Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percentile optimization in uncertain Markov decision processes with application to efficient exploration

Markov decision processes are an effective tool in modeling decision-making in uncertain dynamic environments. Since the parameters of these models are typically estimated from data, learned from experience, or designed by hand, it is not surprising that the actual performance of a chosen strategy often significantly differs from the designer's initial expectations due to unavoidable model uncertainty. In this paper, we present a percentile criterion that captures the trade-off between optimistic and pessimistic points of view on MDP with parameter uncertainty. We describe tractable methods that take parameter uncertainty into account in the process of decision making. Finally, we propose a cost-effective exploration strategy when it is possible to invest (money, time or computation efforts) in actions that will reduce the uncertainty in the parameters.
Air transmissivity of feathers

The flight feathers and their coverts of a European kestrel Falco tinnunculus have been tested for their air transmissivity. The transmissivity was measured in both directions, i.e. from ventral to dorsal and vice versa; the mean difference between the two directions was less than 10 %. However, the transmissivity of the inner versus outer vanes of the remiges and coverts differed significantly, with the outer vanes being more transmissive than the inner vanes. A functional interpretation of the different transmissivities of the inner and outer vanes is given, and we propose that its significance lies in the formation of a smooth, continuous wing surface. The individual feathers are pushed firmly towards one another as a result of the different transmissivities, which cause a pressure gradient to build up from the less-transmissive inner vane towards the overlying, more-transmissive outer vane of the adjacent feather. In another test series, the transmissivity of the flight and covert feathers of 27 species was measured; the differences found between species were small.
First exit times for Lévy-driven diffusions with exponentially light jumps.

We consider a dynamical system described by the differential equation $\dot{Y}_t = -U^'(Y_t)$ with a unique stable point at the origin. We perturb the system by L\'evy noise of intensity $\varepsilon$, to obtain the stochastic differential equation $dX^\varepsilon_t = -U^'(X^\varepsilon_{t-})dt + \varepsilon dL_t}. The process $L$ is a symmetric L\'evy process whose jump measure $\nu$ has exponentially light tails, $\nu([u, \infty))\sim exp(-u^\alpha), \alpha > 0, u \to\infty$. We study the first exit problem for the trajectories of the solutions of the stochastic differential equation from the interval $[-1, 1]$. In the small noise limit $\varepsilon\to 0$ we determine the law and the mean value of the first exit time, to discover an intriguing phase transition at the critical index $\alpha = 1$.
Cigarette Smoking and Adolescent Psychosocial Development

The major goal of the present paper is to examine the acquisition of cigarette smoking within the context of normal social development in adolescence. The study employed a cohort-sequential design and investigated the following variables: parent and peer smoking, parent and peer attitudes toward smoking, motivation to comply with parents and peers, and parent and peer supportiveness and strictness. The results indicated that adolescence is a time of increasing peer orientation. However, this increase in peer influence is not at the expense of parental influence, casting doubt on a "hydraulic" model of social influence during adolescence. A second important finding concerned the course of adolescent development toward increased "deviance proneness. " Finally, the current study answered specific questions about the antecedents and consequences of adolescent cigarette smoking. Peer and parent attitudes were related to the initial onset of smoking but not the later transition to regular smoking. This suggests .
Mohou rozdíly v laickém chápání zdraví vysvětlit rozdíly v subjektivním zdravotním stavu mezi statusovými skupinami

The author reviews the theory of socio-economic inequality in health and concludes that the use of cultural values to explain the ubiqui- tous association between the socio-economic standing (SES) of individuals and their health is becoming increasingly prominent. Inspired by this, the author examines whether and to what extent several aspects of lay knowl- edge about and attitudes towards health can explain the social gradient in subjective health in Central and Eastern Europe. The author uses data from the second round of the European Social Survey and limits the analysis to data from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. The data show that while there is a strong relationship between education and subjec- tive health and also a relationship between education and various measures of lay knowledge about health, beliefs about health are only very weakly re- lated to subjective health and thus fail to account for its dependence on SES. The author concludes that this may be the result of reciprocal causation be- tween lay knowledge and subjective health. More enhanced research designs would be required in order to gain a better empirical evaluation of the causal relationships between SES, lay knowledge, and health.
Three decades of risk research: accomplishments and new challenges

Risk research over the last three decades has been focused on the development of methods of and procedures for risk analysis and risk management. As a consequence of this research, risk management agencies have been trying to make risk assessments a routine operation for evaluating different hazards, chemical agents, or technologies. The problem with the worldwide routinization of the risk assessment methodology is, however, that formal analysis may obscure the conceptual foundations and limitations of this method and may induce a false degree of certainty when dealing with potential side-effects of human actions and interventions. One of the main tasks of the risk community should be to emphasize the necessity of integrated risk assessment and the development of innovative risk management strategies that build upon the insights of the natural, technical and social sciences. In order to integrate risk assessment and risk perception, the article analyses the strengths and weaknesses of each approach to risk analysis and highlights the potential contributions that the technical sciences and the social sciences can offer to risk management. Technical assessments provide the best estimate for judging the average probability of an adverse effect linked to an object or activity. Public perception should govern the selection of criteria on which acceptability or tolerability are to be judged. In addition, public input is needed to determine the trade-offs between criteria. Finally, public preferences are needed to design resilient strategies for coping with remaining uncertainties.
Dramatic Improvement in Decompensated Right Heart Failure due to Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation Following Ligation of Arteriovenous Fistula in a Renal Transplant Recipient

Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas with high blood flow rate are necessary for adequate hemodialysis, but they can also cause significant hemodynamic changes, including raised cardiac output, left ventricular hypertrophy and occasionally overt cardiac failure (Basile et al., Nephrol Dial Transplant, 23, 2008, 282; Unger et al., Am J Transplant, 4, 2004, 2038). We now report a case of rapid and dramatic improvement in symptomatic right heart failure due to severe tricuspid regurgitation following ligation of an arteriovenous fistula. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed before and after the ligation of fistula showed striking improvement in both the tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular dimensions, with minimal impact on left ventricular mass, size, and function.
The Use of Mobile Computational Technology in the Nursing Process: A New Challenge for Brazilian Nurses

The purpose of this study was to analyze the use a hand-mobile device with integrated wireless network interface to help nurses document the nursing process. The system is structured in five modules allowing the nurses to access and document data related to vital signals, hydroelectrolytic balance, assessment and nursing prescription at the point-of-care with transmission of data in real time. The results demonstrated that the mobile computer technology provided mobility for nurses and facilitated communication and documentation of care. In addition, real time documentation proved to be more efficient than a manual documentation system.
Effects of an Intervention on Middle School Pupils’ Decision Making, Achievement, and Sex Role Flexibility

AbstractEight hundred and sixty-four pupils in grades six, seven, and eight participated in a year-long experiment to measure the effects of a curricular intervention designed to increase sex role flexibility, decision making, and achievement. Results indicated that pupils receiving the program (a) gained more egalitarian perceptions of occupational, school, and family roles; (b) expressed more androgynous self- concepts (girls only); (c) indicated more participation in making decisions; and (d) increased achievement in six subject areas.
Gender-Related Differences in Acute Aortic Dissection

Background—Few data exist on gender-related differences in clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, management, and outcomes in acute aortic dissection (AAD). Methods and Results—Accordingly, we evaluated 1078 patients enrolled in the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD) to assess differences in clinical features, management, and in-hospital outcomes between men and women. Of the patients enrolled in IRAD (32.1%) with AAD, 346 were women. Although less frequently affected by AAD (32.1% of AAD), women were significantly older and had more often presented later than men (P =0.008); symptoms of coma/altered mental status were more common, whereas pulse deficit was less common. Diagnostic imaging suggestive of rupture, ie, periaortic hematoma, and pleural or pericardial effusion were more commonly observed in women. In-hospital complications of hypotension and tamponade occurred with greater frequency in women, resulting in higher in-hospital mortality compared with men. After adjustment for age and hypertension, women with aortic dissection die more frequently than men (OR, 1.4, P =0.04), predominantly in the 66- to 75-year age group. Moreover, surgical outcome was worse in women than men (P =0.013); type A dissection in women was associated with a higher surgical mortality of 32% versus 22% in men despite similar delay, surgical technique, and hemodynamics. Conclusions—Our analysis provides insights into gender-related differences in AAD with regard to clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes; important diagnostic and therapeutic implications may help shed light on aortic dissection in women to improve their outcomes.
The Role of Empirically Supported Treatments in Evidence-Based Psychological Practice: A Canadian Perspective

This article offers a Canadian perspective on the empirically supported psychological treatments initiative. As a context for the comments, we begin with an overview of the structure of professional psychology in Canada and comments regarding the logical fit of an evidence-based approach to practice within Canadian professional psychology. The history and recommendations of the Task Force on Empirically Supported Treatments commissioned by the Clinical Psychology Section (CSP) of the Canadian Psychological Association are outlined. Two themes are identified in the recommendations of the Canadian Task Force: an encouragement of collaboration among various professional, regulatory, and accreditation bodies in promoting evidence-based psychological practice, and an approach to dissemination that explicitly recognizes the complexities of clinical practice and the limitations of existing empirical knowledge. The commentary ends with discussion of the current CSP report, with particular attention to similarities and differences between the approach outlined here and the recommendations of the Canadian Task Force.
A Continuing Role For Academics: The Governance of UK Universities in the Post–Dearing Era

The governance of higher education has become a recognised cause for concern. Many academics lament the demise of an easy collegiality in the face of the rise of a harder managerialism that robs them of control. But outsiders to the system, concerned about the efficiency and effectiveness of higher education management, are critical of the extent to which academics seem all too eager and able to block changes that might lead to universities better addressing the needs of society. This paper rejects the simple nostrums of both those who hark back to a collegial golden age and those who make the case for a brave managerial future. It argues that universities that are capable of real strategic change in response to challenge are capable of transcending the dichotomy between collegiality and managerialism as modes of organisation. In these successful universities, academics must be involved and prepared to lead, but they must also work in partnership with administrators, in institutions that will be strong to the extent that there is a shared vision that makes the institution rather more than just the sum of warring departments.
X-Ray Point Sources in the Central Region of M31 as Seen by Chandra

We report on Chandra observations of the central region of M31. By combining eight Chandra ACIS-I observations taken between 1999 and 2001, we have identified 204 X-ray sources within the central ~17′ × 17′ region of M31, with a detection limit of ~2 × 1035 ergs s-1. Of these 204 sources, 22 are identified with globular clusters, two with supernova remnants, nine with planetary nebula, and nine with supersoft sources. By comparing individual images, about 50% of the sources are variable on timescales of months. We also found 13 transients, with light curves showing a variety of shapes. We also extracted the energy spectra of the 20 brightest sources; they can be well fitted by a single power law with a mean photon index of 1.8. The spectral shapes of 12 sources are shown to be variable, suggesting that they went through state changes. The luminosity function of all the point sources is consistent with previous observations (a broken power law with a luminosity break at 1.7 × 1037 ergs s-1). However, when the X-ray sources in different regions are considered separately, different luminosity functions are obtained. This indicates that the star formation history might be different in different regions.
Constructivist conceptions of self: A discussion of emerging identity constructs

Abstract A significant feature of the postmodern turn in the sociobehavioral sciences focuses on the way self or identity is understood. In particular, postmodern scholars have challenged modernist notions of an essentialized self and have paved the way for the emergence of various constructivist conceptions of selfhood. In this article different constructivist theories of self are reviewed and discussed in relation to the current postmodern zeitgeist–self as (a) self-theory, (b) evolving process, (c) transcendent, (d) narrative, and (e) social/economic/political/construction. Critical points of convergence and divergence among these theories are discussed.
Deer herbivory reduces web-building spider abundance by simplifying forest vegetation structure

Indirect ecological effects are a common feature of ecological systems, arising when one species affects interactions among two or more other species. We examined how browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) indirectly affected the abundance and composition of a web-building spider guild through their effects on the structure of the ground and shrub layers of northern hardwood forests. We examined paired plots consisting of deer-free and control plots in the Allegheny Plateau region Pennsylvania and Northern Highlands region of Wisconsin. We recorded the abundance of seven types of webs, each corresponding to a family of web-building spiders. We quantified vegetation structure and habitat suitability for the spiders by computing a web scaffold availability index (WSAI) at 0.5 m and 1.0 m above the ground. At Northern Highlands sites, we recorded prey availability. Spider webs were twice as abundant in deer-free plots compared to control plots, while WSAI was 7–12 times greater in deerfree plots. Prey availability was lower in deer-free plots. With the exception of funnel web-builders, all spider web types were significantly more abundant in deer-free plots. Both deer exclusion and the geographic region of plots were significant predictors of spider community structure. In closed canopy forests with high browsing pressure, the low density of tree saplings and shrubs provides few locations for web-building spiders to anchor webs. Recruitment of these spiders may become coupled with forest disturbance events that increase tree and shrub recruitment. By modifying habitat structure, deer appear to indirectly modify arthropod food web interactions. As deer populations have increased in eastern North America over the past several decades, the effects of deer on web-building spiders may be widespread.
Identification of Triton X-100 Insoluble Membrane Domains in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Low density Triton X-100 insoluble (LDTI) membrane domains are found in most mammalian cell types. Previous biochemical and immunolocalization studies have revealed the presence of G-protein coupled receptors and heterotrimeric G-protein subunits (Gα and Gβγ subunits) within these structures, implicating mammalian LDTI membrane domains in G-protein coupled signaling. Here, we present biochemical evidence that similar LDTI structures exist in a genetically tractable organism, the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Yeast LDTI membranes were purified based on the known biochemical properties of mammalian LDTI membranes: (i) their Triton X-100 insolubility; and (ii) their discrete buoyant density in sucrose gradients. As with purified mammalian LDTI membranes, these yeast LDTI membranes harbor the subunits of the heterotrimeric G-proteins (Gα and Gβγ subunits). Other plasma membrane marker proteins (the plasma membrane H+-ATPase and a GPI-linked protein Gas1p) are preferentially excluded from these purified fractions. Mutational and genetic analyses were performed to define the requirements for the targeting of G-protein subunits to these yeast membrane domains. We find that the targeting of Gα is independent of myristoylation, whereas targeting of Gγ requires prenylation. Perhaps surprisingly, the targeting of Gβ to this membrane domain did not require coexpression of Gγ. It should now be possible to dissect the function of LDTI membrane domains using yeast as a model genetic system.
An Effective Alternative to Residential Placement: Home-based Services

One alternative to residential placement has been the use of intensive in-home treatment. This paper first, reviews some of the major tenets of this approach. Then, it examines one state's experience with these types of programs. Finally, it compares various in-home programs in terms of organization, staffing, and effectiveness. Conclusions are formulated based on the need for interdepartmental coordination.
Water Salinity Under Heat Stress in Grazing Conditions

Under any circumstances, drinking water is the most important source, mainly during summer months. When animals are in a hot environment, any factor limiting access to good quality water will directly affect milk production, which will dramatically fall, especially in high producing cows. Water restricted animals show higher body temperature, increasing heat stress, and immune system alterations. Besides, water restriction affects feed intake, since water and dry matter intakes are strongly related. This is true even under grazing conditions, regardless of the high water contents many fresh pastures have. Also, under hot conditions, ingestion of high volumes of water contributes to improve animal comfort, since reticulo-rumen temperature decreases.
Early daycare is associated with an increase in airway symptoms in early childhood but is no protection against asthma or atopy at 8 years.

RATIONALE Daycare exposes young children to more infections early in life and may thereby prevent the development of asthma and allergy. OBJECTIVES To prospectively study the effect of daycare on the development of asthma and allergic sensitization during the first 8 years of life. METHODS In the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort 3,963 newborn children were followed prospectively for 8 years. Daycare use and respiratory health were assessed yearly by questionnaires. At 8 years, sensitization to airborne allergens and airway responsiveness were measured. Daycare was defined as early (aged 0-2 yr), late (aged 2-4 yr), or none (no daycare before age 4 yr). Associations of daycare and/or older siblings with asthma symptoms (wheezing, shortness of breath, and inhaled steroids taken in the last year), airway responsiveness, and allergic sensitization were assessed in a longitudinal repeated-event analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Children with early daycare had more wheezing in the first years of life, but less wheezing and steroid use between 4 and 8 years of age. At the age of 8 years, early daycare was not protective for asthma symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.74-1.32), allergic sensitization (aOR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.63-1.18), or airway hyperresponsiveness (aOR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.57-1.14). The transient reduction in airway symptoms between age 4 and 8 years was only observed in children without older siblings. CONCLUSION Early daycare is associated with an increase in airway symptoms until the age of 4 years, and fewer symptoms between the ages of 4 and 8 years. We found no protection against asthma symptoms, hyperresponsiveness, or allergic sensitization at the age of 8 years.
The challenge of pain

Pain is a universal phenomenon experienced from birth to the end of life (Marchand, 2012). It exists from the simplest type that is mild and inconsequential to an intolerable type that requires treatment as well as persistent chronic type of pain that is beyond cure. Reductions of activity that usually do not make the patient’s life unbearable are the reason why more than 80% of people seek medical care, making pain the main reason for seeking medical treatment. However, not everybody feels pain the same way. Women report feeling pain more than men, and the elderly are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than the young. Therefore, treating pain is a complex and stressful task that requires consideration of the type of pain that the patient experiences and the motivational, cognitive, emotional, and personality characteristics of the individual who suffers from pain. Fundamental information about the choice of effective, tolerable, and safe treatment reveals how difficult treatment will be for healthcare professionals to relieve pain in affected individuals (Marchand, 2012).