Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accelerated Gradient Temporal Difference Learning

The family of temporal difference (TD) methods span a spectrum from computationally frugal linear methods like TD(λ) to data efficient least squares methods. Least square methods make the best use of available data directly computing the TD solution and thus do not require tuning a typically highly sensitive learning rate parameter, but require quadratic computation and storage. Recent algorithmic developments have yielded several sub-quadratic methods that use an approximation to the least squares TD solution, but incur bias. In this paper, we propose a new family of accelerated gradient TD (ATD) methods that (1) provide similar data efficiency benefits to least-squares methods, at a fraction of the computation and storage (2) significantly reduce parameter sensitivity compared to linear TD methods, and (3) are asymptotically unbiased. We illustrate these claims with a proof of convergence in expectation and experiments on several benchmark domains and a large-scale industrial energy allocation domain.
LANGUAGE ANXIETY FROM THE TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE: INTERVIEWS WITH SEVEN EXPERIENCED ESL/EFL TEACHERS

This study examines the teachers' views or assumptions on the phenomenon of language anxiety, especially as to how they have perceived and dealt with student anxiety in their actual teaching practices. In reference to the characteristic features of student anxiety reported in the relevant literature, this study also discusses the teachers' viewpoints in terms of whether there are any gaps or discrepancies with the students' affective needs in the language classroom. In this sense, this study can be considered as an attempt to provide some alternative insights into language anxiety from a different perspective. Similar to the interview study by Young (1992) concerning the perspectives of language specialists (Krashen, Omagio, Terrell, and Rardin) on language anxiety, this study also uses a qualitative in-depth interview format to investigate the seven experienced ESL/EFL teachers' perspectives on the phenomenon. As the interview results indicate, many of the accounts from the participants seem to generally corroborate the findings offered by previous research on language anxiety, but there are also some differences or gaps between the teachers' and students' perceptions on the role of anxiety in the L2 classroom contexts.
The nature and structure of workers' trust in management

This paper presents a theoretical and empirical analysis of the nature of trust at work. Use is made of the facet approach to generate a definitional framework of trust, and this is proposed as a theoretical basis for the analysis of the structural characteristics of trust. Hypotheses regarding the relations between the definitional framework and empirical observations were tested by applying Smallest Space Analysis to analyse data collected from a sample of 398 colliery workmen, using questionnaires developed on the basis of the faceted definition. The results demonstrate strong support for the definitional framework suggested for the concept of trust and its construct validity. The results also suggest a possible distinction workers make between trust and mistrust and, between the specifics of activities to do with the job itself versus managers in general. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lung transplantation: an overview of candidacy and outcomes.

BACKGROUND Various factors must be taken into account when considering lung transplantation, including candidacy, contraindications, and outcomes. METHODS This article presents a review of the data and literature on lung transplantation, tracking the evolution of the treatment as it applies to different conditions, as well as an examination of patient survival rates in relation to pathology and treatment. RESULTS Timely referral and careful selection of candidates for lung transplantation maximize the outcomes of the procedure, resulting in a longer lifespan with improved physical health for patients. CONCLUSION Lung transplantation is a therapeutic option for patients with various lung diseases. Adapting treatment options and follow-up treatment to the individual patient's lifestyle and pathology optimizes patient survival rates after transplantation.
Follow-Up Findings of a Program for Motor Skill Achievement

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to investigate whether gross motor gain scores achieved during intensive intervention were maintained once intervention was withdrawn, and (b) to investigate whether fine motor skills which were not a focus of intervention had been affected by the gross motor intervention. Pre- to posttest gross motor gains failed to continue once the intensive program was withdrawn. However, quotient scores were maintained without significant declines during the testing period. There were no significant differences between pre- and posttest scores for fine motor quotients for either year. These findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies of therapy and motor skill instruction.
Young people’s attitudes to religious diversity: quantitative approaches from social psychology and empirical theology

This essay discusses the design of the quantitative component of the ‘Young People’s Attitudes to Religious Diversity’ project, conceived by Professor Robert Jackson within the Warwick Religions and Education Research Unit, and presents some preliminary findings from the data. The quantitative component followed and built on the qualitative component within a mixed method design. The argument is advanced in seven steps: introducing the major sources of theory on which the quantitative approach builds from the psychology of religion and from empirical theology; locating the empirical traditions of research among young people that have shaped the study; clarifying the notions and levels of measurement employed in the study anticipating the potential for various forms of data analysis; discussing some of the established measures incorporated in the survey; defining the ways in which the sample was structured to reflect the four nations of the UK, and London; illustrating the potential within largely descriptive cross-tabulation forms of analysis; and illustrating the potential within more sophisticated multivariate analytic models.
GPS‐denied Indoor and Outdoor Monocular Vision Aided Navigation and Control of Unmanned Aircraft

GPS‐denied closed‐loop autonomous control of unstable Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) such as rotorcraft using information from a monocular camera has been an open problem. Most proposed Vision aided Inertial Navigation Systems (V‐INSs) have been too computationally intensive or do not have sufficient integrity for closed‐loop flight. We provide an affirmative answer to the question of whether V‐INSs can be used to sustain prolonged real‐world GPS‐denied flight by presenting a V‐INS that is validated through autonomous flight‐tests over prolonged closed‐loop dynamic operation in both indoor and outdoor GPS‐denied environments with two rotorcraft unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). The architecture efficiently combines visual feature information from a monocular camera with measurements from inertial sensors. Inertial measurements are used to predict frame‐to‐frame transition of online selected feature locations, and the difference between predicted and observed feature locations is used to bind in real‐time the inertial measurement unit drift, estimate its bias, and account for initial misalignment errors. A novel algorithm to manage a library of features online is presented that can add or remove features based on a measure of relative confidence in each feature location. The resulting V‐INS is sufficiently efficient and reliable to enable real‐time implementation on resource‐constrained aerial vehicles. The presented algorithms are validated on multiple platforms in real‐world conditions: through a 16‐min flight test, including an autonomous landing, of a 66 kg rotorcraft UAV operating in an unconctrolled outdoor environment without using GPS and through a Micro‐UAV operating in a cluttered, unmapped, and gusty indoor environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Driving Habits and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Age-Related Maculopathy

Purpose. To characterize the driving habits of persons with age-related maculopathy who present to a low-vision rehabilitation clinic and to examine how driving status relates to vision-specific health-related quality of life. Methods. The Driving Habits Questionnaire, the National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25, and the Life Space Questionnaire were administered via telephone interview to 126 patients with age-related maculopathy who presented to a low-vision clinic during the previous year and were either past or current drivers. Results. Twenty-four percent of the sample reported being a current driver. Compared with those who stopped driving, current drivers were more likely to be male, younger, have better visual acuity and higher National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25 scores. Drivers reported driving an average of 4 days and 10 miles per week. Over 50% of drivers reported that because of their vision, they had difficulty with or did not drive at all in rain, at night, on freeways or interstate highways, in heavy traffic areas, or during rush hour. Drivers and nondrivers did not differ in their life space, the spatial extent of their excursions into their environment. Conclusion. Some individuals who present to a low-vision clinic with age-related maculopathy do drive, although their driving exposure is low and they report avoiding challenging on-road situations. Driving status in age-related maculopathy appears to be related to better eye visual acuity and vision-specific health-related quality of life.
Characteristics of Academically Talented Women Who Achieve at High Levels on the Scholastic Achievement Test-Mathematics

Over the last few decades, researchers have studied the issue of gender differences in math achievement, especially among highly able females. The Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT), the most widely used instrument in the screening of college applicants, continues to show large and consistent differences among high-ability males and females, with profound implications for the educational opportunities and life choices of females. This research study, using qualitative research methods, examined the psychosocial, home, and school characteristics of female seniors in high school who achieved above the 95th percentile on the quantitative section of the SAT. The findings suggest that educators and parents can promote the strengths of mathematically talented females resulting in a number of positive psychosocial factors such as: a view of math as positive and useful, a style that encourages the attribution of success to talent, and confidence and persistence in tasks. In addition, educators who model a passion for mathematics, provide challenging learning activities, and occasionally enable their female students to work cooperatively may encourage these students’ talents. Parents who maintain high expectations for mathematics achievement, who are willing to donate their own time to work with their children on mathematics, and who seem excited and interested in the domain themselves may help their children to achieve at higher levels.
Current epidemiological trends of brain abscess: a clinicopathological study

Abstract Aims: To determine the current epidemiological trends, clinical presentation and commonest organism of brain abscess in this part of the country. Material and Methods: 104 cases admitted during August 2009 to July 2016 in the Department of neurosurgery of Dr RMLIMS Lucknow were included in the study. Detailed clinical history was taken and detailed neurological examination was done. Relevant laboratory investigations were done as needed along with CT scan and /or MRI brain. Patients were managed by aspiration or surgical excision and aspirated material sent for microbiological examination. Results were collected and analyzed. Results: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) was the commonest cause of infection in 54.81% cases. Trauma was encountered in 10.58%% cases. Other causes were haematogenous spread of infection, dental caries and immunodeficiency. No source could be identified in 23 patients (22.11%). Conclusion: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is still a major cause of brain abscess in developing country like India which is a benign curable disease and should not be neglected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment allows immediate decompression of mass reduces duration of antibiotic stay and minimizes treatment cost.
Time-Course Analysis of Early Meiotic Prophase Events Informs Mechanisms of Homolog Pairing and Synapsis in Caenorhabditis elegans

Segregation of homologous chromosomes during meiosis depends on their ability to reorganize within the nucleus, discriminate among potential partners, and stabilize pairwise associations through assembly of the synaptonemal complex (SC). Here we report a high-resolution time-course analysis of these key early events during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis. Labeled nucleotides are incorporated specifically into the X chromosomes during the last 2 hr of S phase, a property we exploit to identify a highly synchronous cohort of nuclei. By tracking X-labeled nuclei through early meiotic prophase, we define the sequence and duration of chromosome movement, nuclear reorganization, pairing at pairing centers (PCs), and SC assembly. Appearance of ZYG-12 foci (marking attachment of PCs to the nuclear envelope) and onset of active mobilization occur within an hour after S-phase completion. Movement occurs for nearly 2 hr before stable pairing is observed at PCs, and autosome movement continues for ∼4 hr thereafter. Chromosomes are tightly clustered during a 2–3 hr postpairing window, during which the bulk of SC assembly occurs; however, initiation of SC assembly can precede evident chromosome clustering. SC assembly on autosomes begins immediately after PC pairing is detected and is completed within ∼3.5 hr. For the X chromosomes, PC pairing is contemporaneous with autosomal pairing, but autosomes complete synapsis earlier (on average) than X chromosomes, implying that X chromosomes have a delay in onset and/or a slower rate of SC assembly. Additional evidence suggests that transient association among chromosomes sharing the same PC protein may contribute to partner discrimination.
Effects of simulated altitude on ventilator performance.

BACKGROUND Aeromedical transport of critically ill casualties requires continued safe operation of medical equipment at altitude. We evaluated performance of two ventilators in an altitude chamber. METHODS Two ventilators used by the United States Air Force (USAF) Critical Care Air Transport Teams were operated in an altitude chamber at barometric pressure of 754 mm Hg, 657 mm Hg, 563 mm Hg, and 428 mm Hg simulating altitudes of sea level, 4,000, 8,000, and 15,000 feet. At each altitude ventilators were set to deliver three tidal volumes (VT) from 0.25 L to 1.0 L. Airway pressure, timing, flow, and volumes were measured every breath. Measured parameters included VT, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), inspiratory time, expiratory time, inspiratory flow, peak inspiratory pressure, expiratory flow, and respiratory rate. RESULTS The Impact 754 compensated for changes in altitude maintaining the set VT within 10% of the sea level VT. Tidal volume delivery of the 754 was less precise during operation of the compressor at an inspired oxygen concentration of 0.21. With each increase in altitude, the LTV VT increased. At 8,000 feet VT increased by 10% and at 15,000 feet VT increased by 30% (p<0.001). Respiratory rate was not affected by altitude with either device. CONCLUSIONS The Impact 754 compensates ventilator output to deliver the desired tidal volume regardless of changes in altitude and barometric pressure. The LTV-1000 does not compensate for changes in altitude resulting in delivery of increasing tidal volumes with falling barometric pressure. Clinicians should be aware of ventilator performance and ventilator limitations to provide safe and effective ventilation during transport.
Multiple Drug Resistance in Cancer Revisited: The Cancer Stem Cell Hypothesis

The failure to eradicate cancer may be as fundamental as a misidentification of the target. Current therapies succeed at eliminating bulky disease but often miss a tumor reservoir that is the source of disease recurrence and metastasis. Recent advances in the understanding of tissue development and repair cause us to revisit the process of drug resistance as it applies to oncogenesis and tumor heterogeneity. The cancer stem cell hypothesis states that the cancer‐initiating cell is a transformed tissue stem cell, which retains the essential property of self‐protection through the activity of multiple drug resistance (MDR) transporters. This resting constitutively drug‐resistant cell remains at low frequency among a heterogeneous tumor mass. In the context of this hypothesis, the authors review the discovery of MDR transporters in cancer and normal stem cells and the failure of MDR reversal agents to increase the therapeutic index of substrate antineoplastic agents.
Backward masking performance as an indicator of vulnerability to schizophrenia

Several types of design have been used to identify neurocognitive measures that indicate vulnerability to schizophrenia rather than the presence of the illness. These designs include studies of first‐degree relatives of patients, studies of patients in symptomatic remission, and studies of subjects who are considered to be prone to psychosis. The backward masking procedure is one promising indicator of vulnerability lo schizophrenia. Backward masking is a procedure in which identification of an initial stimulus (the target) is disrupted by a later stimulus (the mask). Schizophrenic patients show performance deficits on backward masking. Unaffected siblings of patients, remitted patients, and individuals prone to psychosis also show performance deficits on backward masking. This pattern of results suggests that backward masking is a promising indicator of vulnerability to schizophrenia. It provides an alternative phenotype for schizophrenia that is separate from the disorder. The composite nature of masking procedures helps investigators to parse a performance deficit into its smallest meaningful elements and relate them to vulnerability to schizophrenia.
White Supremacist Networks on the Internet

Abstract In this paper we use methods of social network analysis to examine the interorganizational structure of the white supremacist movement. Treating links between Internet websites as ties of affinity, communication, or potential coordination, we investigate the structural properties of connections among white supremacist groups. White supremacism appears to be a relatively decentralized movement with multiple centers of influence, but without sharp cleavages between factions. Interorganizational links are stronger among groups with a special interest in mutual affirmation of their intellectual legitimacy (Holocaust revisionists) or cultural identity (racist skinheads) and weaker among groups that compete for members (political parties) or customers (commercial enterprises). The network is relatively isolated from both mainstream conservatives and other extremist groups. Christian Identity theology appears ineffective as a unifying creed of the movement, while Nazi sympathies are pervasive. Recruitment is facilitated by links between youth and adult organizations and by the propaganda efforts of more covertly racist groups. Links connect groups in many countries, suggesting the potential of the Internet to facilitate a whitesupremacist “cyber-community” that transcends regional and national boundaries.
Perceived Instructor Credibility and Teaching Philosophy

The purpose of this study was to examine whether perceived instructor credibility (i.e., competence, character, caring) differs based on instructor teaching philosophy. Participants were 244 students who read a short vignette describing an instructor with either a transmissive or a progressive teaching philosophy and completed the Measure of Source Credibility in reference to the vignette. Results indicate instructors with a transmissive teaching philosophy or a progressive teaching philosophy did not differ in their perceived competence, but instructors with a progressive teaching philosophy were rated higher in both perceived character and caring than instructors with a transmissive teaching philosophy. Future research should examine whether student philosophies toward education impact perceived instructor credibility.
Reliability and Validity of the Before-School Functioning Scale in Children With ADHD

Objective: Children with ADHD frequently manifest behavioral difficulties in the morning prior to school. We sought to assess the reliability and validity of the Before-School Functioning Questionnaire (BSFQ) as a measure of morning behaviors impaired by ADHD. Method: We used pre-treatment data from a randomized crossover study of 6- to 12-year-old participants comparing the methylphenidate transdermal delivery system (MTS) with a placebo transdermal system (PTS) for a total of 4 weeks. Results: The BSFQ investigator–rated scale shows very good internal homogeneity (Cronbach’s α = .91), good test–retest reliability (r = .60), good concurrent validity (r range = .42-.86), and a strong treatment effect (effect size = −.93). The self-rated BSFQ showed lower levels of reliability and validity. Conclusion: The investigator-rated BSFQ should be used in future trials of ADHD medications aimed at assessing efficacy in the morning before school.
Stereotyping Older Workers and Retirement: The Managers' Point of View*

ABSTRACT This article presents the results of a study into stereotyping by managers of their older workers and the influence of these stereotypes on the inclination of managers to keep their older workers in employment. The data for the study were gathered among 796 managers. Through principal components analysis, 15 opinions about older workers were reduced to three dimensions of stereotypes. The first dimension deals with the productivity of older staff; the other two dimensions have to do with their reliability and their adaptability. These stereotypical ideas about older workers influence managers' attitudes toward the retirement of their employees. The analyses show that, besides organizational factors, psychological mechanisms also explain why people view older workers through stereotypes. Managers who are older and in more frequent contact with older employees tend to hold more positive views. RÉSUMÉ Cet article présente les résultants d'une étude à propos des différents stéréotypes des gestionnaires envers leurs employés plus âgés et sur l'influence de ces stéréotypes dans la propension des gestionnaires à garder des employés âgés en service. Les données ont été recueillies auprès d'un échantillon de 796 gestionnaires. Àtravers des composantes d'analyse principales, 15 opinions sur les employés âgés ont été réduites à trois dimensions de stéréotypes. La première dimension concerne la productivité de personnel âgé, les autres dimensions concernent leur fiabilité et leur adaptabilité. Les idées stéréotypées sur les employés âgés ont une influence sur les attitudes des gestionnaires envers la retraite de leurs employés. Les analyses montrent que malgré les facteurs organisationnels, les mécanismes psychologiques expliquent également pourquoi les gens utilisent des stéréotypes sur les employés âgés. Les gestionnaires qui sont eux-mêmes plus âgés et qui maintiennent plus de contact avec des employés âgés, ont tendance à avoir des avis davantage positifs.