Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Natural Dynamics for Bargaining on Exchange Networks

Bargaining networks model the behavior of a set of players that need to reach pairwise agreements for making profits. Nash bargaining solutions are special outcomes of such games that are both stable and balanced. Kleinberg and Tardos proved a sharp algorithmic characterization of such outcomes, but left open the problem of how the actual bargaining process converges to them. A partial answer was provided by Azar et al. who proposed a distributed algorithm for constructing Nash bargaining solutions, but without polynomial bounds on its convergence rate. In this paper, we introduce a simple and natural model for this process, and study its convergence rate to Nash bargaining solutions. At each time step, each player proposes a deal to each of her neighbors. The proposal consists of a share of the potential profit in case of agreement. The share is chosen to be balanced in Nash's sense as far as this is feasible (with respect to the current best alternatives for both players). We prove that, whenever the Nash bargaining solution is unique (and satisfies a positive gap condition) this dynamics converges to it in polynomial time. Our analysis is based on an approximate decoupling phenomenon between the dynamics on different substructures of the network. This approach may be of general interest for the analysis of local algorithms on networks.
Medial Dorsal Hypothalamus Mediates the Inhibition of Reward Seeking after Extinction

Extinction promotes abstinence from drug seeking. Extinction expression is an active process, dependent on infralimbic prefrontal cortex (ilPFC). However, the neurocircuitry mediating extinction expression is unknown. Here we studied the neural mechanisms for expression of extinction of alcoholic beer seeking in rats. We first examined the pattern of activation in prefrontal cortex projections to medial dorsal hypothalamus (MDH) (i.e., perifornical and dorsomedial nuclei) during extinction expression. Double labeling for retrograde tracer cholera toxin B subunit (CTb) and the neuronal activity marker c-Fos revealed significant recruitment of MDH projecting ilPFC neurons during extinction expression. We then studied the causal role of MDH in inhibiting alcoholic beer seeking during extinction expression. MDH infusion of the inhibitory neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript prevented extinction expression, showing that MDH is necessary for extinction expression. Next we examined the pattern of activation in MDH projections to paraventricular thalamus (PVT) during extinction expression. Double labeling for CTb and c-Fos revealed significant recruitment of PVT projecting MDH neurons during extinction expression. We also showed, using triple-label immunofluorescence, that the majority of PVT projecting extinction neurons express prodynorphin, suggesting that actions at κ opioid receptors (KORs) in PVT may be critical for inhibiting alcoholic beer seeking. Consistent with this, infusions of a KOR agonist into PVT prevented reinstatement of alcoholic beer seeking showing that PVT KOR activation is sufficient to inhibit alcoholic beer seeking. Together, these findings identify a role for MDH and its ilPFC afferents and PVT efferents in inhibiting alcoholic beer seeking during extinction expression.
A finite volume method for multicomponent gas transport in a porous fuel cell electrode

We present a mathematical model for multicomponent gas transport in an anisotropic fuel cell electrode.The model couples the Maxwell–Stefan equations for multicomponent diffusion along with Darcy's law for flow in a porous medium. The equations are discretized using a finite volume approach with the method of lines, and the resulting non‐linear system of differential equations is integrated in time using a stiff ODE solver. Numerical simulations are performed to validate the model and to investigate the effect of various parameters on fuel cell performance. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toward a Unified Evaluation Method for Multiple Reading Support Systems: A Reading Speed-based Procedure

This paper proposes a unified evaluation method for multiple reading support systems such as a sentence translation system and a word translation system. In reading a non-native language text, these systems aim to lighten the reading burden. When we evaluate the performance of these systems, we cannot rely solely on these tests, as the output forms are different. Therefore, we must assess the performance of these systems based on the users’ reading comprehension and reading speed. We will further support our findings with experimental results. They show that the reading-speed procedure is able to evaluate the support systems, as well as, the comprehensionbased procedure proposed by Ohguro (1993) and Fuji et al. (2001).
Outperforming the competition in multi-unit sealed bid auctions

In this paper, we examine the behavior of bidding agents that are in direct competition with the other participants in an auction setting. Thus the agents are not simply trying to maximize their own utility, rather they wish to maximize a weighted difference of their own gain to that of their competitors. By so doing, this work significantly extends the existing state-of-the-art results on single unit auctions, by generalizing to the multi-unit case. Specifically, our main result is the derivation of symmetric Bayes-Nash equilibria for these agents in both mth and (m + 1)th price sealed bid auctions. Subsequently, we use these equilibria to examine the profits of different agents and show that aiming to beat the competition is more effective than pure self interest in any competitive setting. Finally, we examine how the auctioneer's revenue is affected and find that the weight that agents place in minimizing the opponents' profit determines whether the mth or the (m + 1)th price auction yields a higher revenue.
Overcoming inertia: insights from evolutionary economics into improved energy and climate policies

The ‘efficiency paradox’ has generated controversy and suggests that mainstream economics is not neutral in the way it deals with climate change. An alternative economic framework, evolutionary economics, is used to investigate this crucial issue and offer insights into the development of a complementary framework for designing climate policy and for managing the transition to a low-carbon society. The evolutionary framework allows us to identify the presence of two sources of inertia (i.e. at the individual level through ‘habits’ and at the level of socio-technical systems) that mutually reinforce each other in a path-dependent manner. To overcome ‘carbon lock-in’, decision-makers should design measures (e.g. commitment strategies, niche management) that specifically target those change-resisting factors, as they tend to reduce the efficiency of traditional instruments. A series of recommendations for policy-makers is provided.
Physical work environment risk factors for long term sickness absence: prospective findings among a cohort of 5357 employees in Denmark

Abstract Objectives To examine the effects of physical work environment on long term sickness absence and to investigate interaction between physical and psychosocial risk factors. Design and setting Prospective cohort study of long term sickness absence among employees in Denmark. Participants 5357 employees interviewed in 2000 about their physical work environment, and various covariates were followed for 18 months in a national sickness absence register. Outcome measurements Cox regression analysis was performed to assess risk estimates for physical risk factors in the work environment and onset of long term sickness absence, defined as receiving sickness absence compensation for eight consecutive weeks or more. Results 348 participants (6.9%) developed long term sickness absence during follow-up. Of these, 194 (55.7%) were women and 154 (44.3%) were men. For both female and male employees, risk of onset of long term sickness absence was increased by extreme bending or twisting of the neck or back, working mainly standing or squatting, lifting or carrying loads, and pushing or pulling loads. Significant interactions were found for three combinations of physical and psychosocial work environment risk factors among female employees (P<0.05). Conclusion Uncomfortable working positions, lifting or carrying loads, and pushing or pulling loads increased the risk of onset of long term sickness absence. The study shows a potential for reducing long term sickness absence through modifying work postures straining the neck and back, reducing the risk of work done standing or walking, and reducing the risk associated with handling loads. Dealing with psychosocial stressors simultaneously may improve physical intervention efforts further for female employees.
The Biopolitical Logics of Settler Colonialism and Disruptive Relationality

This essay argues that the biopolitical logics of settler colonialism function according to a naturalization in Western thought of politics as a project of hierarchically ordering life in relation to the sphere of politics. Significantly, such a mode of thinking discredits socio-political orders that operate on the basis of a non-hierarchical place-based relationality of all life forms including the land. Through a reading of Foucault and Agamben in their use of Aristotle, I want to show how hierarchy as a principle of the political is already implemented in the premise they draw upon for analyzing the biopolitical. In the same way it remains unrecognized in their analysis of biopolitics, this principle also becomes operative within settler colonial logics of life and land. Recently, however, Indigenous scholars and writers have mobilized relationality in its formative characteristic for Indigenous polities and politics as strategy to disrupt biopolitical logics and denaturalize settler colonial rule, which I want to show through engaging Daniel Heath Justice’s Indigenous fantasy trilogy The Way of Thorn and Thunder: The Kynship Chronicles as a site of disruptive relationality and political knowledge production.
Heritability of Ischemic Stroke in Relation to Age, Vascular Risk Factors, and Subtypes of Incident Stroke in Population-Based Studies

Background— Appropriate design of molecular genetic studies of ischemic stroke requires an understanding of the genetic epidemiology of stroke. However, there are no published population-based data on heritability of aetiological subtypes of ischemic stroke, confounding by heritability of other vascular risk factors, or the relationship between heritability and age of onset. Methods— We studied family history of stroke (FHxStroke) and of myocardial infarction (FHxMI) in first-degree relatives in 2 population-based studies (Oxford Vascular Study [OXVASC]; Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project [OCSP]). We related FHxStroke and FHxMI to subtype of ischemic stroke, age, and the presence of vascular risk factors and performed a systematic review of all studies of FHxStroke by stroke subtype. Results— In our population-based studies and in 3 hospital-based studies, FHxStroke was least frequent in cardioembolic stroke (OR=0.74, 95%CI=0.58 to 0.95, P =0.02) but was equally frequent in the other subtypes. In OXVASC and OCSP, FHxStroke (P =0.02), FHxMI (P =0.04), and FHx of either (P =0.006) were associated with stroke at a younger age. Only FHxStroke was associated with previous hypertension (OR=1.59, 95%CI=1.08 to 2.35, P =0.02). FHxMI was more frequent in large-artery stroke (OR=1.63, 95%CI=0.99 to 2.69, P =0.05). Conclusion— Consistent results in our population-based studies and previous hospital-based studies suggest that inclusion bias is not a major problem for studies of the genetic epidemiology of stroke. Molecular genetic studies might be best targeted at non-cardioembolic stroke and younger patients. However, genetic susceptibility to hypertension may account for a significant proportion of the heritability of ischemic stroke.
Specificity of Synaptic Connectivity between Layer 1 Inhibitory Interneurons and Layer 2/3 Pyramidal Neurons in the Rat Neocortex

Understanding the structure and function of the neocortical microcircuit requires a description of the synaptic connectivity between identified neuronal populations. Here, we investigate the electrophysiological properties of layer 1 (L1) neurons of the rat somatosensory neocortex (postnatal day 24–36) and their synaptic connectivity with supragranular pyramidal neurons. The active and passive properties of visually identified L1 neurons (n = 266) suggested division into 4 groups according to the Petilla classification scheme with characteristics of neurogliaform cells (NGFCs) (n = 72), classical-accommodating (n = 137), fast-spiking (n = 23), and burst-spiking neurons (n = 34). Anatomical reconstructions of L1 neurons supported the existence of 4 major neuronal groups. Multiparameter unsupervised cluster analysis confirmed the existence of 4 groups, revealing a high degree of similarity with the Petilla scheme. Simultaneous recordings between synaptically connected L1 neurons and L2/3 pyramidal neurons (n = 384) demonstrated neuronal class specificity in both excitatory and inhibitory connectivity and the properties of synaptic potentials. Notably, all groups of L1 neurons received monosynaptic excitatory input from L2/3 pyramidal neurons (n = 33), with the exception of NGFCs (n = 68 pairs tested). In contrast, NGFCs strongly inhibited L2/3 pyramidal neurons (n = 12 out 27 pairs tested). These data reveal a high specificity of excitatory and inhibitory connections in the superficial layers of the neocortex.
Satellite NDVI Assisted Monitoring of Vegetable Crop Evapotranspiration in California's San Joaquin Valley

Reflective bands of Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper satellite imagery were used to facilitate the estimation of basal crop evapotranspiration (ETcb), or potential crop water use, in San Joaquin Valley fields during 2008. A ground-based digital camera measured green fractional cover (Fc) of 49 commercial fields planted to 18 different crop types (row crops, grains, orchard, vineyard) of varying maturity over 11 Landsat overpass dates. Landsat L1T terrain-corrected images were transformed to surface reflectance and converted to normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). A strong linear relationship between NDVI and Fc was observed (r2 = 0.96, RMSE = 0.062). The resulting regression equation was used to estimate Fc for crop cycles of broccoli, bellpepper, head lettuce, and garlic on nominal 7–9 day intervals for several study fields. Prior relationships developed by weighing lysimeter were used to transform Fc to fraction of reference evapotranspiration, also known as basal crop coefficient (Kcb). Measurements of grass reference evapotranspiration from the California Irrigation Management Information System were then used to calculate ETcb for each overpass date. Temporal profiles of Fc, Kcb, and ETcb were thus developed for the study fields, along with estimates of seasonal water use. Daily ETcb retrieval uncertainty resulting from error in satellite-based Fc estimation was < 0.5 mm/d, with seasonal uncertainty of 6–10%. Results were compared with FAO-56 irrigation guidelines and prior lysimeter observations for reference.
PANGLYZER: Spanish Language Analysis System

The purpose of this paper is to describe the functions and procedures of the eight components of the Panglyzer Spanish analyzer of the knowledge-based engine of the Pangloss machine translation system. The Panglyzer follows a multi-pass approach consisting of preprocessing, part-of-speech tagging, phrase recognition, proper name classification, phrase analysis, clause recognition, clause analysis and reading ranking. Introduction The function of the Spanish analysis component of the PANGLOSS system, or PANGLYZER, is to provide for each clause in the input text a set of possible meaning representations ranked on the basis of likelihood. These are then handed to an augmentor which either interactively or automatically selects a representation from among the set of possibilities and fills in various sorts of information to produce a reading that is compatible with the context and that can act as a basis for generation. The approach has been to develop the system in a bottom up manner focusing on providing layer after layer of increasingly abstract analysis in a multi-pass process. This multi-pass architecture allows for semi-independent module construction, incremental development, and is amenable to robust performance. Each level of analysis is based on a focussed type of knowledge and, to the extent possible, exploits proven techniques. The levels alternate between recognition (segmentation) modules and analysis modules. For example, the preprocessor segments text into words while the part-of-speech tagger analyzes their part of speech. Since a high premium has been placed on robustness, we are following an iterative approach to design which relies on rapidly producing an initial prototype and then following a short test and revise cycle. Thus, at this point, all but the deepest level of analysis produces throughput and the on-going objective is to improve the accuracy of that throughput from one test cycle to the next
Learning to find eye region landmarks for remote gaze estimation in unconstrained settings

Conventional feature-based and model-based gaze estimation methods have proven to perform well in settings with controlled illumination and specialized cameras. In unconstrained real-world settings, however, such methods are surpassed by recent appearance-based methods due to difficulties in modeling factors such as illumination changes and other visual artifacts. We present a novel learning-based method for eye region landmark localization that enables conventional methods to be competitive to latest appearance-based methods. Despite having been trained exclusively on synthetic data, our method exceeds the state of the art for iris localization and eye shape registration on real-world imagery. We then use the detected landmarks as input to iterative model-fitting and lightweight learning-based gaze estimation methods. Our approach outperforms existing model-fitting and appearance-based methods in the context of person-independent and personalized gaze estimation.
Elastomer Surfaces with Directionally Dependent Adhesion Strength and Their Use in Transfer Printing with Continuous Roll‐to‐Roll Applications

In this paper we present mechanics and materials aspects of elastomeric stamps that have angled features of relief on their surfaces, designed to enable control of adhesion strength by peeling direction, in a way that can be exploited in schemes for deterministic assembly by transfer printing. Detailed mechanics models capture the essential physics of interface adhesion in this system. Experiments with cylindrical stamps that have this design demonstrate their potential for use in a continuous, roller mode of operation.
Out Of Your Mind: Estimating The Level-k Model

Rigorous empirical analysis of the level of reasoning model has been conned to inferences about the population distribution of reasoning for choice data. Other important parameters of the model have been subject to ad-hoc assumptions, like, for example, the level-0 distribution, the anchoring element of the model. Replacing these assumptions with empirical estimates is crucial to gain insights into the reasoning process in one-shot games as well as in repeated games with learning. To this end, choice data alone is insucient and it is necessary to obtain richer information about the players’ reasoning. In this paper, we use a team-setup in a one-shot beauty contest game to analyse individual reasoning from intra-team communication. In our design, a convincing message explaining the player’s suggested action increases his chances for winning, and therefore gives the players a strong incentive to reveal their reasoning. The classication of the communication data according to a generalised level-k model allows for a close look at the reasoning process of most of the subjects. Reasoning types and levels can in the majority of cases be identied and beliefs about the level-0 and the population distribution can be extracted in many cases. We use the rich data at hand to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the level-k model’s parameters and test common assumptions of the literature. Complementing choice data with richer information from incentivised communication opens up possibilities for novel estimates and to scrutinze standing assumptions. We think that our method can be used to progress further our understanding of individual behaviour in strategic situations with little or no history of play.
Engaging second language teachers in videoconference-integrated exchanges: towards a social constructivist perspective

The questions addressed in this study arose from an earlier project which attempted to provide videoconferencing opportunities for Second Language (SL) teachers to engaging in bilingual “virtual exchanges” for their students (hereafter referred to as “eTandem videoconferencing”). This investigation was initially motivated by the interest on discovering why these teachers and their students did not take the opportunity to participate in the synchronous part of the exchanges. This qualitative study reports on the developmental paths experienced by twenty SL teachers from the US, the UK, Switzerland and Spain and their pupils in the process. It particularly aims to discover what teachers' roles emerge in the process. The research also focuses on how these teachers’ practices are consistent with a more social constructivist approach to Computer Assisted Language Learning. The investigation builds on Hartnell-Young’s theoretical model (2003) of teachers’ roles where computers are used. Data collection involves an initial survey, observation of teachers and students before, during and after the exchanges and video-stimulated recall interviews with the teachers. The research centres on critical incidents experienced by these teachers. Hugues' model (2009) of the expanded critical incident approach provides the methodological framework. In line with her model, the study has created a multifaceted word picture of these teachers, further characterised by a condensed set of critical findings. The teachers’ accounts reveal several incidents that inhibited or supported the teachers’ development in terms of how they planned the learning environment regarding the physical space, the virtual setting and the social environment and in terms of how they mediated the implementation of the exchanges towards a more interactive approach. In doing so, this investigation adds to the knowledge base available to educators and researchers by offering greater understanding about these SL teachers’ particular experiences.
Computation of Lyapunov Functions for Nonlinear Differential Equations via a Massera-Type Construction

An approach for computing Lyapunov functions for nonlinear continuous-time differential equations is developed via a new, Massera-type construction. This construction is enabled by imposing a finite-time criterion on the integrated function. By means of this approach, we relax the assumptions of exponential stability on the system's equilibrium, while still allowing integration over a finite time interval. The resulting Lyapunov function can be computed based on any $\mathcal {K}_{\infty}$ -function of the norm of the solution of the system. In addition, we show how the developed converse theorem can be used to construct an estimate of the domain of attraction. Finally, a range of examples from the literature and biological applications, such as the genetic toggle switch, the repressilator, and the HPA axis, are worked out to demonstrate the efficiency and improvement in computation of the proposed approach.