Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rigorous Agent Evaluation: An Adversarial Approach to Uncover Catastrophic Failures

This paper addresses the problem of evaluating learning systems in safety critical domains such as autonomous driving, where failures can have catastrophic consequences. We focus on two problems: searching for scenarios when learned agents fail and assessing their probability of failure. The standard method for agent evaluation in reinforcement learning, Vanilla Monte Carlo, can miss failures entirely, leading to the deployment of unsafe agents. We demonstrate this is an issue for current agents, where even matching the compute used for training is sometimes insufficient for evaluation. To address this shortcoming, we draw upon the rare event probability estimation literature and propose an adversarial evaluation approach. Our approach focuses evaluation on adversarially chosen situations, while still providing unbiased estimates of failure probabilities. The key difficulty is in identifying these adversarial situations -- since failures are rare there is little signal to drive optimization. To solve this we propose a continuation approach that learns failure modes in related but less robust agents. Our approach also allows reuse of data already collected for training the agent. We demonstrate the efficacy of adversarial evaluation on two standard domains: humanoid control and simulated driving. Experimental results show that our methods can find catastrophic failures and estimate failures rates of agents multiple orders of magnitude faster than standard evaluation schemes, in minutes to hours rather than days.
First Demonstration of Low-Power Monolithic Transimpedance Amplifier using InP/GaAsSb/InP DHBTs

A low-power transimpedance amplifier is presented based on novel InP/GaAsSb/InP DHBT technology. This is the first monolithic circuit demonstration using Sb-based InP DHBTs. Self-biased from a single 2.55 V dc supply, the broadband transimpedance amplifier in shunt-shunt feedback exhibited a 6.0 dB gain, 8.0 GHz bandwidth, 43 dBΩ transimpedance, and a corresponding gain-bandwidth of 1.13 THz-Ω while consuming only 15.3 mW dc power. The single-stage buffer amplifier achieved a good Gain-Bandwidth-Product per dc power figure-of-merit (GBP/Pdc) of 1.05 GHz/mW.
Translational Fluctuating Asymmetry and Leaf Dimension in Seagrass, Zostera capricorni Aschers in a Gradient of Heavy Metals

Methodology for measuring translational fluctuating asymmetry (TFA) on leaves of seagrass, Zostera capricorni Aschers has been developed and tested to detect a subtle effect of environmental stress associated with heavy metal pollution on developmental instability. Our analyses showed that concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Se) in leaves and roots of the seagrass were significantly higher in the polluted location than in relatively unpolluted locations. We found significant differences in TFA between different locations, showing that the method is sensitive enough to detect spatial differences even within a rather small water body, but these differences were not associated with a higher concentration of heavy metals, i.e. plants from the polluted location did not show higher TFA. Possibly, seagrass can store heavy metals in their tissues and protect their development from the toxic effect, or the effect of heavy metals in the natural environment is confounded by other environmental factors. At.
Evaluating Yield Models for Crop Insurance Rating

Generated crop insurance rates depend critically on the distributional assumptions of the underlying crop yield loss model. Using farm level corn yield data from 1972-2008, we revisit the problem of examining in-sample goodness-of-fit measures across a set of flexible parametric, semi-parametric, and non-parametric distributions. Simulations are also conducted to investigate the out-of-sample efficiency properties of several competing distributions. The results indicate that more parameterized distributional forms fit the data better in-sample due to the fact that they have more parameters, but are generally less efficient out-of-sample–and in some cases more biased–than more parsimonious forms which also fit the data adequately, such as the Weibull. The results highlight the relative advantages of alternative distributions in terms of the bias-efficiency tradeoff in both in- and out-of-sample frameworks.
2 The Blood-Brain Barrier in Epilepsy

The blood-brain barrier is altered in epilepsy. This includes altered expression of transporters and metabolic enzymes as well as barrier leakage that have been linked to antiepileptic drug resistance and seizure genesis, respectively. Here we highlight current understanding of these pathological changes. Three critical components of barrier function 1) tight junctions, 2) metabolising enzymes and 3) transporter proteins are introduced and we describe how they are changed in epilepsy and affected by epilepsy treatment. Recent efforts in blood-brain barrier research to overcome drug-resistant epilepsy are also discussed.
Oxygen isotopic and soluble ionic composition of a shallow firn core, Inilchek glacier, central Tien Shan

Abstract Oxygen isotopic and soluble ionic measurements made on snow-pit (2 m depth) and firn-core (12.4 m depth) samples recovered from the accumulation zone (5100 m) of Inilchek glacier (43° N, 79° E) provide information on recent (1992–98) climatic and environmental conditions in the central Tien Shan region of central Asia. The combined 14.4 m snow-pit/firn-core profile lies within the firn zone, and contains only one observed melt feature (10 m temperature = −12°C). Although some post-depositional attenuation of the sub-seasonal δ 18O record is possible, annual cycles are apparent throughout the isotope profile. We therefore use the preserved δ 18O record to establish a depth/age scale for the core. Mean δ 18O values for the entire core and for summer periods are consistent with δ 18O/temperature observations, and suggest the δ 18O record provides a means to reconstruct past changes in summer surface temperature at the site. Major-ion (Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NH4 +, Cl−, NO3 −, SO4 2−) data from the core demonstrate the dominant influence of dust deposition on the soluble chemistry at the site, and indicate significant interannual variability in atmospheric-dust loading during the 1990s. Anthropogenic impacts on NH4 + concentrations are observed at the site, and suggest a summer increase in atmospheric NH4 + that may be related to regional agricultural (nitrogen-rich fertilizer use) activities.
Microstructure and rheology of soft to rigid shear-thickening colloidal suspensions

The shear rate-dependent rheological properties of soft to rigid colloidal suspensions are studied using computational models. We show that a contact force defined based on an elasto-hydrodynamic deformation theory captures an important rheological behavior of colloidal suspensions: While near hard-sphere particles exhibit a strong and continuous shear thickening the evolves to a constant viscosity state, soft suspensions undergo a second shear-thinning regime at high Peclet numbers when the hydrodynamic stresses become larger than the modulus of the colloidal particles. We measure N1 and N2 to be large and negative in the shear-thickening regime; however, for soft spheres at the onset of second shear-thinning N2 reduces in magnitude and eventually becomes positive. We show that for near hard-sphere suspensions, colloidal pressure, shear stress, and normal stress difference coefficients tend to diverge near the maximum packing fraction while P>σ>N1>N2.
The clustering of galaxies in the SDSS‐III Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey: cosmological implications of the large‐scale two‐point correlation function

We obtain constraints on cosmological parameters from the spherically averaged redshift-space correlation function of the CMASS Data Release 9 (DR9) sample of the Baryonic Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS). We combine this information with additional data from recent cosmic microwave background (CMB), supernova and baryon acoustic oscillation measurements. Our results show no significant evidence of deviations from the standard flat Λ cold dark matter model, whose basic parameters can be specified by Ωm = 0.285 ± 0.009, 100 Ωb = 4.59 ± 0.09, ns = 0.961 ± 0.009, H0 = 69.4 ± 0.8 km s−1 Mpc−1 and σ8 = 0.80 ± 0.02. The CMB+CMASS combination sets tight constraints on the curvature of the Universe, with Ωk = −0.0043 ± 0.0049, and the tensor-to-scalar amplitude ratio, for which we find r < 0.16 at the 95 per cent confidence level (CL). These data show a clear signature of a deviation from scale invariance also in the presence of tensor modes, with ns < 1 at the 99.7 per cent CL. We derive constraints on the fraction of massive neutrinos of fν < 0.049 (95 per cent CL), implying a limit of ∑mν < 0.51 eV. We find no signature of a deviation from a cosmological constant from the combination of all data sets, with a constraint of wDE = −1.033 ± 0.073 when this parameter is assumed time-independent, and no evidence of a departure from this value when it is allowed to evolve as wDE(a) = w0 + wa(1 − a). The achieved accuracy on our cosmological constraints is a clear demonstration of the constraining power of current cosmological observations.
The Lessons from Angelman Syndrome for Research and Management

Interest in monogenic disorders with epilepsy has provided significant insights into the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Among these disorders, Angelman syndrome has attracted particular attention because of its complex genetics. Angelman syndrome is characterized by developmental delay, absence of speech, motor impairment, epilepsy and a peculiar behavioral phenotype with apparent happy demeanor. It is caused by the lack of expression of the UBE3A gene, which can result from various abnormalities of chromosome 15q11-q13 if they concern the chromosome inherited from the mother (illustrating the phenomenon of genomic imprinting). In most case, Angelman syndrome is due to a de novo 15q11-q13 deletion. Rarely, patients have inherited both copies of chromosome 15 from the father and none from the mother, i.e. paternal uniparental disomy. As a result, no functional copy of the UBE3A gene is inherited from the mother. Patients with uniparental disomy have a statistically less severe phenotype than those with a deletion. Another small group of patients have an imprinting defect resulting in a lack of the typical maternal pattern of DNA methylation. Statistically, the phenotype of patients with an imprinting defect is indistinguishable form that of patients with uniparental disomy. In some patients, a mutation in the maternal UBE3A gene can be detected, and in about 10% of typical cases, no cytogenetic or molecular abnormality can currently be found. Patients with Angelman syndrome have a remarkably high risk of epilepsy compared to many other neurodevelopmental disorders. In particular, early-childhood onset of refractory epilepsy with atypical absences and myoclonic seizures with predisposition to developing nonconvulsive status epilepticus is a common presentation. In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of epilepsy in adults. The neurocognitive effects of seizures are difficult to evaluate. Propensity to develop epilepsy may be due to hypersynchronous neuronal activity, which might be related to abnormal GABA-mediated transmission due to lack of UBE3A expression, or other factors. Recent findings in animal models demonstrated altered dendritic spine formation as well as both synaptic [GABAA and NMDA transmission] and nonsynaptic (including gap junction) influences in various brain regions, including hippocampus and cerebellar cortex. Much research is still required to fully understand the functional links between lack of UBE3A expression and clinical manifestations of Angelman syndrome. Studies of regulation of UBE3A expression, including imprinting-related methylation, may point to possibilities of therapeutic
OPTIMAL AND NON-OPTIMAL DEMAND IN A DUAL TASK OF PEDALLING AND SIMPLE REACTION TIME: EFFECTS ON ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE.

SUMMARY The aim of this dual task paradigm study was to measure the effect of varying pedal rates matched for aerobic power output on energy expenditure and cognitive performance. The primary task was pedalling on a cycloergometer at an intensity of 50% Pmax; the secondary task was a probe simple reaction task (RT). Ten adults with a mean age of 28 years (SD =2 years) were observed over a three-phase procedure across 8 days. In phase 1, max and Pmax were measured; in phase 2, V02 was assessed at 50% Pmax for six imposed pedaling rates (30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 rpm) and at a freely chosen rate. ln phase 3, RT and the number of anticipated responses were assessed both at rest and under exercise conditions identical to those of phase 2. The results showed that both V02 and heart rate differed across the pedal frequencies despite matching to provide equal power outputs (P 0.05). When compared to the resting condition. RT and the number of anticipated responses increased during exercise; this increase was less marked at the optimal pedaling rate. The RT were identical for the freely-chosen rate and the optimal rate (228 vs 220 msec P>0.05). Although the percentage of anticipated responses was higher for the freely chosen rate. The regression between energy expenditure and RT was very high (r = 0.79. P<0.01). The present study confirms the existence of a physiological optimal pedalling rate for a constant power output on cycloergometer. But the most significant finding in this investigation was the strong positive relationship between VO2 and RT performance. These results are discussed in terms of the general concept of optimization. Focusing particularly on the attentional demands of pedalling at different rates.
Electronic structure of BaSnO3 investigated by high-energy-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

There has been growing interest in perovskite BaSnO3 due to its desirable properties for oxide electronic devices, including high electron mobility at room temperature and optical transparency. As these electronic and optical properties originate largely from the electronic structure of the material, here the basic electronic structure of epitaxially grown BaSnO3 films is studied using high-energy-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope and ab initio calculations. This study provides a detailed description of the dielectric function of BaSnO3, including the energies of bulk plasmon excitations and critical interband electronic transitions, the band structure and partial densities of states, the measured band gap, and more.
Perception of farmers on soil erosion and conservation practices in Dejen District, Ethiopia

Soil erosion is one of the major causes of land degradation that causes low agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. Though, it is a natural process, its rate has increased significantly mainly by human activity. The study was conducted in Dejen district, in Northwestern Ethiopia to assess perception of farmers on soil erosion and conservation practices. In this study, both primary and secondary data collection techniques were used. These includes interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, and questionnaires were the source of this research. The sampling technique employed in this study were stratified, purposive and simple random were applied to select sample kebele and representative households heads. A sample of 250 heads of households were used to gain insight into soil erosion perceived by farmers and conservation practices in the study area. The finding of the study shows that almost all farmers of the study area had good perception on the causes, indicators and problems of soil erosion. The main causes of soil erosion perceived by farmers in the study area were high intensity of rainfall, continuous cultivation, topography and inappropriate soil conservation practices. The major soil conservation methods implemented by farmers in the study area were terracing, diversion ditches, and contour plowing and cut of drain. This research finding also concludes that the main constraints to apply soil conservations in Dejen district were mainly related to socioeconomic and biophysical factors such as uncontrolled (free) grazing, distance between homestead and farm land and farmers’ low level of the economic capacity.
Topological Anderson insulator phenomena

We study the nature of the disorder-induced quantized conductance, i.e., the phenomena of topological Anderson insulator (TAI) induced in HgTe/CdTe semiconductor quantum well. The disorder effect in several different systems where anomalous Hall effect exist, is numerically studied using the tight-binding Hamiltonian. It is found that the TAI phenomena also occur in the modified Dirac model where the quadratic corrections $k^2\sigma_z$ is included and electron-hole symmetry is kept. It also occurs in the graphene system with the next nearest-neighbor coupling and staggered sublattice potential. Comparison between the localization lengths of the 2D ribbon and 2D cylinder clearly reveals the topological nature of this phenomena. Furthermore, analysis on the local current density in anomalous quantum Hall systems where the TAI phenomena can or can not arise reveals the nature of TAI phenomena: the bulk state is killed drastically and only the robust edge state survives in a moderate disorder. When the edge state is robust enough to resist the strong disorder that can completely kills the bulk state, TAI phenomena arise.
Geoacoustic Inversion of Broadband Acoustic Data in Shallow Water on a Single Hydrophone 2

The inversion of broadband low frequency acoustic signals received on sparse arrays is known to lead to robust and efficient estimations of seabed properties. This paper describes a shallow water inversion scheme based on the use of a model based matched impulse response on a single hydrophone. Results from INTIMATE’96 experiment on the Portuguese shelf break are reviewed. As strong internal tides affected the acoustic transmissions, and in order to minimize the effects of this strong time variability, we only exploit time-stable waterborne bottomsurface reflected arrivals. A quasi-linear inversion algorithm, which aims to refine the geometry of the experiment is developed. Inversion of bottom parameters is performed with an objective function which only makes use of the bottom-surface reflected arrivals’ amplitudes. The experimental results show that broadband transmissions (300-800 Hz) received on a single hydrophone, combined with the use of a simple eigenray code are sufficient to correctly resolve geometrical parameters and bottom features. The analysis of the reflection coefficients, both on simulated and real data, helps to understand the validity of the inverted parameters and to derive the basis of an equivalent medium concept for geoacoustic inversion based on a “throughthe-sensor” approach.
Real effects of stock underpricing HAU

This paper provides evidence for a causal effect of equity prices on corporate investment and employment. We use fire sales by distressed equity funds during the 2007–2009 financial crisis to identify substantial exogenous underpricing. Firms whose stocks are most underpriced have considerably lower investment an d employment than industry peers not subject to any fire sale discount. The causal effect of underpric ing on investment is found to be largely concentrated on the most financially constrained firms. HAU, Harald, LAI, Sandy. Real effects of stock underpricing. Journal of Financial Economics, 2013, vol. 108, p. 392-408
Fiscal Rules and Sovereign Default

Recurrent concerns over debt sustainability in emerging and developed nations have prompted renewed debate on the role of fiscal rules. Their optimality, however, remains unclear. We provide a quantitative analysis of fiscal rules in a standard model of sovereign debt accumulation and default modified to incorporate quasi-hyperbolic preferences. For reasons of political economy or aggregation of citizens' preferences, government preferences are present biased, resulting in over-accumulation of debt. Calibrating this parameter with values in the literature, the model can reproduce debt levels and frequency of default typical of emerging markets even if the household impatience parameter is calibrated to local interest rates. A quantitative exercise finds welfare gains of the optimal fiscal policy to be economically substantial, and the optimal rule to not entail a countercyclical fiscal policy. A simple debt rule that limits the maximum amount of debt is analyzed and compared to a simple deficit rule that limits the maximum amount of deficit per period. Whereas the deficit rule does not perform well, the debt rule yields welfare gains virtually equal to the optimal rule.
Re-conceptualising graduate employability: the importance of pre-professional identity

ABSTRACT Despite efforts to broaden the concept of graduate employability, there remains an overarching focus on developing industry-relevant employability skills. The skills-based approach is, however, too narrow and does not fully capture the complexity of graduate work-readiness. This paper argues for the redefining of graduate employability by embracing pre-professional identity (PPI) formation. PPI relates to an understanding of and connection with the skills, qualities, conduct, culture and ideology of a student's intended profession. The ‘communities of practice’ model is drawn upon to demonstrate how PPI can be developed during university years. Here, a student makes sense of his/her intended profession through multiple memberships and differing levels of engagement with various communities within higher education's ‘landscape of practice’. Example communities include professional associations, student societies, careers services and employers. Implications for stakeholders are discussed.
Effects of feeding sericea lespedeza hay to goats infected with Haemonchus contortus

Infection with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) is a primary constraint to economic goat production in the southern USA. Anthelmintic resistance is highly prevalent in goat nematodes in this region, and non-chemical control methods are needed. Grazing of forages containing condensed tannins (CT) or feeding purified CT as part of the diet has shown potential for reducing parasite egg counts in faeces of sheep and goats, but little information is available on feeding hay from CT-containing forages. The anthelmintic potential of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours.) G. Don] hay was evaluated in an 8-week feeding trial with goats. Twenty yearling Spanish-cross does were given a single challenge of 10,000 Haemonchus contortus infective (L3) larvae to boost their naturally acquired parasite load. After three weeks grazing, the does were moved to pens (5 animals per pen) and fed either ground sericea or bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ] hay diets (treatment n = 10) balanced for crude protein and energy with a small amount of supplement. All 20 does were fed the bermudagrass diet for a 1-week adjustment period, after which two pens of animals were switched to the sericea diet for four weeks (trial period). All the does were then fed the bermudagrass diet for an additional three weeks. Throughout the experiment worm egg counts (FEC; faecal egg count) were done weekly for each doe. Egg shedding was similar between the two groups prior to feeding the treatment diets, significantly lower in sericea-fed goats during the 4-week trial period, and again similar during the 3-week post-trial period. Feeding sericea lespedeza hay to goats reduced nematode egg shedding and may have potential to reduce pasture contamination from GIN larvae.