Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Model Testing of Ellipsoidal Variations on Stars due to Hot Jupiters

A massive planet closely orbiting its host star creates tidal forces that distort the typically spherical stellar surface. These distortions, known as ellipsoidal variations, result in changes in the photometric flux emitted by the star, which can be detected within the data from the Kepler Space Telescope. Currently, there exist several models describing such variations and their effect on the photometric flux. By using Bayesian model testing in conjunction with the Bayesian-based exoplanet characterization software package EXONEST, the most probable representation for ellipsoidal variations was determined for synthetic data and the confirmed hot Jupiter exoplanet Kepler-13A b. The most preferred model for ellipsoidal variations observed in the Kepler-13 light curve was determined to be EVIL-MC. Among the trigonometric models, the Modified Kane & Gelino model provided the best representation of ellipsoidal variations for the Kepler-13 system and may serve as a fast alternative to the more computationally intensive EVIL-MC. The computational feasibility of directly modeling the ellipsoidal variations of a star are examined and future work is outlined. Providing a more accurate model of ellipsoidal variations is expected to result in better planetary mass estimations.
Davide Fiaschi-Andrea Mario Lavezzi Nonlinear Economic Growth : Some Theory and Cross-Country Evidence

The paper aims to test the existence of different regimes in the growth process. We propose a simple nonlinear growth model which features different relationships between growth rate and income level. We identify its testable implications in terms of state space dynamics. By estimating Markov transition matrices we show that growth is indeed a nonlinear process. Economic growth proceeds by alternating phases of acceleration and deceleration. We discuss the relevance of these results with respect to the issue of income convergence across countries and models of technological diffusion. Classificazione JEL: O11, O40, C14, C21.
Malware Detection on Byte Streams of PDF Files Using Convolutional Neural Networks

With increasing amount of data, the threat of malware keeps growing recently. The malicious actions embedded in nonexecutable documents especially (e.g., PDF files) can be more dangerous, because it is difficult to detect and most users are not aware of such type of malicious attacks. In this paper, we design a convolutional neural network to tackle the malware detection on the PDF files. We collect malicious and benign PDF files and manually label the byte sequences within the files. We intensively examine the structure of the input data and illustrate how we design the proposed network based on the characteristics of data. The proposed network is designed to interpret high-level patterns among collectable spatial clues, thereby predicting whether the given byte sequence has malicious actions or not. By experimental results, we demonstrate that the proposed network outperform several representative machine-learning models as well as other networks with different settings.
Financial Inclusion: Concepts, Issues and Policies for India

This paper lays out some of the basic concepts surrounding financial inclusion, including access to banking, digital payments and financial literacy, as well as markets for health insurance, crop insurance, agricultural credit, small firm finance, and microcredit/ microfinance. It goes on to discuss various empirical and institutional studies of these dimensions of financial inclusion in the context of developing countries. The paper then outlines several recent studies for India which pertain to these specific aspects of financial inclusion. Finally, the paper draws lessons for policy-making and future research directions. Important considerations that emerge from the overview are the significance of social and economic context, the need to consider behavioral biases connected to situations involving time and risk, the interaction of different dimensions of financial inclusion, the importance of details of policy design, and the limited understanding we still have of many of the factors underlying the functioning of financial markets.
Low frequency characterization of a loop antenna

LOW FREQUENCY CHARACTERIZATION OF A LOOP ANTENNA by Irene Koukhta The conventional solution of an integral equation for the loop antenna in free space can be expressed analytically using Fourier Series. However, the solutions based on delta gap feed model yield divergent input susceptance. To overcome such diverging results, alternative solution using equivalent magnetic frill current feed models were implemented. Although low frequency models for delta gap feeds were suggested, no generalized low frequency expansions for the input admittance have been reported previously. In this work, such generalized low frequency expansion are developed for both delta-gap and magnetic frill feeds of loop antennas. Validity of such expansion have been investigated comparing them with the published results. One other advantage of keeping such expansions limited to only few terms is to associate each term with the equivalent inductance, resistance, capacitance, radiation conductance and susceptance of the antenna. LOW FREQUENCY CHARACTERIZATION OF A LOOP ANTENNA
A Mentoring Experience: From the Perspective of a Novice Teacher

Beginning teachers experience a variety of challenges and difficulties as they struggle to develop and progress in their teaching career. The following qualitative case study focused on a novice teacher’s perceptions concerning the mentoring experience she received in her practicum course at the American University in Dubai. The study was guided by the following two research questions: (1) What difficulties and challenges did the novice teacher face during her first year of teaching? and (2) What were the novice teacher’s perceptions of the mentoring strategies implemented in her practicum course? A questionnaire was sent to the participant during the summer break, and she was asked to answer demographic questions regarding the school and classroom she was teaching in. She was also required to answer in-depth questions regarding the difficulties and challenges she faced as a beginning teacher, the follow up sessions with her mentor, and her perceptions of the mentoring experience. Analysis of the data revealed three themes: difficulties and challenges of a new teacher, lessons from a mentoring experience, and characteristics of an effective mentor. The findings associated with this study are crucial in raising the awareness of school leaders to the needs of beginning teachers. This is an essential step towards working on designing and implementing effective mentoring programs that meet the needs and concerns of beginning teachers.
Silicon Isotope Geochemistry: Fractionation Linked to Silicon Complexations and Its Geological Applications

The fundamental advances in silicon isotope geochemistry have been systematically demonstrated in this work. Firstly, the continuous modifications in analytical approaches and the silicon isotope variations in major reservoirs and geological processes have been briefly introduced. Secondly, the silicon isotope fractionation linked to silicon complexation/coordination and thermodynamic conditions have been extensively stressed, including silicate minerals with variable structures and chemical compositions, silica precipitation and diagenesis, chemical weathering of crustal surface silicate rocks, biological uptake, global oceanic Si cycle, etc. Finally, the relevant geological implications for meteorites and planetary core formation, ore deposits formation, hydrothermal fluids activities, and silicon cycling in hydrosphere have been summarized. Compared to the thermodynamic isotope fractionation of silicon associated with high-temperature processes, that in low-temperature geological processes is much more significant (e.g., chemical weathering, biogenic/non-biogenic precipitation, biological uptake, adsorption, etc.). The equilibrium silicon isotope fractionation during the mantle-core differentiation resulted in the observed heavy isotope composition of the bulk silicate Earth (BSE). The equilibrium fractionation of silicon isotopes among silicate minerals are sensitive to the Si–O bond length, Si coordination numbers (CN), the polymerization degrees of silicate unites, and the electronegativity of cations in minerals. The preferential enrichment of different speciation of dissoluble Si (DSi) (e.g., silicic acid H4SiO40 (H4) and H3SiO4− (H3)) in silica precipitation and diagenesis, and chemical weathering, lead to predominately positive Si isotope signatures in continental surface waters, in which the dynamic fractionation of silicon isotope could be well described by the Rayleigh fractionation model. The role of complexation in biological fractionations of silicon isotopes is more complicated, likely involving several enzymatic processes and active transport proteins. The integrated understanding greatly strengthens the potential of δ30Si proxy for reconstructing the paleo terrestrial and oceanic environments, and exploring the meteorites and planetary core formation, as well as constraining ore deposits and hydrothermal fluid activity.
The government spending multiplier, fiscal stress, and the zero lower bound

The recent sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone was characterized by a monetary policy, which has been constrained by the zero lower bound (ZLB) on nominal interest rates, and several countries, which faced high risk spreads on their sovereign bonds. How is the government spending multiplier affected by such an economic environment? While prominent results in the academic literature point to high government spending multipliers at the ZLB, higher public indebtedness is often associated with small government spending multipliers. I develop a DSGE model with leverage constrained banks that captures both features of this economic environment, the ZLB and fiscal stress. In this model, I analyze the effects of government spending shocks. I find that not only are multipliers large at the ZLB, the presence of fiscal stress can even increase their size. For longer durations of the ZLB, multipliers in this model can be considerably larger than one.
a-MAXIMIZATION IN ${\mathcal N}=1$ SUPERSYMMETRIC Spin(10) GAUGE THEORIES

A summary is reported on our previous publications about four-dimensional ${\mathcal N} = 1$ supersymmetric Spin(10) gauge theory with chiral superfields in the spinor and vector representations in the non-Abelian Coulomb phase. Carrying out the method of a-maximization, we studied decoupling operators in the infrared and the renormalization flow of the theory. We also give a brief review on the non-Abelian Coulomb phase of the theory after recalling the unitarity bound and the a-maximization procedure in four-dimensional conformal field theory.
International Illiquidity

We build a parsimonious international asset pricing model in which deviations of government bond yields from a fitted yield curve of a country measure the tightness of investors' capital constraints. We compute these measures at daily frequency for six major markets and use them to test the model-predicted effect of funding conditions on asset prices internationally. Global illiquidity lowers the slope and increases the intercept of the international security market line. Local illiquidity helps explain the variation in alphas, Sharpe ratios, and the performance of betting-against-beta (BAB) strategies across countries.
Endovenous Laser Ablation, Radiofrequency Ablation and Flebogrif versus Conventional Surgery in Treatment of Primary Varicose Vein of the Lower Limb: Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) of primary varicose vein are thought to minimise postoperative morbidity and reduce work loss compared with the conventional surgical procedure. Objective: To determine, whether endovenous ablation methods (radiofrequency, laser and mechanochemical) have any advantages or disadvantages in comparison with conventional surgery, in the treatment of primary varicose vein. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective randomized study, conducted on forty patients presented at Vascular Outpatient Clinic for management of chronic venous insufficiency. All patients underwent clinical examination and duplex ultrasonography. Ten (10) patients were treated with ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV). Ten (10) patients were treated with radiofrequency ablation. Ten (10) patients were treated with endovenous laser ablation. Ten (10) patients were treated with Flebogrif. Results: Compared with conventional surgery, endovenous ablation methods reduced postoperative discomfort and pain, with a lower complication rate after treatment for avoidance of a groin incision and dissection at the saphenofemoral confluence. Cosmetic demands were also better satisfied. Non-controlled clinical trials have shown that the ablation rate of GSV after EVLA is over 90%. However, risks of EVLA, RFA and Flebogrif remain in terms of recanalization and neoreflux via junctional tributaries. Conclusion: RFA, EVLA, and Flebogrif are minimally invasive procedures. Their potential early benefits, by avoiding groin dissection and GSV stripping, have been confirmed by the findings from this trial. Current evidence based on randomized trials consistently demonstrates significant early benefits after RFA, EVLA and Flebogrif in suitable patients with varicose veins.
Aalborg Universitet Investigation of optimal afferent feedback modality for inducing neural plasticity with a self-paced brain-computer interface

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can be used to induce neural plasticity in the human nervous system by pairing motor cortical activity with relevant afferent feedback, which can be used in neurorehabilitation. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal type or combination of afferent feedback modalities to increase cortical excitability in a BCI training intervention. In three experimental sessions, 12 healthy participants imagined a dorsiflexion that was decoded by a BCI which activated relevant afferent feedback: (1) electrical nerve stimulation (ES) (peroneal nerve—innervating tibialis anterior), (2) passive movement (PM) of the ankle joint, or (3) combined electrical stimulation and passive movement (Comb). The cortical excitability was assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation determining motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in tibialis anterior before, immediately after and 30 min after the BCI training. Linear mixed regression models were used to assess the changes in MEPs. The three interventions led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in MEP amplitudes immediately and 30 min after the training. The effect sizes of Comb paradigm were larger than ES and PM, although, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). These results indicate that the timing of movement imagery and afferent feedback is the main determinant of induced cortical plasticity whereas the specific type of feedback has a moderate impact. These findings can be important for the translation of such a BCI protocol to the clinical practice where by combining the BCI with the already available equipment cortical plasticity can be effectively induced. The findings in the current study need to be validated in stroke populations.
Do Country Risk Factors Attenuate the Effect of Taxes on Corporate Risk-Taking?

This study examines whether country-specific risk attenuates the association between tax policies and corporate risk-taking. We define country-specific risk (political and fiscal budget risk) as taxpayer's risk that tax refunds on losses cannot be paid due to the institutional environment or fiscal reasons. We exploit a cross-country panel with 234 changes in corporate tax rates and 49 changes in loss offset rules. We investigate whether government risk-sharing via loss offset rules and tax rates affects risk-taking conditional on country risk. We also examine whether tax rate changes, that scale the risk-sharing effect, influence the propensity to conduct risky projects in different country-level risk environments. Our results suggest that country-level risk fully attenuates the previously documented association between tax policies and corporate risk-taking. It attenuates both the effectiveness of loss offset rules and tax rate changes on corporate risk-taking. While changes in tax policy are attractive to policymakers because alternative instruments to encourage risk-taking cannot as easily be adjusted, we provide significant evidence that country risk considerably limits policymakers' ability to induce firm risk-taking via changes in tax policies.
Influence of Trainee Attachment on Counselor Supervision.

Attachment theory offers a useful framework for the study of human behavior in relationships. It has been suggested that applying attachment theory to the study of supervision may increase understanding of both the trainee's and supervisor's experience of supervision. Reviews of empirical work done in the field of supervision point consistently to the need for more information on the supervisory relationship and trainee individual characteristics. This study examines the effect of trainee attachment on supervisory variables; specifically, the main goal of this exploratory study is to investigate the influence of trainee attachment on trainee satisfaction with supervision, perceptions of the supervisory relationship, and perceptions of supervisory style. Graduate students providing individual counseling or psychotherapy and receiving individual supervision were surveyed. Descriptive statistics are provided for the sample (N=233 surveys) . Procedures and measures of attachment, supervisory satisfaction, supervisory style, social desirability, and supervisory working alliance are described. Results and conclusions are presented. As the first empirical test of attachment theory's ability to explain aspects of counselor trainees' experiences in supervision, the results are encouraging. Further research directions are discussed. Contains 16 references. (Author/EMK) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** es1 tn tr) zt c,1 1* 4.1 Poster presentation for the 1998 annual American Psychological Association meeting in San Francisco, CA INFLUENCE OF TRAINEE ATTACHMENT ON COUNSELOR SUPERVISION Sue H. Kim and Janice M. Birk University of Maryland at College Paric
A criterion for splitting *-algebras in tensor products

The goal of the paper is to prove the following theorem: if A,D are unital C*-algebras, A simple and nuclear, then any C*-subalgebra of the C*-tensor product of A and D, which contains the tensor product of A with the scalar multiples of the unit of D, splits in the C*-tensor product of A with some C*-subalgebra of D. Using essentially a result of J.B. Conway on numerical range and certain sets considered by J. Dixmier in type III factors ([C]), L. Ge and R.V. Kadison proved in [G-K]: for R, Q, M W*-algebras, R factor, satisfying R91Q C M c R@Q, we have M = R(P with P some W*-subalgebra of Q. Making use of the generalization of Conway's result for global W*-algebras, due independently to H. Halpern ([Hlp]) and $. Stratila and L. Zsido ([S-Z1]), as well as of an extension of Tomita's Commutation Theorem to tensor products over commutative von Neumann subalgebras, it was subsequently proved in [S-Z2]: for R, Q, M W*-algebras with R91Q c M c R9Q, M is generated, by R91Q and M n (Z(R)&Q), where Z(R) stands for the centre of R. Using a result from [H-Z], the C*-algebraic counterpart of the above cited results from [Hlp] and [S-Z1], as well as a slice map theorem for nuclear C*-algebras due to S. Wassermann ([W], Prop. 10), we shall prove here: Theorem. Let A, D, C be unital C* -algebras, A simple and nuclear, such that A0 1D C C C A (0min D. Then C A ? min B for some C*-subalgebra B C D. The next result is essentially contained in [H-Z], Corollary of Theorem 4: Received by the editors August 22, 1998. 1991 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 46L05. The author was supported by M.U.R.S.T., C.N.R. and E.U. ? )2000 American Mathematical Society 2001 This content downloaded from 207.46. 13.77 on Mon, 23 May 2016 06:11:29 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor. org/terms
The moderating influence of self-efficacy on interoceptive ability and counterintuitive decision making in officer cadets

Abstract The rapid technical progress in cyber threats and cyber security poses increased cognitive demands on cyber officers. The macrocognitive demand characteristics placed on the cyber officers exceed those in most common military contexts and are new in nature. Research on decision-making competence within the cyber domain is needed to identify strategies and give a better understanding of how these strategies can have consequences depending on task characteristics. Belief in one’s capabilities to handle a certain task has been shown to be a key factor for cognitive performance. This study investigated how high self-efficacy negatively moderated intuitive decision-making tendencies on performance when facing a problem that required counterintuitive strategies. Twenty-seven cyber officer cadets from the Norwegian Defence Cyber Academy participated in an experiment assessing self-efficacy, interoceptive sensitivity, and decision-making. Participants with high situational self-efficacy generally performed better, but this relationship was moderated by interoceptive sensitivity. The findings suggest potential detrimental effects of intuitive decision-making tendencies in combination with high self-efficacy. Implications for training and feedback structures in cyber defense are discussed.
Robustness margin for piecewise affine explicit control

Classical robustness margin i.e., gain margin and phase margin, considers the gain variation and phase variation of the model preserving the stability of the closed loop. In this paper, an attempt to find the same kind of margin for a piecewise affine (PWA) controller is done. This controller usually obtained in explicit model predictive control (MPC) is defined over a convex region of the state space X . Starting from the invariance property of the closed loop obtained with a discrete dynamic model and PWA controller in a convex region of the state space, we calculate two robustness margin preserving this invariance property. The first one will be denoted as gain margin corresponding to the variation of the gain of the model guaranteeing the invariance. The second one, that we call, the robustness margin against first order neglected dynamics correspond to the smallest first order neglected dynamic allowed in the system preserving the invariance property.