Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
K-Essence Lagrangians of Polytropic and Logotropic Unified Dark Matter and Dark Energy Models

We determine the k-essence Lagrangian of a relativistic barotropic fluid. The equation of state of the fluid can be specified in different manners depending on whether the pressure is expressed in terms of the energy density (model I), the rest-mass density (model II), or the pseudo rest-mass density for a complex scalar field in the Thomas-Fermi approximation (model III). In the nonrelativistic limit, these three formulations coincide. In the relativistic regime, they lead to different models that we study exhaustively. We provide general results valid for an arbitrary equation of state and show how the different models are connected to each other. For illustration, we specifically consider polytropic and logotropic dark fluids that have been proposed as unified dark matter and dark energy models. We recover the Born-Infeld action of the Chaplygin gas in models I and III and obtain the explicit expression of the reduced action of the logotropic dark fluid in models II and III. We also derive the two-fluid representation of the Chaplygin and logotropic models. Our general formalism can be applied to many other situations such as Bose-Einstein condensates with a |φ|4 (or more general) self-interaction, dark matter superfluids, and mixed models.
In Case You Don’t Know What To Play: Framework for a VR Application that manipulates Time Perception through Spatial Distortion.

In Case You Don’t Know What To Play is a framework for designing a Virtual Reality application that uses spatial distortion to influence the user’s visual perception and ultimately shall manipulate their sense of time. Spatial orientation allows us to judge distances regarding their temporal component. In particular, in self-motion we can estimate the duration it takes to cover a given distance, since time and spatial perception are connected. This connection can be broken with the help of Virtual Reality technology and a perceptual conflict can be created.
Who Should Get My Private Data in Which Case? Evidence in the Wild

As a result of the ongoing digitalization of our everyday lives, the amount of data produced by everyone is steadily increasing. This happens through personal decisions and items, such as the use of social media or smartphones, but also through more and more data acquisition in public spaces, such as e.g., Closed Circuit Television. Are people aware of the data they are sharing? What kind of data do people want to share with whom? Are people aware if they have Wi-Fi, GPS, or Bluetooth activated as potential data sharing functionalities on their phone? To answer these questions, we conducted a representative online survey as well as face-to-face interviews with users in Germany. We found that most users wanted to share private data on premise with most entities, indicating that willingness to share data depends on who has access to the data. Almost half of the participants would be more willing to share data with specific entities (state bodies & rescue forces) in the event that an acquaintance is endangered. For Wi-Fi and GPS the frequencies of self-reported and actual activation on the smartphone are almost equal, but 17% of participants were unaware of the Bluetooth status on their smartphone. Our research is therefore in line with other studies suggesting relatively low privacy awareness of users.
User Bias in Beyond-Accuracy Measurement of Recommendation Algorithms

There are various biases in recommender systems. Recognizing biases, as well as unfairness caused by problematic biases, is the first step of system optimization. Related studies on algorithmic biases are mainly from the perspective of either items or users. For the latter (we call it “algorithmic user bias”), existing works have considered algorithms’ accuracy performances measured by accuracy metrics like RMSE. However, algorithmic user biases in beyond-accuracy measurements have rarely been studied, even though beyond-accuracy oriented recommendation algorithms have been increasingly investigated, with the purpose of breaking through the personalization limits of traditional accuracy-oriented algorithms (such as the typical “filter bubble” phenomenon). To fill in the research gap, in this work, we employ a large-scale survey dataset collected from a commercial platform, in which more than 11,000 users’ ratings on the recommendation’s 5 performance objectives (i.e., relevance, diversity, novelty, unexpectedness, and serendipity) and 8 kinds of user characteristics (i.e., gender, age, big-5 personality traits, and curiosity) are available. We study user biases of four algorithms (i.e., HOT, Rel-CF, Nov-CF, and Ser-CF) in terms of those five measurements between user groups of the eight user characteristics. We further look into users’ behavior patterns like the preference of using more positive ratings, in order to interpret the observed biases. Finally, based on the observed algorithmic user bias and users’ behavior patterns, we analyze the possible factors leading to the biases and recognize problematic biases that may lead to unfairness.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and cardiotoxicity: possible mechanisms, manifestations, diagnosis and management

ABSTRACT Introduction Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a new class of anticancer drugs that enhance the immune system function and activate T cells against cancerous cells. Although cardiac complications are not common, they could be accompanied with high morbidity and mortality. Areas covered Regarding the importance of cardiac complications and their subsequent burden on individuals and the healthcare system, this review attempts to discuss the mechanism, diagnosis, and management of myocarditis, besides recapitulating the possible mechanism of other cardiac adverse events. Moreover, we briefly discuss the concurrent administration of other chemotherapeutic agents. Expert opinion Due to insufficient knowledge concerning the physiopathology of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and their potential further complications, cardiovascular complications in particular and in the context of this paper’s focus, cooperation of oncologists, immunologists, and cardiologists is necessary for the management of patients. Experimental approaches such as using corticosteroids are becoming a part of guidelines for managing cardiac irAEs. However, a unique algorithm for diagnosis and management is necessary, especially in myocarditis cases. Furthermore, more studies are required to resolve current challenges, including prevention of myocarditis, concurrent administration of other chemotherapeutic agents, and re-introducing patients with ICIs.
Constraints of magmatism on the Ergu Fe–Zn polymetallic metallogenic system in the central Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China: evidence from geochronology, geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes

Abstract The medium-sized Ergu Fe–Zn polymetallic skarn deposit is located in the central Lesser Xing’an Range, NE China. The ore bodies are mainly hosted in the contact zone between granodiorite intrusions and lower Cambrian dolomitic crystalline limestones or skarns. To reveal the magmatic influence on the mineralization, resource potential and metallogenic geodynamic process of this deposit, a systematic study of the geology, petrology, zircon U–Pb dating, element geochemistry, amphibole geochemistry and Sr–Nd–Pb–Hf isotopes of the Ergu deposit intrusives was conducted. The results show the following: (1) The major rock types in the mine area are medium-grained granodiorite and porphyritic granite, and the rock related to mineralization is medium-grained granodiorite. Zircon U–Pb dating suggests that the granodiorite and porphyritic granite formed at 181.9–183.8 Ma and 182.7 Ma, respectively. Thus, an Early Jurassic magmatic event led to the formation of the Ergu deposit. (2) The granodiorite and porphyritic granite are high-K calc-alkaline I-type granites that formed by comagmatic evolution with varying degrees of fractional crystallization and were likely derived from partial melting of the lower crust. The Ergu deposit occurred in an active continental-margin tectonic setting. (3) The high water content (5.69 wt % H2O), high oxygen fugacity (ΔFMQ = +1.75 to +1.82) and intermediate-plutonic emplacement (3.13 km) of the granodioritic magma are key factors in the formation of the Ergu deposit. The porphyry granite is characterized by high water content (>4 wt % H2O), reduced oxygen fugacity (ΔFMQ = −0.47) and shallow emplacement (<3 km).
Pessimistic Reward Models for Off-Policy Learning in Recommendation

Methods for bandit learning from user interactions often require a model of the reward a certain context-action pair will yield – for example, the probability of a click on a recommendation. This common machine learning task is highly non-trivial, as the data-generating process for contexts and actions is often skewed by the recommender system itself. Indeed, when the deployed recommendation policy at data collection time does not pick its actions uniformly-at-random, this leads to a selection bias that can impede effective reward modelling. This in turn makes off-policy learning – the typical setup in industry – particularly challenging. In this work, we propose and validate a general pessimistic reward modelling approach for off-policy learning in recommendation. Bayesian uncertainty estimates allow us to express scepticism about our own reward model, which can in turn be used to generate a conservative decision rule. We show how it alleviates a well-known decision making phenomenon known as the Optimiser’s Curse, and draw parallels with existing work on pessimistic policy learning. Leveraging the available closed-form expressions for both the posterior mean and variance when a ridge regressor models the reward, we show how to apply pessimism effectively and efficiently to an off-policy recommendation use-case. Empirical observations in a wide range of environments show that being conservative in decision-making leads to a significant and robust increase in recommendation performance. The merits of our approach are most outspoken in realistic settings with limited logging randomisation, limited training samples, and larger action spaces.
Does polyculturalism explain the relationship between personality, thinking style, and prejudice in Australia?

ABSTRACT Objective: Polyculturalism, a relatively new intergroup ideology conceptualises culture as dynamic by emphasising intergroup connections. Previous research has linked polyculturalism to less negative attitudes towards different racial and ethnic groups. However, the underpinnings of this relationship is not well understood. It was predicted that openness to experience, agreeableness, and cognitive flexibility (alternative and control) would be associated with lower racial and ethnic prejudice and that polyculturalism would mediate these relationships. Method: The sample consisted of 391 undergraduate students and community members who completed a polyculturalism measure, openness to experience and agreeableness scales of the Big Five Aspect Scale, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, and the Australian Racism, Acceptance, and Culture-Ethnocentrism Scale. Results: Path analysis indicated openness to experience, agreeableness, and cognitive flexibility (alternative) were each associated with less generalised racial and ethnic prejudice, and that polyculturalism mediated the relationship between openness to experience and prejudice and cognitive flexibility- alternative and prejudice. Conclusion: Polyculturalism may be an important avenue for understanding and reducing racial and ethnic prejudice in a racially and ethnically diverse Australia. Key Points What is already known about this topic: The traits of openness to experience and agreeableness, and cognitive flexibility are associated with less negative racial and ethnic attitudes. Polyculturalism is a lay diversity ideology where culture is viewed as a dynamic and evolving system that does not provide the basis for differentiating between groups. Instead of focusing on differences between cultural groups, connections between groups through interactions are emphasised. Polyculturalism is associated with less negative attitudes towards different racial and ethnic groups among other pro-diversity attitudes. What this topic adds: This study adds to the limited research into the role of lay diversity ideologies in explaining the relationship between personality and intergroup attitudes. Openness to experience, agreeableness, and cognitive flexibility (alternative) were each associated with less generalised racial and ethnic prejudice. Polyculturalism mediated the relationship between openness to experience and racial and ethnic prejudice, and the relationship between cognitive flexibility (alternative) and racial and ethnic prejudice. The Racism Acceptance and Cultural-Ethnocentrism Scale (RACES) is a psychometrically sound measure developed for the Australian context. It is a suitable tool for measuring the effectiveness of interventions for promoting more positive intergroup attitudes.
Supporting elementary students’ scientific argumentation with argument-focused metacognitive scaffolds (AMS)

ABSTRACT Students’ difficulties in scientific argumentation have been widely reported in the literature. Researchers argue that these difficulties result mainly from students’ lack of understanding of the goals and norms of argumentation. Therefore, designing and implementing appropriate instructional scaffolds to facilitate such essential knowledge of argumentation holds pedagogical significance. In this qualitative case study, two kinds of argument-focused metacognitive scaffolds (AMS) – questioning and prompting, and modelling of thinking – were designed and integrated into an elementary science classroom. One science teacher and her 19 students participated in this case study. To explore the pedagogical contributions of AMS, data were collected from multiple sources including classroom observation, interviews with students, and students’ works. AMS in this study supported students to engage in argumentation reflectively, as these scaffolds facilitated the development of students’ understanding of the goals and evidence-related norms of argumentation and abilities of metacognitive monitoring during argumentation. These influences were also recognised and appreciated by students. When AMS gradually reduced, students’ knowledge of argumentation and abilities of metacognitive monitoring were retained and affected how they performed argumentation in new contexts. Pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed.
Exploring the reflective practice of Anglican laity: finding manna in the desert

ABSTRACT This article reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative research project to discover how lay people within the Church of England process significant and everyday life events in light of their Christian faith. Our aim was to resource knowledge about how theological reflection skills can be developed both within the informal parish setting and during formal theological education for licensed ministry. We analysed data from semi-structured, photo elicitation interviews using the ‘defining features’ of theological reflection at its best, adapted from Ross-McCabe ([2020]. “Straw for the Bricks at Last? Theological Reflection Under the Common Awards.” Practical Theology 13 (4): 413–426). We found that people predominantly theologically reflect via an awareness of God’s presence which supports the processing of a situation. Most often, people took their internal theological framework as complete and analysed their critical incident against this. We identified several areas that could be developed in order to strengthen theological reflection: deeper engagement with Christian tradition, critical engagement with Scripture and dialogical approaches to God’s presence. Additionally, openness to the possibility of change could deepen the transformative potential of this processing.
Importance of feed efficiency for sustainable intensification of chicken meat production: implications and role for amino acids, feed enzymes and organic trace minerals

Summary Broiler chicken production is expected to increase significantly in the next decades to satisfy the poultry meat demand of a growing world population. In this scenario, one of the most important challenges for the poultry industry is to enhance bird productivity while remaining economically and environmentally sustainable. Feeding represents the major cost in raising of broiler chickens and has important implications for environmental impact, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, improving broiler capacity in converting ingested feed into body growth, which is generally referred to as feed efficiency (often expressed through the feed conversion ratio), is fundamental to promoting a sustainable intensification of poultry production. In this review, we highlight the importance of feed efficiency improvements in terms of overall sustainability for the broiler chicken production chain. Furthermore, the potential of feed additive-based nutritional strategies, such as the dietary administration of crystalline amino acids, proteases, phytases and organic minerals, is critically discussed in the light of their role in supporting the sustainable intensification of this crucial livestock sector.
The effects of political ideology and brand familiarity on conspicuous consumption of fashion products

ABSTRACT From the lens of conspicuous consumption, this research examines the interactive effect of brand logo size and political ideology on consumers’ intentions toward fashion products. Specifically, in a series of four studies, we address how consumer political ideology influences intentions toward items displaying smaller, inconspicuous logos versus larger, conspicuous logos for unfamiliar and familiar brands. We show that liberal consumers are more likely to prefer a large (rather than small) logo when a brand is unfamiliar. We suggest that liberals’ greater desire for product uniqueness elevates their risk propensity, which in turn increases preference for conspicuous consumption when familiarity with a brand is low. We show that this effect occurs only for unfamiliar brands; when brand familiarity is high (i.e. a popular or well-known brand), consumer political ideology reverses consumer preference for conspicuous consumption, replicating prior work. Our results suggest that, by manipulating their logo size, new brands may effectively target consumers based on their political ideology.
Enabling Reusable Haptic Props for Virtual Reality by Hand Displacement

Virtual Reality (VR) enables compelling visual experiences. However, providing haptic feedback is still challenging. Previous work suggests utilizing haptic props to overcome such limitations and presents evidence that props could function as a single haptic proxy for several virtual objects. In this work, we displace users’ hands to account for virtual objects that are smaller or larger. Hence, the used haptic prop can represent several differently-sized virtual objects. We conducted a user study (N = 12) and presented our participants with two tasks during which we continuously handed them the same haptic prop but they saw in VR differently-sized virtual objects. In the first task, we used a linear hand displacement and increased the size of the virtual object to understand when participants perceive a mismatch. In the second task, we compare the linear displacement to logarithmic and exponential displacements. We found that participants, on average, do not perceive the size mismatch for virtual objects up to 50% larger than the physical prop. However, we did not find any differences between the explored different displacement. We conclude our work with future research directions.
Trypanosomal variant surface glycoprotein expression in human African trypanosomiasis patients

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, an extracellular protozoan parasite, is the primary causative agent of human African Trypanosomiasis. T. b. gambiense is endemic to West and Central Africa where it is transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies. In the bloodstream of an infected host, the parasite evades antibody recognition by altering the Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) that forms a dense coat on its cell surface through a process known as antigenic variation. Each VSG has a variable N-terminal domain that is exposed to the host and a less variable C-terminal domain that is at least partially hidden from host antibodies. Our lab developed VSG-seq, a targeted RNA-seq method, to study VSG expression in T. brucei. Studies using VSG-seq to characterize antigenic variation in a mouse model have revealed marked diversity in VSG expression within parasite populations, but this finding has not yet been validated in a natural human infection. Here, we used VSG-seq to analyze VSGs expressed in the blood of twelve patients infected with T. b. gambiense. The number of VSGs identified per patient ranged from one to fourteen and, notably, two VSGs were shared by more than one patient. Analysis of expressed VSG N-terminal domain types revealed that 82% of expressed VSGs encoded a type B N-terminus, a bias not seen in datasets from other T. brucei subspecies. C-terminal types in T. b. gambiense infection were also restricted. These results demonstrate a bias either in the underlying VSG repertoire of T. b. gambiense or in the selection of VSGs from the repertoire during infection. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using VSG-seq to study antigenic variation in human infections and highlights the importance of understanding VSG repertoires in the field.Human African Trypanosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease largely caused by the extracellular parasite known as Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. To avoid elimination by the host, these parasites repeatedly replace their dense surface coat of Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG). Despite the important role of VSGs in prolonging infection, VSG expression during natural human infections is poorly understood. A better understanding of natural VSG expression dynamics can clarify the mechanisms which T. brucei uses to alter its VSG coat and improve how trypanosomiasis is diagnosed in humans. We analyzed the expressed VSGs detected in the blood of patients with trypanosomiasis. Our findings indicate that a diverse range of VSGs are expressed in both natural and experimental infections.