Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning to Learn, from Transfer Learning to Domain Adaptation: A Unifying Perspective

The transfer learning and domain adaptation problems originate from a distribution mismatch between the source and target data distribution. The causes of such mismatch are traditionally considered different. Thus, transfer learn- ing and domain adaptation algorithms are designed to ad- dress different issues, and cannot be used in both settings unless substantially modified. Still, one might argue that these problems are just different declinations of learning to learn, i.e. the ability to leverage over prior knowledge when attempting to solve a new task. We propose a learning to learn framework able to lever- age over source data regardless of the origin of the distri- bution mismatch. We consider prior models as experts, and use their output confidence value as features. We use them to build the new target model, combined with the features from the target data through a high-level cue integration scheme. This results in a class of algorithms usable in a plug-and-play fashion over any learning to learn scenario, from binary and multi-class transfer learning to single and multiple source domain adaptation settings. Experiments on several public datasets show that our approach consis- tently achieves the state of the art.
Dynamic Stability Analysis for a Self Mixing Interferometry

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The influence of performance expectations and personality on audience ratings of humor

Abstract Are our ratings of comics and the humor of their material affected by our perceived expectations? We tested the responses of fifty participants, recruited from comedy club audiences in the United States, who completed a standard personality test and then watched and rated video clips of stand-up comedy performances. The comedians in each clip were unknown to the viewers, and were either introduced with enhanced/exaggerated credentials (such as having experience writing for The Tonight Show or appearing on the Modern Family television series), or were given a more generic introduction, hinting that they have not yet achieved notable success. Participants rated their enjoyment of each comedian at three points during each eight-minute video clip, and rated their favorite joke and favorite comedian overall. Results indicated that expectations (based on exaggerated/enhanced credentials) affected humor ratings early in the performance but dissipated as the performance continued, suggesting that expectations only briefly affect one’s judgment of humor. Personality results indicated that the traits Extraversion and Agreeableness were significantly and positively correlated with overall performance ratings but only Extraversion affected whether viewers’ ratings were influenced by enhanced/exaggerated introductions. Agreeableness, gender, and age were more salient predictors of viewers’ humor ratings of comedians than were viewer expectations based on enhanced/exaggerated credentials.
Native American-Identified Students’ Transition to College: A Theoretical Model of Coping Challenges and Resources

Interviews with 10 first-year Native American students at a predominately White institution focused on perceptions of risk and protective factors for persistence. Grounded theory analyses suggested a model of mixed resources from two clusters of sources that assist adaptation. Participants generally experienced very high anxiety during the initial 6 to 8 weeks on campus. To cope, they tended to rely initially on established relationships with family and close others off-campus. As participants became more familiar with the university, they formed new connections with faculty, staff, and campus peers. Participants also became more resilient in the face of obstacles through use of internal coping strategies. Through this transition process, participants became involved in various campus support programs or organizations and resolved to further explore their Native American heritage. First-year transition efforts should consider interventions to help Native American-identified students to manage anxiety and form connections on campus very early in their initial semester.
Induction, inhibition, and some enzymological properties of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in fresh mitogen-activated human lymphocytes.

Basal and/or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-induced aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) in mitogen-activated cultured lymphocytes obtained from healthy donors was studied for the specificity of induction and inhibition and for other enzymological properties. Of the 24 chemicals tested, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin, dibenz( a,h )anthracene, benz( a )anthracene, 3-methylcholanthrene, β-naphthoflavone, cholecalciferol, and dl-isoproterenol were good inducers (inducibility ratio, >2.0). Other chemicals which produced effects ranging from inhibition to mild induction included 4-bromoflavone, α-naphthoflavone, chrysene, p,p -1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis( p -chlorophenyl)ethane, 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene, pyrene, d,l-norepinephrine, benzo( e )pyrene, lindane, n -octylamine, testosterone, 2,5-diphenyloxazole, 17β-estradiol, metyrapone, and phenobarbital. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin was the most potent inducer, followed by dibenz( a,h )-anthracene ≥ benz( a )anthracene > 3-methylcholanthrene. The data suggested that the latter four inducers could be used interchangeably as they appear to activate the common, genetically determined factors involved in the induction of AHH. The order of potency among the inhibitors was α-naphthoflavone > β-naphthoflavone, followed by 2-diethylaminoethyl-2,2-diphenylvalerate, metyrapone, 1,1,1-trichloropropene oxide, and cyclohexene oxide. Depending upon the concentration used, the latter four inhibitors produced moderate inhibition to moderate stimulation; however, the inhibition pattern for the basal and the PAH-induced AHH was indistinguishable. The half-life of the enzyme during cell culture and the Km values of the AHH in uninduced and PAH-induced cells were also similar. From these and other studies it could be concluded that: ( a ) 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin, dibenz( a,h )anthracene, benz( a )anthracene, and 3-methylcholanthrene have a common mechanism of action, differing only in the degree of induction of AHH produced; and ( b ) basal and induced AHH are qualitatively similar and differ only quantitatively in comparable uninduced and PAH-induced cells.
Title : Behavioral implications of providing real incentives in stated choice experiments Author names and affiliations :

This paper explores the potential impacts of introducing real economic incentives in Choice Experiments (CE). While many others have investigated such impacts before, the majority of the literature has focused solely on mitigation of hypothetical bias. We contribute to this literature by widening the scope of research to other behavioural aspects where consumers in CE are often found to deviate from homo economicus. We develop a theoretical model where not only Willingness to pay (WTP) measures but also decision processing can be affected by the introduction of an economic incentive. Specifically, our model allows for differential impacts on attribute processing, depending on the character of the attribute as well as self-image effects. In an empirical CE survey, we find some, though not unequivocal, support of our model. Even though we find no impact on WTP from introducing an economic incentive, we find marked benefits in relation to a number of behavioural aspects that together would favour the use of an economic incentive regardless of hypothetical bias being present or not.
Secondary School Principals' Perceptions of Inclusion for Students with Autism: A Causal-Comparative Study

A person’s perceptions define their reality, and behavior is based on what one believes to be real; therefore, perception is the path to belief, and one usually acts upon belief (Colaianni, 2015). According to Hallinger and Murphy (2012), “Today, we view instructional leadership as an influence process through which leaders identify direction for the school, motivate staff and coordinate school and classroom-based strategies aimed at improvements in teaching and learning” (p. 7). The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to contribute to a body of research surrounding the perceptions of secondary school principals toward the inclusion of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the general education environment. To fulfill this purpose, the researcher examined the following research questions: What is the relationship between secondary school administrators’ perceptions toward the inclusion of students with autism and the number of special education credits they took in their administrative training programs, what is the relationship between secondary school administrators’ perceptions toward the inclusion of students with autism and the number of years as an administrator, and what is the relationship between secondary school administrators’ perceptions toward the inclusion of students with autism and the number of students with IEPs in their building that are in regular education classes for at least 50 % of their day? One hundred and thirty-five secondary school principals across the state of West Virginia completed the Principal’s Perception of Autism Inclusion Survey (PPAIS). Data was collected and analyzed using comparative data by means of a Wilcoxon Two-Sample Z-test. This study is significant in determining what variables affect the perception of secondary school administrators regarding the inclusion of students with autism in a general education environment.
Teaching quality: relationships between passion, deep strategy to learn, and epistemic curiosity

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between teaching quality and students’ harmonious passion, deep strategy to learn, and epistemic curiosity in mathematics in 1,003 high school students. Data were analyzed using multilevel structural equation modeling, and results showed support for the hypotheses tested. First, we found that teaching quality – specifically, providing an optimal challenge, focusing on the process, and offering positive feedback – predicted students’ harmonious passion. Second, students’ harmonious passion predicted, at the individual and class level, students’ deep strategy to learn. Third, students’ harmonious passion predicted, at the individual and class level, students’ epistemic curiosity. Findings were discussed regarding their implications for educational practice and methodological suggestions for future research.
Equatorial signatures of the Pacific Meridional Modes: Dependence on mean climate state

Extratropical atmospheric variability can impact tropical climate in the Pacific sector via the Pacific Meridional Modes (PMMs). The South PMM (SPMM) has a larger equatorial signature than the North PMM (NPMM) for the same amount of extratropical variability. Here we explain this interhemispheric asymmetry using an atmospheric general circulation model coupled to a slab ocean model. By imposing an anomalous interhemispheric heating gradient, we strengthen the northeasterly trades and weaken the southeasterly trades, shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone south of the equator. As a result, the SPMM no longer influences the equatorial region while the NPMM shows strengthened linkages to the central‐western equatorial Pacific. By demonstrating that background winds determine the propagation of the wind‐evaporation‐sea surface temperature feedback fundamental for the PMMs, we conclude that the interhemispheric asymmetry between the PMMs is largely attributed to the asymmetric mean trades in the Pacific. The results have implications for both paleoclimate studies and model development.
Approximation of the radiation power of electrons due to the inverse-Compton process in the black-body photon field

Aims. An approximation is presented for the inverse-Compton radiation power of electrons in the isotropic black-body photon field. Methods. This approximation allows calculation of the inverse-Compton emissivity as an integral over the energies of incident electrons rather than over the field photon energies. Such an approach allows for accurate modeling of IC emission of electrons with energy spectra different from power law, in tasks where essential CPU resources are needed. Results. The high accuracy of this approximation allows it to be used in a wide range of conditions, from Thomson to extreme Klein-Nishina limits, in different astrophysical objects. This approach also results in some new analytic expressions representing the known results in the Thomson limit.
Wolves in Sheep's Clothing and Other Vygotskian Constructs

In 2007 a South African study examined new concept formation from early childhood to adulthood (N = 60, 3 to 76 years old) using the Vygotsky/Sakharov Blocks procedure (also known as the functional method of double stimulation for the study of concept formation) to establish whether contemporary adults and children produced the same or similar patterns as those described by Lev Vygotsky. The study found correspondence with the processes of concept formation identified by Vygotsky and his colleagues in the 1920s and 1930s. A developmental trend consistent with Vygotsky's writings on the ontogenesis of concept formation was reflected in a positive correlation between the age of the participants and their modes of thinking. The greatest increase in this developmental trend occurred between the 11-year-old and 15-year-old participants: This finding verified Vygotsky's assertion that true conceptual thinking only becomes possible in adolescence. The functional equivalence of pseudoconcepts in role and structure led Vygotsky to call them wolves in sheep's clothing, and it would appear that many a shepherd of today is unsuspecting of such lupine behaviour. Findings on pseudoconcepts are presented in detail and illustrated with photographs depicting selected elements from the study's microgenetic analyses of these elusive yet important Vygotskian constructs.
Performance comparison of various routing protocols in WSN and WBAN

WBAN is the limited version of the WSN. The area covered by network is the main constrained in the WBAN as compared to the WSN. Various routing protocols applicable in the WSN must have optimized performance in WBAN. This paper analyzes the performance of the various routing protocols of the wireless network in the WBAN and WSN. Moreover, the paper also compares their performance in the same network and in different network using different parameters i.e. PDR, latency and throughput etc. The paper signifies that the wireless protocols needs updation to perform well in the WBAN.
Reliability of hand-held dynamometry and functional strength tests for the lower extremity in children with Cerebral Palsy

Purpose. To evaluate the intertester reliability of two methods for measuring lower-limb strength in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method. Twenty-five subjects with CP (7 – 17 years of age) participated in this study. Lower-limb muscle strength was measured on 2 occasions using a Hand-held Dynamometer (HHD; break-method and make-method) and a 30-sec Repetition Maximum (RM) during three functional strength tests for the lower extremities. Reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), the standard error of measurement (SEM) and the coefficient of variation (CV). Results. The intertester reliability of strength measurement using a HHD was questionable with ICC values ranging from 0.42 – 0.73 for the break-method, and from 0.49 – 0.82 for the make-method. The SEM and CV (%) values ranged from 27.9 – 58.9 and 22.2 – 35.3% for the break-method, and from 30.6 – 52.7 and 16.2 – 56.2% for make-method. The intertester reliability of strength measurement using the 30-sec RM was acceptable with ICC values ranging from 0.91 – 0.96, and SEM and CV (%) values ranging from 1.1 – 2.6 and 10.9 – 39.9% for the functional exercises. Conclusion. The intertester reliability of measuring muscle strength of the lower extremities using a hand-held dynamometer is questionable. The intertester reliability of the 30-sec RM for the lower extremity is acceptable.
Genetic Studies in Human Prion Diseases

Human prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by spongiform changes, astrogliosis, and the accumulation of an abnormal prion protein (PrPSc). Approximately 10%-15% of human prion diseases are familial variants that are caused by pathogenic mutations in the prion protein gene (PRNP). Point mutations or the insertions of one or more copies of a 24 bp repeat are associated with familial human prion diseases including familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome, and fatal familial insomnia. These mutations vary significantly in frequency between countries. Here, we compare the frequency of PRNP mutations between European countries and East Asians. Associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of several candidate genes including PRNP and CJD have been reported. The SNP of PRNP at codon 129 has been shown to be associated with sporadic, iatrogenic, and variant CJD. The SNPs of several genes other than PRNP have been showed contradictory results. Case-control studies and genome-wide association studies have also been performed to identify candidate genes correlated with variant and/or sporadic CJD. This review provides a general overview of the genetic mutations and polymorphisms that have been analyzed in association with human prion diseases to date. Graphical Abstract
Optimal Dynamic Option-Based Portfolio Insurance Strategies with Stochastic Volatility

The intertemporal investment-consumption technique is applied to investigate the optimal consumption and dynamic option-based portfolio insurance strategy when there is predictable variation in return volatility. An optimal dynamic option-based portfolio insurance strategy is shown to be separable into a myopic component and an intertemporal hedging component. The intertemporal hedging demand is further separated into three effects. The correlation effect results in a conservative investor having a negative position on the intertemporal hedging demand of the option-based portfolio insurance strategy. However, there are two other positive effects in the intertemporal hedging component for the option-based portfolio insurance: the delta effect and the vega effect. Incorporating options’ considerations in portfolio decisions to create a dynamic option-based portfolio insurance strategy improves the hedging ability in the intertemporal hedging component, especially in down markets.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Main Glauconite Bed in the Middle Eocene of Texas: Paleoenvironmental Implications for the Verdine Facies

The Main Glauconite Bed (MGB) is a pelleted greensand located at Stone City Bluff on the south bank of the Brazos River in Burleson County, Texas. It was deposited during the Middle Eocene regional transgression on the Texas Gulf Coastal Plain. Stratigraphically it lies in the upper Stone City Member, Crockett Formation, Claiborne Group. Its mineralogy and geochemistry were examined in detail, and verdine facies minerals, predominantly odinite, were identified. Few glauconitic minerals were found in the green pelleted sediments of the MGB. Without detailed mineralogical work, glaucony facies minerals and verdine facies minerals are easily mistaken for one another. Their distinction has value in assessing paleoenvironments. In this study, several analytical techniques were employed to assess the mineralogy. X-ray diffraction of oriented and un-oriented clay samples indicated a clay mixture dominated by 7 and 14Å diffraction peaks. Unit cell calculations from XRD data for MGB pellets match the odinite-1M data base. Electron microprobe analyses (EMPA) from the average of 31 data points from clay pellets accompanied with Mössbauer analyses were used to calculate the structural formula which is that of odinite: Fe3+ 0.89 Mg0.45 Al0.67 Fe2+ 0.30 Ti0.01 Mn0.01) Σ = 2.33 (Si1.77 Al0.23) O5.00 (OH)4.00. QEMSCAN (Quantitative Evaluation of Minerals by Scanning Electron Microscopy) data provided mineral maps of quantitative proportions of the constituent clays. The verdine facies is a clay mineral facies associated with shallow marine shelf and lagoonal environments at tropical latitudes with iron influx from nearby runoff. Its depositional environment is well documented in modern nearshore locations. Recognition of verdine facies clays as the dominant constituent of the MGB clay pellets, rather than glaucony facies clays, allows for a more precise assessment of paleoenvironmental conditions.
The evolution of costly acquired immune memory

A key feature of the vertebrate adaptive immune system is acquired immune memory, whereby hosts launch a faster and heightened response when challenged by previously encountered pathogens, preventing full infection. Here, we use a mathematical model to explore the role of ecological and epidemiological processes in shaping selection for costly acquired immune memory. Applying the framework of adaptive dynamics to the classic SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) epidemiological model, we focus on the conditions that may lead hosts to evolve high levels of immunity. Linking our work to previous theory, we show how investment in immune memory may be greatest at long or intermediate host lifespans depending on whether immunity is long lasting. High initial costs to gain immunity are also found to be essential for a highly effective immune memory. We also find that high disease infectivity and sterility, but intermediate virulence and immune period, increase selection for immunity. Diversity in host populations through evolutionary branching is found to be possible but only for a limited range of parameter space. Our model suggests that specific ecological and epidemiological conditions have to be met for acquired immune memory to evolve.