Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement Learning exploiting state-action equivalence

Leveraging an equivalence property on the set of states of state-action pairs in an Markov Decision Process (MDP) has been suggested by many authors. We take the study of equivalence classes to the reinforcement learning (RL) setup, when transition distributions are no longer assumed to be known, in a discrete MDP with average reward criterion and no reset. We study powerful similarities between state-action pairs related to optimal transport. We first analyze a variant of the UCRL2 algorithm called C-UCRL2, which highlights the clear benefit of leveraging this equivalence structure when it is known ahead of time: the regret bound scales as Õ(D √ KCT ) where C is the number of classes of equivalent state-action pairs and K bounds the size of the support of the transitions. A non trivial question is whether this benefit can still be observed when the structure is unknown and must be learned while minimizing the regret. We propose a sound clustering technique that provably learn the unknown classes, but show that its natural combination with UCRL2 empirically fails. Our findings suggests this is due to the ad-hoc criterion for stopping the episodes in UCRL2. We replace it with hypothesis testing, which in turns considerably improves all strategies. It is then empirically validated that learning the structure can be beneficial in a full-blown RL problem.
What do grades mean? Variation in grading criteria in American college and university courses

ABSTRACT This study examined differences in the criteria used by college and university instructors in the United States to assign course grades. Two hundred and fifty course syllabi (159 from universities and 91 from four-year colleges) developed by randomly selected instructors from five academic disciplines (education, maths, science, psychology, and English) were examined to determine the extent to which instructors employed different criteria in assigning course grades in introductory-level courses. Sources of variation in grade assignment included the use of product versus process criteria, the prevalence of using performance exams, and the framing criteria for grades. Differences between institution types and among academic disciplines were also investigated. Results revealed significant differences among the five academic disciplines in grading criteria and the use of examinations, with instructors in education and English relying more heavily on process criteria. A significant interaction between institution type and academic discipline in grading criteria was also identified. Theoretical, practical, and policy implications are discussed along with avenues for further research.
Hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in a flow microreactor at pressures up to 1000 bar

Microreactor technology offers the possibility to c nduct chemical reactions at high temperatures and pressures without the nee d for excessive wall thickness thanks to high heat and mass transfer cap abilities and small reactor volumes. This thesis presents a high pressure plant able to conduct CO 2 hydrogenation reactions in heterogeneous flow micro reactors at pressures up to 1000 bar. A hydrogen mass flow controller system was developed in order to control the hydrogen flow in the microliter per minute range at pressure up to 1000 bar. First, the functionality and accuracy of the develo p d hydrogen mass flow controller is shown with satisfactory results. Then the plant functionality was validated by conducting the reverse water gas shift reaction using a platinumceria catalyst. It was shown that by increasing the pr ssure from 200 to 800 bar three times larger space time yields were a chieved based on converted CO2. The beneficial influence of high pressure reaction conditions on the methanol space time yield was shown by conducting C O2 hydrogenation reaction to methanol over a home-made 18 wt% Cu/Al 2O3. For comparison of the high pressure CO 2 hydrogenation reaction with the conventional syngas–to–methanol reaction a commercial Cu/ZnO/Al 2 3 catalyst was used and it has been shown that the catalyst activity is 42% higher for the conversion of syngas to methanol at 50 bar compared to the conversion of CO2/H2 to methanol at 700 bar. Despite the smaller activi ties the high pressure CO2/H2–to–methanol approach is a promising alternative to the syngas-to-methanol process because of the sustainab le reactant feed mixture
ESTIMATION OF VARIABILITY, HERITABILITY AND GENETIC ADVANCE AMONG LOCAL CHILI PEPPER GENOTYPES CULTIVATED IN PEAT LANDS

ROSMAINA, SYAFRUDIN, HASROL, F. YANTI, JULIYANTI and ZULFAHMI, 2016. Estimation of variability, heritability and genetic advance among local chili pepper genotypes cultivated in peat lands. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 22: 431–436 Investigation and better understanding on the variability existing in a population base of crop is pivotal to crop improvement so that it can be exploited by plant breeder for crop improvement. The objectives of the study were to estimate the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and contributing characters of the sixteen of local chili genotypes cultivated in peat land. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Analysis of variance revealed that there are highly signifi cant difference (p < 0.01) among the genotypes tested for all characters studied indicating the presence of variability. In this study, PCV value was relatively greater than GCV for all traits; however, GCV values were near to PCV values for the characters like plant height, stem length, leaf width, fruit Length, fruit diameter, day to fl owering, day to fi rst harvest, and single fruit weight indicating high contribution of genotypic effect for phenotypic expression of such characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance per percent of mean was obtained for, plant height, stem length; leaf width; plant canopy width, days to fl owering, fruit length; fruit diameter, single fruit weight, number of fruit per plant, fruit weight per plant refl ecting the presence of additive gene action for the expression of these traits, and improving of these characters could be done through selection.
Prevalence of Substance Use in Medical and Dental Students of a Medical University of Nepal

Introduction: Medical and Dental students are vulnerable to higher levels of psychological distress than other age matched peers. Many studies reveal that there is high prevalence of psychoactive substance use and psychiatric co-morbidities among them. Objective: To identify prevalence of substance use (alcohol, nicotine, cannabis) among medical and dental students. Methods: A cross sectional study was done among medical and dental students (2 year to interns) of BPKIHS. A total of 600 students were enrolled through systematic random sampling and only 588 (98%) responded. Semi-structured questionnaire was used which included socio-demographic variables, AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test), Fagerstrom (for Nicotine dependence) and Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST). Result: The mean age of participants was 22±2years. Among them, 61.2% (360) were male; 69.7% (410) were MBBS; 90.5% (532) were Nepalese and 9.5% (56) were Indians. The prevalence of alcohol users was 47.75% (281) in which 32% (90) were harmful users. Among 19.55% (115) nicotine users; 56.5% (65), 37.4% (43), 6.1% (7) had low, low to moderate and moderate dependence respectively. The prevalence of cannabis users was 9% (53) with 45.3% (24), 18.9% (10) having low and high addiction respectively. Conclusion: High percentage of medical and dental students showed substance use, harmful use and dependence. It is expected that they have knowledge about the harmful consequences of psychoactive substances.
Orthognatic Quality of Life: What Are We Measuring?

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: To assess properties of Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire in Croatian cultural context by analyzing: how dentofacial deformity influences quality of life (QoL), what aspects of QoL are patients’ primary motives to undergo orthognathic surgery, what changes after surgery and how personality traits influence QoL. Materials and Methods: A total of 472 subjects (65% females) aged 12 to 45 years (median 20) were included. Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire, Oral Health Impact Profile, Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire, Orofacial Aesthetics Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and Big Five Inventory were used. The subjects’ dentofacial deformity and malocclusion severity was assessed by Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need, and Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Results: Social aspect is mostly influenced by dentofacial deformity (P < 0.05). Impaired oral function was the primary motive to undergo orthognathic surgery (P < 0.001). Social aspect and aesthetic concern mostly decreased after the surgery (P < 0.001). Self-esteem was the strongest predictor of the orthognathic QoL, the increase of self-esteem decreases the QoL impairment. Neuroticism and extraversion were in the background of problems in social interactions and facial aesthetic concerns, while perfectionism affected social contacts (r = 0.284–0.410; P < 0.001). Only awareness of deformity did not correlate to any of the other instruments. Conclusion: Impaired oral function seems to be the most powerful motive for orthognathic surgery, but social aspects and facial aesthetic concern are more accurate indicators of conditions and changes. Self-esteem is the strongest personality trait influencing orthognathic QoL.
Distribution of Zinc Fractions and Its Association with Soil Properties in Some Rice-Wheat Growing Soils of Jammu Region, India

For an effective and efficient management of the fertilizer recourses, a deep understanding of the distribution of Zn fractions is important. Factors like parent material, pedochemical transformations and anthropogenic interventions contribute in the distribution of Zn and its bio availability for plant uptake (Chirwa and Yorokun, 2012). Zinc being a micronutrient is required in a very low quantity by the crops but never the less it is indispensible from a nutritional point of view and its deficiency can lead to several disorders in plants as it is associated with several enzymes. The soils of Jammu region where the rice-wheat growing pattern is practiced majorly and the rice grown in this area plays an important role in the economy of the state especially the aromatic variety of basmati (B-370) (Anonymous, 2015). The soils of J&K suffer severely due to the intense soil erosion which is more than 20 t ha -1 each year (Singh et al., 1997). It causes a huge loss to the fertility and nutrient content of soil. The Zn content of Jammu soils range between 0.10. 61 mg kg -1 and these soils have been reported deficient in Zn by various authors (Ali 2011; Mondal et al., 2006a; 2006b).
Expression of p 53 Breast Cancer in Kurdish Women in the West of Iran : a Reverse Correlation with Lymph Node Metastasis

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignancy among women worldwide and is a heterogeneous disease with distinct pathological and histological features, and can be classified into several subtypes based on the expression of 3 receptors: estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (Payandeh et al., 2015a) that can be a leading cause of death through middle-aged women and this cancer accounts about one fifth of all female malignancy. BC is the leading cause of death in high income countries and second leading cause in low and middle income countries (Payandeh et al., 2015b). Many genetic traits common to aggressive breast carcinoma have been identified; yet little is known about the interrelationships of such traits during tumor development, especially in women prone to aggressive cancer (Howard et al., 2004). Conventional clinicopathological parameters such as age of the patient, the degree of histological differentiation, nuclear grade, the size of the primary tumor, the status of axillary lymph nodes and in the recent era the
Influence of Precipitation Forcing Uncertainty on Hydrological Simulations with the NASA South Asia Land Data Assimilation System

: Accurate meteorological estimates are critical for process-based hydrological simulation and prediction. This presents a significant challenge in mountainous Asia where in situ meteorological stations are limited and major river basins cross international borders. In this context, remotely sensed and model-derived meteorological estimates are often necessary inputs for distributed hydrological analysis. However, these datasets are difficult to evaluate on account of limited access to ground data. In this case, the implications of uncertainty associated with precipitation forcing for hydrological simulations is explored by driving the South Asia Land Data Assimilation System (South Asia LDAS) using a range of meteorological forcing products. MERRA2, GDAS, and CHIRPS produce a wide range of estimates for rainfall, which causes a widespread simulated streamflow and evapotranspiration. A combination of satellite-derived and limited in situ data are applied to evaluate model simulations and, by extension, to constrain the estimates of precipitation. The results show that available gridded precipitation estimates based on in situ data may systematically underestimate precipitation in mountainous regions and that performance of gridded satellite-derived or modeled precipitation estimates varies systematically across the region. Since no station-based data or product including station data is satisfactory everywhere, our results suggest that the evaluation of the hydrological simulation of streamflow and ET can be used as an indirect evaluation of precipitation forcing based on ground-based products or in-situ data. South Asia LDAS produces reasonable evapotranspiration and streamflow when forced with appropriate meteorological forcing and the choice of meteorological forcing should be made based on the geographical location as well as on the purpose of the simulations.
Effect of Mono-, Di-, and Triethylene Glycol on the Activity of Phosphate-Doped NiMo/Al2O3 Hydrotreating Catalysts

The effect of glycols on the catalytic properties of phosphate-doped NiMo/Al2O3 catalysts in the hydrotreating of straight-run gas oil (SRGO) was studied. The NiMo(P)/Al2O3 catalysts were prepared using ethylene glycol (EG), diethylene glycol (DEG), and triethylene glycol (TEG) as additives. The organic agent was introduced into the aqueous impregnation solution obtained by the dissolving of MoO3 in H3PO4 solution, followed by Ni(OH)2 addition. The Raman and UV–Vis studies show that the impregnation solution contains diphosphopentamolybdate HxP2Mo5O23(6−x)− and Ni(H2O)62+, and that these ions are not affected by the presence of glycols. When the impregnation solution comes in contact with the γ-Al2O3 surface, HxP2Mo5O23(6−x)− is decomposed completely. The catalysts were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, low-temperature N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. It is shown that the sulfide catalysts prepared with glycols display higher activity in the hydrotreating of straight-run gas oil than the NiMoP/Al2O3 catalyst prepared without the additive. The hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrogenation activities depend on the glycol type and are decreased in the following order: NiMoP-DEG/Al2O3 > NiMoP-EG/Al2O3 > NiMoP-TEG/Al2O3 > NiMoP/Al2O3. The higher activity of NiMoP-DEG/Al2O3 can be explained with the higher dispersion of molybdenum on the surface of the catalyst in the sulfide state.
Two IL 28 B polymorphisms are associated with the treatment response of different genotypes of hepatitis C in different racial populations : A meta-analysis

The purpose of this present meta-analysis is to provide an accurate estimation of the association between two IL28B polymorphisms (rs8099917 and rs12979860) and sustained virological response (SVR) to standard treatment of patients of different racial descent infected with different genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and also to investigate the possible factors in the IL28B gene that contribute to the different SVR rates of patients with different subtypes of HCV infection across different populations. The electronic database PubMed was searched. Asian patients with a common homozygote (TT vs. TG/GG, OR=3.17; CC vs. CT/TT, OR=3.75) attained a higher rate of SVR, and a similar result was observed in European patients (TT vs. TG/GG, OR=1.74; CC vs. CT/TT, OR=2.50). Furthermore, HCV1-infected patients with a common homozygote (TT vs. TG/GG, OR=2.95; CC vs. CT/TT, OR=4.34) appeared to have a higher SVR rate than those with HCV2/3 (TT vs. TG/GG, OR=1.56; CC vs. CT/TT, OR=1.37). The frequency of the common homozygote in Asian patients was high, followed by European patients and African patients. In all, Asian patients attained a higher SVR rate than European patients (P<0.05). Patients with HCV1 infection had a lower SVR rate than those with HCV2/3 infection (P<0.001). Our results suggest that both the common allele frequency and racial descent itself contribute to the difference in SVR rates across different population groups, and the common allele frequency may partly elucidate the different SVR rates in patients with different genotypes of HCV.
Use of dynamic contrast enhanced time intensity curve shape analysis in MRI: theory and practice

The analysis of dynamic contrast enhanced data using the classification of the time intensity curve (TIC) shape is widely employed both in its region of interest and pixel by pixel variants. While its application in breast imaging is established and documented by a large amount of scientific works, its use for other body parts is still scattered and there is no consensus as to whether the method can be used alone to perform differential diagnosis in cancer or in inflam - matory diseases. In this review we evaluate all the literature which makes use of TIC shape analysis in tissues other than breast, discuss the results, highlight the possible shortcomings, and suggest directions for future research.
The Effect of Partially Substituted Lupin, Soybean, and Navy Bean Flours on Wheat Bread Quality

Many edible legumes contain high amounts of proteins, fibers, minerals and vitamins. Their essential amino acid composition and concentration complements the amino acids in wheat and other cereals. In addition, breads fortified with protein rich legumes make the breads more palatable. In this study, we evaluated breads made from wheat flour partially substituted with soybean, navy bean, and lupin flours at 10%, 20%, and 30% levels. The physicochemical properties of breads were measured and compared with the control (made from 100% wheat flour). Statistical analysis was used to assess the significance of the differences. The breads fortified with soybean, lupin and navy bean flours showed remarkable springiness, similar to the breads made from wheat flour. However, the higher amount of substitution increased the firmness of the breads, probably due to the incorporation of additional fibers and proteins into the formulations. Compared to wheat bread, the volumes of 90:10 wheat-soybean, wheat-lupin, and wheat-navy bean breads decreased about 7%, 2%, and 10%, respectively. Higher substitution levels would result in a higher reduction in volume for all legumes tested. The volume reduction as a result of legume substitution appears to be navy bean flour > soybean flour > lupin flour. The inclusion of legumes in the bread formulations imparts a slightly darker crust color and crumb color with the exception of breads with the soybean flour substitution. Lupin appears to be the best substitution candidate among the legumes tested for fortified bread making. Lupin can be presented as a high-value protein source in developing marketable foods for health conscious consumers.
Principal Competency Correlation, Work Motivation, and Job Satisfaction on Teacher Performance

This study aimed to examine the correlation of 1) principals’ competence on teacher performance; 2) work motivation on teacher performance; 3) job satisfaction on teacher performance; and 4) headmaster competence, work motivation, and job satisfaction along with teacher performance. This research used a correlational quantitative method and the data were collected thorugh the principal competence questionnaire, work motivation and job satisfaction, and teacher performance observation sheet. The results of the study showed that: 1) the principals’ competence has a positive and significant effect on the performance of the teachers of State Senior High Schools in Pamekasan sub-district; 2) work motivation of teacher performance on the teacher performance; and 3) job satisfaction on the teacher performance; while the highest significant effect is on 4) principals’ competence, work motivation and job satisfaction to the teacher performance of State Senior High School in Pamekasan Sub-district. Keywords–principal competency; motivation; job satisfaction; job performance
The relationship between general policing attitudes and how officers perceive the potential advantages of body cameras

ABSTRACT Many studies of police body cameras explored the officers’ attitudes towards their use. Much of this research examined the relationship between officers’ characteristics and their attitudes toward body cameras. Missing from the scholarship are measures of general policing attitudes and their impact on body camera attitudes. This study explored the possibility that officers’ positive attitudes toward body cameras are mediated by their outlooks toward law enforcement, perceptions of citizen cooperation, or levels of distrust of the public. A convenience sample of police officers from two Northeastern police agencies completed an online survey. Structural equation modeling indicates that officers with an orientation toward aggressive law enforcement are more likely to have a positive view of BWC effects on job performance and community relations. Officers with a positive outlook on citizen cooperation are more likely to have a positive view of BWC effects on job performance and community relations. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Accuracy and Inter-Unit Reliability of Ultra-Wide-Band Tracking System in Indoor Exercise

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of positional data and the inter-unit reliability of an ultra-wide-band (UWB) tracking system. Four well-trained males performed five courses designed for the analysis of x- and y-coordinate accuracy analysis, specifically related to the positional distance variation between the UWB data and the fixed reference lines of a basketball court. This was achieved using geographic information system (GIS) mapping software that calculated, for each interval and participant, the distance from the main axis of displacement and from the opposite side of the court each 0.5 s (x and y coordinate). The accuracy of the results was satisfactory, with a mean absolute error of all estimations for the x-position of 5.2 ± 3.1 cm and for the y-position of 5.8 ± 2.3 cm. Regarding inter-unit reliability, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) value was high for the x-coordinate (0.65) and very high for the y-coordinate (0.85). The main findings of the study were: (i) The accuracy of UWB tracking systems can be considered suitable for practical applications in sport analyses; (ii) position estimations are very precise and acceptable for tactical analyses; (iii) the error of the position estimations does not change significantly across different courses; and (iv) the use of different devices does not significantly affect the measurement error.