Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Validation tests for semi-parametric models

Tests are proposed for validation of the hypothesis that a partial linear regression model adequately describes the structure of a given data set. The test statistics are formulated following the approach of Fourier-type conditional expectations first suggested by Bierens [Consistent model specification tests. J Econometr. 1982;20:105–134]. The proposed procedures are computationally convenient, and under fairly mild conditions lead to consistent tests. Corresponding bootstrap versions are compared with alternative procedures for a wide selection of different estimators of the underlying partial linear model.
Impact of Iran’s Forest Nationalization Law on Forest Cover Changes over Six Decades: A Case Study of a Zagros Sparse Coppice Oak Forest

Forest nationalization policies in developing countries have often led to a reduction in local forest ownership rights and short- or long-term exploitative behaviors of stakeholders. The purpose of this research is to quantify the effect of Iran’s Forest Nationalization Law (FNL) in a part of Zagros Forest over a 68-year time period (1955–2022) using 1955 historical aerial photos, 1968 Corona spy satellite photography, and classification of multi-temporal Landsat satellite images. A past classification change detection technique was used to identify the extent and the pattern of land use changes in time. For this purpose, six periods were defined, to cover the time before and after the implementation of FNL. A 0.27% deforestation trend was identified over the period after the FNL. Dense and open forested area has decreased from 7175.62 ha and 68,927.46 ha in 1955 to 5664.26 ha and 59,223.38 ha in 2022. The FNL brought decisive changes in the legal and forest management systems at the state level, mainly by giving their ownership to the state. Accordingly, the FNL and the related conservation plans have not fully succeeded in protecting, rehabilitating, recovering, and developing the sparse Zagros Forest ecosystems, as their most important goals.
Corneal Adverse Events Associated with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review

Vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have played an important global role in reducing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. While the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks, adverse events do occur. Non-ocular adverse effects of the vaccines have been well-documented, but descriptions of ophthalmic effects remain limited. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of reported cases of corneal adverse events after receiving vaccination against COVID-19 and to compile existing clinical data to bring attention to these phenomena. Our review discusses corneal graft rejection, including proposed mechanisms, herpetic keratitis, and other reported corneal complications. Ophthalmologists and primary care physicians should be aware of such possible associations.
Joint modeling of censored longitudinal and event time data

Censoring of a longitudinal outcome often occurs when data are collected in a biomedical study and where the interest is in the survival and or longitudinal experiences of a study population. In the setting considered herein, we encountered upper and lower censored data as the result of restrictions imposed on measurements from a kinetic model producing “biologically implausible” kidney clearances. The goal of this paper is to outline the use of a joint model to determine the association between a censored longitudinal outcome and a time to event endpoint. This paper extends Guo and Carlin's [6] paper to accommodate censored longitudinal data, in a commercially available software platform, by linking a mixed effects Tobit model to a suitable parametric survival distribution. Our simulation results showed that our joint Tobit model outperforms a joint model made up of the more naïve or “fill-in” method for the longitudinal component. In this case, the upper and/or lower limits of censoring are replaced by the limit of detection. We illustrated the use of this approach with example data from the hemodialysis (HEMO) study [3] and examined the association between doubly censored kidney clearance values and survival.
Gendered discourses and practices in role play activities: A case study of young children in the English Foundation Stage

This paper draws on contemporary feminist post-structural theories to explore gendered discourses and practices in role play, in a small-scale case study of four children (age 4–5 years) in the English Foundation Stage. Non-participant observations of classroom-based role play activities were carried out over four months, with an original focus on progression and continuity in play (Cook, 2003). This was followed by a reflective re-viewing and analysis of the data by the two authors in order to provoke critical engagement with the gendered relationships and meanings in children’s play (Cook & Wood, 2006). The findings reveal the ways in which role play provides flexible contexts for children to explore and take up gender identities, and the social competences and power dynamics used to sustain or disrupt play.The findings confirm that children’s gendered identities are related to their emerging understandings of femininities and masculinities, and the complex ways in which these are represented and performed in their social and cultural worlds. Power and identity are established through dynamic social actions and interactions, humour, teasing, language and symbolic transformations, as children weave across real/not real boundaries. Re-viewing the data through feminist post-structural theories challenges established free play/free choice pedagogical approaches in relation to diversity and equity.
Locating Liberalisms in Southeast Asia: An Introductory Essay

ABSTRACT This Introduction argues that Southeast Asian liberalisms have often been misrecognised – or even ignored – by scholars because liberals in the region do not conform to the expectations of ‘benchmark’ liberalism of the West. It points to efforts by liberal actors to promote a viable political discourse or to defend a liberal minimum in hostile environments, often leading localised pragmatic liberalisms to travel far from the ideals of benchmark liberalism. In seeking to advance the study of liberalism in Southeast Asian Studies it introduces the work of two major theorists, Duncan Bell and Michael Freeden, whose distinctive approaches offer an opportunity to think of liberalism in ways that enable its identification in Southeast Asian locations. It then provides brief summaries of each of the papers, which offer comparative or country-level analysis, bringing into view historical and contemporary manifestations of liberalism in the region. It concludes with comments about possible research paths.
Review of Grid Stability Assessment Based on AI and a New Concept of Converter-Dominated Power System State of Stability Assessment

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been increasingly used for power system stability assessment due to its fast evaluation speed compared to conventional time-domain methods. This article reviews four types of classic grid stability assessment methods based on AI in the recent literature first, where different AI algorithms from the literature are summarized and compared. Moreover, as the number of power converters using grid forming control intensively increases in the modern system, the influence of the converter parameters on grid stability needs to be investigated. In this context, the concept of the converter-dominated power system state of stability (CDPS-SOS) assessment based on AI is qualitatively discussed. The CDPS-SOS assessment can reveal the system stability margin by considering the converter control parameters and grid bus voltages. Overall, this article aims to give an overview of AI-based stability assessment for the traditional grid and to provide a new stability assessment concept and inspiration for solving the challenges of future converter-dominated grids.
Tropospheric–stratospheric coupling: Extratropical synoptic systems in the lower stratosphere

Synoptic‐scale disturbances, existing in the lower stratosphere of middle to high southern latitudes and linked to tropospheric synoptic systems, are reviewed. Geopotential and wind fields show that synoptic‐scale perturbations exist in the re‐analysis products of the US National Center for Environmental Prediction, at least up to the 50 hPa level. A spatial spectral approach is used to demonstrate the existence of sizeable, episodic synoptic‐scale perturbations throughout the lower stratosphere. The extension of synoptic systems from the troposphere into the lower stratosphere at high and mid latitudes, during early spring is discussed, using two case‐studies. The background conditions given by the mean zonal flow, modulated by planetary‐scale waves, appear to provide the limiting conditions for such penetration, which would have been theoretically impossible if the zonal mean flow alone were considered. The results are discussed under a simple generalization of the Charney–Drazin limits to wave propagation. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society.
Pupils' Understanding of Simple Electrical Circuits: Some Implications for Instruction.

There have been many studies worldwide of children's understanding of basic electrical concepts so that there is now quite a clear picture of many of their difficulties. By contrast, work on remediation is in its infancy. The article describes research findings concerning children's difficulties with the concepts of circuit, current and electrical energy and discusses some possible approaches to instruction which arise in the light of these findings. Much of the research carried out has been within the paradigm of constructivist psychology which views all human beings as prototypical scientists, constructing hypotheses and testing these against experience as their way of understanding the world around them. In seeking to understand electrical phenomena children construct a variety of explanatory conceptual models, some of which they then hold very tenaciously.
Counselling Psychology training: Implications for ‘Self’

It is widely accepted that Counselling Psychology is underpinned by both Humanist and Post-Modern epistemologies, and that it holds the practitioner’s ‘use of self’ in the service of the therapeutic relationship to be paramount in the therapeutic encounter. Although Humanism and Post-Modernism can both provide theoretical pretexts for the use of self, these stances to knowledge can be experienced as in conflict with each other, and so generate ambiguity and conflict for trainees. The academic (University) contexts of training courses can feed into aspects of these epistemological conflicts in that they uphold individualist-objectivist stances to knowledge/evidence and styles of communication. In this paper psychological literature is drawn upon to explore how trainees are positioned by the discourses of ‘self’ and ‘development’ that are available to them, with particular reference to the discourse of ‘reflective-practice’. The concept of a plural and dialogical self is used to suggest augmenting the manner in which personal and professional development is conducted and assessed.
Uptake of Integrated Community Case Management and Associated Factors Among Caregivers of Children Under Five Years in Apac District, Northern Uganda

Background: Globally, child mortality remains a public health concern with 38 deaths per 1000 live births and accounting for 5.2 million deaths in children under 5 years, with Sub-Saharan Africa region having the highest figure of 76 deaths per 1,000 live births that is equivalent to one child in 13 dying before reaching age five in 2019. In Uganda, the child mortality rate has reduced gradually from 191 deaths per 1000 live births to 45.8 deaths per 1000 live births in 2019. Objective: To determine the Uptake of integrated community case management of childhood illnesses and associated factors among caregivers of children under five years in Apac district. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods, 403 family caregivers of children under five in Apac District. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on Uptake, associated factors, and perceptions of caregivers towards ICCM services. Data was analyzed using STATA version 15.1. Results: The majority of the caregivers were female 337 (83.6%), with a mean age of 27.7 years and standard deviation of 6.64 years, attained primary education, 253(62.8%), Christians, 393 (97.5%), and married 346 (85.9%) were married. The level of Uptake of ICCM services was 38.7% (156/403). Results of the study indicate that the child’s illness (p=0.01, AOR=3.5(2.1-7.2), knowledge of ICCM (P<0.01, AOR12.1 (1.7-87), timely services (p<0.001, AOR (12.7(3.4-47), and referral by VHT (P<0.01, AOR 4.0(1.4-11.0). were statistically significant. Conclusion: The Uptake level of ICCM services provided by the VHTs was low, though caregivers had a good perception of ICCM services and child referral to health facilities by VHT. To improve Uptake of ICCM services, there is a need to provide more information regarding ICCM within the community.
Partogram of Grandmultiparous Parturients: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Sparse and conflicting data exist regarding the normal partogram of grand-multiparous (GMP, defined as parity of 6+) parturients. Customized partograms may potentially lower cesarean delivery rates for protraction disorders in this population. In this study, we aim to construct a normal labor curve of GMP women and compare it to the multiparous (MP, defined as parity of 2–5) partogram. We conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort analysis of deliveries between the years 2003 and 2019. Eligible parturients were the trials of labor of singletons ≥37 + 0 weeks in cephalic presentation with ≥2 documented cervical examinations during labor. Exclusion criteria were elective cesarean delivery without a trial of labor, preterm labor, major fetal anomalies, and fetal demise. GMP comprised the study group while the MP counterparts were the control group. A total of 78,292 deliveries met the inclusion criteria, comprising 10,532 GMP and 67,760 MP parturients. Our data revealed that during the first stage of labor, cervical dilation progressed at similar rates in MPs and GMPs, while head descent was a few minutes faster in GMPs compared to MPs, regardless of epidural anesthesia. The second stage of labor was faster in GMPs compared to MPs; the 95th percentile of the second stage duration of GMPs (48 min duration) was 43 min less than that of MPs (91 min duration). These findings remained similar among deliveries with and without epidural analgesia or labor induction. We conclude that GMPs’ and MPs’ cervical dilation progression in the active phase of labor was similar, and the second stage of labor was shorter in GMPs, regardless of epidural use. Thus, GMPs’ uterus function during labor corresponds, and possibly surpasses, that of MPs. These findings indicate that health providers can use the standard partogram of the active phase of labor when caring for GMP parturients.
Herbal Honey Preparations of Curcuma Xanthorriza and Black Cumin Protect against Carcinogenesis through Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities in Sprague Dawley (SD) Rats Induced with Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene

Background: Traditionally, Curcuma xanthorriza (CX), black cumin seed (BC), and honey have been used by the Indonesian people as medicinal ingredients to treat various health symptoms. CX extracts and BC have been proven in the laboratory as chemopreventive agents, antioxidants, and immunomodulators. In this study, we developed CX extract, BC oil, and honey into herbal honey preparations (CXBCH) and hypothesized that the preparations show chemopreventive activity. The purpose of the study was to determine the CXBCH potential as chemopreventive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory. Method: In this experimental laboratory research, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic activities were tested on human mammary cancer cell lines (T47D cells) while the chemopreventive activity of the CXBCH preparations on Sprague Dawley (SD) rats induced with dimethylbenzene(a)anthracene (DMBA). Results: CXBCH preparations demonstrated immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities in T47D, Hela, and HTB-183 cells and in DMBA-induced SD rats, as the preparations inhibited tumor nodule formation, increased the number of CD4, CD8 and CD4CD25 cells, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity, and decreased serum NO levels. Conclusions: CXBCH preparations display chemopreventive, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
Estimation of scale functions to model heteroscedasticity by regularised kernel-based quantile methods

A main goal of regression is to derive statistical conclusions on the conditional distribution of the output variable Y given the input values x. Two of the most important characteristics of a single distribution are location and scale. Regularised kernel methods (RKMs) – also called support vector machines in a wide sense – are well established to estimate location functions like the conditional median or the conditional mean. We investigate the estimation of scale functions by RKMs when the conditional median is unknown, too. Estimation of scale functions is important, e.g. to estimate the volatility in finance. We consider the median absolute deviation (MAD) and the interquantile range as measures of scale. Our main result shows the consistency of MAD-type RKMs.
Statistical analysis of the effects of helicity in inhomogeneous turbulence

Effects of helicity in three‐dimensional incompressible inhomogeneous turbulence are examined with the aid of a two‐scale direct‐interaction approximation (DIA). The turbulent helicity gives a measure of the reflectional asymmetry in a turbulent flow and its inhomogeneity contributes to the sustainment of large‐scale vorticity field in a three‐dimensional mean flow. The importance of helicity effects is discussed in the context of flows in a rotating system and swirling flows in a pipe. A three‐equation model with the turbulent helicity incorporated is proposed using the theoretical results. The validity of the model is confirmed quantitatively through the application to a decaying swirling flow in a pipe.
Design guidelines of periodic Si nanowire arrays for solar cell application

In this letter, optimum periodic Si nanowire (SiNW) arrays are designed via simulation for solar cell application, in terms of the structural parameters, e.g., the array periodicity (P) and SiNW diameter (D). It is found that the more efficient light absorption compared to that of the Si thin film with the same thickness could be realized when P is between 250 and 1200 nm. Further, the ratio of D to P should be >0.5 (or more specifically ∼0.8) for the optimized solar energy harvesting. The underlying physics is also discussed in this work.
Sensitivity of global terrestrial gross primary production to hydrologic states simulated by the Community Land Model using two runoff parameterizations

Soil moisture plays an important role in the coupled water, energy, and carbon cycles. In addition to surface processes such as evapotranspiration, the boundary fluxes that influence soil moisture are closely related to surface or subsurface runoff. To elucidate how uncertainties in representing surface and subsurface hydrology may influence simulations of the carbon cycle, numerical experiments were performed using version 4 of the Community Land Model with two widely adopted runoff generation parameterizations from the TOPMODEL and Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model under the same protocol. The results showed that differences in the runoff generation schemes caused a relative difference of 36% and 34% in global mean total runoff and soil moisture, respectively, with substantial differences in their spatial distribution and seasonal variability. Changes in the simulated gross primary production (GPP) were found to correlate well with changes in soil moisture through its effects on leaf photosynthesis (An) and leaf area index (LAI), which are the two dominant components determining GPP. Soil temperature, which is influenced by soil moisture, also affects LAI and GPP for the seasonal‐deciduous and stress‐deciduous plant functional types that dominate in cold regions. Consequently, the simulated global mean GPP differs by 20.4% as a result of differences in soil moisture and soil temperature simulated between the two models. Our study highlights the significant interactions among the water, energy, and carbon cycles and the need for reducing uncertainty in the hydrologic parameterization of land surface models to better constrain carbon cycle modeling.
A Monte Carlo study of the power of some two-sample tests

SUMMARY The powers of several two-sample tests are compared by simulation for small samples from exponential and Weibull distributions with and without censoring. The tests considered include the F test, a modification for samples that are from Weibull distributions, Cox's test, Peto & Peto's log rank test, their generalized Wilcoxon test, a modified log rank test, and a generalized Wilcoxon test of Gehan. When samples are from exponential distributions, with or without censoring, the F test is the most powerful followed by two general groupings of tests: first the three non-Wilcoxon tests and then the two Wilcoxon tests. There is little difference in the power characteristics of the tests within each grouping. Estimates of the asymptotic relative efficiencies of the various tests relative to F are obtained from the normal probability plots of the power curves. When the samples are taken from Weibull distributions with constant hazard ratio, the F test is not robust and a modification is used. The results for this case are essentially the same as in the case of exponential distributions, with the modified F test as the most powerful. However, when the hazard ratio is nonconstant, the two generalizations of the Wilcoxon test have more power than the other tests.
An alterative effect by the tropical North Atlantic SST in intraseasonally varying El Niño teleconnection over the North Atlantic

ABSTRACT It is known that there is a distinct intraseasonal variation in wintertime atmospheric responses to El Niño over the North Atlantic, namely a positive North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-like response during early winter (November to December) and a negative NAO-like response during late winter (January to March). In this article, we suggest that the tropical North Atlantic (TNAL) sea surface temperatures (SSTs) significantly alter the North Atlantic atmospheric response to El Niño: the warm TNAL SST condition intensifies the negative NAO-like response and vice versa. During late El Niño winters, the TNAL SST tends to increase due to the atmospheric bridge between the tropical Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. The warm tendency in the TNAL SST can intensify the height contrast in the El Niño teleconnection between early and late winter. During early winter (when the response of the TNAL SST to El Niño has not been established yet), atmospheric circulation over the North Atlantic varies widely under various TNAL conditions. Consequently, the average influence of El Niño over the North Atlantic region becomes weaker in the early winter. By contrast, the overall warming over the TNAL region during the late El Niño winter is conducive to the formation of a negative NAO pattern. As a result, the climatic impact becomes stronger during the late winter.