Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On Priors for Bayesian Neural Networks

Author(s): Nalisnick, Eric Thomas | Advisor(s): Smyth, Padhraic | Abstract: Deep neural networks have bested notable benchmarks across computer vision, reinforcement learning, speech recognition, and natural language processing. However, neural networks still have deficiencies. For instance, they have a penchant to over-fit, and large data sets and careful regularization are needed to combat this tendency. Using neural networks within the Bayesian framework has the potential to ameliorate or even solve these problems. Shrinkage-inducing priors can be used to regularize the network, for example. Moreover, test set evaluation is done by integrating out uncertainty and using the posterior predictive distribution. Marginalizing the model parameters in this way is not only a natural regularization mechanism but also enables uncertainty quantification---which is increasingly important as machine learning is deployed in ever more consequential applications.Bayesian inference is characterized by specification of the prior distribution, and unfortunately, choosing priors for neural networks is difficult. The primary obstacle is that the weights have no intuitive interpretation and seemingly sensible priors can induce unintended artifacts in the distribution on output functions. This dissertation aims to help the reader navigate the landscape of neural network priors. I first survey the existing work on priors for neural networks, isolating some key themes such as the move towards heavy-tailed priors. I then describe my own work on broadening the class of priors applicable to Bayesian neural networks. I show that introducing multiplicative noise to the hidden layer computation induces a Gaussian scale mixture prior, suggesting links between dropout regularization and previous work on heavy-tailed priors. I then turn towards priors with frequentist properties. Reference priors cannot be analytically derived for neural networks so I propose an algorithm to approximate them. Similarly, it is hard to derive priors that make the model invariant under certain input transformations. To make progress, I use an algorithm inspired by my work on objective priors to learn a prior that makes the model approximately invariant. Lastly, I describe how to give Bayesian neural networks an adaptive width by placing stick-breaking priors on their latent representation. I end the dissertation with a discussion of open problems, such as incorporating structure into priors while still maintaining efficient inference.
Endometritis Control and Enhanced Reproductive Performance in Aceh Cow Using Medicinal Plants

: Antibiotic treatment for endometritis has some weaknesses due to its toxicity and unexpected side effects. Therefore, the utilization of plant extract as antimicrobials is an alternative to antibiotics. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of betel leaf, moringa leaf, and garlic extracts in treating endometritis in Aceh cows. We used nine Aceh cows at 3-5 years old, 150-250 kg body weight
Experimental trials on ionospheric clutter suppression for high-frequency surface wave radar

The unwanted radar echoes from the ionosphere are collectively called ionospheric clutter. This has proved to be the greatest impediment to achieving consistently good performance in long-range sea state monitoring for high-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR). Ionospheric clutter can mask sea echoes having similar Doppler shifts. The potential for exploiting some fundamental characteristics of ionospheric clutter in directivity and frequency to suppress it is assessed. A post-Doppler spatial adaptive processing algorithm (PD-SAP) and the dual-frequency operation mode are introduced to suppress directional and non-directional ionospheric clutter, respectively. Experimental results confirm that both of these techniques can achieve effective ionospheric clutter suppression using the field experimental data recorded by the HFSWR OSMAR2003 (Ocean State Monitor and Analysis Radar, manufactured in 2003), located near Zhoushan in Zhejiang, China.
Intensive Care Unit Resource Management in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

: Objective: To analyze resource management aspects in intensive care units (ICU) in times of COVID-19 in Cariri microregion of Ceará. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study in four hospitals in the Cariri microregion, with 91 professionals from interdisciplinary teams who have been working in the ICU since the beginning of the pandemic. Research was conducted through email, Instagram and/or WhatsApp and the data were analyzed in the chi-square test, T-test and cluster chart. Results: Regarding human resources, 73.6 % of professionals took a course on patient management in ICU during COVID-19 and 67.0 % on control of healthcare-associated infections. Of these professionals, 64.8 % were able to deal with the difficulties in the ICU, 69.2 % were relocated from other hospital sectors to meet ICU demands and most professionals (76.9 %) did not have psychological support for the pandemic. In structural resources, 100 % of adult ICU beds were occupied during the pandemic, presenting a difference between before and during, during and after the crisis with an exponential increase in bed capacity ( p <0.001), and showing no significant differences in moments before and after the pandemic ( p =0.035). Material resources were in short supply and decreased, such as personal protective equipment, oxygen, medicines, among others. Conclusion: Identifying the reorganization of human, material and structural resources was possible in the researched hospitals. There has been an exponential increase in beds during the pandemic crisis when compared to the capacity reported by staff from moments before the pandemic. Therefore, this research contributes to the knowledge of health management and hospital restructuring in pandemic times.
Concatenated tandem constructs of BK channels reveal three distinct types of subunit stoichiometry in channel modulation by the auxiliary γ subunit and mutations in the channel pore region

The large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels consist of the Ca2+- and voltage-sensing and pore-forming α (BKα) subunits and regulatory auxiliary β or γ subunits. Concatenated tandem constructs have been proved to be necessary and powerful in understanding the subunit stoichiometry of K+ channel gating and regulation by constraining the stoichiometry, organization, and mutation of individual subunits. However, because of its unique possession of an extra S0 transmembrane segment that puts the N- and C- termini on the opposite sides of the membrane, it is impossible to generate concatenated tandem subunit constructs of BK channels as those done with other K+ channels. In order to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the atypical “all-or-none” modulatory function of the γ subunits and the subunit stoichiometry of BK channel gating, we have taken a novel strategy and generated functional concatenated tandem constructs containing 2 or 4 copies of the BKα subunits by splicing BKα into 2 protein constructs that can be co-expressed to form functional channels. We observed that the BK channels formed by concatenated tandem constructs are similar to intact channels in voltage and Ca2+ gating properties. Interestingly, the BKγ1 subunit and mutations located at the S6 transmembrane segment and selectivity filter displayed 3 distinct types of subunit stoichiometry in BK channel modulation. By fusion of the BKγ1 subunit to the N-terminus of the concatenated tandem BKα constructs, we observed that a single molecule of BKγ1 subunit per tetrameric BKα channel is sufficient to fully modulate the channels. The Y294K, F303A, and L312A mutations at each BKα subunit has an incremental effect on BK channel gating. The V288A mutation at the selectivity filter produce an “all-or-none” effect but requires mutations at all 4 BKα subunits to have modulatory effect on channel gating, i.e., mutations at 1, 2, or 3 subunits have nearly no effect. Interestingly, the F307A mutation exhibited an atypical “all-or-none” modulatory function similar to that of the γ1 subunit. The diversity in subunit stoichiometry of BK channel modulation indicates distinct mechanisms in affecting BK channel gating. Overall, we have developed novel concatenated tandem constructs for BK channels and revealed three distinct types of subunit stoichiometry in BK channel modulation by the auxiliary γ subunit and mutations at the pore-lining S6 transmembrane segment and selectivity filter.
ANNALES DE L’INSTITUT FOURIER

— Suppose that E ⊂ R n +1 is a uniformly rectiﬁable set of codimension 1. We show that every harmonic function is ε -approximable in L p (Ω) for every p ∈ (1 , ∞ ), where Ω := R n +1 \ E . Together with results of many authors this shows that pointwise, L ∞ and L p type ε -approximability properties of harmonic functions are all equivalent and they characterize uniform rectiﬁability for codimension 1 Ahlfors–David regular sets. Our results and techniques are generalizations of recent works of T. Hytönen and A. Rosén and the ﬁrst author, J. M. Martell and S. Mayboroda. Résumé. — Soit E un ensemble uniformément rectiﬁable de codimension 1 dans un espace euclidien de dimension n + 1 et soit Ω son complémentaire. Nous montrons que toute fonction harmonique est ε -approchable dans L p (Ω) pour tout p ﬁni strictement plus grand que 1. Cela montre, compte tenu de résultats précé-dents par diﬀérents auteurs, que ponctuellement, les propriétés d’ ε -approximation de type L ∞ et L p de fonctions harmoniques sont équivalentes et elles caractérisent la rectiﬁabilité uniforme des ensembles réguliers au sens d’Ahlfors–David de codimension 1. Nos résultats et techniques sont des généralisations de travaux récents de T. Hytönen, A. Rosén et du premier auteur, J. M. Martell et S. Mayboroda.
Shortwave direct radiative forcing of biomass burning aerosols estimated using VIRS and CERES data

Using collocated data from the Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) and the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy Budget Scanner (CERES) from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring (TRMM) satellite, observational estimates of the instantaneous Shortwave Aerosol Radiative Forcing (SWARF) of smoke aerosols at the top‐of‐atmosphere (TOA) are obtained for four days in May 1998 during a biomass‐burning episode in Central America. The detection of smoke aerosols is demonstrated using VIRS imagery. Assuming a single scattering albedo (ωo) of 0.86 (at 0.63 µm) that is representative of absorbing aerosols, smoke optical thickness (τ0.63) is retrieved over ocean areas. The average τ0.63 for these four days was 1.2 corresponding to a SWARF value of −68 Wm−2. The SWARF changes from −24 to −99 Wm−2 as τ0.63 changes from 0.2 to 2.2. Global observational estimates of biomass burning aerosol radiative forcing can be obtained by combining data sets from TRMM and Terra satellites.
Louisiana Wetland Water Level Monitoring Using Retracked TOPEX/POSEIDON Altimetry

Previous studies using satellite radar altimetry to observe inland river and wetland water level changes usually spatially average high-rate (10-Hz for TOPEX, 18-Hz for Envisat) measurements. Here we develop a technique to apply retracking of TOPEX waveforms by optimizing the estimated retracked gate positions using the Offset Center of Gravity retracker. This study, for the first time, utilizes stacking of retracked TOPEX data over Louisiana wetland and concludes that the water level observed by each of 10-Hz data with along-track sampling of ∼660 m exhibit variations, indicating detection of wetland dynamics. After further validations using nearby river gauges, we conclude that TOPEX is capable of measuring accurate water level changes beneath heavy-vegetation canopy region (swamp forest), and that it revealed wetland dynamic flow characteristics along track with spatial scale of 660 m or longer.
Subsoil amelioration by plant roots : the process and the evidence

Actively growing plant root systems have the potential to ameliorate subsoil in poor physical condition (biological drilling). Studies in which improved crop growth has been attributed to biological drilling by previous crops are reviewed. Whilst we might expect that plants are able to modify subsoil pore size distribution and that subsequent crops will benefit from the improved structure, this has yet to be demonstrated. Improvements in root growth, water extraction and grain yield do not, on their own, definitively establish the occurrence or benefits of biological drilling. Firstly, specific measurements of soil pores, their size, number and continuity are required to establish that soil structural change occurs through biological drilling. Secondly, the effects of biological drilling must be isolated from other confounding influences such as disease reduction and improvements in plant nutrition that might occur from crop rotation. The expected benefits from biological drilling might not eventuate where roots are unable to function efficiently in large pores or are unable to exit from them into the soil matrix. Model approaches can extend site and season specific observations and link soil structural changes to soil-plant-water processes, thus improving assessment of the consequences of biological drilling. Results are presented from an investigation into biological drilling by canola (Brassica napus L.) and the subsequent benefits to following wheat crops. Two seasons of canola did not create any measurable changes to soil structure at the top of the B horizon of a red brown earth (Natric Palexeralf) at Temora, N.S. W. , even though grain yield and water extraction were greater for wheat following canola compared with wheat following wheat (probably due to reduced incidence of root disease). The canola appeared unable to create new pores due to the high strength of the soil matrix, and thus relied on the pre-existing pores. This, and other studies, tend to indicate that tap rooted annual crops such as lupins or canola are unlikely to be able to improve B-horizon porosity in dense, duplex soil. Perennial species (e.g. lucerne [Medicago sativa]) might be more effective at biological drilling because of the longer time and wider range of water content conditions in which to establish a deep root system. It remains to clearly demonstrate biological drilling as an effective process for ameliorating these dense subsoils.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Inequality in the gentrifying European city Hochstenbach

In recent years several studies have highlighted how gentrification strategies are imposed under the discursive umbrella of ‘social mixing’. However, most evidence is based on Anglo-Saxon experiences. This chapter sets out to expand the geography of gentrification by looking at the representation of processes and policies of gentrification as put forward by key stakeholders in the Nord-Neukölln (Berlin) and Indische Buurt (Amsterdam). It shows that, in both contexts, stakeholders and policy documents actively engage with the concept of gentrification, rather than avoid it. Due to public-policy influence and local criticisms this engagement differs between both cases. In Nord-Neukölln the term is heavily contested and policymakers attempt to refute accusations of gentrification, while in the Indische Buurt, the process is explicitly pursued as a positive policy instrument by policymakers. Different representations within each case are shown to be influenced by the characteristics of in-moving and out-moving residents; the employed timeframe; and the perceived influence of institutions on urban regeneration.
Quantitative Easing in the Euro Area: Implications for Income and Wealth Inequality

This study examines how and to what extent quantitative easing of the ECB aﬀects household income and wealth inequality in the euro area. Previous theoretical models have investigated the dynamics of inequality measures through diﬀerential access of households to ﬁnancial/capital market (the portfolio rebalancing channel), neglecting the labor market diﬀerential (the earnings heterogeneity channel). Although the portfolio rebalancing channel may provide insight into wealth inequality and non-labor income inequality, this is not the case with labor (and thus total) income inequality. To be in line with the empirical evidence on labor income inequality, this study also considers segmented labor market on the basis of capital-skill complementarity in production and asymmetric real wage rigidities. When only ﬁnancial market segmentation is considered, the quantitative results indicate a drop in total income inequality that is diminished over time, while wealth inequality experiences a rise that gradually becomes weaker. The introduction of the segmented labor market signiﬁcantly mitigates the observed drop in total income inequality, while a rise in wealth inequality is largely ampliﬁed. Given the possible broadening of the ECB’s mandate towards distributional issues in the future, the analysis of segmented labor and ﬁnancial markets can be more beneﬁcial to the ECB as it provides a clearer picture of the inequality eﬀects.
Variability of current, temperature, and bottom pressure across the west Florida continental shelf, winter 1981–1982

Observations are analyzed from four current meter moorings deployed on the broad continental shelf in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico from November 29, 1981, to February 8, 1982 (71 days). Consistent with recent modeling studies, the shelf circulation responds within an inertial period to the alternating up-and-down-coast synoptic scale wind forcing. Average response to a 0.5 dyn cm−2 alongshore wind stress (as measured at the coast) is ∼20 cm s−1 off Cedar Key and ∼40 cm s−1 in the north where the shelf narrows (off Cape San Bias). Lower layer currents veer counterclockwise with depth, as in a bottom Ekman layer (e-folding scale ∼8 m). The pressure field decays offshore (e-folding scale ∼160 km) and yields a geostrophic current in good agreement with the observed alongshelf flow. Cross-shelf and vertical variations of the tidal signals compare nicely with results from barotropic theory. Calculations indicate that most of the shoreward propagating tidal energy must be dissipated in depths of <20 m (within 50 km of shore).
University of Birmingham Endoscopic imaging of quantum gases through a fiber bundle

: We use a coherent ﬁber bundle to demonstrate the endoscopic absorption imaging of quantum gases. We show that the ﬁber bundle introduces spurious noise in the picture mainly due to the strong core-to-core coupling. By direct comparison with free-space pictures, we observe that there is a maximum column density that can be reliably measured using our ﬁber bundle, and we derive a simple criterion to estimate it. We demonstrate that taking care of not exceeding such maximum, we can retrieve exact quantitative information about the atomic system, making this technique appealing for systems requiring isolation form the environment.
@Western Scholarship@Western

The apelin receptor (Aplnr) and its ligands, Apelin and Apela, contribute to metabolic control. The insulin resistance associated with pregnancy is accommodated by an expansion of pancreatic β‑cell mass (BCM) and increased insulin secretion, involving the proliferation of insulin‑expressing, glucose transporter 2‑low (Ins + Glut2 LO ) progenitor cells. We examined changes in the apelinergic system during normal mouse pregnancy and in pregnancies complicated by glucose intolerance with reduced BCM. Expression of Aplnr, Apelin and Apela was quantified in Ins + Glut2 LO cells isolated from mouse pancreata and found to be significantly higher than in mature β‑cells by DNA microarray and qPCR. Apelin was localized to most β‑cells by immunohistochemistry although Aplnr was predominantly associated with Ins + Glut2 LO cells. Aplnr‑staining cells increased three‑ to four‑fold during pregnancy being maximal at gestational days (GD) 9–12 but were significantly reduced in glucose intolerant mice. Apelin‑13 increased β‑cell proliferation in isolated mouse islets and INS1E cells, but not glucose‑ stimulated insulin secretion. Glucose intolerant pregnant mice had significantly elevated serum Apelin levels at GD 9 associated with an increased presence of placental IL‑6. Placental expression of the apelinergic axis remained unaltered, however. Results show that the apelinergic system is highly expressed in pancreatic β‑cell progenitors and may contribute to β‑cell proliferation in pregnancy. The physiology of pregnancy tests the metabolic plasticity
Fire in the cerrado (savannas) of Brazil: an ecological review

Fire is a major determinant of cerrado (savanna) vegetation in Brazil, and is used as a management tool during the dry season. This has consequently induced a long history of fire studies in the region. This article reviews past and present fire ecology studies in the cerrado, and emphasizes the need for a more applied approach to future work.
University of Birmingham Board Structure and Institutional Ownership at the time of IPO

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of mandatory regulatory provisions on board structure and the influence of such board structure on institutional holdings. Design/Methodology/Approach - The study uses unique hand-collected data set of Indian IPOs during the 2004-2012 period after the corporate governance reforms with the introduction of Clause 49 in the listing agreements in 2001. Using OLS regression, the paper empirically analyses the determinants of board size and board independence at the time of the IPOs and the influence of such a board structure on shareholdings by domestic and foreign institutional investors. Findings - The authors find that complying with mandatory regulatory provisions does not impede firms from structuring their boards to reflect the firms’ advising and monitoring needs. The authors also find that complying with provisions have positive implication for the firm, as firms with greater board independence appear to attract more foreign institutional investors. Originality/Value - To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first study to examine the issue in a regime where regulation mandates the composition of the board of directors. The paper also extends the literature on institutional holdings by providing evidence on the impact of board structure on institutional ownership at a critical time in a firm’s life cycle when concerns for endogeneity for empirical investigations are weaker.