Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed observer design for large-scale Boolean control networks

In this paper, we investigate distributed observer design for large-scale Boolean control networks (BCNs) by applying the semi-tensor product. Firstly, we give a sufficient condition for reconstructibility of large-scale BCNs with acyclic structure. After that, a necessary and sufficient condition for unknown input reconstructibility is introduced. Based on that, a sufficient condition for the reconstructibility of general large-scale BCNs is proposed. Secondly, in case of a reconstructible large-scale BCN, an approach for distributed observer design is introduced to facilitate state estimation for large-scale BCNs. Finally, examples are given to illustrate the proposed approach.
Exposure Increases the Believability of Unbelievable News Headlines via Elaborate Cognitive Processing

In Experiment 1, participants rated the believability of 9 unbelievable and 9 believable headlines as determined via preratings. After 1 day, participants made believability ratings and recognition judgments for 18 unbelievable headlines (9 targets and 9 foils) and 18 true headlines (9 targets and 9 foils). Experiment 2 conceptually replicated the procedure of Experiment 1 using SuperLab Pro to display headline stimuli while recording participants' decision times to make believability ratings and recognition judgments. Unbelievable headlines became more believable over time in both experiments, and participants in Experiment 2 took longer to make judgments for unbelievable headlines than for true headlines. In Experiment 3, participants saw mildly unbelievable headlines for 1, 2, or 4 min simultaneously or sequentially before making believability judgments. Simultaneous exposure time increased headline belief more so than sequential exposure. In testing the limited capacity model of mediated message processing, changes in headline believability were better explained by models incorporating elaborate processing mechanisms, such as the elaboration likelihood model of persuasion.
'Sinbin' solutions

The `problem family' has been re-excavated by New Labour and located at the centre of the drive against `anti-social behaviour'. Associated with this is a plan, announced at the launch of the Respect Action Plan, to put in place a network of `intensive family support' schemes: the so-called `sinbins'. It is maintained that this is a retrogressive development and needs to be viewed in the context of debates that took place on the `problem family', in Britain and elsewhere in Europe, in the past. Examining research reports that `evaluate' the existing `sinbins' it is argued that these are lacking in reflexive hesitancy and insufficiently critical. It is also suggested that social policy researchers, frequently funded by government grants when investigating `social problems', need to retain a certain wariness and scepticism before providing research `products' which seem to largely endorse the policy and practice `solutions' that the State, committed to the maintenance of social order, has formulated.
A New View on Management Decisions that Lead to Locating Facilities in Industrial Clusters

Industrial clusters are geographical groupings of firms in a similar industry. Much work has gone into describing individual clusters and into understanding some of the forces that affect clusters. This paper coalesces this research into a typology of clusters that is based on the reasons for managers to locate operations within a cluster. The three types of clusters are cost based, resources based, and innovation based. Many clusters are a combination of these types of clusters. Cost-based clusters are easily supplanted by other lower cost locations, but innovation-based clusters are the most robust. This typology can be used by both managers and policy makers to improve economic decisions.
Radiation hydrodynamic instability in a plane-parallel, super-Eddington atmosphere: A mechanism for clump formation

In order to understand the physical processes underlying clump formation in outflow from supercritical accretion flow, we performed two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic (RHD) simulations. We focus our discussion on the nature of RHD instability in marginally optically thick, plane-parallel, super-Eddington atmosphere. Initially we set two-layered atmosphere with a density contrast of 100 exposed to strong, upward continuum-radiation force; the lower layer is denser than the upper one, condition for an RHD instability. We assume non-zero but negligible gravitational force, compared with the radiation force. We find that short wavelength perturbations first grow, followed by growth of longer wavelength patterns, which lead to the formation of clumpy structure. The typical size of clumps (clouds) corresponds to about one optical depth. An anti-correlation between the radiation pressure and the gas pressure is confirmed: this anti-correlation provides a damping mechanism of longer wavelength perturbations than the typical clump size. Matter and radiation energy densities are correlated. These features are exactly what we found in the radiation-magnetohydrodynamic (radiation-MHD) simulations of supercritical outflow.
The Power of Linear Programming for General-Valued CSPs

Let $D$, called the domain, be a fixed finite set and let $\Gamma$, called the valued constraint language, be a fixed set of functions of the form $f:D^m\to\mathbb{Q}\cup\{\infty\}$, where different functions might have different arity $m$. We study the valued constraint satisfaction problem parametrized by $\Gamma$, denoted by VCSP$(\Gamma)$. These are minimization problems given by $n$ variables and the objective function given by a sum of functions from $\Gamma$, each depending on a subset of the $n$ variables. For example, if $D=\{0,1\}$ and $\Gamma$ contains all ternary $\{0,\infty\}$-valued functions, VCSP($\Gamma$) corresponds to 3-SAT. More generally, if $\Gamma$ contains only $\{0,\infty\}$-valued functions, VCSP($\Gamma$) corresponds to CSP($\Gamma$). If $D=\{0,1\}$ and $\Gamma$ contains all ternary $\{0,1\}$-valued functions, VCSP($\Gamma$) corresponds to Min-3-SAT, in which the goal is to minimize the number of unsatisfied clauses in a 3-CNF instance. Finite-valued constraint languages contain functions that take on only rational values and not infinite values. Our main result is a precise algebraic characterization of valued constraint languages whose instances can be solved exactly by the basic linear programming relaxation (BLP). For a valued constraint language $\Gamma$, BLP is a decision procedure for $\Gamma$ if and only if $\Gamma$ admits a symmetric fractional polymorphism of every arity. For a finite-valued constraint language $\Gamma$, BLP is a decision procedure if and only if $\Gamma$ admits a symmetric fractional polymorphism of some arity, or equivalently, if $\Gamma$ admits a symmetric fractional polymorphism of arity 2. Using these results, we obtain tractability of several novel classes of problems, including problems over valued constraint languages that are (1) submodular on arbitrary lattices; (2) $k$-submodular on arbitrary finite domains; (3) weakly (and hence strongly) tree submodular on arbitrary trees.
US state and local fiscal policies and non‐metropolitan area economic performance: A spatial equilibrium analysis*

Faced with declining economic bases, many nonmetropolitan areas increasingly have become concerned about their future economic viability. A crucial dimension of this concern is the balancing of the need to be cost-competitive in terms of lower taxes against the need for provision of valued government services. Using a spatial equilibrium framework, this study econometrically examines the nexus between U.S. state and local fiscal policies and nonmetropolitan county growth in earnings and housing rents during the 1990s. The results suggest that state and local fiscal characteristics were important location determinants. Some characteristics could be clearly identified as having dominant firm profit effects while numerous others were identified as having household amenity effects. In addition, fiscal policies appeared to be more important for economic growth of nonmetropolitan counties which were remote from metropolitan areas than they were for counties adjacent to metropolitan areas.
Statistical properties of bibliometric indicators: Research group indicator distributions and correlations

Abstract In this paper we present an empirical approach to the study of the statistical properties of bibliometric indicators on a very relevant but not simply ‘available’ aggregation level: the research group. We focus on the distribution functions of a coherent set of indicators. These indicators are used frequently in the analysis of research performance. In this sense, the coherent set of indicators acts as a measuring instrument. Better insight into the statistical properties of a measuring instrument is necessary to enable assessment of the instrument itself. The most basic distribution in bibliometric analysis is the distribution of citations over publications and this distribution is very skew. Nevertheless, we clearly observe the working of the central limit theorem and find that at the level of research groups the distribution functions of the main indicators, particularly the journal-normalized and the field-normalized indicators are approaching normal distributions. The results of our study underline the importance of the idea of ‘group oeuvre’, i.e., the role of sets of related publications as a unit of analysis.
Self-efficacy versus perceived enjoyment as predictors of physical activity behaviour

Objective: Self-efficacy and physical activity (PA) enjoyment are related to PA behaviour, but it is unclear which is more important and how they interrelate. The purpose of this study was to examine how these two constructs interrelate to influence PA behaviour. Design: Participants were low-active adults (n = 448) participating in a RCT examining the effect of a PA promotion intervention. Participants completed physical activity, enjoyment and self-efficacy measures at baseline, six and 12 months. Results: Self-efficacy and enjoyment at both baseline and six months predicted PA at 12 months. However, enjoyment was a stronger predictor than self-efficacy, in that self-efficacy no longer predicted PA behaviour when included alongside enjoyment. In follow-up mediation analyses, enjoyment at six months did not mediate the effect of baseline self-efficacy on 12-month PA; however, six-month self-efficacy mediated the effect of baseline enjoyment on 12-month PA. Conclusion: Our results indicate that interventions should perhaps initially focus on increasing enjoyment of physical activity. Greater PA enjoyment appears to influence individuals’ self-reported ability to engage in regular PA (i.e. higher self-efficacy ratings). Additional research is needed to better understand the interrelationships between self-efficacy and enjoyment and how these constructs affect PA.
The relationship between DRD4 polymorphisms and phenotypic correlations of behaviors in the collared flycatcher

There is increasing evidence that the genetic architecture of exploration behavior includes the dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4). Such a link implies that the within-individual consistency in the same behavior has a genetic basis. Behavioral consistency is also prevalent in the form of between-individual correlation of functionally different behaviors; thus, the relationship between DRD4 polymorphism and exploration may also be manifested for other behaviors. Here, in a Hungarian population of the collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis, we investigate how males with distinct DRD4 genotypes differ in the consistent elements of their behavioral displays during the courtship period. In completely natural conditions, we assayed novelty avoidance, aggression and risk-taking, traits that were previously shown repeatable over time and correlate with each other, suggesting that they could have a common mechanistic basis. We identified two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP554 and SNP764) in the exon 3 of the DRD4 gene by sequencing a subsample, then we screened 202 individuals of both sexes for these SNPs. Focusing on the genotypic variation in courting males, we found that “AC” heterozygote individuals at the SNP764 take lower risk than the most common “AA” homozygotes (the “CC” homozygotes were not represented in our subsample of males). We also found a considerable effect size for the relationship between SNP554 polymorphism and novelty avoidance. Therefore, in addition to exploration, DRD4 polymorphisms may also be associated with the regulation of behaviors that may incur fear or stress. Moreover, polymorphisms at the two SNPs were not independent indicating a potential role for genetic constraints or another functional link, which may partially explain behavioral correlations.
In Utero and Lactational Exposure to PCBs in Mice: Adult Offspring Show Altered Learning and Memory Depending on Cyp1a2 and Ahr Genotypes

Background: Both coplanar and noncoplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exhibit neurotoxic effects in animal studies, but individual congeners do not always produce the same effects as PCB mixtures. Humans genetically have > 60-fold differences in hepatic cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2)-uninduced basal levels and > 12-fold variability in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)affinity; because CYP1A2 is known to sequester coplanar PCBs and because AHR ligands include coplanar PCBs, both genotypes can affect PCB response. Objectives: We aimed to develop a mouse paradigm with extremes in Cyp1a2 and Ahr genotypes to explore genetic susceptibility to PCB-induced developmental neurotoxicity using an environmentally relevant mixture of PCBs. Methods: We developed a mixture of eight PCBs to simulate human exposures based on their reported concentrations in human tissue, breast milk, and food supply. We previously characterized specific differences in PCB congener pharmacokinetics and toxicity, comparing high-affinity–AHR Cyp1a2 wild-type [Ahrb1_Cyp1a2(+/+)], poor-affinity–AHR Cyp1a2 wild-type [Ahrd_Cyp1a2(+/+)], and high-affinity–AHR Cyp1a2 knockout [Ahrb1_Cyp1a2(–/–)] mouse lines [Curran CP, Vorhees CV, Williams MT, Genter MB, Miller ML, Nebert DW. 2011. In utero and lactational exposure to a complex mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls: toxicity in pups dependent on the Cyp1a2 and Ahr genotypes. Toxicol Sci 119:189–208]. Dams received a mixture of three coplanar and five noncoplanar PCBs on gestational day 10.5 and postnatal day (PND) 5. In the present study we conducted behavioral phenotyping of exposed offspring at PND60, examining multiple measures of learning, memory, and other behaviors. Results: We observed the most significant deficits in response to PCB treatment in Ahrb1_Cyp1a2(–/–) mice, including impaired novel object recognition and increased failure rate in the Morris water maze. However, all PCB-treated genotypes showed significant differences on at least one measure of learning or behavior. Conclusions: High levels of maternal hepatic CYP1A2 offer the most important protection against deficits in learning and memory in offspring exposed to a mixture of coplanar and noncoplanar PCBs. High-affinity AHR is the next most important factor in protection of offspring.
Olympic Athletes and Heroism in Advertising: Gendered Concepts of Valor?

This analysis of television advertisements aired during NBC's telecast of the 2000 NBC Summer Olympics examined advertisers' use of Jungian-based concepts of heroism and gendered concepts of heroism. Using traditional archetypes of heroes—the Innocent, Orphan, Martyr, Wanderer, Warrior, and Magician—the study analyzed commercials featuring Olympic athletes. Findings were that male and female athletes were equally portrayed as Warriors. However, male athletes were more likely to be portrayed as preparing for and doing battle successfully while female athletes were more likely to be celebrated for their athletic skills and achievements.
The Relationship between Self-Report Imagery Questionnaire Scores and Sub-Types of Socially Desirable Responding: Components of Visual Imagery

Allbutt, Shafiullah, and Ling [1] found that scores on self-report measures of visual and movement imagery vividness correlate primarily with an egoistic form of socially desirable responding rather than a moralistic form. The current study investigated whether the pattern of findings generalizes to the ratings of other imagery properties such as the ease with which an image can be generated. Participants completed the Shapes Questionnaire [2] and the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding [3]. Several of the shapes Questionnaire ratings correlated significantly with the egoistic form of socially desirable responding, while correlations with the moralistic form were rare. This shows the pattern of findings generalizes to the ratings of properties of the imagery experience other than vividness.
The Black-White Test Score Gap in Young Children:Contributions of Test and Family Characteristics

This study examined Black-White test score gaps in young children. Scores from a receptive verbal test (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-Revised [PPVT-R]) and 2 full-scale intelligence tests (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence [WPPSI]) were examined in 2 samples: (a) the Infant Health and Development Program: 315 premature, low birth weight 3- and 5-year olds; and (b) the National Longitudinal Study of Youth-Child Supplement: 2,220 3- to 4-year-olds and 1,354 5- to 6-year-olds. Questions addressed by the study included the following: Would similar test score gaps be seen on both tests and at both ages? Would gaps be reduced by controlling for family conditions and home environment? Would similar gaps be seen for the different tests? Fifteen- to 25-point differences in Black-White test scores were seen at both ages. The addition of demographic conditions reduced the disparities to 9 to 17 points. Including home environment measures further reduced the disparities to 4 to 13 points. Test score gaps were 11/2 to 3 times larger for the PPVT-R than for the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and the WPPSI.
EXTRACTION OF FOLIAR BIOCHEMISTRY FROM HYPERSPECTRAL DATA USING WAVELET DECOMPOSITION

This study explores the potential of wavelet decomposition of leaf reflectance spectra for quantifying foliar biochemicals and water. A leaf-scale radiative transfer model was used to generate a very large spectral data set with which to develop and rigorously test the technique. The size of the data set enabled a thorough statistical analysis of the performance a range of alternative methods for constructing predictive models including the selection of specific wavelet functions, continuous or discrete transforms, reflectance or derivative input spectra and number of wavelet coefficients used as predictors. The results demonstrated that wavelet decomposition techniques can generate accurate predictions of protein, lignin/cellulose and water content, despite wide variations in of all of the biochemical and biophysical factors that influence leaf reflectance. Wavelet analysis outperformed predictive models based on untransformed spectra and enabled the greatest improvements in performance for protein followed by lignin/cellulose then water content. Hence, the study highlights the capabilities of wavelet decomposition for extracting information concerning leaf components that have narrow, weak absorption features, which are otherwise difficult to characterise in untransformed reflectance spectra. * Corresponding author.
Sequence learning modulates neural responses and oscillatory coupling in human and monkey auditory cortex

Learning complex ordering relationships between sensory events in a sequence is fundamental for animal perception and human communication. While it is known that rhythmic sensory events can entrain brain oscillations at different frequencies, how learning and prior experience with sequencing relationships affect neocortical oscillations and neuronal responses is poorly understood. We used an implicit sequence learning paradigm (an “artificial grammar”) in which humans and monkeys were exposed to sequences of nonsense words with regularities in the ordering relationships between the words. We then recorded neural responses directly from the auditory cortex in both species in response to novel legal sequences or ones violating specific ordering relationships. Neural oscillations in both monkeys and humans in response to the nonsense word sequences show strikingly similar hierarchically nested low-frequency phase and high-gamma amplitude coupling, establishing this form of oscillatory coupling—previously associated with speech processing in the human auditory cortex—as an evolutionarily conserved biological process. Moreover, learned ordering relationships modulate the observed form of neural oscillatory coupling in both species, with temporally distinct neural oscillatory effects that appear to coordinate neuronal responses in the monkeys. This study identifies the conserved auditory cortical neural signatures involved in monitoring learned sequencing operations, evident as modulations of transient coupling and neuronal responses to temporally structured sensory input.
Phototrophic sulfur bacteria in two Spanish lakes: Vertical distribution and limiting factors1

The anaerobic zones of Lakes Cis6 and Vilar (Banyoles karstic area, NE Spain) had mass developments of purple sulfur bacteria during summer 1982. In Lake Vilar, Chromatium spp. was dominant (up to 92% of the microbial biovolume). In Lake Ciso, the predominant microorganisms were Chromatium spp. (up to 7 1%) and another purple sulfur bacterium forming aggregates (20%). The bacterial layer could be divided according to the physiological state of the cells into a top part of maximal specific activity, a peak of maximal abundance, and a bottom part of inactive cells. The bacteria in the peak were predominantly limited by light; sulfide, phosphate, and acetate were not limiting in the middle of the day. The light limitation started at the depth having the maximal concentration of cells; the top of the layer appeared to be sulfide-limited. Specific contents of photopigments, elemental sulfur, and reserve polymers decreased from the top to the bottom of the bacterial layer. These phenomena point to the crucial role of light in the development of layers of phototrophic bacteria in stratified lakes.
High-level GPU programming in Julia

GPUs are popular devices for accelerating scientific calculations. However, as GPU code is usually written in low-level languages, it breaks the abstractions of high-level languages popular with scientific programmers. To overcome this, we present a framework for CUDA GPU programming in the high-level Julia programming language. This framework compiles Julia source code for GPU execution, and takes care of the necessary low-level interactions using modern code generation techniques to avoid run-time overhead. Evaluating the framework and its APIs on a case study comprising the trace transform from the field of image processing, we find that the impact on performance is minimal, while greatly increasing programmer productivity. The metaprogramming capabilities of the Julia language proved invaluable for enabling this. Our framework significantly improves usability of GPUs, making them accessible for a wide range of programmers. It is available as free and open-source software licensed under the MIT License.