Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Distributionally Robust Supervised Learning in Classification

Distributionally Robust Supervised Learning (DRSL) is necessary for building reliable machine learning systems. When machine learning is deployed in the real world, its performance can be significantly degraded because test data may follow a different distribution from training data. Previous DRSL minimizes the loss for the worst-case test distribution. However, our theoretical analyses show that the previous DRSL essentially reduces to ordinary empirical risk minimization in a classification scenario. This implies that the previous DRSL ends up learning classifiers exactly for the given training data even though it is designed to be robust to distribution shift from the training dataset. In order to learn practically useful robust classifiers, our theoretical analyses motivate us to structurally constrain the distribution shift considered by DRSL. To this end, we propose novel DRSL which can incorporate the structural assumptions on distribution shift and that can learn useful robust decision boundaries based on the assumptions. We derive efficient gradient-based optimization algorithms and establish the convergence rate of the model parameter as well as the order of the estimation error for our DRSL. The effectiveness of our DRSL is demonstrated through experiments.
Regional Productivity and Accessibility to Knowledge and Dense Markets

Accessibility to knowledge and local service markets can be assumed to explain regional growth performance. The role of regional supply of services and educated labour with respect to regional development are stressed by many researchers. In this paper we make an empirical analysis using panel data for Swedish municipalities. The purpose is to analyse the relationship between regional productivity measures as gross regional product per square kilometre and accessibility to educated labour. We also acknowledge the extension of the regional economy in terms of functionality and access to population as a measure of accessibility to labour and to purchasing power. We estimate first a cross-section model by using OLS. Second we employ a panel data model, using time distance access to population and the share local labour force with longer higher education as explanatory variables. In the analysis we compare the results for Sweden from the different models with other studies in this field. We find that local externalities for increasing returns are very important in the Swedish economy. Our estimated models yields a high level of goodness of fit, and the results indicates that the elasticity for longer higher education and population density are around unity in the Swedish economy with respect to performance of regional gross domestic product per square kilometre
IL-17B and IL-17C Are Associated with TNF-α Production and Contribute to the Exacerbation of Inflammatory Arthritis1

IL-17A is a T cell-derived proinflammatory cytokine that contributes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, six related molecules have been identified to form the IL-17 family, as follows: IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, IL-17D, IL-17E, and IL-17F. Whereas IL-17A and IL-17F up-regulate IL-6 in synovial fibroblasts, IL-17B and IL-17C are reported to stimulate the release of TNF-α and IL-1β from the monocytic cell line, THP-1 cell. However, their detailed function remains to be elucidated. We report in this study the effects of IL-17 family on the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) progression by T cell gene transfer and bone marrow chimeric mice. The mRNA expressions of IL-17 family (IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, and IL-17F) and their receptor (IL-17R and IL-17Rh1) genes in the arthritic paws of CIA mice were elevated compared with controls. Although IL-17A and IL-17F were expressed in CD4+ T cells, IL-17B and IL-17C were expressed in the cartilage and in various cell populations in the CIA arthritic paws, respectively. In vitro, IL-17A, IL-17B, IL-17C, and IL-17F induced TNF-α production in mouse peritoneal exudate cells. In vivo, adoptive transfer of IL-17B- and IL-17C-transduced CD4+ T cells evidently exacerbated arthritis. Bone marrow chimeric mice of IL-17B and IL-17C exhibited elevated serum TNF-α concentration and the high arthritis score upon CIA induction. Moreover, neutralization of IL-17B significantly suppressed the progression of arthritis and bone destruction in CIA mice. Therefore, not only IL-17A, but also IL-17B and IL-17C play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis.
Investor Behaviour in a Nascent Capital Market: Scottish Bank Shareholders in the Nineteenth Century

This article uses the records of nineteenth-century Scottish banks in an attempt to understand investor behaviour in the early British capital market. It presents four main findings, some of which do not conform to the basic assumptions of standard asset pricing theories. First, in an era when efficient portfolio diversification was not possible, the intrinsic risk of an equity security was an important input into investor decision-making. Second, our evidence suggests that businesspeople initially regarded bank stock as a consumption good, as being a stockholder gave them privileged access to bank finance. When bank lending practices changed in the middle of the century, this access-to-credit advantage associated with owning bank stock largely disappeared. Third, investors typically exhibited a bias towards banks that conducted business in the areas where they resided. Fourth, a sizeable proportion of investors were stockholders in more than one bank.
No‐Take Marine Reserves and Illegal Fishing Under Imperfect Enforcement

No-take marine reserves have been increasingly advocated as an effective means of supporting marine ecosystems and conserving fisheries resources. A major problem that can hinder the effectiveness of no-take reserves is the incidence of illegal fishing, which has created significant ecological and economic losses in global fisheries. We construct a bioeconomic model to explore the connection between the effects of notake reserves and illegal fishing activities in relation to the level of regulatory control of illegal activities in the reserve and fished areas. Our parameterised model shows that the effects of no-take reserves on both the extent of illegal fishing and the fish biomass critically depend on illegal fishing regulations and the scale and patterns of fish dispersal. In a fishery where illegal fishing can only be partially controlled, increasing the size of the no-take reserve may result in a lose-lose situation in which the level of illegal fishing effort increases and the total biomass decreases. Our results further show that when the pattern of fish dispersal is density dependent, imposing a stricter control on illegal fishing in either reserves or fished areas increases the aggregate level of illegal fishing.
Platelets from Bleeding Simmental Cattle Have a Long Delay in both ADP-activated Expression of GpllB-IIIA Receptors and Fibrinogen-dependent Platelet Aggregation

Summary We have previously reported that platelets from bleeding Simmental cattle do not aggregate in vitro in response to ADP, collagen and calcium ionophore A23187, though calcium mobilization and myosin light chain phosphorylation do occur. The aggregation abnormality, measured by aggregometry, was ascribed to abnormal cytoskeletal expression, with the maximal numbers of activated GpIIb-IIIa receptors per platelet no different from that seen in normal bovine platelets activated with ADP. We have therefore sought to compare the kinetics of microaggregation with the rate of expression of GpIIb-IIIa receptors required for mediating fibrinogen (Fg)-dependent platelet aggregation, to provide a more direct molecular explanation for the aggregation abnormality. We compared aggregation kinetics of ADP-activated platelets using both aggregometry and particle counting to monitor microaggregation. Fibrinogen receptor expression was monitored with FITC-labelled human Fg and with the reporting antibody for activated GpIIb-IIIa, FITC-PAC1, using flow cytometry. The affected platelets show a marked delay in onset of microaggregation for ADP-activated platelets stirred with human Fg, paralleded by an unusual delay in activated GpIIb-IIIa receptor expression (DARE) for otherwise competent Fg binding. The on-rates for Fg binding to platelets maximally pre-activat-ed with PMA are identical for normal and affected platelets, whether comparing the binding of human or bovine Fg. The unique DARE syndrome explains the observed delay in aggregation of platelets from affected Simmental cattle and predicts the bleeding problems due to delayed binding of adhesive proteins.
Parameter estimation of an agent-based stock price model

The influence of the behavior and strategies of traders on stock price formation has attracted much interest. It is assumed that there is a positive correlation between the total net demand and the price change. A buy order is expected to increase the price, whereas a sell order is assumed to decrease it. We perform data analysis based on a recently proposed stochastic model for stock prices. The model involves long-range dependence, self-similarity, and no arbitrage principle, as observed in real data. The arrival times of orders, their quantity, and their duration are created by a Poisson random measure. The aggregation of the effect of all orders based on these parameters yields the log-price process. By scaling the parameters, a fractional Brownian motion or a stable Levy process can be obtained in the limit. In this paper, our aim is twofold; first, to devise statistical methodology to estimate the model parameters with an application on high-frequency price data, and second, to validate the model by simulations with the estimated parameters. We find that the statistical properties of agent level behavior are reflected on the stock price, and can affect the entire process. Moreover, the price model is suitable for prediction through simulations when the parameters are estimated from real data. The methods developed in the present paper can be applied to frequently traded stocks in general. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidelines for using the finite element method for modeling guided Lamb wave propagation in SHM processes

The aim of the work presented in this paper is to provide guidelines for extending the modeling capacities and improve quality and reliability of 2-D guided wave propagation models using commercially available finite element method (FEM) packages. Predictive simulation of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) in realistic structures is challenging. Analytical methods can perform efficiently modeling of wave propagation are limited to simple geometries. Realistic structures with complicated geometries are usually modeled with the finite element method (FEM). Commercial FEM codes offer convenient built-in resources for automated meshing, frequency analysis, as well as time integration of dynamic events. We propose to develop FEM guidelines for 2-D Lamb wave propagation with a high level of accuracy. The proposed 2-D guided wave problem will be the pitch-catch arrangement in a full 3-D geometry plate involving guided waves between a transmitter piezoelectric wafer active sensor (PWAS) and receiver PWAS. In addition, corrosion damage is added to this problem to simulate the detection of damage, and assess the detectability threshold. The general approach is to run a series of FEM models. These FEM models will be compared with the experimental data and with our 1-D analytical homemade software.
A Modularized Charge Equalizer for an HEV Lithium-Ion Battery String

Based on the fact that a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) connects a high number of batteries in series to obtain more than approximately 300 V, this paper proposes a modularized charge equalizer for an HEV battery pack. In this paper, the overall battery string is modularized into M*N cells, where M is the number of modules in the string and N is the number of cells in each module. With this modularization, low voltage stress on the electronic devices can be achieved, which means that there is less chance of a failure on the charge equalizer. The power rating selection is one of the most important design issues for a charge equalizer because it is very closely related to equalization time. To solve this problem optimally, this paper presents a power rating design guide. In addition, this paper considers system-level design issues, such as cell voltage acquisition, equalizer control logic, and system-level grounding. The simulation and experimental results are presented to show the usefulness of the optimal power rating selection guide and the low voltage stressed charge equalization process.
Zoospore exudates from Phytophthora nicotianae affect immune responses in Arabidopsis

Zoospore exudates play important roles in promoting zoospore communication, homing and germination during plant infection by Phytophthora. However, it is not clear whether exudates affect plant immunity. Zoospore-free fluid (ZFF) and zoospores of P. nicotianae were investigated comparatively for effects on resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 and mutants that affect signaling mediated by salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA): eds16 (enhanced disease susceptibility16), pad4 (phytoalexin deficient4), and npr1 (nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes1). Col-0 attracted more zoospores and had severe tissue damage when flooded with a zoospore suspension in ZFF. Mutants treated with ZFF alone developed disease symptoms similar to those inoculated with zoospores and requirements of EDS16 and PAD4 for plant responses to zoospores and the exudates was apparent. Zoospore and ZFFs also induced expression of the PR1 and PDF1.2 marker genes for defense regulated by SA and JA, respectively. However, ZFF affected more JA defense signaling, down regulating PR1 when SA signaling or synthesis is deficient, which may be responsible for Arabidopsis mutant plants more susceptible to infection by high concentration of P. nicotianae zoospores. These results suggest that zoospore exudates can function as virulence factors and inducers of plant immune responses during plant infection by Phytophthora.
Process and product innovation in virtual organisations: An investigation of Taiwanese information firms

Research investigating innovation management will by definition encompass multilevel analysis. Focusing on innovation at the individual and organisational levels, this study examined the intensity of the relationship between individual creativity and organisational innovation to identify the construct of innovation composition process across these two levels. Due to a shift in organisational change management that exceeds the convenience of advanced information technologies, this study also identified and analysed the impact of virtual organisation (VO) structure on the interaction between individual creativity and organisational innovation. Regression analysis results for 128 information and electronics companies in Taiwan showed that VO adoption positively influences both process and product innovation.
Usable Simulink Embedded Coder Target for Linux

Matlab/Simulink is a commercial tool used by many engineers and researchers worldwide to design and develop various systems, usually containing a lot of mathematical computations. Initially, Simulink was intended for performing simulations of dynamic systems (hence the name), but nowadays it also allows to create their prototypes or even final implementations. The system (for example a motor controller) is first designed in a graphical way in the form of a data-flow graph and then the Embedded Coder tool (a part of Simulink) is used to generate the C code directly from the graphical model. Simulink Embedded Coder already contains support for several popular embedded boards running Linux such as Raspberry Pi or BeagleBoard but for unknown reason, this support can only be installed on Windows hosts. Moreover, the code generated for these targets has problems with precise timing when run on Linux with real-time (preempt_rt) patches. In this paper we describe a custom developed Embedded Coder target ert_linux that does not suffer from the above mentioned shortcomings and is freely available for use. We also describe a few applications developed with this target, for example a simple motor controller with the Raspberry Pi that can be used for education. The other applications show that ert_linux-based solutions can be used even for more demanding applications with sampling frequencies around 20 kHz.
Energy Efficient Secure Communication Over Decode-and-Forward Relay Channels

In this paper, we raise the concern on energy-efficient secure communication over a decode-and-forward relay network with potential eavesdroppers. Our objective is maximizing the secure energy efficiency (EE), which is defined as the ratio of secrecy rate to total power, subject to the given individual power, relay decoding rate, and target secrecy rate constraints. The problem is formulated as a unified mixed integer nonlinear optimization adapting to different assumptions of channel state information (CSI). To deal with this combinatorial optimization, a suboptimal solution scheme is developed upon some mathematical methods as decoupling of mixed integer programming, fractional programming, dual decomposition, and difference of convex functions programming. The core of the scheme is to transform the primal problem into simple subproblems step by step, and then convex programming can be exploited finally. The proposed scheme for the case with statistical eavesdropper's CSI, may be conditionally extended to the scenario with full CSI in which a local optimal solution may be obtained in certain cases. Finally, the performance and achievable secure EE of the proposed algorithm are demonstrated by simulations where the tradeoff between secure EE and secrecy rate is also revealed.
Hyperresponsive Airways Correlate with Lung Tissue Inflammatory Cell Changes in Ozone-Exposed Rats

The role of inflammatory cell infiltration in the development of hyperresponsiveness of the airways to muscarinic challenge remains poorly understood. Unlike previous investigations that only examined conducting airway inflammation, the present study utilized both bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and lung tissue digestion to determine rat lung inflammatory cell contents following a 4-h exposure to 2 ppm ozone. Immediately following ozone exposure, neutrophil content of the lung tissue was significantly increased and reached a value that was fourfold higher than air-exposed controls by 3 h postexposure. Although lavage-recovered neutrophils were elevated at 24 h, tissue neutrophil numbers had returned to control values. This transient elevation of tissue neutrophils directly correlated with an elevation and subsequent decline of airway hyperresponsiveness, measured as a decrease in the intravenous dose of methacholine provoking a 200% increase in airway resistance (PD 200 R). Animals rendered neutropenic with a rabbit anti-rat neutrophil serum prior to exposure were protected from ozone-induced hyperresponsive airways, further demonstrating an association between neutrophil infiltration into the lung and altered airway physiology. Although BAL-recovered neutrophils demonstrated no adverse effects as a result of ozone exposure, macrophages were not only found to be necrotic but also displayed altered oxidative metabolism when challenged with phorbol myristate acetate. Thus, changes in the microenvironment of the airways smooth muscle were shown to be associated with transient accumulation of neutrophils within the lung tissue and abnormalities of bronchoalveolar lavage-recovered macrophages.
Men's exposure to human rights violations and relations with perpetration of intimate partner violence in South Africa

Background Despite widespread apartheid-related human rights violations (HRV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) in South Africa, research investigating the influence of HRV on IPV perpetration is scarce. Methods This study analysed data from the South Africa Stress and Health Study, a cross-sectional survey conducted from 2003 to 2004 with 4351 South Africans examining public health concerns associated with apartheid. Analyses were restricted to men who had ever been married or had ever cohabited with a female partner. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between experiences of HRV and lifetime physical IPV perpetration. Results A total of 772 South Africa men met the study criteria (389 liberation supporters and 383 government supporters). Adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that among liberation supporters, a significant association existed between experiencing major HRV (AOR 2.40, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.81), custody-related HRV (AOR 6.61, 95% CI 2.00 to 21.83), victimisation of close friends/family members (AOR 3.38, 95% CI 1.26 to 9.07) and physical IPV perpetration. Among government supporters, a significant association was observed between experiencing HRV (AOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.34 to 6.65) and victimisation of close friends/immediate family (AOR 5.42, 95% CI 1.44 to 19.02) and IPV perpetration. Conclusion This work indicates the importance of men's experiences with HRV with regard to IPV perpetration risk. Future work is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the observed relationships, particularly regarding mental health and gender norms as suggested by current literature, in order to inform interventions in South Africa and other regions affected by politically motivated conflict.
Skin Equivalents: A Tool for the Discovery and Validation of Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers

In the development of targeted oncology drugs, it is important to assess drug effectiveness in individual patients. We evaluated the possibility of reproducing in an ex-vivo system the biological effects observed in vitro and in vivo by the combined administration of two chemotherapeutic drugs, gemcitabine and a small inhibitor of Wee1. We found that modulation of both CDC2 phosphorylation and of a previously-identified gene signature was detectable in human skin equivalents obtained with primary keratinocytes from three individuals. Therefore, we suggest that human skin equivalents could represent a promising tool for the identification and validation of novel pharmacodynamic biomarkers.
A Practical Multibit Data Combining Strategy for Cooperative Spectrum Sensing

In this paper, we study a cooperative spectrum sensing scheme for cognitive radio systems where each sensor transmits multibit quantized information to a fusion center where the decision about the availability or occupancy of the channel is made. In particular, we introduce a linear-quantization scheme that is based on a single parameter Δ and derive the optimal detector at the fusion center for this scheme. We also derive the performance of this detector as a function of Δ and use it as a cost function in an optimization problem to find the Δ that provides minimum error. Furthermore, we propose a suboptimal detector with much lower complexity and compare its performance with the optimal detector. Finally, we compare the performance of our multibit combining scheme with the hard and soft combining schemes and show that, with transmission of a few bits of information from each sensor, the system can achieve an error rate very close to the optimal soft combining scheme.
Picture this: A Simple Graph that Reveals Much Ado About Research

Funnel graphs provide a simple, yet highly effective, means to identify key features of an empirical literature. This paper illustrates the use of funnel graphs to detect publication selection bias, identify the existence of genuine empirical effects and discover potential moderator variables that can help to explain the wide variation routinely found among reported research findings. Applications include union–productivity effects, water price elasticities, common currency-trade effects, minimum-wage employment effects, efficiency wages and the price elasticity of prescription drugs.