Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Messy Data Modelling in Health Care Contingent Valuation Studies

This study addresses the complexity in modeling contingent valuation surveys with true zeros and non-ignorable missing responses including â€œdonâ€™t knowsâ€ and protest responses. An endogenous switching tobit model is specified to simultaneously estimate the parameters of the latent willingness to pay (WTP) decision variable and the latent true WTP level. A Bayesian technique is developed using MCMC methods data augmentation and Metropolis Hastings algorithm with Gibbs sampling for estimating the endogenous switching tobit model. The Bayesian approach presented here is useful even for finite sample size and for models with relatively flat likelihood like sample selection models for which convergence is a problem or even if convergence is achieved correlation of the latent random errors are outside the (-1,1) range. The proposed methodology is applied to a single-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation model using British Eurowill data on evaluating cancer health care program. Results in this study reveal that the interview interest scores for the unresolved or missing cases are substantially high and not far from scores of â€œyesâ€ respondents. The pattern in the values of socio-economic and health related variables shows that these unresolved cases are not missing completely at random so that they may actually contain valuable information at least on the willingness decision process of respondents. Inclusion of these unresolved cases is essential to modelling WTP decision and true WTP level as reflected in the higher sum of log conditional predictive ordinate(SLCPO) goodness-of-fit criterion for a cross-validation sample and higher covariance between the latent random errors of the latent self-selection or WTP decision variable and the true WTP level model. The positive covariance and correlation of the latent random errors may explain why the true WTP levels in DC contingent valuation studies are oftentimes overestimated. The model presented in this paper may also be applied to double bounded dichotomous choice models with slight modification.
Food Security, Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation Strategies: A Scientific Production Panorama

Understanding the complexity among food security, climate change and agriculture is a challenging topic. Projected growth rate of world population suggests a chaotic scenario in terms of food and water scarcity. This study reviews the major contributions by the scientific community in regards to effects on agriculture and food security as a result of climate change. The main conclusions are that the implementation of effective policies and mitigation measures for the effects of climate change are required to guide actions for a sustainable agriculture. The need for an intensive agriculture along with adaptation measures for human nourishment is necessary.
Do Sales Matter? An Exploration of Price Discounting in UK Food Retailing

This paper assesses the impact of promotional activity in the prices of food products on supermarket shelves. The study analyses a unique, high frequency panel of supermarket prices consisting of over 230,000 weekly price observations on around 500 products in 15 categories of food stocked by the UK’s seven largest retail chains. In all, 1,700 weekly time series are available at the barcode-specific level including branded and own label products. Prices are inclusive of promotions and thus allow the frequency, magnitude and duration of sales to be analysed in greater detail than has hitherto been possible with UK data. Using this price data, sales periods are indentified. Results show that around 8% of products are on sale at any one time, and that sales are typically four weeks in duration. The average discount is 24% of the regular price. Importantly, sales are shown to have a relatively modest role in overall price variation – less than the dispersion in prices by retailer, pointing to changes in the regular price, via general inflation and idiosyncratic shocks, as the principal cause of price variation.
Restricted gene flow in Chilean barnacles reflects an oceanographic and biogeographic transition zone

Broad scale patterns of genetic structure in coastal communities are strongly affected by both ecological transitions and larval dispersal. Along the Chilean coast, we examined 2 species of co-distributed barnacles, Jehlius cirratus and Notochthamalus scabrosus, which span an ecological transition associated with a sharp increase in larval recruitment. A distinct break in haplotype fre- quencies in the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene was detected in N. scabrosus, with only marginal genetic structure observed in J. cirratus, suggesting significant differences in either selective pressures or dispersal ability between the species. The nuclear gene elongation factor 1α was also analyzed in N. scabrosus, and similarly suggested limited gene flow. The sharp genetic tran- sition is downstream of the described ecological transition, effectively mirroring a genetic cline described in a different barnacle species along the North American Pacific coast.
Amplitude modulation in δ Sct stars: statistics from an ensemble study of Kepler targets

We present the results of a search for amplitude modulation of pulsation modes in 983 δ Sct stars, which have effective temperatures between 6400 ≤ Teff ≤ 10 000 K in the Kepler Input Catalogue and were continuously observed by the Kepler Space Telescope for 4 yr. We demonstrate the diversity in pulsational behaviour observed, in particular non-linearity, which is predicted for δ Sct stars. We analyse and discuss examples of δ Sct stars with constant amplitudes and phases; those that exhibit amplitude modulation caused by beating of close- frequency pulsation modes; those that exhibit pure amplitude modulation (with no associated phase variation); those that exhibit phase modulation caused by binarity; and those that exhibit amplitude modulation caused by non-linearity. Using models and examples of individual stars, we demonstrate that observations of the changes in amplitude and phase of pulsation modes can be used to distinguish among the different scenarios. We find that 603 δ Sct stars (61.3 per cent) exhibit at least one pulsation mode that varies significantly in amplitude over 4 yr. Conversely, many δ Sct stars have constant pulsation amplitudes so short-length observations can be used to determine precise frequencies, amplitudes and phases for the most coherent and periodic δ Sct stars. It is shown that amplitude modulation is not restricted to a small region on the HR diagram, therefore not necessarily dependent on stellar parameters such as Teff or log g. Our catalogue of 983 δ Sct stars will be useful for comparisons to similar stars observed by K2 and TESS, because the length of the 4-yr Kepler data set will not be surpassed for some time.
Effect of different levels of drought tension and C a. on qualitative and quantitative characteristics of maize crop (ksc 704)

In order to compare the effect of elemental calcium on qualitative and quantitative indicators of maize crop under drought tension, a study was condu cted in a field located in Kamarbandi, Varamin, as split plots according to complete rando mized blocks design in triplicates in 2009. The results showed that the highest performance of grains was obtained at 14467.1 kg/ha through conventional irrigation and spraying 8% Ca. The highest performance components such as grain umbers per row and rows per maize obtained at 18.4 and 14, respectively, by conventional irrigation and spraying 8% Ca. The hig hest performance components such as grain numbers per row and rows per maize obtained at 18.4 and 14, respectively, by conventional irrigation and spraying 8% ca. the highest weight o f thousand, 283.6g, resulted from conventional irrigation and spraying 4 ppm ca. Oil and protein percentage were also affected by irrigation and calcium treatments. The highest and the lowest percentage of oil obtained respectively through conventional irrigation treatm ent and spraying 8% ca. and discontinued irrigating treatment from 7-9 leaves to rolling sta ge and control at 4.81% , while discontinued irrigation treatment from 7-9 leaves to rolling sta ge and spraying 8% ca. resulted in the highest protein percentage at 9.43%. the results showed tha t oil and protein percentages have a reverse relationship where increasing the amount of one of them results in decreasing the others'. The highest amount of leaf prolin was obtained at 0.726 micrograms per g through discontinued irrigation treatment (a4) to leaf rolling stage and the lowest one, 0.221 m/g, resulted from conventional.
Fish predation and trapping for rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) control: a whole-lake experiment

Improved methods are needed for the prevention and control of invasive species. We investigated the potential to control a rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) population in an isolated lake in northern Wisconsin by trapping adult crayfish and restricting fishing, thereby increasing fish populations and predation on small crayfish. Over a 3 year period, traps and predatory fishes removed substantial portions of the rusty crayfish population. We used an age-structured population model to determine which removal method had the largest effect on crayfish population growth rates. Because more crayfish were vulnerable to and removed by fish predation than by trapping, fish predation caused a larger decline in the population growth rate. However, trapping removed crayfish with the highest reproductive value and caused the largest decline in population growth rate per individual crayfish removed. Consideration of density-dependent responses to removal is necessary to predict long-term effects on rusty crayfish p.
The Challenge of Divergent Diagnosis in Relation to Diagnosing High Functioning Autism

Autism diagnosis is on the rise, yet there continues to be no specific characteristics or symptoms connected to high functioning autism in how it presents or varies in presentation in primary school aged children. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using in depth interviews to examine characteristics and symptoms presented by primary school aged children, components of an accurate assessment, training of professionals diagnosing and assessing, and looking at why there continues to be divergent diagnosis among professionals and across settings. Themes that emerged from the data were assessment process, barriers to the assessment process, presentation of HFA, professional judgment versus data, and DSM-5. Social workers in practice can utilize findings towards a better understanding of how to serve high functioning autism individuals and families.
An O(750) GeV Resonance and Inflation

We study the possibility of a heavy scalar or pseudoscalar in TeV-scale beyond the Standard Model scenarios being the inflaton of the early universe in light of the recent O(750) GeV diphoton excess at the LHC. We consider a scenario in which the new scalar or pseudoscalar couples to the Standard Model gauge bosons at the loop level through new massive Standard Model charged vectorlike fermions with or without dark fermions. We calculate the renormalization group running of both the Standard Model and the new scalar couplings, and present two different models that are perturbative and with a stabilized vacuum up to near the Planck scale. Thus, the Standard Model Higgs and this possible new resonance may still preserve the minimalist features of Higgs inflation.
Market-Oriented Regulation of Environmental Problems in the Netherlands

Two functioning regulatory tax programs in The Netherlands indicate certain conditions under which such frequently-advocated but infrequently-adopted regulatory strategies can be successfully implemented. A flat fee on oxygen-demanding substances in industrial effluents, introduced in 1970, has been very successful, stimulating a 90% reduction in pollution and a search for cost-effective abatement measures. However, a recently-enacted law aimed at agricultural pollution, using a combination of direct controls and taxes on polluting inputs, has led to resistance and is not likely to be very successful. Based on these programs, regulatory taxes seem more likely to be politically and technically feasible when (a) emissions can be monitored economically; (b) the relation between emissions and environmental harm is relatively uniform and predictable; (c) implementing agencies have the technical competence and strong political and economic incentives to monitor and tax strictly; (d) the regulatory taxes apply uniformly to all sources of pollution; (e) economic efficiency is strongly valued in environmental policymaking.
Diagnostic Accuracy of PCR-Based Detection Tests for Helicobacter Pylori in Otitis Media: A Meta-Analysis

Background and objectives: Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infection has serious consequences such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Histologic identification of organisms remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of H. pylori. This meta-analysis reviewed the overall diagnostic accuracy of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) vs histology of H. pylori infection in the patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). Methods: Medline, Scopus and ISI web of science were systematically searched. Articles meeting the selection criteria were retrieved for the data collection and analysis. Diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and symmetric summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) of OME -associated . H. pylori infection was estimated for each study. The PCR techniques were compared to the histological tests as the gold standard in . diagnosing H. pylori infection. Results: We included eight relevant studies compromising 259 case of OME. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of PCR compared to the histological diagnosis of H. Pylori infection in patient with OME were 71% (95%CI: 61% - 80%, I2: 0.0%) and 81% (95%CI: 76% - 86%, I2: 59.9%), respectively. Pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) for PCR were 3.61(95%CI: 2.34 – 5.59, I2: 44.5%) and 0.42 (95%CI: 0.31 – 0.57, I2: 0.1%), respectively. For DOR analysis, the pooled accuracy of PCR was 10.78 (95%CI: 5.95 – 19.53, I2: 0.0%) in diagnosing H. Pylori infection. Conclusions: This review showed statistically significant differences in the diagnostic accuracy between the PCR and histological tests. This meta-analysis also suggests a higher sensitivity and specificity of PCR-based molecular diagnostic of H. Pylori infection in OME patients compared to the histological tests.
A Gain-Phase Error Calibration Method for the Vibration of Wing Conformal Array

Due to the influence of aerodynamic forces, the wing will be subjected to vibration and deformation. This will result in a severe performance degradation of the wing conformal antenna. To solve this problem, a new gain-phase error compensation method based on the deformation fitting of wing conformal antenna is proposed. In this proposed method, the array deformed shape curve is fitted through the gain error of the array, thus the position of each element can be calculated. Finally, by using the position of the elements to calibrate the gain-phase error, the corrected directions of arrival (DOA) estimation angle is obtained. Simulation results show that the proposed method can well reproduce the shape of the array, and effectively compensate the position error caused by the vibration of the wing conformal antenna.
Reconditioning of Computers: Identifying Contextual and Design Barriers

Fast technological development and short innovation cycles has resulted in shorter life spans for certain consumer electronics. Reconditioning is proposed as one of the strategies to close the loops in the circular economy and increase the lifespan of products and components. The paper therefore examined contextual and design barriers for reconditioning of computers (laptops and desktops), and based on the barriers, design for reconditioning recommendations were made. The study was based on a single case study of a reconditioning company and the main method applied to collect information were qualitative research interviews. The case study of the contextual barriers indicated that trust from the buyer and the seller of the used computers were important for a viable business. If trust was not in place, it could be a potential barrier. Furthermore, economy obsolescence and a lack of influence on the design of the products, as a third party reconditioner, were identified as potential barriers to reconditioning. Finally, product diversity and low product quality were identified as barriers. Design barriers were identified within the following categories: durability, the first user, BIOS Password, easy disassembly, cleaning and spare parts. These barriers were reformulated into 21 design for reconditioning recommendations.
1 S ep 2 01 5 Unexpected γ – ray signal in the vicinity of 1 ES 0229 + 200

We report on an unidentifiedγ–ray signal found in the region around the BL Lac object 1ES 0229+200. It was recognized serendipitously in our analysis of 6.2 years of Fermi– LAT data at a distance less than 3 ◦ away from the blazar. The observed excess of counts manifests itself as an unexpected local maximum in the test stat istic map. Although several Fermi– LAT sources have been identified in this area we were not able t o link them to the position of this residual signal. A clear association with sources visible i n other wavebands was not successful either. We briefly discuss characteristics of this unresolv ed phenomenon. Our results suggest a steep energy spectrum and a point–like nature of this candid teγ–ray emitter.
Different drought conditions could modulate growth responses of Arabidopsis thaliana through regulation of mRNA expression of genes encoding plasma membrane PIN proteins

Plant responses to drought stress are accompanied with changes in growth pattern via phytohormones such as auxin. It is, however, debatable a relationship between growth and different aspects of polar auxin transport such as mRNA level of some ke y genes in polar auxin transport under water deficit. In this study growth parameters and mRNA expression of genes encoding plasma membrane PIN proteins were evaluated in roots and shoots of Arabidopsis thaliana grown on nutrient media with different water potentials of -0.2, -0.5 and -0.9 MPaat 0, 24, 48, 120 and 192 hours after drought induction. The results showed different patterns of growth and PINsmRNA expression. These patterns indicated regulation of growth and PINs mRNA expression by organ type,developmental mechanisms, duration and intensity of drought stress.They showed a relationship between growth and PINs mRNA under drought stress. Although cooperation of all PIN genesis essential for growth, PIN3 in roots and PIN1 in shoots might have determinant role i n regulation of growth responses to drought stress. Therefore, it is suggested that different drought conditions could modulate the Arabidopsisgrowth responses via changing PINs mRNA levels to establish a balance between vegetative growth and survival unde r water deficit.
Duration of Low Wage Employment: A Study Based on a Survival Model

This paper includes a survival analysis which attempts to explain the duration, as in the number of years a worker remains in a low wage situation. Explanatory variables take into account the characteristics of the employee, such as education, age, tenure with the company, gender and nationality, and the characteristics of the job and the company such as industry affiliation, number of employees, age of the company and location.
Numerical simulations of drag modulation by microbubbles in a turbulent Taylor-Couette flow

The aim of our study is to investigate numerically the interaction between a dispersed phase composed of microbubbles and a turbulent Taylor-Couette flow (flow within the gap between two cylinders). We use the Euler-Lagrange approach based on Direct Numerical Simulation of the continuous phase flow equations and a Lagrangian tracking for the dispersed phase. Each bubble trajectory is calculated by integrating the force balance equation accounting for buoyancy, drag, added-mass, pressure gradient, and the lift forces. The numerical method has been adapted in order to take into account the feed-back effect of the dispersed bubbles on the carrying flow. Our approach is based on local volume average of the two-phase Navier-Stokes equations. Local and temporal variations of the bubble concentration and momentum source terms are accounted for in mass and momentum balance equations. A number of reference cases have been tested to validate the modelling approach and its numerical implementation. Then, our previous study of bubble dispersion has been extended to two-way coupling simulations of turbulent Taylor-Couette flows (only inner cylinder is rotating). Modulation of the drag will be discussed for different geometries, Reynolds numbers and bubble sizes. The results show that near-wall turbulent structures are modified by the presence of bubbles.
A sketch of feeling generalization : a cognitive-existential analysis of psychology

Following a review of literature regarding autobiographical memories, retrieval-induced forgetting, and emotion relative to memory, a theory is devised to find solutions to the questions: How do we conceptualize; what does it mean to conceptualize; and how is memory retrieval possible? Feeling generalization is a universal system of thinking which postulates that which we conceive and retrieve is feeling upon which we conceptualize to conceptions in accord to the moment of arousal. The world of the individual, as its capacity to know, is defined by how the individual attributes the moment‟s particulars to feeling; or by its concern. An individual‟s interpretation of stimuli is restricted by the moment whereby the individual is found to exist consciously. The arousal of a moment follows a presupposed anticipatory knowing whereby the presence of arousal signifies an inconsistency in the anticipation of our knowing. Thereby, feeling is conceptualized to amend the contextual understanding where it becomes calibrated with our knowing. This means that, once again, conceptions are the intellectualization of feeling relative to the moment and our understanding. Furthermore, an individual can change that which causes arousal by conceptualizing. The individual strives to keep its world uniformly colored and familiar where inconsistencies in color or unfamiliarity are appropriated to what is momentarily understood. If an individual were to realize or accept these aforementioned principles, it would have greater control over its life in so far as that which affects it.