Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indexed Regulation

Seminal work by Weitzman (1974) revealed prices are preferred to quantities when marginal benefits are relatively flat compared to marginal costs. We extend this comparison to indexed policies, where quantities are proportional to an index, such as output. We find that policy preferences hinge on additional parameters describing the first and second moments of the index and the ex post optimal quantity level. When the ratio of these variables' coefficients of variation divided by their correlation is less than approximately two, indexed quantities are preferred to fixed quantities. A slightly more complex condition determines when indexed quantities are preferred to prices. Applied to climate change policy, we find that the range of variation and correlation in country-level carbon dioxide emissions and GDP suggests the ranking of an emissions intensity cap (indexed to GDP) compared to a fixed emission cap is not uniform across countries; neither policy clearly dominates the other.
Reduced delay of gratification and effortful control among young children with autism spectrum disorders

We explored internal control of behavior using direct observation and parent report. Previous research has found that both the delay of gratification task and parent-reported effortful control predict later social ability and more positive outcomes in typically developing children. Children with autism spectrum disorder have previously been reported to have reduced effortful control, whereas delay of gratification ability has not been tested in a group with autism spectrum disorder. The current study compared 21 children with autism spectrum disorder and 21 typically developing children between 6 and 7 years of age—all of whom had cognitive ability at or above the average range. Children with autism spectrum disorder were less able to delay gratification, and their parents reported significantly reduced effortful control; however, scores on these measures were unrelated within the group with autism spectrum disorder. Among the children with autism spectrum disorder, lower effortful control was associated with more severe clinician-observed social symptoms.
Comparison of Multi-agent and Single-agent Inverse Learning on a Simulated Soccer Example

We compare the performance of Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) with the relative new model of Multi-agent Inverse Reinforcement Learning (MIRL). Before comparing the methods, we extend a published Bayesian IRL approach that is only applicable to the case where the reward is only state dependent to a general one capable of tackling the case where the reward depends on both state and action. Comparison between IRL and MIRL is made in the context of an abstract soccer game, using both a game model in which the reward depends only on state and one in which it depends on both state and action. Results suggest that the IRL approach performs much worse than the MIRL approach. We speculate that the underperformance of IRL is because it fails to capture equilibrium information in the manner possible in MIRL.
Validating Access to External Information Sources in a Mediator Environment (Technical Report)

A mediator integrates existing information sources into a new application. In order to answer complex queries, the mediator splits them up into sub-queries which it sends to the information sources. Afterwards, it combines the replies to answer the original query. Since the information sources are usually external, autonomous systems, the access to them can sometimes be erroneous, most notably when the information source is changed. This results in an incorrect behaviour of the whole system. The question that this paper addresses, is: how to check whether or not the access was correct? The paper introduces a notational framework for the general information access validation problem, describes the typical errors that can occur in a mediator environment, and proposes several validation mechanisms. It is also investigated how the validation functionality can be integrated into the mediator architecture, and what the most important quality measures of a validation method are. Moreover, the practical usability of the presented approaches is demonstrated on a real-world application using Web-based information sources. Several measurements are performed to compare the presented methods with previous work in the field.
The cognitive basis of social behavior: cognitive reflection overrides antisocial but not always prosocial motives

Even though human social behavior has received considerable scientific attention in the last decades, its cognitive underpinnings are still poorly understood. Applying a dual-process framework to the study of social preferences, we show in two studies that individuals with a more reflective/deliberative cognitive style, as measured by scores on the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT), are more likely to make choices consistent with “mild” altruism in simple non-strategic decisions. Such choices increase social welfare by increasing the other person's payoff at very low or no cost for the individual. The choices of less reflective individuals (i.e., those who rely more heavily on intuition), on the other hand, are more likely to be associated with either egalitarian or spiteful motives. We also identify a negative link between reflection and choices characterized by “strong” altruism, but this result holds only in Study 2. Moreover, we provide evidence that the relationship between social preferences and CRT scores is not driven by general intelligence. We discuss how our results can reconcile some previous conflicting findings on the cognitive basis of social behavior.
Rhizoctonia bataticola: A serious threat to chickpea production

Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler {Pycnidial stage: Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid} is a soil inhabiting fungus which is a serious threat to more than 500 plant species. Although considerable research related to ecology of Rhizoctonia has been done, it still appears to be a potential pathogen causing severe losses in various crops. Further research is required to have a better identification and characterization of genetic variability among different isolates collected from different ecological zones. Better understanding of variation among populations of pathogen for avirulence genes for will definitely aid in designing improved management strategies to combat R. bataticola attack. This study will enable readers to have a more clear picture of the dry root rot pathogen, R. bataticola in respect of variability, distribution, pathogenicity and economic impact on different plant species. Various techniques have been developed for diagnosis of the pathogen at the initial stages. The development of molecular techniques for better identification and detection of the fungus will certainly help in minimizing the soaring crop losses to a considerable extent.
Novel compound mutations of SMARCAL1 associated with severe Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia in a Chinese patient.

BACKGROUND Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a rare autosomal recessive pleiotropic disease caused by mutations in the SMARCAL1 gene. To date there have been no data from the Chinese population. Here, we report the first SIOD case in the Chinese population. No case with gross carpal bone age retardation has been reported previously. METHODS The index patient was diagnosed by clinical and laboratory investigations. Mutations analysis of the SMARCAL1 gene and haplotype analysis were performed in the family. Structural predictions of the wild-type and mutant proteins were conducted. RESULTS Severe SIOD was diagnosed in an 8-year-old boy, who exhibited growth failure, recurrent infection, neutropaenia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, T cell immunodeficiency and facial dysmorphism. Marked carpal bone age retardation was also observed. Sequence analysis of the SMARCAL1 gene revealed two novel mutations: c.3G>A (p.Met1? ) and c.1682G>A (p.Arg561His) in the boy. Haplotype analysis and mutation detection showed that the father is the carrier of c.3G>A (p.Met1? ) and the mother is the carrier of c.1682G>A (p.Arg561His). The paternal mutation, c.3G>A (p.Met1? ), is predicted to introduce a new open reading frame, resulting in truncation of 103 amino acids at the N-terminus. The maternal mutation occurred in the SNF2-related domain involved in ATP hydrolyzation and DNA binding and is predicted to alter the local spatial structure of the protein. CONCLUSION We report the first SIOD patient from China, who exhibited gross carpal bone age retardation and carried two novel mutations, c.3G>A (p.Met1? ) and c.1682G>A (p.Arg561His), in the SMARCAL1 gene.
Plant Trait-Species Abundance Relationships Vary with Environmental Properties in Subtropical Forests in Eastern China

Understanding how plant trait-species abundance relationships change with a range of single and multivariate environmental properties is crucial for explaining species abundance and rarity. In this study, the abundance of 94 woody plant species was examined and related to 15 plant leaf and wood traits at both local and landscape scales involving 31 plots in subtropical forests in eastern China. Further, plant trait-species abundance relationships were related to a range of single and multivariate (PCA axes) environmental properties such as air humidity, soil moisture content, soil temperature, soil pH, and soil organic matter, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) contents. At the landscape scale, plant maximum height, and twig and stem wood densities were positively correlated, whereas mean leaf area (MLA), leaf N concentration (LN), and total leaf area per twig size (TLA) were negatively correlated with species abundance. At the plot scale, plant maximum height, leaf and twig dry matter contents, twig and stem wood densities were positively correlated, but MLA, specific leaf area, LN, leaf P concentration and TLA were negatively correlated with species abundance. Plant trait-species abundance relationships shifted over the range of seven single environmental properties and along multivariate environmental axes in a similar way. In conclusion, strong relationships between plant traits and species abundance existed among and within communities. Significant shifts in plant trait-species abundance relationships in a range of environmental properties suggest strong environmental filtering processes that influence species abundance and rarity in the studied subtropical forests.
Discrete Optimization and Data Analysis: An Empirical Approach to Landscapes

Metaheuristics for discrete optimization can be thought of as dynamics on combinatorial landscapes, i.e., discrete energy landscapes. Since the features of a landscape determine the performance of a search algorithm, landscape analysis is a key tool in the selection and tuning of metaheuristics. While landscapes have been analyzed in this context, we believe there is room for further synthesis. We are currently developing a general framework for landscape analysis in order to perform a broader, more systematic study. Our main goal, rather than direct application to meta-optimization, is to understand any and all structure underlying the classes of combinatorial landscapes that appear in the world by considering a wide range of problem instances with diverse origins.
An Effective and Efficient Approach for Clusterability Evaluation

Clustering is an essential data mining tool that aims to discover inherent cluster structure in data. As such, the study of clusterability, which evaluates whether data possesses such structure, is an integral part of cluster analysis. Yet, despite their central role in the theory and application of clustering, current notions of clusterability fall short in two crucial aspects that render them impractical; most are computationally infeasible and others fail to classify the structure of real datasets. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to clusterability evaluation that is both computationally efficient and successfully captures the structure of real data. Our method applies multimodality tests to the (one-dimensional) set of pairwise distances based on the original, potentially high-dimensional data. We present extensive analyses of our approach for both the Dip and Silverman multimodality tests on real data as well as 17,000 simulations, demonstrating the success of our approach as the first practical notion of clusterability.
The value of participating in British exploring society expeditions: a three year multi-cohort study

A primary aim of many expeditions is to facilitate personal development of young people and 15 while there is much anecdotal evidence to support this aim, there is limited empirical work of 16 varied quality that explores the specific nature of such benefits. This research examined nine 17 summer BES expeditions (Norway, Namibia & Amazon in 2012; Finnmark, Ladakh and 18 Namibia in 2013 and 2014) involving 58 young people (aged between 15 and 22) who completed 19 three on-line questionnaires to collect qualitative (open ended questions) and quantitative (likert 20 scale) data. Measurement of four psychological attributes associated with effective character 21 development were used: mental toughness, coping skills, GRIT and leadership skills. Surveys 22 were completed at three stages; 1) pre expedition, 2) immediately post expedition and 3) three 23 months post expedition. Results indicated that the expeditions impacted positively on the 24 psychological attributes of young people, with short term effects (three months). 25 For the 58 participants, there were statistically significant improvements and small positive 26 effect sizes in mental toughness (P=.006; ηp 2 .167), leadership skills (P=.004; ηp 2 .18), and 27 GRIT (P=.001; ηp 2 .218). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) or effect size for the 28 application of coping strategies. Qualitative data provided insights into how the learning took 29 place and individual perspectives on the overall value of the expedition in relation to narrative 30 understanding
Freight Train monitoring: A Case-Study for the pSHIELD Project

Embedded Systems (ES) are increasingly being used in critical applications, where Security, Privacy and Dependability (SPD) attributes are essential. The pSHIELD research project, funded in the framework of the European ARTEMIS program, introduces some innovative approaches to address SPD issues for ES. In this paper, after an introduction to the scope of the pSHIELD project, we describe a case study application to the monitoring of freight trains transporting hazardous materials. The application uses heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) to measure environmental parameters like temperature, vibrations and transmit them to the security control center. The sensors are integrated by means of an appropriate middleware and data is elaborated by a specfically developed application. We report the architecture and the results achieved by testing the application and some of its relevant SPD functionalities, including data criptography, in a real railway environment.
On sequent calculi for intuitionistic propositional logic

The well-known Dyckoff’s 1992 calculus/procedure for intuitionistic propositional logic is considered and analyzed. It is shown that the calculus is Kripke complete and the procedure in fact works in polynomial space. Then a multi-conclusion intuitionistic calculus is introduced, obtained by adding one new rule to known calculi. A simple proof of Kripke completeness and polynomial-space decidability of this calculus is given. An upper bound on the depth of a Kripke counter-model is obtained.
Towards successful subcontracting for software in small to medium-sized enterprises

Many small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that specialise in electrical or communications engineering are challenged by the increasing importance of software in their products. Although they have a strong interest in subcontracting competent partners for software development tasks, they tend to refrain from doing so. In this paper we identify three main reasons for this situation, propose an approach to overcome some of them and state remaining challenges. Those reasons are situated in the intersection of software engineering and jurisprudence and therefore need to be addressed in an integrated and multidisciplinary fashion.
System-level power/performance analysis for embedded systems design

This paper presents a formal technique for system-level power/performance analysis that can help the designer to select the right platform starting from a set of target applications. By platform we mean a family of heterogeneous architectures that satisfy a set of architectural constraints imposed to allow re-use of hardware and software components. More precisely, we introduce the Stochastic Automata Networks (SANs) as an effective formalism for average-case analysis that can be used early in the design cycle to identify the best power/performance figure among several application-architecture combinations. This information not only helps avoid lengthy profiling simulations, but also enables efficiency mappings of the applications onto the chosen platform. We illustrate the features of our technique through the design of an MPEG-2 video decoder application.
Measuring and Overcoming Limits of the Saffman-Delbrück Model for Soap Film Viscosities

We observe tracer particles diffusing in soap films to measure the two-dimensional (2D) viscous properties of the films. Saffman-Delbrück type models relate the single-particle diffusivity to parameters of the film (such as thickness h) for thin films, but the relation breaks down for thicker films. Notably, the diffusivity is faster than expected for thicker films, with the crossover at h/d = 5.2 ± 0.9 using the tracer particle diameter d. This indicates a crossover from purely 2D diffusion to diffusion that is more three-dimensional. We demonstrate that measuring the correlations of particle pairs as a function of their separation overcomes the limitations of the Saffman-Delbrück model and allows one to measure the viscosity of a soap film for any thickness.
Bronchiolar epithelial catalase is diminished in smokers with mild COPD

This study aimed to investigate bronchiolar catalase expression and its relationship with smoking and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in humans and to determine the dynamic change of bronchiolar catalase expression in response to cigarette smoke in mice. Lung tissue was obtained from 36 subjects undergoing surgery for peripheral tumours, consisting of life-long nonsmokers and smokers with or without COPD. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to cigarette smoke exposure for up to 3 months followed by a 28-day cessation period. We quantified bronchiolar catalase mRNA using laser capture microdissection and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. C22 club cells (Clara cells) in culture were exposed to cigarette smoke extract and monitored for viability when catalase expression was decreased by siRNA. Catalase was decreased at mRNA and protein levels in bronchiolar epithelium in smokers with COPD. In mice, bronchiolar catalase is temporarily upregulated at 1 day after cigarette smoke exposure but is downregulated by repeated cigarette smoke exposure, and is not restored long after withdrawal once emphysema is developed. Decreasing catalase expression in C22 cells resulted in greater cigarette smoke extract-induced cell death. Bronchiolar catalase reduction is associated with COPD. Regulation of catalase depends on the duration of cigarette smoke exposure, and plays a critical role for protection against cigarette smoke-induced cell damage.
Writing short stories to describe literary language use and perceptions as writer

This qualitative case study aims at describing the process followed by ninth grade students at a private religious school when using and analyzing literary language. The instruments used to carry out this study were: students’ artifacts to identify and analyze the literary language used, field notes, and interviews. During this process, the learners as authors generated the construction of meaning and developed their competence in writing. The results show that students used metaphors and similes (literary features) to express ideas and details about their contexts in written production. In turn, students profited from the poetic function of the language where their voices as authors describe their perceptions and experiences as writers.
Relationship between facial discrimination and visual neglect in patients with unilateral vascular lesions.

This study examined the relationship between facial discrimination and visual neglect in patients with unilateral vascular lesions. Subjects were 85 patients with right- hemisphere cerebrovascular lesions and 45 patients with left- hemisphere cerebrovascular lesions. All were administered the Short Form of the Facial Recognition Test (FRT) (Levin, Hamsher, & Benton, 1975). Results revealed that twice as many RCVA patients (53%) exhibited impairment on the FRT as LCVA patients (27%). In RCVA patients, a much higher percentage of impairment was seen in patients with left visual neglect. Among LCVA patients, about the same percentage of impairment was seen in patients with right visual neglect as in those without neglect. WAIS-R Performance I.Q. correlated significantly with FRT scores in RCVA patients suggesting a relationship between facial discrimination and other perceptual and spatial abilities in this group. All other correlations between WAIS-R and FRT scores were nonsignificant.
Real-Time Dynamic Adsorption Processes of Cytochrome c on an Electrode Observed through Electrochemical High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy

An understanding of dynamic processes of proteins on the electrode surface could enhance the efficiency of bioelectronics development and therefore it is crucial to gain information regarding both physical adsorption of proteins onto the electrode and its electrochemical property in real-time. We combined high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) with electrochemical device for simultaneous observation of the surface topography and electron transfer of redox proteins on an electrode. Direct electron transfer of cytochrome c (cyt c) adsorbed on a self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) formed electrode is very attractive subject in bioelectrochemistry. This paper reports a real-time visualization of cyt c adsorption processes on an 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid-modified Au electrode together with simultaneous electrochemical measurements. Adsorbing cyt c molecules were observed on a subsecond time resolution simultaneously with increasing redox currents from cyt c using EC-HS-AFM. The root mean square roughness (R RMS) from the AFM images and the number of the electrochemically active cyt c molecules adsorbed onto the electrode (Γ) simultaneously increased in positive cooperativity. Cyt c molecules were fully adsorbed on the electrode in the AFM images when the peak currents were steady. This use of electrochemical HS-AFM significantly facilitates understanding of dynamic behavior of biomolecules on the electrode interface and contributes to the further development of bioelectronics.