Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adversarial α-divergence Minimization for Bayesian Approximate Inference

Neural networks are popular models for regression. They are often trained via back-propagation to find a value of the weights that correctly predicts the observed data. Although back-propagation has shown good performance in many applications, it cannot easily output an estimate of the uncertainty in the predictions made. Measuring this uncertainty in the predictions of machine learning models is a critical aspect with important applications. Uncertainty estimates can be obtained by following a Bayesian approach in which a posterior distribution of the model parameters is computed. The posterior distribution summarizes which parameter values are compatible with the data. Typically, this posterior distribution is intractable and has to be approximated. Several approaches have been considered for solving this problem. We propose here a general method for approximate Bayesian inference based on minimizing αdivergences which allows for flexible approximate distributions. The method is evaluated in the context of Bayesian neural networks for regression on extensive experiments. The results show that it often gives better performance in terms of the test log-likelihood and sometimes in terms of the squared error.
Planet Formation around Supermassive Black Holes in the Active Galactic Nuclei

As a natural consequence of the elementary processes of dust growth, we discovered that a new class of planets can be formed around supermassive black holes (SMBHs). We investigated a growth path from submicron sized icy dust monomers to Earth-sized bodies outside the “snow line,” located several parsecs from SMBHs in low luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs). In contrast to protoplanetary disks, the “radial drift barrier” does not prevent the formation of planetesimals. In the early phase of the evolution, low collision velocity between dust particles promotes sticking; therefore, the internal density of the dust aggregates decreases with growth. When the porous aggregate’s size reaches 0.1–1 cm, the collisional compression becomes effective, and the decrease in internal density stops. Once 10–100 m sized aggregates are formed, they are decoupled from gas turbulence, and the aggregate layer becomes gravitationally unstable, leading to the formation of planets by the fragmentation of the layer, with 10 times the mass of the Earth. The growth timescale depends on the turbulent strength of the circumnuclear disk and the black hole mass MBH, and it is comparable to the AGN’s lifetime (∼108 yr) for low mass (MBH ∼ 106M⊙) SMBHs.
Inner-product Kernels are Asymptotically Equivalent to Binary Discrete Kernels

This article investigates the eigenspectrum of the inner product-type kernel matrix $\sqrt{p} \mathbf{K}=\{f( \mathbf{x}_i^{\sf T} \mathbf{x}_j/\sqrt{p})\}_{i,j=1}^n $ under a binary mixture model in the high dimensional regime where the number of data $n$ and their dimension $p$ are both large and comparable. Based on recent advances in random matrix theory, we show that, for a wide range of nonlinear functions $f$, the eigenspectrum behavior is asymptotically equivalent to that of an (at most) cubic function. This sheds new light on the understanding of nonlinearity in large dimensional problems. As a byproduct, we propose a simple function prototype valued in $ (-1,0,1) $ that, while reducing both storage memory and running time, achieves the same (asymptotic) classification performance as any arbitrary function $f$.
Uniform Poincar{\'e} and logarithmic Sobolev inequalities for mean field particles systems

In this paper we establish some explicit and sharp estimates of the spectral gap and the log-Sobolev constant for mean field particles system, uniform in the number of particles, when the confinement potential have many local minimums. Our uniform log-Sobolev inequality, based on Zegarlinski's theorem for Gibbs measures, allows us to obtain the exponential convergence in entropy of the McKean-Vlasov equation with an explicit rate constant, generalizing the result of [10] by means of the displacement convexity approach, or [19, 20] by Bakry-Emery technique or the recent [9] by dissipation of the Wasserstein distance.
Empirical study towards understanding line search approximations for training neural networks

Choosing appropriate step sizes is critical for reducing the computational cost of training large-scale neural network models. Mini-batch sub-sampling (MBSS) is often employed for computational tractability. However, MBSS introduces a sampling error, that can manifest as a bias or variance in a line search. This is because MBSS can be performed statically, where the mini-batch is updated only when the search direction changes, or dynamically, where the mini-batch is updated every-time the function is evaluated. Static MBSS results in a smooth loss function along a search direction, reflecting low variance but large bias in the estimated "true" (or full batch) minimum. Conversely, dynamic MBSS results in a point-wise discontinuous function, with computable gradients using backpropagation, along a search direction, reflecting high variance but lower bias in the estimated "true" (or full batch) minimum. In this study, quadratic line search approximations are considered to study the quality of function and derivative information to construct approximations for dynamic MBSS loss functions. An empirical study is conducted where function and derivative information are enforced in various ways for the quadratic approximations. The results for various neural network problems show that being selective on what information is enforced helps to reduce the variance of predicted step sizes.
Multifractality and its role in anomalous transport in the disordered XXZ spin-chain

The disordered XXZ model is a prototype model of the many-body localization (MBL) transition. Despite numerous studies of this model, the available numerical evidence of multifractality of its eigenstates is not very conclusive due to severe finite size effects. Moreover it is not clear if similarly to the case of single-particle physics, multifractal properties of the many-body eigenstates are related to anomalous transport, which is observed in this model. In this work, using a state-of-the-art, massively parallel, numerically exact method, we study systems of up to 24 spins and show that a large fraction of the delocalized phase flows towards ergodicity in the thermodynamic limit, while a region immediately preceding the MBL transition appears to be multifractal in this limit. We discuss the implication of our finding on the mechanism of subdiffusive transport.
Hijacking Routes in Payment Channel Networks: A Predictability Tradeoff

Off-chain transaction networks can mitigate the scalability issues of today's trustless electronic cash systems such as Bitcoin. However, these peer-to-peer networks also introduce a new attack surface which is not well-understood today. This paper identifies and analyzes, a novel Denial-of-Service attack which is based on route hijacking, i.e., which exploits the way transactions are routed and executed along the created channels of the network. This attack is conceptually interesting as even a limited attacker that manipulates the topology through the creation of new channels can navigate tradeoffs related to the way it attacks the network. Furthermore, the attack also highlights a fundamental design tradeoff for the defender (who determines its own routes): to become less predictable and hence secure, a rational node has to pay higher fees to nodes that forward its payments. We find that the three most common implementations for payment channels in Bitcoin (lnd, C-lightning, Eclair) approach routing differently. We begin by surveying the current state of the Lightning network and explore the routes chosen by these implementations. We find that in the current network nearly 60\% of all routes pass through only five nodes, while 80\% go through only 10 nodes. Thus, a relatively small number of colluding nodes can deny service to a large fraction of the network. We then turn to study an external attacker who creates links to the network and draws more routes through its nodes by asking for lower fees. We find that just five new links are enough to draw the majority (65\% - 75\%) of the traffic regardless of the implementation being used. The cost of creating these links is very low. We discuss the differences between implementations and eventually derive our own suggested routing policy, which is based on a novel combination of existing approaches.
Building Second-Order Mental Models for Human-Robot Interaction

The mental models that humans form of other agents---encapsulating human beliefs about agent goals, intentions, capabilities, and more---create an underlying basis for interaction. These mental models have the potential to affect both the human's decision making during the interaction and the human's subjective assessment of the interaction. In this paper, we surveyed existing methods for modeling how humans view robots, then identified a potential method for improving these estimates through inferring a human's model of a robot agent directly from their actions. Then, we conducted an online study to collect data in a grid-world environment involving humans moving an avatar past a virtual agent. Through our analysis, we demonstrated that participants' action choices leaked information about their mental models of a virtual agent. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings and the potential for such a method to improve human-robot interactions.
The Mass Dependence of Structure, Star Formation Rate, and Mass Assembly Mode at 0.5 < z < 2.5

To investigate the mass dependence of structural transformation and star formation quenching, we construct three galaxy samples using massive (M* > 1010 M⊙) red, green, and blue galaxy populations at 0.5 < z < 2.5 in five 3D–HST/CANDELS fields. The structural parameters, including effective radius (re), galaxy compactness (Σ1.5), and second-order moment of 20% brightest pixels (M20), are found to be correlated with stellar mass. Sérsic index (n), concentration (C), and Gini coefficient (G) seem to be insensitive to stellar mass. The morphological distinction between blue and red galaxies is found at a fixed mass bin, suggesting that quenching processes should be accompanied with transformations of galaxy structure and morphology. Except for re and Σ1.5 at the high-mass end, structural parameters of green galaxies are intermediate between red and blue galaxies in each stellar mass bin at z < 2, indicating that green galaxies are at a transitional phase when blue galaxies are being quenched into quiescent statuses. The similar sizes and compactness for the blue and green galaxies at the high-mass end imply that some of these galaxies will not appear to be significantly shrunk until they are completely quenched into red quiescent galaxies. For the green galaxies at 0.5 < z < 1.5, a morphological transformation sequence of bulge buildup can be seen as their star formation activities are gradually shut down, while a faster morphological transformation is verified for the green galaxies at 1.5 < z < 2.5.
Presolar grains in primitive ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Northwest Africa 5958

We report a correlated NanoSIMS‐transmission electron microscopy study of the ungrouped carbonaceous chondrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 5958. We identified 10 presolar SiC grains, 2 likely presolar graphite grains, and 20 presolar silicate and/or oxide grains in NWA 5958. We suggest a slight modification of the commonly used classification system for presolar oxides and silicates that better reflects the grains’ likely stellar origins. The matrix‐normalized presolar SiC abundance in NWA 5958 is 18−10+15 ppm (2σ) similar to that seen in many classes of unmetamorphosed chondrites. In contrast, the matrix‐normalized abundance of presolar O‐rich phases (silicates and oxides) is 30.9−13.1+17.8 ppm (2σ), much lower than seen in interplanetary dust particles and the least‐altered CR, CO, and ungrouped C chondrites, but close to that reported for CM chondrites. NanoSIMS mapping also revealed an unusual 13C‐enriched (δ13C≈100–200‰) carbonaceous rim surrounding a 1.4 μm diameter phyllosilicate grain. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of two presolar grains with a likely origin in asymptotic giant branch stars identified one as enstatite and one as Al‐Mg spinel with minor Cr. The enstatite grain amorphized rapidly under the electron beam, suggesting partial hydration. TEM data of NWA 5958 matrix confirm that it has experienced aqueous alteration and support the suggestion of Jacquet et al. (34) that this meteorite has affinities to CM2 chondrites.
Perceptual awareness and active inference

Abstract Perceptual awareness depends upon the way in which we engage with our sensorium. This notion is central to active inference, a theoretical framework that treats perception and action as inferential processes. This variational perspective on cognition formalizes the notion of perception as hypothesis testing and treats actions as experiments that are designed (in part) to gather evidence for or against alternative hypotheses. The common treatment of perception and action affords a useful interpretation of certain perceptual phenomena whose active component is often not acknowledged. In this article, we start by considering Troxler fading – the dissipation of a peripheral percept during maintenance of fixation, and its recovery during free (saccadic) exploration. This offers an important example of the failure to maintain a percept without actively interrogating a visual scene. We argue that this may be understood in terms of the accumulation of uncertainty about a hypothesized stimulus when free exploration is disrupted by experimental instructions or pathology. Once we take this view, we can generalize the idea of using bodily (oculomotor) action to resolve uncertainty to include the use of mental (attentional) actions for the same purpose. This affords a useful way to think about binocular rivalry paradigms, in which perceptual changes need not be associated with an overt movement.
Self-derived chemical cues support home refuge recognition in the whip spider Phrynus marginemaculatus (Amblypygi: Phrynidae)

Abstract. Whip spiders (Class Arachnida: Order Amblypygi) are hypothesized to use multimodal sensory inputs to navigate back to their diurnal shelter after a night of activity, and chemical cues are thought to be involved. In two experiments, we investigated whether self-deposited chemical cues on a substrate could be used for shelter recognition by Phrynus marginemaculatus C.L. Koch, 1840. When given a choice, individual P. marginemaculatus spent more time in a shelter that contained filter paper it had previously contacted compared to a shelter with filter paper never contacted. In the second experiment, subjects showed no significant preference for a shelter that contained filter paper they had contacted compared to a shelter with filter paper that had been contacted by a conspecific. The data support the hypothesis that during the last stage of nightly navigation to their refuge, detection of self-deposited chemical cues, likely mediated by contact chemoreceptors, may facilitate home refuge recognition by P. marginemaculatus.
Dentists' awareness about the link between oral and systemic health

BACKGROUND: Oral health is integral to systemic health. There is a growing body of evidence of an association between periodontal and systemic diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the awareness of dentists regarding link between oral and systemic health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was collected using a self-administered pilot-tested questionnaire. Dentists awareness about link between oral and systemic link was assessed on five point likert scale. Data was entered and analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: Of the 588 dentists, 500 completed the questionnaire (response rate 85.03%). About 93% of the participants (mean age 25.82 ± 4.21 years) agreed that oral health was associated with systemic health. Most dentists were aware of a connection between periodontal disease and diabetes (84.4%) and heart disease (70.2%). Similarly, 85.6% believed in the negative impact of oral disease on the quality of life of patients. More female than male dentists were aware of the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis (P < 0.001). Most dentists (97%) believed that more patients would seek oral care if they were aware of the oral-systemic link. After adjustments, private dentists were 4.65 times more likely than public dentists to believe in improving access to oral care with increased patient awareness of the oral-systemic connection (P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Most dentists were aware of the oral-systemic link. They believed that patients' access to oral care would improve if they were aware of a connection between oral and systemic health. Therefore, patients should be informed of the oral-systemic link to improve their oral health.
Earthquakes, attributions, and psychopathology: a study in a rural community

ABSTRACT Background: Attributions of both cause and blame form part of the diagnostic criteria for PTSD in DSM-5. Most work on attributions and psychopathology has focused on survivors of interpersonal violence and the two types of attribution have not been investigated together in natural disaster contexts. Previous work has identified that attributions to God’s role may be associated with survivors’ mental health following disasters. We studied the relation between attributions to God and other actors/entities in a rural community with high levels of religiosity that had suffered extensive damage and loss of life due to a series of earthquakes. Methods: A sample of survivors (N = 127) was assessed for degree of earthquake exposure, resource loss, attributions of cause and blame for the earthquake damage, and psychopathology three months after a series of major earthquakes in Italy. Results: Nature and chance were associated with higher cause than blame attributions whereas the State, the municipality, building firms, and the mafia were associated with higher blame than cause attributions. Additionally, both cause and blame attributions towards God and chance were positively correlated with PTSD and psychological distress symptoms. These associations remained significant while controlling for degree of earthquake exposure, resource loss, gender, age, and education. Conclusion: The current study supports the role played by cognitions about the cause of traumatic events, as introduced into the PTSD diagnosis in DSM-5, and extends this to blame of other entities such as God and chance following disasters. HIGHLIGHTS • Attributions towards God and chance by earthquake survivors were positively associated with PTSD symptoms and psychological distress. • Survivors distinguished between cause and blame attributions. • Supporting evidence is provided for DSM-5 D3 criterion for PTSD.
Shape of male palpal hook affects female sexual cannibalism in Leucauge mariana (Araneae: Tetragnathidae)

Abstract. In the Colombian orb-web spider Leucauge mariana (Taczanowski, 1881) (Tetragnathidae), both sexes contribute to mating plug formation. Males of this species show a conductor hook that could be involved in providing stability to the mating pair and used for mating plug removal. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the shape of the conductor hook in L. mariana and mating duration, the amount of sperm stored, and the occurrence of sexual cannibalism. We used geometric morphometric tools for studying the conductor hook shape. The width of the base of the conductor hook was negatively correlated with the probability of sexual cannibalism by females (PC2 = 0.017), but we did not find a significant relation with mating duration and the amount of sperm transferred. Female choice on male hook shape, or on the stability provided by the hook during the mating position, could be occurring in this species.
Improvement of the Properties of Direct-Current Magnetron-Sputtered Al-Doped ZnO Polycrystalline Films Containing Retained Ar Atoms Using 10-nm-Thick Buffer Layers

The use of a 10-nm-thick buffer layer enabled tailoring of the characteristics, such as film deposition and structural and electrical properties, of magnetron-sputtered Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films containing unintentionally retained Ar atoms. The AZO films were deposited on glass substrates coated with the buffer layer via direct-current magnetron sputtering using Ar gas, a substrate temperature of 200 °C, and sintered AZO targets with an Al2O3 content of 2.0 wt %. The use of a Ga-doped ZnO film possessing a texture with a specific well-defined orientation as the buffer layer was very effective for improving the crystallographic orientation, reducing the residual stress, and improving the carrier transport of the AZO films. The residual compressive stress and in-grain carrier mobility were responsible for the retention of Ar atoms by the films, as observed using an electron probe microanalyzer.
Biochemical and biological validations of a faecal glucocorticoid metabolite assay in mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx)

Stress is a major factor when releasing endangered species into the wild but is often overlooked. We explored methods to measure stress non-invasively that can be applied to rehabilitated rescued mandrills following release into the wild. We validated an assay for this purpose and showed that consistent extraction methods are needed for accurate hormone comparisons in this species.
Fatalism as a traditional cultural belief potentially relevant to trauma sequelae: Measurement equivalence, extent and associations in six countries

ABSTRACT Background: Fatalism, known as the propensity to believe that one’s destiny is externally determined, has so far been examined selectively, and not yet in a cross-cultural study. Moreover, a general, non-data-based speculation assumes that fatalism occurs to a lesser extent in countries of the Global North than in the Global South. Objective: Fatalism as a global psychological belief seems to have a prima facie validity, but this is to be investigated by measurement equivalence calculations across different countries from different world regions. Furthermore, socio-demographic and cultural geographic associations with fatalism scores will be investigated. Method: A six items fatalism scale was introduced in six large population-based samples from Europe, Africa, and Latin America (total n = 6ʹ537). Testing of invariance followed standardized procedures for cross-cultural comparisons with a comprehensive parallel analysis. Regression analyses provided information on associations with socio-demography and cultural geography. Results: The fatalism construct divided into accentuated pessimistic and non-judgmental subscores in five of the six countries. The German sample showed the highest fatalism scores compared to almost all other countries. In particular higher age and lower educational attainment determine fatalism scores across countries. An explorative analysis of the associations between PTSD symptoms and fatalism scores for African countries revealed small correlations. Discussion: Fatalism as indicated by its subscores seems not to be an exclusive phenomenon of countries with higher economic and socio-cultural vulnerability. For all countries, sociodemographic groups can be identified in which these parts of a traditional belief system are more pronounced. Only for a subset of the countries examined has it been possible to analyse the associations with trauma. Further elaborated analyses in other samples should follow. HIGHLIGHTS • Not all traumatized persons seek or request help but rather remain passive and without expectations which is presumably related to fatalism. • The study shows that this fatalism can be found in all countries and regions of the world studied. • Fatalism has many facets, as the present study has shown. In different linguistic and cultural areas, different sub-constructs can be distinguished from each other. All are related to fatalism.