Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fair AutoML

In this work, we propose an Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) system to search for models not only with good prediction accuracy but also fair. We first investigate the necessity and impact of unfairness mitigation in the AutoML context. We establish the FairAutoML framework. The framework provides a novel design based on pragmatic abstractions, which makes it convenient to incorporate existing fairness definitions, unfairness mitigation techniques, and hyperparameter search methods into the model search and evaluation process. Following this framework, we develop a fair AutoML system based on an existing AutoML system. The augmented system includes a resource allocation strategy to dynamically decide when and on which models to conduct unfairness mitigation according to the prediction accuracy, fairness, and resource consumption on the fly. Extensive empirical evaluation shows that our system can achieve a good `fair accuracy' and high resource efficiency.
Bound state in the continuum in an anisotropic photonic crystal supported by full-wave phase plate

We consider bound states in the continuum (BICs) in a 1D multilayered system of an anisotropic defect layer embedded into an anisotropic photonic crystal. We analytically demonstrate that an anisotropic defect layer embedded into anisotropic photonic crystal supports accidental BICs. These BICs can be transformed to a high-Q resonances by variation of one of the system’s parameters. At the same time the BICs are remarkably robust in a sense that a true BIC can be recovered by further tuning any of the other system’s parameters leading to tunability of the resonance position.
Promoting Resilience in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning via Confusion-Based Communication

Recent advances in multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) provide a variety of tools that support the ability of agents to adapt to unexpected changes in their environment, and to operate successfully given their environment’s dynamic nature (which may be intensified by the presence of other agents). In this work, we highlight the relationship between a group’s ability to collaborate effectively and the group’s resilience , which we measure as the group’s ability to adapt to perturbations in the environment. To promote resilience, we suggest facilitating collaboration via a novel confusion-based communication protocol according to which agents broadcast observations that are misaligned with their previous experiences. We allow decisions regarding the width and frequency of messages to be learned autonomously by agents, which are incentivized to reduce confusion. We present empirical evaluation of our approach in a variety of MARL settings.
Perceived service quality

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how firms can enhance their service quality to increase customer satisfaction and thus financial performance? In answer to this question, four factors (i.e. employees, perceived service quality, customers, and financial performance) are critical to the success of service firms. The purpose of this research is to provide a research framework that examines relationships among employees, perceived service quality, customers, and financial performance.Design/methodology/approach – This research develops valid and reliable instruments to measure employee training, a shared understanding, perceived service quality, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Structural equation modelling is employed to test hypotheses following the research framework.Findings – Drawing on a sample of 129 hotels, the results of this research show that employee training has an influence on perceived service quality. A shared understanding among employees plays a critical role i.
Learning Quantile Functions without Quantile Crossing for Distribution-free Time Series Forecasting

Quantile regression is an effective technique to quantify uncertainty, fit challenging underlying distributions, and often provide full probabilistic predictions through joint learnings over multiple quantile levels. A common drawback of these joint quantile regressions, however, is \textit{quantile crossing}, which violates the desirable monotone property of the conditional quantile function. In this work, we propose the Incremental (Spline) Quantile Functions I(S)QF, a flexible and efficient distribution-free quantile estimation framework that resolves quantile crossing with a simple neural network layer. Moreover, I(S)QF inter/extrapolate to predict arbitrary quantile levels that differ from the underlying training ones. Equipped with the analytical evaluation of the continuous ranked probability score of I(S)QF representations, we apply our methods to NN-based times series forecasting cases, where the savings of the expensive re-training costs for non-trained quantile levels is particularly significant. We also provide a generalization error analysis of our proposed approaches under the sequence-to-sequence setting. Lastly, extensive experiments demonstrate the improvement of consistency and accuracy errors over other baselines.
Differential privacy and robust statistics in high dimensions

We introduce a universal framework for characterizing the statistical efficiency of a statistical estimation problem with differential privacy guarantees. Our framework, which we call High-dimensional Propose-Test-Release (HPTR), builds upon three crucial components: the exponential mechanism, robust statistics, and the Propose-Test-Release mechanism. Gluing all these together is the concept of resilience, which is central to robust statistical estimation. Resilience guides the design of the algorithm, the sensitivity analysis, and the success probability analysis of the test step in Propose-Test-Release. The key insight is that if we design an exponential mechanism that accesses the data only via one-dimensional robust statistics, then the resulting local sensitivity can be dramatically reduced. Using resilience, we can provide tight local sensitivity bounds. These tight bounds readily translate into near-optimal utility guarantees in several cases. We give a general recipe for applying HPTR to a given instance of a statistical estimation problem and demonstrate it on canonical problems of mean estimation, linear regression, covariance estimation, and principal component analysis. We introduce a general utility analysis technique that proves that HPTR nearly achieves the optimal sample complexity under several scenarios studied in the literature.
Analysis and design of active queue management for TCP-RED congestion control strategies

This thesis investigates the problems of the Active Queue Management (AQM) techniques for congestion control in TCP networks. Random Early Detection (RED) and the RED-based strategies, which adopt the AQM approach, are evaluated through simulation. Two main problems of RED, and its variants, are considered. The first problem is the mismatch between the average and actual queue sizes. The second problem is the parameter configuration. This thesis proposes three new RED-based strategies and simulates them using the NS-2 simulator. These novel strategies are evaluated and com- pared with current RED based strategies. The proposed strategies are: Queue Sectors RED (QSRED), Risk Threshold RED (RTRED) and Weighted RED (WTRED). The performance of these strategies is evaluated using performance indicators such as: throughput, link utilization, packet loss and delay. QSRED divides the router buffer into equal subsectors and monitors the queue dynamics. The actual drop probability pa and maximum drop probability maxp are adjusted depending on the position of the actual and average queue sizes; q and avg respectively. Currently, RED maintains a maximum threshold maxth and minimum threshold min th. The second RED modification, RTRED, adds a third drop- ping level. This new dropping level is the risk threshold riskth which works with the actual and average queue sizes to detect the immediate congestion in gateways. Congestion reaction by RTRED is on time. The reaction to congestion is neither too early, to avoid unfair packet losses, nor too late to avoid packet dropping from time-outs. The third proposed RED modification, WTRED, adjusts the weight parameter wq dynamically, to reduce the mismatch between the average and actual queue size. WTRED also adjusts the maximum and minimum thresholds, to increase network throughput and link utilization. The simulation results demonstrate the shortcomings of RED and RED- based strategies. The results also show that QSRED, RTRED and WTRED achieve greater network performance over other strategies.
Roman Concrete Vaulting in the Great Hall of Trajan’s Markets: Structural Evaluation

AbstractAn in-depth structural analysis is used to explore the design and functionality of the Great Hall of Trajan’s Markets (110 CE), a large Imperial monument cross vaulted in unreinforced Roman concrete. Following a combined approach, the analysis utilizes both field quantities and aggregate equilibrium quantities to determine how the load paths of the structure are utilized to support its own weight. The lateral arch is found not to provide any appreciable buttressing to the vault. Instead, the lower shear wall counters the vault thrusts after they traverse a frictional interface between the two travertine blocks of the support pier. Several facets of the design are altered in hypothetical models to reduce mechanical stresses. An improved configuration mimics later Imperial structures by lowering the lateral arch to the springing level, the horizontal displacement of which is found to directly determine tensile stress magnitudes in the vault. Comparisons with later, larger-span Imperial monuments vau.
Unknown knowns; uncovering tacit knowledge for the design of interactive media

In my research I am exploring the potential role as a mediator between cultural heritage, as represented by traditional craftmakers, and people today who are interested in employing and understanding these skills. In this paper I shall discuss design strategies for using multimedia to record traditional craft skills in the form of a learning resource which would offer the opportunity for new makers to draw upon the skills of experienced craft practitioners whilst directing their own learning at a pace and style that suits their craft practice
Intelligent Tracking Assistance System Based on GPS and GSM

In recent years, GPS (Global Positioning System) developed rapidly, and widely used in car navigation, logistics, monitoring and other fields. However, intelligent tracking assistance for the old is relatively backward in the application. With GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and the QT cross-platform development tool, we design an intelligent tracking and assistance system. The system consists of the user and the terminals. The user can track the old, while the terminal can send alarm messages to the user when the old press the alarm button. We design and implement the display, alarm, help and query functions. Also, the system has good portability and scalability.
Innovative Decision Reference Based Algorithm for Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Tracking

A novel decision reference based method for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of PV arrays is presented in this paper. The proposed decision reference was derived from a simplified solar cell model. This method solves the problems of conventional MPPT algorithms, such as oscillation of the operating point at the steady state and confusion under rapidly changing insolation. It is shown by simulation and experimental results that the method properly tracks a rapidly changing insolation profile. The signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the new decision reference is also higher than those of conventional P&O and INC methods. An updating subroutine was included in the proposed MPPT algorithm to compensate for temperature and aging effects.
1 Virtual screening of potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Virtual screening of potential inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 main protease Carlos Javier Alméciga-Díaz1,*, Luisa N. Pimentel-Vera2,3, Angela Caro4,5, Angela Mosquera6, Camilo Andrés Castellanos Moreno5, Juan Pablo Manosalva Rojas5, Diana Carolina DíazTribaldos7 1 Institute for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia 2 Centro de Terapia Gênica, Serviço de Pesquisa Experimental Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 3 Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. 4 Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá D.C, Colombia 5 Colombian Pharmacovigilance Association, Bogotá D.C., Colombia 6 Gimnasio Campestre Marie Curie, Bogotá D.C., Colombia 7 Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
Peer audience effects on children's vocal masculinity and femininity

Existing evidence suggests that children from around the age of 8 years strategically alter their public image in accordance with known values and preferences of peers, through the self-descriptive information they convey. However, an important but neglected aspect of this ‘self-presentation’ is the medium through which such information is communicated: the voice itself. The present study explored peer audience effects on children's vocal productions. Fifty-six children (26 females, aged 8–10 years) were presented with vignettes where a fictional child, matched to the participant's age and sex, is trying to make friends with a group of same-sex peers with stereotypically masculine or feminine interests (rugby and ballet, respectively). Participants were asked to impersonate the child in that situation and, as the child, to read out loud masculine, feminine and gender-neutral self-descriptive statements to these hypothetical audiences. They also had to decide which of those self-descriptive statements would be most helpful for making friends. In line with previous research, boys and girls preferentially selected masculine or feminine self-descriptive statements depending on the audience interests. Crucially, acoustic analyses of fundamental frequency and formant frequency spacing revealed that children also spontaneously altered their vocal productions: they feminized their voices when speaking to members of the ballet club, while they masculinized their voices when speaking to members of the rugby club. Both sexes also feminized their voices when uttering feminine sentences, compared to when uttering masculine and gender-neutral sentences. Implications for the hitherto neglected role of acoustic qualities of children's vocal behaviour in peer interactions are discussed. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Voice modulation: from origin and mechanism to social impact (Part II)’.
Renal Survival and Validation of Novel International Immunoglobulin a Nephropathy Prediction Tool in Latvian Population: Preliminary Data

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine kidney survival and validate the novel international immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) prediction tool (PT) in the Latvian population. Adults with morphologically confirmed IgAN were included. Kidney survival was analysed with the Kaplan–Meier method. PT-assigned risk was compared with calculated risk by the Cox regression model. The Kaplan–Meier analysis included 95 patients. The five-year kidney survival Q3 was 24 months. Women had longer median kidney-survival time (> 60 months) than men (58 months). Median kidney survival in participants with MEST T0 was longer than 60 months; T1 and T2 were 40 and 18 months, respectively. Median kidney survival in participants with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 99 mmHg was longer than 60 months, whereas in patients with DBP 100–109 and 110 mmHg, it was 40 and 24 months, respectively. Cox regression analysis included 68 patients. A moderate degree of correlation was found between predicted and observed five-year risk (p = 0.001). Gender, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, DBP are significant factors affecting kidney survival. Since there was statistically significant correlation and reliability between PT and follow-up analysis data, we conclude that PT could be applied for use in the Latvian population.
New correlations for the cyclic properties of engineering materials

A phenomelogical description of the fatigue life of engineering components can be given either by plotting the applied stress range as a function of the total number of the cycles to failure, i.e., according to the Wohler’s curve, or, after the advent of fracture mechanics, by plotting the crack growth rate in terms of the stress-intensity factor range, i.e., using the Paris’ curve. In this work, an analytical approach is proposed for the study of the relationships existing between the Wohler’s and the Paris’ representations of fatigue. According to dimensional analysis and the concepts of complete and incomplete self-similarity, generalized Wohler and Paris equations are determined, which provide a rational interpretation to a majority of empirical power-law criteria used in fatigue. Then, by integration of the generalized Paris’ law, the relationship between the aforementioned generalized representations of fatigue is established, providing the link between the cumulative fatigue damage and the fatigue crack propagation approaches. Moreover, paying attention to the limit points defining the range of validity of the classical Wohler and Paris power-law relationships, whose co-ordinates are referred to as cyclic of fatigue properties, alternative expressions for the classical laws of fatigue are proposed. Finally, the correlations between such fatigue properties are determined according to theoretical arguments, giving an interpretation of the empirical trends observed in the material property charts.
Relation of influencing variables and weather conditions on rainfall partitioning by birch and pine trees

Abstract General weather conditions may have a strong influence on the individual elements of the hydrological cycle, an important part of which is rainfall interception. The influence of general weather conditions on this process was analysed, evaluating separately the influence of various variables on throughfall, stemflow, and rainfall interception for a wet (2014), a dry (2015), and an average (2016) year. The analysed data were measured for the case of birch and pine trees at a study site in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The relationship between the components of rainfall partitioning and the influential variables for the selected years was estimated using two statistical models, namely boosted regression trees and random forest. The results of both implemented models complemented each other well, as both indicated the rainfall amount and the number of raindrops as the most influential variables. During the wet year 2014 rainfall duration seems to play an important role, correlating with the previously observed influence of the variables during the wetter leafless period. Similarly, during the dry year 2015, rainfall intensity had a significant influence on rainfall partitioning by the birch tree, again corresponding to the influences observed during the drier leafed period.
Integrating Classroom Technology: South African Mathematics Teachers

Abstract Studies have shown that when mathematics teachers integrate technology in their classrooms, the applications tend to be routine rather than transformational. Since limited research has been undertaken on integrating technology in teaching mathematics in developing countries, this study investigates which technologies South African teachers are integrating in their classrooms and how. This quantitative study showed that, although the most commonly used technology was a laptop/computer, the use of data projectors as teaching aids was most effective. Further investigation indicated that 72% of participants used a data projector as a substitute for the chalkboard or overhead projector and did not change their teaching when integrating technology. This study found that it is important to create professional development programs that focus on training teachers to make fundamental pedagogical shifts when integrating technology in their classrooms.
Lower Devonian (Pragian–Emsian) land plants from Alexandra: an early window into the diversity of Victorian flora from southeastern Australia

Abstract Numerous fragmentary plant fossils are described from the Lower Devonian outcrops near Alexandra, Victoria, southeastern Australia. These outcrops include Eglinton Cutting and two road cuttings on Mount Pleasant and Halls Flat roads previously examined by Isabel Cookson in 1935. Most plants are preserved as iron-stained impressions or coalified compressions lacking internal anatomy in fine-grained sandstone and siltstone. The vast majority of specimens examined proved to be little more than naked fragmentary axes often distributed seemingly randomly; it is the exceptions to these that are examined herein. Most of these specimens belong to the zosterophylls and isolated axes with emergences suggestive of a Gosslingiaceae affinity. Significantly, one specimen attributable to Cooksonia Lang, 1937, renalioid-like sporangia and specimens with isolated sporangia with emergences are recorded for the first time from Victoria. A discussion follows examining the possible reasons for the differences between the Alexandra and Walhalla assemblages, and it is postulated that the differing palaeocurrents indicate the terrestrial sources were from opposite directions. This easterly source for the Walhalla assemblage suggests a subaerial environment may have existed on the eastern side of the Melbourne Zone during the deposition of the Norton Gully Sandstone, earlier than the fluvial deposits of the Middle Devonian Cathedral Beds. Fearghus R. McSweeney FGS [ tidal75@gmail.com ], School of Science, RMIT University, Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia; Jeff Shimeta [ jeff.shimeta@rmit.edu. au ], School of Science, RMIT University, Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia; John St. J. S. Buckeridge FGS [ john.buckeridge@rmit.edu. au ], Earth & Oceanic Systems Group, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476.
Critical thinking in electricity and magnetism: assessing and stimulating secondary school students

ABSTRACT Critical thinking is one of the most desirable outcomes of education, yet it is often not well defined in curricula. Additionally, there are open questions concerning the domain specificity of critical thinking. In this work, we present two studies aimed at secondary education. Starting from Halpern’s conceptualisation of critical thinking we developed a test for assessing critical thinking within the domain of physics (more specifically electricity and magnetism). In the second study, we conducted an intervention study in a quasi-experimental design. Together with experienced teachers, we designed lessons that elicit critical thinking based on the First Principles of Instruction of Merrill. Compared with a control group, the experimental group obtained a significantly higher score on the domain specific critical thinking (measured using the test of the first study), but there was no difference between the groups with regard to domain general critical thinking.