavy metals. The treatment of textile wastewater has become a necessary task before discharge into the environment. The textile effluent can be treated by conventional methods, however, the limitations of these techniques are high cost, incomplete removal, and production of concentrated sludge. This review illustrates recent knowledge about the application of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) for remediation of textile wastewater. The FTWs system is a potential alternative technology for textile wastewater treatment. FTWs efficiently removed the dyes, pigments, organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, and other pollutants from the textile effluent. Plants and bacteria are essential components of FTWs, which contribute to the pollutant removal process through their physical effects and metabolic process. Plants species with extensive roots structure and large biomass are recommended for vegetation on floating mats. The pollutant removal efficiency can be enhanced by the right selection of plants, managing plant coverage, improving aeration, and inoculation by specific bacterial strains. The proper installation and maintenance practices can further enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and aesthetic value of the FTWs. Further research is suggested to develop guidelines for the selection of right plants and bacterial strains for the efficient remediation of textile effluent by FTWs at large scales.
The ferroelectric properties of Cd2Nb2O7: a Monte Carlo simulation study

The order–disorder contributions to the ferroelectric properties of Cd2Nb2O7 (CNO) have been studied by Monte Carlo simulation of a 12-state modified Potts model on the pyrochlore lattice. Spin configurations obtained by these simulations are mapped to local Nb displacements. Secondary Cd displacements normal to the Nb displacement directions are considered as well. The model correctly reproduces diffuse scattering experimentally observed in CNO. A firstorder phase transition is observed for kTp/J = 0.3891 (k is the Boltzmann constant, Tp is the model phase transition temperature and J is the interaction energy). To further adapt the model to the properties of CNO, coupling of local Nb displacements to the T2u soft mode is simulated via the addition of an appropriate field term in the model Hamiltonian. The critical temperature Tc of the soft mode is scaled to kTc/J= 0.3704. Similarities to experimental observations, i.e. the occurrence of stable domains with {100} boundaries, as well as spontaneous polarization along the cubic h100i and h110i directions, indicate that Tp can be associated with the transition temperature T1 = 205 K in CNO. Frequency dispersion of the dielectric permittivity of CNO can be attributed to the low-frequency switching of correlated chains of Nb displacement that remain partially disordered in the temperature range between 195 and 100 K.
The evolution of transformational change in multilateral funds dedicated to financing adaptation to climate change

ABSTRACT Transformational adaptation is increasingly viewed as necessary to prevent the worst offsets in development gains due to severe climate impacts. However, clarity regarding how to produce transformational adaptation in practice is lacking, creating problems for project design and implementation. This paper examines (1) how transformational adaptation has been defined by major funders of adaptation; (2) how the concept has influenced funding priorities and the financing of projects. The study is based on a comparative analysis of the investment criteria, board meeting minutes, documents, and reports of the primary financial mechanisms under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: the Least Developed Country Fund, the Special Climate Change Fund, the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund. Our study demonstrates an increasing emphasis on transformational adaptation across funds over time, particularly in the Green Climate Fund. Transformative potential does guide funding decisions, but a clear understanding of whether transformational change is achievable, feasible, and desirable under all conditions has not yet emerged, an issue acknowledged by the funds and regularly discussed. Our analysis suggests that acknowledging tensions which arise with transformation in adaptation finance is critical because investment criteria and definitions of transformation impact the approaches to adaptation countries take.
Antecedents and consequences of knowledge sharing for software process improvement in the Indian software industry

The integration of knowledge sharing is significant for software process improvement (SPI). However, very few empirical studies have evaluated how and to what extent knowledge sharing affects the different aspects of SPI. Drawing upon the resource‐based view and the knowledge‐based view of software development organizations, we have explored the antecedents and consequences of knowledge sharing for SPI success. This study develops and empirically validates a model presenting how knowledge sharing impacts SPI success, how organizational factors (leadership and trust) and an individual factor (motivation) affect knowledge sharing and how the use of information technology facilitates explicitly the relation between knowledge sharing and SPI success. The empirical testing of the model has been carried out using the statistical technique of structural equation modelling (SEM) by analysing the dataset of 556 respondents collected from Indian software development organizations. The outcomes reveal that knowledge sharing enhances SPI in terms of design effectiveness, lesser fault density and improved software development competence. Also, the results show that the use of information technology moderates the relation of knowledge sharing and SPI. The conclusions also contribute to improving our knowledge about how leadership, trust and motivation drive efficient knowledge sharing on the path to SPI success.
Smart polymers for colon targeted drug delivery systems: a review

Abstract The colon targeted drug delivery has a number of important implications in the field of pharmacotherapy. Oral colon targeted drug delivery systems have recently gained importance for delivering a variety of therapeutic agents for both local and systemic administration. Targeting of drugs to the colon via oral administration to protect the drug from degradation or release in the stomach and small intestine. It also ensures abrupt or controlled release of the drug in the proximal colon. Various drug delivery systems have been designed that deliver the drug quantitatively to the colon and then trigger the release of the drug. This review will cover different types of polymers which can be used in the formulation of colon targeted drug delivery systems. Graphical Abstract
Digital Economy and Digital Logistics as New Area of Study in Higher Education

Among innovative e-learning approaches in the sphere of digital economy and logistics, there is a special focus on artificial intelligence technologies (AI), which, due to their capacity and efficiency in usage, have a significant potential for the development and to some extent are optimal IT tools. The objective of a study is to define an optimum IT software for the organization of massive open online courses (MOOC) in digital economy and digital logistics in the framework of training economics students. Authors have conducted a survey in terms of In-ternet use for education and self-education. The sampling volume makes up 1 600 respondents in at least 80 regions of the Russian Federation. The respondents are divided into four age groups: 18-24 years old, 25-39 years old, 40-54 years old, 55 years old and older. The study uses data from the survey conducted by KMDA.PRO related to digital transformation of 700 representatives from more than 300 Russian companies out of 15 industries and the results of in-depth in-terviews of four categories of employees: top managers, heads of units, mid-level managers and other employees. The study results testify to the need for trans-forming e-learning approaches, taking into account the new labor market re-quirements for training specialists in digital logistics and gaining respective skills such as an active training, coordination, negotiation skills, teaching others, infor-mation literacy, customer focus, oral communication, ability to solve complex is-sues, operational literacy, time management. The use of the research results in practice is possible in case of the organization of online training courses for eco-nomics students in the framework of the higher educational system.
How quantitatively important is public investment for both business cycle fluctuations and output growth in Bulgaria (1999–2018)?

ABSTRACT We introduce government investment into a real-business-cycle setup. We calibrate the model to Bulgarian data for the period 1999–2018. We then proceed to quantitatively evaluate the effect of the public capital accumulation channel as a tool for business cycle propagation, as well the importance of public investment spending on output growth. Government investment shocks, in the absence of other technological disturbances, turn out to be unable to account for observed business cycles in Bulgaria. On the other hand, government investment may be able to increase subsequent output growth, but that effect is estimated to be quite small.