Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How Close are Predictive Models to Teachers in Detecting Learners at Risk?

Detecting learners in need of support is a complex process for both teachers and machines. Most prior work has devised visualization tools that allow teachers to do so by analyzing educational indicators. Other recent efforts have been devoted to models that predict whether learners might be at risk. However, the question on how teacher-like is the model behaving under this detection task still remains unanswered. In this paper, we investigate the (dis)agreement between teachers and model decisions, using a real-world flipped course as a case study. From the model perspective, we considered a well-known neural network, trained on educational indicators extracted from online pre-class logs. To gather teachers’ understanding, we employed a crowd sourcing approach including over 360 human intelligence tasks from 60 university teachers. We asked each recruited teacher to analyze visualizations pertaining to four relevant educational indicators of a given learner, and reason about their probability of failing the course (and so requiring support). Learners presented to teachers were selected to address different aspects of model confidence and (in)accuracy. Our results show that teacher and model predictions diverged for students who passed the course, while predictions were similar for students who failed the course. Moreover, confidence and correctness were more aligned in teachers than the model, reducing the unknown risks originally present in models. The source code is available at https://github.com/epfl-ml4ed/unknown-unknowns.
REPAIRS: Gaussian Mixture Model-based Completion and Optimization of Partially Specified Systems

Most system optimization techniques focus on finding the values of the system components to achieve the best performance. Searching over all component values gives the search methodology the freedom to explore the entire design space to determine the best system configuration. However, real-world systems often require searching in a restricted space over only a subset of component values while freezing some of the components to fixed values. Rather than optimizing from scratch to search over the subset of components, incorporating the past simulation logs (search performed when all components were allowed to vary) enables the optimization mechanism to utilize knowledge from past system behavior. In addition, when the system gives the same response over different combinations of input values, the designer may prefer one combination over another. Furthermore, real-world data often contain errors. To avoid catastrophic consequences of making decisions based on incorrect data points, we need a mechanism to identify and correct the resulting error. We propose REPAIRS, a methodology to complete/optimize partially specified systems. It also performs data integrity checks and identifies/corrects errors after detecting an anomaly in the data. We use a Gaussian mixture model to learn the joint distribution of the system inputs and the corresponding output response (objectives/constraints). We use the learned model to complete a partially specified system where only a subset of the component values and/or the system response is specified. When the system response exhibits multiple modes (e.g., same response for different combinations of input values), REPAIRS determines the combinations of input values that correspond to the several modes. Using past simulation logs, it searches over various subsets of system inputs to improve the performance of the reference solution. We also present a framework for verifying the integrity of a given data instance. When the integrity check fails, we provide a mechanism to identify the error location and correct the error. REPAIRS provides an explanation for the decision it makes for the different use cases described in this article. We provide results of REPAIRS in the context of completion, partial optimization, and data integrity check of real-world systems. REPAIRS achieves a hypervolume that is better than that obtained using a baseline method by up to 50%. It successfully identifies the error location and predicts the correct value of the erroneous feature with an error less than 0.2%. It detects error locations with a mean accuracy of up to 95% even when three feature values have an error.
A Missing Piece in the Puzzle: Considering the Role of Task Complexity in Human-AI Decision Making

Recent advances in the performance of machine learning algorithms have led to the adoption of AI models in decision making contexts across various domains such as healthcare, finance, and education. Different research communities have attempted to optimize and evaluate human-AI team performance through empirical studies by increasing transparency of AI systems, or providing explanations to aid human understanding of such systems. However, the variety in decision making tasks considered and their operationalization in prior empirical work, has led to an opacity around how findings from one task or domain carry forward to another. The lack of a standardized means of considering task attributes prevents straightforward comparisons across decision tasks, thereby limiting the generalizability of findings. We argue that the lens of ‘task complexity’ can be used to tackle this problem of under-specification and facilitate comparison across empirical research in this area. To retrospectively explore how different HCI communities have considered the influence of task complexity in designing experiments in the realm of human-AI decision making, we survey literature and provide an overview of empirical studies on this topic. We found a serious dearth in the consideration of task complexity across various studies in this realm of research. Inspired by Robert Wood’s seminal work on the construct, we operationalized task complexity with respect to three dimensions (component, coordinative, and dynamic) and quantified the complexity of decision tasks in existing work accordingly. We then summarized current trends and proposed research directions for the future. Our study highlights the need to account for task complexity as an important design choice. This is a first step to help the scientific community in drawing meaningful comparisons across empirical studies in human-AI decision making and to provide opportunities to generalize findings across diverse domains and experimental settings.
Analysis and application of autofocusing and three-dimensional shape recovery techniques based on image focus and defocus

Autofocusing and three-dimensional (3D) shape recovery techniques based on image focus and defocus are analyzed and their practical applications are demonstrated. Focus measures based on summing the absolute values of image derivatives are used by many researchers in the past. We first investigated the unsoundness of those focus measures. We also argued that energy of the Laplacian of the image is a good focus measure and is recommended for use in practical applications. Important properties of the Laplacian focus measure are investigated. Application of the Laplacian focus measure to 3D microscopy is demonstrated. The optimal focus measure for a noisy camera in passive search based autofocusing (AF) and depth-from-focus (DFF) applications depends not only the camera characteristics but also the image of the object being focused or ranged. In the early stage of this research, a new metric named Autofocusing Uncertainty Measure (AUM) was defined which is useful in selecting the most accurate focus measure from a given set of focus measures. AUM is a metric for comparing the noise sensitivity of different focus measures. In the later stage of this research, an improved metric named Autofocusing Root-Mean-Square Error (ARMS error) was defined. Explicit expressions have been derived for both AUM and ARMS error, and the two metrics are shown to be related by a monotonic expression. The theories are verified by experiments as well as computer simulations. Another ranging method, depth-from-defocus (DFD) using the Spatial Domain Convolution/Deconvolution Transform Method (STM), is an useful technique for autofocusing and 3D shape recovery. The noise sensitivity analysis of STM is investigated. A theoretical treatment of this problem provides the accuracy check of STM in the presence of noise which has been done only under experimental observation. The derived theoretical results and supporting experimental results are presented. Finally, the integration of DFF and DFD methods is developed for fast and accurate 3D shape recovery. This has been demonstrated successfully with experiments on a prototype camera system.
An Association of Morphological Characteristics of Palatal Rugae and Dental Malocclusion in an Adult Indian Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction The formation of palatal rugae is completed in the early intrauterine stage, and because of their unique and permanent pattern in each individual, they can be utilized in forensics to identify a person. Objective The primary objective of this study was to determine an association between the rugae pattern and the dental malocclusion system described by Angle. Materials and methods A prospective cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on pretreatment dental casts of 400 subjects in an age range of 18-40 years. The samples were divided according to Angle’s system of classification of malocclusion into Class I, Class II, and Class III. The number, length, pattern, and orientation of the three anterior-most primary rugae on both sides of the palatal region were studied. Results Significant differences were noted in the mean number of palatal rugae and mean lengths of rugae 1 and 2 on the right side (p < 0.001) and rugae 3 on the left (p < 0.001) side among the different malocclusion groups. Curved and wavy patterns were predominant, and significant differences were found among the groups (p < 0.05), whereas non-significant differences were observed in the rugae orientation between the groups on the right and left sides. Conclusions The current study showed significant differences in the length, number, and pattern of the palatal rugae among Angle's classes of malocclusion. Clinical implications Palatal rugae can be effectively used to identify dental malocclusion at an early stage and can, therefore, help intercept the developing malocclusion.
Level of the orbit's topological structure and topological semi-conjugacy

For a discrete system, the idea that the orbit's topological structure possesses three levels is proposed and the notions of the quasi-weakly almost periodic point and the minimal covering of a topological semi-conjugacy are introduced. The relationship between the three levels and the recurrence of points and some properties kept under the topological semi-conjugacy is also discussed.
Classical groups, probabilistic methods, and the (2,3)-generation problem

We study the probability that randomly chosen elements of prescribed type in a finite simple classical group G generate G; in particular, we prove a conjecture of Kantor and Lubotzky in this area. The probabilistic approach is then used to determine the finite simple classical quotients of the modular group PSL2(Z), up to finitely many exceptions.
Market characteristics and entry strategy decision making: The market perspective of Croatian elderly care homes

Background: Socio-demographic changes increase the need for long-term elderly care. Consequently, providing formal institutional service in elderly care homes is an interesting opportunity for entrepreneurs. However, the entry strategy decision is influenced by numerous external variables. Purpose: The main goal is to answer what determines market concentration as one of the most important market entry determinants. Study design/methodology/approach: A linear regression model has been formed and tested on the Croatian elderly care home market, observed on a county level, using data for 2021. Further, a cluster analysis, as a decision-support tool, has been made to assess market characteristics that are more likely to attract new entrants to the elderly care home market. Findings/conclusions: Results indicate that demand for long-term care services plays a significant role, and the market with more elderly will attract more competitors. When the level of GDP per capita and the unemployment rate are observed together, markets with stronger economies tend to attract entrepreneurs. In other words, it is more likely that someone will open an elderly care home in a densely populated county with individuals that can afford formal institutional long-term care for themselves or family members. Limitations/future research: The shortcomings are mainly related to the lack of data on prices and quality measures. Further, information on the number of beds in each elderly care home would enable an alternative calculation of the Herfindahl-Hirschman index, while data on service prices and structure of employees as a proxy for quality (medical and non-medical staff) would enable a more reliable comparative analysis of obtained results. Future studies on this subject include variables related to the portion of unemployed females in the market since female family members more often provide informal care, and at the same time, they are more likely to be employed in formal long-term care institutions.
Gonadal morphogenesis in the South American toad Rhinella Arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae) unveils an extremely delayed rate of sex differentiation

Among anurans, Bufonids are recognized for their retarded sex differentiation. However, few studies have addressed gonadal morphogenesis in this family. Here, we analyzed the early gonadogenesis in laboratory‐reared Rhinella arenarum. Few germ cells were identified in the genital ridge at Gosner stage 26. At metamorphosis, somatic cells and germ cells were observed in the outer region of the undifferentiated gonad, whereas the central region was occupied by stromal tissue. A cortico‐medullary organization was first recognized on Day 7 postmetamorphosis. The cortex was composed of germ cells and encompassing epithelial cells, whereas the medulla contained cells presumptively derived from the coelomic epithelium. Medullary somatic cells formed metameric knots along the length of the undifferentiated gonad. Consequently, a series of 12–14 gonomeres became recognizable externally. The first sign of ovarian differentiation was observed on Day 15 postmetamorphosis, when a cavity was formed within each gonomere. In contrast, testes were recognized by a uniform distribution of germ cells and intermingled somatic cells, as the division into cortex and medulla was lost. By Day 50 postmetamorphosis, the gonadal metameric organization was still apparent both in the ovaries and testes. Follicles containing diplotene oocytes were observed within the ovary. In the testis, an incipient lobular architecture was recognized without initiation of meiosis within the seminiferous cords. These observations reveal an extremely delayed gonadal development in R. arenarum, not reported previously for other anuran species. In addition, the late differentiation of the gonads contrasted with the early appearance of follicles in the Bidder's organ. Lastly, we observed that delayed metamorphs exhibited an undifferentiated gonad, demonstrating that gonadogenesis in this species is more dependent on somatic development than on age.
Ectomycorrhizal Fungal Community and Ascoma Production in a Declining Tuber borchii Plantation

Tuber borchii is an edible ectomycorrhizal mushroom of considerable economic value. Its cultivation has become popular in recent years, but there are few studies on the factors affecting its productivity. In this work, the ascoma production and the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) community of a T. borchii plantation, established in an intensive farming area where this truffle is not naturally present, were studied. Tuber borchii production drastically declined from 2016 to 2021, and ascomata of other Tuber species (T. maculatum and T. rufum) were found from 2017. Molecular characterization of ectomycorrhizae carried out in 2016 identified 21 ECM fungal species, of which T. maculatum (22%) and Tomentella coerulea (19%) were the most abundant. Tuber borchii ectomycorrizae (16%) were almost entirely confined to the fruiting points. The diversity and structure of the ECM community on Pinus pinea were significantly different from those observed on hardwood trees. The obtained results suggest that T. maculatum (a native of the study site) tends to replace T. borchii through a mechanism of competitive exclusion. Although T. borchii cultivation is possible in suboptimal environments, particular care should be taken to limit competition with ECM fungi more suitable for local conditions.
A Profile of Ocular Trauma Cases Visiting the Ophthalmology Department in a Tertiary Care Eye Centre

: Ocular trauma is a significant preventable cause of permanent visual morbidity and has a substantial socioeconomic impact. Hence, it is essential to understand the various causes, presentations, treatment and surgical approaches with regards to the treatment of these cases as well as prevention with safety devices. This paper aims to assess pattern of presentation and risk factors of ocular injuries attending the department of ophthalmology a tertiary care center. This was a retrospective analysis of ocular trauma cases that visited our center between 2018 to 2021 and the various diagnostic techniques and appropriate surgical methods taken with respect to each case, highlighting the visual outcome. A follow-up was maintained in all cases for three years at regular 3-4 months interval. It was found that 50% of injuries were open-globe injuries, 16.7% closed globe injuries and 25% orbital wall fractures. Majority of subjects were in the age group 21-30 years (41.7%) of which 83.3% males. The most common cause of ocular injury was road traffic accidents (66.7%) of which 37.5% were associated with two-wheeler vehicles. 41.6% presented with visual acuity less than 6/60. 83.3% required surgical treatment. 58.2% of eyes regained visual acuity greater than or equal to 6/24 of which 25% regained visual acuity of 6/9. In conclusion, ocular trauma was more common in males following road-traffic accidents particularly with two-wheeler, the majority presenting immediately following the trauma and most required surgical correction.
Perceptions of first- and second-year professors of University

The following paper aims to analyse the perceptions or images of a good university student and to identify the competences needed to be a good student, according to the implicit theories held by first and second year teachers of the University Teacher Training Course in Biology at the Faculty of Exact, Chemical and Natural Sciences of the National University of Misiones. The methodological approach of the research is mixed and of flexible design. The instruments used were the questionnaire and the interview. From the analysis of the data, it can be seen that the teachers consider that a good student should have transversal competences such as teamwork, autonomy and time organisation. They also mentioned study habits which would be related to causal and linear learning linked to direct and interpretative theory. For women and men, students possess instrumental and interpersonal transversal competences; men add systemic competences. The accompaniment strategies mentioned by the teachers coincide with their conception of learning.
Obesity vs. Metabolically Healthy Obesity in East Asia

With over one-third of East Asia’s 1.7 billion people overweight or obese, mounting demographic pressure and burgeoning healthcare costs are forcing public health officials to grapple with the rising morbidity and mortality associated with obesity. However, the presence of metabolically healthy obesity, in which the short-term disease risks of diabetes and heart disease are low, represents a possible buffer for healthcare planning in East Asia. This narrative review analyzes the health risks from obesity through representative Japan- and China-specific analyses that take into account unique cultural, genetic, and other factors that drive obesity; the potential impact of metabolically healthy obesity on public health; and suggested non-surgical/non-pharmacological interventions to relieve pressure on the nationalized healthcare systems prevalent in the region. Such an emphasis on interventions to both delay obesity as well as potentially reverse metabolic syndrome could save millions of lives and billions of USD equivalents in healthcare throughout East Asia.
Arterial Hypertension in Ukraine: Medical and Social Problems of Pathogenesis

Arterial hypertension is becoming increasingly common among diseases of the cardiovascular system. The work aimed to analyze blood pressure control in patients diagnosed with arterial hypertension. Fifty physicians and 1020 patients (under 56 years of age) participated in the study. Regular use of medications was observed in 92% of the patients, and the systolic blood pressure level was 167 mm Hg. More frequent use of renin-angiotensin system blockers compared with diuretics and calcium antagonists was noted, both in monotherapy and in combination therapy. Target BP was achieved in 66% of cases within three months by therapy with amlodipine and retarded indapamide. The majority of patients adhered to the prescribed therapy (97%). The effectiveness of amlodipine and indapamide therapy was in direct correlation with baseline BP values. Significant factors were smoking (lower efficacy), and gender (higher in women). The degree of BP reduction following combined therapy with amlodipine and indapamide was determined to be directly correlated with the beginning BP level. At the same time, female patients and non-smokers see more pronounced dynamics of BP lowering. Pre-treatment is also a crucial element; statins and renin system blockers greatly lower blood pressure when used together.
The Geometry Transformation Concepts in Bead Craft Motifs by the Kenyah Dayak Tribe

When studying mathematics, many students consider mathematics to be a difficult subject because they see it as a close system that prioritizes standards of rigor, speed, and memory. Conventional learning methods might make students bored. Various model is needed to overcome this. One of which is the culture associated with learning mathematics, known as ethnomathematics. The purpose of this study was to explore the bead crafts of the Kenyah Dayak tribe, located in Kalimantan, Indonesia, that develop heritage motifs attributed to the concept of geometric transformations on rotation and dilatation. This type of research was qualitative research involving observation, interviews, and documentation. The subject of this study was bead craft in the local area and the object of this study was the concept of geometric transformation on rotation and dilatation that exists in the craft motifs of the beads made. The data obtained in this study provides insights into the various cultural objects that can be used for triggering mathematics thinking. Through this resource, students may understand geometric concepts such as rotation and dilation, applicable to the real context of their daily life.