Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal control on finite graphs: asymptotic optimal controls and ergodic constant in the case of entropic costs

For optimal control problems on ﬁnite graphs in continuous time, the dynamic programming principle leads to value functions characterized by systems of nonlinear ordinary diﬀerential equations. In this paper, we consider the case of entropic costs for which the nonlinear diﬀerential equations can be transformed into linear ones thanks to a change of variables linked to the classical duality between entropy and exponential. When the graph is connected, we show that the asymptotic optimal control and the ergodic constant can be computed very easily with classical tools of matrix analysis.
Rab27b, a Regulator of Exosome Secretion, Is Associated With Peritoneal Metastases in Gastric Cancer

Background/Aim: Peritoneal metastasis (PM) of gastric cancer (GC) leads to poor clinical outcomes. Tumor-derived exosomes promote metastasis via communication between tumor cells and host cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of Rab27, which is required for exosome secretion, on the PM of GC. Materials and Methods: We established a stable knockdown of two Rab27 homologs, Rab27a and Rab27b, in human GC cells (58As9) with a high potential of PM. We examined the level of exosome secretion from Rab27-knockdown 58As9 cells by Western blotting and the ability of Rab27b knockdown to suppress PM in 58As9 cells using a mouse xenograft model. In vitro proliferation and invasion assays were performed in the Rab27b-knockdown cells. Next, Rab27b expression was evaluated in human GC tissues by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we assessed the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of Rab27b expression by RT-qPCR in both our and other TCGA datasets of GC. Results: Rab27a and Rab27b knockdown in 58As9 cells decreased the secretion of exosomes, characterized by the endocytic marker CD63. Rab27b knockdown decreased PM in vivo without affecting the in vitro proliferation or invasion ability of 58As9 cells. In human GC tissues, Rab27b was overexpressed in tumor cells. The overall and recurrence-free survival rates were significantly lower in GC patients with high compared to low Rab27b mRNA expression in our and other TCGA datasets. Conclusion: Rab27b expression potentially serves as a poor prognostic biomarker, possibly affecting PM via exosome secretion from GC cells.
Comprehensibility and Automation: Plain Language in the Era of Digitalization

Abstract The current article briefly presents a pilot machine-learning experiment on the classification of official texts addressed to lay readers with the use of support vector machine as a baseline and fastText models. For this purpose, a hand-crafted corpus was used, created by the experts of the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary under the office’s Public Accessibility Programme. The corpus contained sentences that were paraphrased or completely rewritten by the experts to make them more readable for lay people, as well their original counter pairs. The aim was to automatically distinguish between these two classes by using supervised machine-learning algorithms. If successful, such a machine-learning-based model could be used to draw the attention of experts involved in making the texts of official bodies more comprehensible to the average reader to the potentially problematic points of a text. Therefore, the process of rephrasing such texts could be sped up drastically. Such a rephrasing (considering, above all, the needs of the average reader) can improve the overall comprehensibility of official (mostly legal) texts, and therefore supports access to justice, the transparency of governmental organizations and, most importantly, improves the rule of law in a given country.
Pre-breakdown light emission phenomena in low-pressure argon between parabolic electrodes

An experimental study on pre-breakdown light emission in low-pressure argon gas was performed. In a pulsed discharge, pre-breakdown phenomena were observed for repetition rates between 100 and 2000 Hz and pulse duration of 100 µs. These phenomena were studied with time-resolved emission imaging using an intensified charge coupled device camera. The origin of the pre-breakdown emission was identified as diffusion of volume charges left over from previous discharges. These charges were accelerated towards the anode in small electron avalanches causing excitation of argon atoms. Different spatial distributions of the pre-breakdown light emission for different times between discharges were measured and the effects of the pre-breakdown phenomena on the main breakdown phase were studied using a double voltage pulse. The observed effects were attributed to the distribution of volume charges, left over from previous discharges, in the discharge gap during the pre-breakdown phase.
The Australian SKA Pathfinder

The Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) will be the fastest cm-wave survey radio-telescope and is under construction on the new Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO) in Western Australia. ASKAP consists of 36 12-meter 3-axis antennas, each with a large chequerboard phased array feed (PAF) operating from 0.7 to 1.8 GHz, and digital beamformer preceding the correlator. The PAF has 94 dual-polarization elements (188 receivers) and the beamformer will provide about 36 beams (at 1.4 GHz) to produce a 30 square degree field of view, allowing rapid, deep surveys of the entire visible sky. As well as a large field of view ASKAP has high spectral resolution across the 304 MHz of bandwidth processed at any one time generating a large data-rate (30Gb/sec in to the imaging system) that requires real-time processing of the data. To minimise this processing and maximise the field of view for long observations the antenna incorporates a third axis, which keeps the PAF field of view and sidelobes fixed relative to the sky. This largely eliminates time varying artefact in the data that is processed. The MRO is 315 kilometres north-east of Geraldton, in Western Australia’s Mid West region. The primary infrastructure construction for ASKAP and other telescopes hosted at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory has now been completed by CSIRO, the MRO manager, including installation of the fibre connection from the MRO site to Perth via Geraldton. The radio-quietness of the region is protected by the Mid West Radio Quiet Zone, implemented by the Australian Federal Government, out to a radius of 260km surrounding the MRO.
A study on the effects of perceived playfulness and emotional support in interactive learning environments for German language acquisition—A role-playing library system case

Introduction This study examines the emotional support offered by the non-player characters (NPCs) in an interactive learning environment, as well as the effects of the perceived playfulness of the interactive system on German language learning. Method We developed a role-playing library system to serve this purpose. 2,377 Chinese Internet users were surveyed using online questionnaire. Results A theoretical model of emotion- driven learning (ELM) was proposed based on the analysis results of valid recovered data. Additionally, NPCs were found to be effective in improving learning outcomes through emotional support. Discussion An interactive education system may be able to enhance the perceived playfulness of learning in order to enhance the learning experience.
The modification of individual factors on association between serum 25(OH)D and incident type 2 diabetes: Results from a prospective cohort study

Several epidemiological studies have suggested an association between low vitamin D status and increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to explore the dose-response relationship of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations with incident T2D and the interaction between serum 25(OH)D with individual factors on T2D risk. A total of 1,926 adults without diabetes (mean age: 52.08 ± 13.82 years; 42% men) were prospectively followed for 36 months. Cox proportional hazards model and restricted cubic spline analysis were performed to assess the association and dose-response relationship between serum 25(OH)D and T2D incidence. Both additive and multiplicative interactions were calculated between serum 25(OH)D and individual factors. The net reclassification index (NRI) was used to evaluate the improvement of risk prediction of T2D by adding serum 25(OH)D to traditional risk factors. There were 114 new T2D cases over a mean follow-up of 36 months. Serum 25(OH)D was not associated with T2D incidence, and no significant dose-response relationship was found in the total population. However, stratified analyses suggested a non-linear inverse relationship among individuals with baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) <5.6 mmol/L (Poverall = 0.061, Pnon–linear = 0.048). And a significant multiplicative interaction was observed between serum 25(OH)D and FPG on T2D risk (P = 0.005). In addition, we found a significant additive interaction of low serum 25(OH)D with older age (RERI = 0.897, 95% CI: 0.080–1.714; AP = 0.468, 95% CI: 0.054–0.881), male (AP = 0.441, 95% CI: 0.010–0.871), and insufficient physical activity (RERI = 0.875, 95% CI: 0.204–1.545; AP = 0.575, 95% CI: 0.039–1.111) on T2D risk. Significant additive interactions were also observed between vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency with male, overweight/obesity, and insufficient physical activity on T2D risk. Moreover, adding low serum 25(OH)D to a model containing established risk factors yielded significant improvements in the risk reclassification of T2D (NRI = 0.205, 95% CI: 0.019–0.391). Our results indicated a non-linear relationship of serum 25(OH)D concentrations with T2D risk among individuals with normal FPG and additive interactions of serum 25(OH)D with gender, overweight/obesity, and physical activity on T2D risk, suggesting the importance of outdoor exercise.
The actual and ideal indoor soundscape for work, relaxation, physical and sexual activity at home: A case study during the COVID-19 lockdown in London

The period of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic made the importance of a high-quality surrounding environment even more evident than before. Several studies have been carried out to assess the (negative) impacts of noise on annoyance, particularly whilst working from home (WFH). The present study takes a step further by (1) investigating the positive and negative impacts of the “actual” acoustic environment on a range of activities, i.e., WFH, relaxation, physical, and sexual activities, and (2) identifying the characteristics of an “ideal” indoor soundscape. The study is based on the qualitative analysis of verbal descriptions collected from open-ended questions included in a survey administered in January 2021 to 464 respondents living in London, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The range of impacts in the actual scenario varied from no effect on task execution, to disruption, distraction, concern of disturbing others or being heard. Positive impacts included support of concentration, relaxation, motivation, freedom of sound expression, feeling of being connected to the surroundings and comforted by the presence of others, according to mechanisms described in the study. Negative appraisal could trigger coping strategies (e.g., controlling windows, playing music, wearing headphones) and behavioural changes (e.g., lowering the volume of the voice or music, muting oneself during call, changing workout type) that could in turn limit or enhance the freedom of behaviour, affect or foster wellbeing. Negative impacts were most frequently reported on WFH (by 55% of the participants), followed by relaxation activities (40.6%), sexual activities (30.1%), and home workout (20.1%). The ideal soundscape was described as a quiet, well-sound insulated environment, which guarantees access to positive sounds (i.e., natural sounds, music, urban background), thus resulting in privacy, intimacy, and a place where to express themselves without noise-related constraints. The study complements literature findings on housing design directions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing further evidence on the impacts of poor sound insulation at home, the potential benefits of nature-based solutions for positive indoor soundscapes, and opportunities for an activity-based design of domestic environments, inclusive of a broader set of home uses and household compositions.
Assessment of dry and heavy rainfall days and their projected changes over Northeast Brazil in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models

The Northeast Brazil (NEB) is considered a region that is strongly vulnerable to extreme rainfall events due to climate change. In this context, this study evaluates the performance of 12 general circulation models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) in representing the number of dry (DD) and heavy rainfall days (HRD) over NEB in the historical period (1981–2005) and their projections for the near (2016–2040) and far future (2076–2100) under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5) scenarios. For selection of extreme rainfall days, we used the absolute threshold of less than 1 mm for DD and the 99th percentile for HRD. The results indicate that four (three) models show an overall superior performance in reproducing the dry (heavy rainfall) days, being common in both aspects only the EC‐EARTH3. Thus, the skill of the CMIP6 models for NEB varies according to the extreme rainfall conditions analysed. For the future climate (near and far), results show that dry days are project to increase over the entire NEB territory, especially during DJF and MAM and more pronounce in the east coast, with projections that these conditions will be more severe under the SSP5‐8.5 scenario. The number of dry days may increase up to 15%. For HRD, although the results indicate that the number of days with heavy precipitation will be more frequent in the future (the increase can exceed 140%), the analysis show that under the low (SSP2‐4.5) or intermediate (SSP3‐7.0) forcing scenarios the HRD tends to be higher than in the most pessimistic scenario (SSP5‐8.5). Such result was explained according to the dryness of the atmosphere. Therefore, this study shows that it might either rain too much within a short range of time or the water scarcity will be longer‐lasting in the future in NEB.
CsPbI3 lead and CsSnI3 lead‐free perovskite materials for solar cell device

Long‐term operational photovoltaic devices might be produced utilizing perovskites made of inorganic cesium lead halide, which have excellent thermal endurance in the air. Lead perovskite reaches power conversion efficiency (PCE) reaches 23% in 2022. The limitation of α‐CsPbI3 (cubic phase) that has an appropriate bandgap is its volatility with time. As a result, using HPbI3 instead of PbI2 in a single‐step deposition process, exceptionally stable α‐CsPbI3 may be generated in dry air. Most notably, using CsPbI3 as an interfacial layer on perovskite after 3000 h of dry air storage, non‐capsulated devices maintain approximately 90% of their initial PCE. Although much work has gone into improving the stability and then efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) controlling the interfacial charge transfer in PSCs with interface engineering can assist achieve high efficiency and stability. α‐CsPbI3 quantum dots (QDs) can increase the PSCs properties by functioning as a bridge over the hole transport material and in contact with the perovskite film layer. By depositing inorganic CsPbI3 QDs with excellent moisture stability onto the perovskite layer and the interface engineering layer, the PCE increased from 15.17% to 23% in 2018 and 2022, respectively. The toxicity of lead, on the other hand, makes a huge challenge for the spreading of lead PSCs in a wide application. As a result, researchers are looking toward replacing Pb with equivalent metals based on first‐principles predictions with sufficient band gap, optical, and electrical properties. CsSnI3 represents replaceable materials with good dispersion and high uniform formation. Using Sn‐based PSCs have PCE values of 14.81% in 2022, but using CsSnI3 as an interfacial layer in the PSCs, the efficiency reaches 20%. The other halide Cl−, Br−, and F− can be partially inserted in this molecule or replace I− anion, this led to a variety of product results for the prepared PSC, but this efficiency is less than using only I− ions. After a big study, CsSnI3 is a promising interfacial for the PSC with a lifetime of >1000 h. Now, scientists and searchers use all possibilities for increasing the device efficiency to be applicable in the industrial field. This is carried out by controlling the size of CsSnI3 particles that are used as an interfacial layer, at the other hand, controlling the size will be promising for reaching the desired efficiency and stability for the PSCs device.
Content and computing outline of two undergraduate Bayesian courses: Tools, examples, and recommendations

Undergraduate Bayesian education is an area that has started getting attention lately. As many educational innovations and articles are published and increasingly more teaching and learning materials are shared, statistics educators might be interested in incorporating Bayesian statistics in their undergraduate statistics and data science curriculum. In this paper, we share a succinct overview of two undergraduate Bayesian courses we have been teaching, with a comparison analysis to present the similarities and differences in our approaches. We dive deeper into various choices of Markov chain Monte Carlo estimation methods of Bayesian models with a working example and discuss their pros and cons for different learning objectives of computing that aspiring Bayesian educators might have in mind. Furthermore, we share challenges and opportunities for course development and curriculum design. The paper is suitable for aspiring Bayesian educators who are interested in learning ways to introduce Bayesian statistics to undergraduate students.
Investigation on optimal lightweight expanded clay aggregate concrete at high temperature based on deep neural network

This study explores the effects of mixture design parameters on the residual mechanical properties of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. A total of 30 lightweight concrete mixtures were cast and exposed to three elevated temperatures, namely 250°C, 500°C, and 700°C. The test variables comprised the LECA percentage used as partial volume substitution for natural sand (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), silica fume partial replacement for cement by weight (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15%), cement content (300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 kg/m3), and different water‐to‐cement (W/C) ratios (0.25, 0.313, 0.375, 0.438, and 0.5). The compressive and indirect tensile strengths were measured before and after exposure to elevated temperatures. The results indicate that the lightweight concretes incorporating higher contents of cement and silica fume and made with lower W/C ratio exhibited higher initial mechanical properties yet incurred more significant drop in mechanical properties after exposure to 500°C and 750°C.
Chain rules for multivariate cumulant coefficients

Cumulant coefficients are the building blocks of Edgeworth expansions and other analytic methods for statistical inference, such as bias reduction. Suppose that w^ is a standard estimate of an unknown vector w and that t(·) is a smooth function on w. We show that t^=tw^ is a standard estimate of t(w). We give its cumulant coefficients in terms of those of w^ and the derivatives of t(w). These “chain rules” can then be used to get the cumulant coefficients of a smooth function of t^ . The results are illustrated by two numerical examples.
Childcare arrangements of migrant mothers in an urban township in South Africa

Abstract Since the 1980s there has been a steep increase in the number of women migrating from rural to urban areas in search of economic opportunities. The movement of women to urban areas has affected children as they depend on their mothers for their primary care. The aim of this study is to shed insights into childcare arrangements among migrant mothers in an urban township in South Africa. Data was collected from in-depth interviews with 20 migrant mothers in Imbali. Mothers are concerned about the care and well-being of their children and as a result, they are opting to relocate with their children. Traditional methods of care that were provided by grandparents or extended family members in the past are no longer an option for many mothers. All the mothers relied on either formal or informal childcare facilities within the community. The mothers wanted their children to be cared for in early childhood facilities that they felt were conducive for their development. However, lack of finances were a major challenge and this had an impact on the type of care facility that the mothers used. Some of these facilities are not seen as suitable due to a number of factors including safety, limited play equipment, and an unhygienic environment. Therefore, it is recommended that community-wide efforts in providing childcare should be explored in order to support single mothers in urban areas who have migrated to improve their economic conditions.
Measuring Reform Practices in Science and Mathematics Classrooms: The Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol

The National Science Foundation has funded 22 Collaboratives for Excellence in Teacher Preparation. Despite the remarkable allocation of resources to this effort, it has proven exceptionally difficult to demonstrate the effectiveness of collaborative reform. In large part, this has resulted because of the difficulty of defining and measuring reform. The Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) was designed by the Evaluation Facilitation Group of the Arizona Collaborative for Excellence in the Preparation of Teachers (ACEPT). It is a 25-item classroom observation protocol that is (a) standards based, (b) inquiry oriented, and (c) student centered. This instrument has provided the definition for reform and the basis for evaluation of the ACEPT collaborative. The data upon which this report is based were collected over a period of more than 2 years from 153 public school, college, and university mathematics and science classrooms. A trained team of observers consisting of two faculty members and seven graduate students was able to achieve exceptionally high levels of interrater reliability. Internal consistency, as estimated by Cronbach's alpha, was also remarkably high. Correlation coefficients ranging from 0.88 to 0.97 between RTOP scores for classrooms, and mean normalized gain scores for students in those classrooms on achievement measures demonstrate that reform, as defined by ACEPT and measured by the RTOP, has been effective.