Data-Driven Extrapolation Via Feature Augmentation Based on Variably Scaled Thin Plate Splines

The data driven extrapolation requires the definition of a functional model depending on the available data and has the application scope of providing reliable predictions on the unknown dynamics. Since data might be scattered, we drive our attention towards kernel models that have the advantage of being meshfree. Precisely, the proposed numerical method makes use of the so-called Variably Scaled Kernels (VSKs), which are introduced to implement a feature augmentation-like strategy based on discrete data. Due to the possible uncertainty on the data and since we are interested in modelling the behaviour of the target functions, we seek for a regularized solution by ridge regression. Focusing on polyharmonic splines, we investigate their implementation in the VSK setting and we provide error bounds in Beppo–Levi spaces. The performances of the method are then tested on functions showing exponential or rational decay. Comparisons with Support Vector Regression (SVR) are also carried out and highlight that the proposed approach is effective, particularly since it does not require to train complex architecture constructions

Predicting Partisan Redistricting Disputes

Partisan redistricting disputes are relatively rare occurrences. This paper explores the factors that lead to partisan disputes over congressional redistricting plans. In previous work single party control of both houses of the state legislature and the governorship emerged as a key correlate of partisan redistricting in the 1980s. This paper presents an interactive statistical model of partisan redistricting plans. The basic conclusion is that in addition to single party control, the nature of the voting role and the political competitiveness of the states effect the likelihood of partisan redistricting

A BIOMECHANICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL COMPARISON OF OLYMPIC FLATWATER CANOEING

Simulation of sporting activities for the purpose of assessing physiological parameters and for conditioning athletes has been an important development within the sports world. The purpose of this study was to compare Olympic flatwater canoeing technique to that of an ergometer developed by Pyke et al. at Dalhousie University. The comparison, using three national team members, was both physiological and biomechanical in order to determine; 1) if accurate physiological measurements focusing on the upper body during racing conditions could be matched while using the laboratory ergometer; 2) if the ergometer movement patterns closely approximated the actual on-water racing stroke. The results indicated that the techniques were similar physiologically and different biomechanically. VE and VO2 max, for the 500 m. race and for a simulated 500 m. trial were close and consistent across all S's. Results for the 1000 m. were acceptable, but not as accurate as the 500 m. The use of the Pyke ergometer was judged on the whole to be a valid physiological testing procedure. The major difficulty with the ergometer was that it forced all S's to alter their racing strokes in order to successfully maintain movement of the mechanism. Changes in movement and velocity patterns of the trunk, arms and hands of all S's were considerable and led to the conclusion that this ergometer, in its original design, not be used as a training device

Innovations in Supervision Reducing Violence and Recidivism Through VRP Aftercare and CBI Open Groups

Nebraska Division of Parole Supervision has created a violence-reduction (VRP) aftercare program and a CBI intervention which maintains an open group structure to effectively reduce the recidivism rate of high-risk parole clients, particularly those who have been identified as likely to reoffend violently and those who have previously failed on community supervision. Long-term goals are to ensure 1) the highest risk parole clients receive a higher dosage of evidence-based interventions, 2) the reduced use of parole sanctions and revocations and 3) a reduced overall recidivism rate for parole clients. The ‘open’ nature of the programs (i.e., clients can begin at any session, rather than periodically as a cohort) facilitates the ability of a smaller parole agency with traditionally fewer resources to provide evidence-based, recidivism reduction programs with fidelity

Responding to Crossover Youth: A Look Beyond Recidivism Outcomes

Crossover youth are involved in both child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM) promotes collaboration between these systems to inform decision making between the two agencies and better serve these youth. Yet, few outcome evaluations of the CYPM exist, especially those that assess outcomes beyond recidivism, such as case dispositions, case closure, or placement or living situations. This study examined whether the CYPM (n = 210) decreased recidivism and increased system/case responses and positive outcomes among youth within 9–18 months after the youth’s initial arrest relative to a comparison group of crossover youth (n = 425) who were arrested 1 year before the CYPM was implemented. Overall, the findings suggest that the CYPM in the jurisdiction under study dismisses or diverts crossover youth more often, closes delinquency cases more often, and leads to more home placements than was previously done in the jurisdiction, but it does not significantly reduce recidivism

Stable interpolation with exponential-polynomial splines and node selection via greedy algorithms

In this work we extend some ideas about greedy algorithms, which are well-established tools for, e.g., kernel bases, and exponential-polynomial splines whose main drawback consists in possible overfitting and consequent oscillations of the approximant. To partially overcome this issue, we develop some results on theoretically optimal interpolation points. Moreover, we introduce two algorithms which perform an adaptive selection of the spline interpolation points based on the minimization either of the sample residuals (f-greedy), or of an upper bound for the approximation error based on the spline Lebesgue function (λ-greedy). Both methods allow us to obtain an adaptive selection of the sampling points, i.e., the spline nodes. While the f-greedy selection is tailored to one specific target function, the λ-greedy algorithm enables us to define target-data-independent interpolation nodes

“Put it in Your Toolbox”: How Vocational Programs Support Formerly Incarcerated Persons through Reentry

This study utilized life story interviews with 21 formerly incarcerated individuals to examine the role vocational reentry programming played in the desistance process. We begin with a review of theories of desistance and the state of reentry programs. A thematic analysis revealed that providers assisted individuals to understand their behavioral trajectories and to take steps toward desistance. Further, participants felt empowered by program provided social support, developed strategies to overcome employment barriers, and held resilient and optimistic attitudes in changing their identities and behavioral trajectories. We conclude with a discussion on how these findings can inform desistance theory and reentry policy