Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Redefining neuromarketing as an integrated science of influence

Multiple transformative forces target marketing, many of which derive from new technologies that allow us to sample thinking in real time (i.e., brain imaging), or to look at large aggregations of decisions (i.e., big data). There has been an inclination to refer to the intersection of these technologies with the general topic of marketing as "neuromarketing". There has not been a serious effort to frame neuromarketing, which is the goal of this paper. Neuromarketing can be compared to neuroeconomics, wherein neuroeconomics is generally focused on how individuals make "choices", and represent distributions of choices. Neuromarketing, in contrast, focuses on how a distribution of choices can be shifted or "influenced", which can occur at multiple "scales" of behavior (e.g., individual, group, or market/society). Given influence can affect choice through many cognitive modalities, and not just that of valuation of choice options, a science of influence also implies a need to develop a model of cognitive function integrating attention, memory, and reward/aversion function. The paper concludes with a brief description of three domains of neuromarketing application for studying influence, and their caveats.
The role of music among prisoners and prison staff: A qualitative research study

Music is an integral part of every subculture, including that of prisons. However, no research has yet examined the meaning of music for prisoners and prison staff. The present research examined the role of music in the world of prisoners in Israel and how prison staff experience it. Content analysis of interviews with 10 convicted prisoners and 9 prison staff members indicated four central themes: the different ways prisoners consume and are exposed to music; the role of music in provoking positive and negative feelings; the role of music in the relationships among inmates – closeness and conflicts; and the role of music in the relationships between prisoners and prison staff, particularly in terms of prison regulation of music consumption.
Modeling the longitudinal variation in wood specific gravity of planted loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) in the United States

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) is a major plantation species grown in the southern United States, producing wood having a multitude of uses including pulp and lumber production. Specific gravity (SG) is an important property used to measure the quality of wood produced, and it varies regionally and within the tree with height and radius. SG at different height levels was measured from 407 trees representing 135 plantations across the natural range of loblolly pine. A three-segment quadratic model and a semiparametric model were proposed to explain the vertical and regional variations in SG. Both models were in agreement that a stem can be divided into three segments based on the vertical variation in SG. Based on the fitted models, the mean trend in SG of trees from the southern Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coastal Plain was observed to be higher than in other physiographical regions (Upper Coastal Plain, Hilly Coastal Plain, northern Atlantic Coastal Plain, and Piedmont). Maps showing the regional var.
Signal extraction from microarray images for gene array data analysis

Microarray technology enables simultaneous gene expression level monitoring for thousands of genes. While this technology has now been recognized as a powerful and cost-effective tool for large scale analysis, the many systematic sources of experimental variations introduce inherent errors in the extracted data. Data is gathered by processing scanned images of microarray slides. Therefore robust image processing is particularly important and has a large impact on downstream analysis. The processing of the scanned images subdivided into three phases: gridding, segmentation and data extraction, are dealt with in the paper. In this study, we have proposed a method of gridding based on spot spacing by autocorrelation of profile. The study also examined four segmentation methods: the global thresholding algorithm, the local thresholding algorithm, a combination of the two and pinhole filling algorithm. The results of algorithm are also compared. To measure the gene expression levels, the processing of cDNA microarray images must overcome a large set of issues in these three phases that motivates this study. These issues are studied and solutions also suggested.
Faster and Sample Near-Optimal Algorithms for Proper Learning Mixtures of Gaussians

We provide an algorithm for properly learning mixtures of two single-dimensional Gaussians without any separability assumptions. Given $\tilde{O}(1/\varepsilon^2)$ samples from an unknown mixture, our algorithm outputs a mixture that is $\varepsilon$-close in total variation distance, in time $\tilde{O}(1/\varepsilon^5)$. Our sample complexity is optimal up to logarithmic factors, and significantly improves upon both Kalai et al., whose algorithm has a prohibitive dependence on $1/\varepsilon$, and Feldman et al., whose algorithm requires bounds on the mixture parameters and depends pseudo-polynomially in these parameters. One of our main contributions is an improved and generalized algorithm for selecting a good candidate distribution from among competing hypotheses. Namely, given a collection of $N$ hypotheses containing at least one candidate that is $\varepsilon$-close to an unknown distribution, our algorithm outputs a candidate which is $O(\varepsilon)$-close to the distribution. The algorithm requires ${O}(\log{N}/\varepsilon^2)$ samples from the unknown distribution and ${O}(N \log N/\varepsilon^2)$ time, which improves previous such results (such as the Scheff\'e estimator) from a quadratic dependence of the running time on $N$ to quasilinear. Given the wide use of such results for the purpose of hypothesis selection, our improved algorithm implies immediate improvements to any such use.
Developing a Usability Framework to Support Online Rapid Urban Information Discovery and Interrogation

One of the signicant challenges facing the development of web portals is optimising the usability of such e-infrastructures for diverse, yet specialised uses. This paper presents a usability framework for supporting the iterative testing and development of the Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network (AURIN). The AURIN portal serves as a securitised environment for data sharing, and as a repository of open-source analytical routines to support urban decision-making. Harmonisation, security, accessibility and discoverability are critical concerns at the data level as many dierent kinds of federated data are being referenced by the system. Furthermore, urban researchers are accessing this infrastructure framework across Australia. A broad spectrum of digital data relevant to human settlements needs to be not only discoverable, but also comprehensible and usable by non-experts in the area. Managing the complexity across many areas and supporting a spectrum
Hepatitis C Virus p7 Protein Is Crucial for Assembly and Release of Infectious Virions

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with chronic liver disease and currently affects about 3% of the world population. Although much has been learned about the function of individual viral proteins, the role of the HCV p7 protein in virus replication is not known. Recent data, however, suggest that it forms ion channels that may be targeted by antiviral compounds. Moreover, this protein was shown to be essential for infectivity in chimpanzee. Employing the novel HCV infection system and using a genetic approach to investigate the function of p7 in the viral replication cycle, we find that this protein is essential for efficient assembly and release of infectious virions across divergent virus strains. We show that p7 promotes virus particle production in a genotype-specific manner most likely due to interactions with other viral factors. Virus entry, on the other hand, is largely independent of p7, as the specific infectivity of released virions with a defect in p7 was not affected. Together, these observations indicate that p7 is primarily involved in the late phase of the HCV replication cycle. Finally, we note that p7 variants from different isolates deviate substantially in their capacity to promote virus production, suggesting that p7 is an important virulence factor that may modulate fitness and in turn virus persistence and pathogenesis.
A New Multi-Channel MAC Protocol Combined with On-Demand Routing for Wireless Mesh Networks

Multiple channels can increase network capacity by transmitting traffic on different channels in an interference area. Channel assignment is a critical issue for the multi-channel scheme. In this paper, we propose an efficient distributed channel assignment algorithm for multi-radio multi-channel wireless mesh networks. This scheme seeks to assign distinct channel to each node along the same route, subject to a channel availability constraint. Nodes in two-hop neighborhood which belong to two different routes are assigned distinct channel too. Thus, interference along neighboring nodes which belong to same route and different route can be reduced. The proposed scheme combines channel assignment with reactive routing protocol. This scheme exhibits significantly lower communication, computation complexity than existing channel assignment schemes. Simulation results show that this proposed scheme can improve performance of the multi-radio multi-channel wireless mesh networks greatly.
A gendered approach to temporary labour migration and cultural norms. Evidence from Romania

This paper analyses the determinants of the Romanian temporary labour migration during the transition period. First of all, we build a househould level model in order to explain the decision to migrate in a couple. Then, by using a 10% sample of the Romanian 2002 Census we try to assess the importance of the gender bias for the migration decision. The main questions raised are "Do migration determinants differ according to gender ? " and "Do local norms influence the propensity to migrate of women and that of men ? ". Our results prove the existence of important differences between the migration decision of men and that of women as well as the influence of cultural norms on gender roles on the latter's decision to migrate.
Integrated browsing and querying for image databases

The image database system El Nino uses a new interaction model that aims to overcome the problem of the semantic gap where the meaning that the user has in mind for an image is at a higher semantic level than the features on which the database operates. To solve this problem, we replaced the usual query paradigm with a more active exploration process and developed an interface based on these premises.
On the absorption of X-ray bright broad absorption line quasars

Context. Most X-ray studies of broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs) found significant (NH ∼ 10 22−24 cm −2 ) intrinsic column densities of gas absorbing an underlying typical power-law continuum emission, in agreement with expectations from radiatively driven accretion disk wind models. However, direct spectral analysis was performed only on a limited number of bright sources. Aims. We investigate the X-ray emission of a large number of BALQSOs at medium to high redshift (0.8 < z < 3.7) with the best data available to date. Methods. We drew a large BALQSO sample from the cross-correlation of SDSS DR5 and 2XMM catalogs to perform moderatequality X-ray spectral and hardness ratio analysis and X-ray/optical photometry. We compare our results with previous studies of BALQSOs and theoretical disk wind model expectations. Results. No or little intrinsic X-ray neutral absorption is found for one third of the spectroscopically analyzed BALQSO sample (NH < 4 × 10 21 cm −2 at 90% confidence level), and lower than typical X-ray absorption is found in the remaining sources (� NH �∼ 5 × 10 22 cm −2 ) even including the faintest sources analyzed through hardness ratio analysis. The mean photon index is Γ ∼ 1.9, with no significant evolution with redshift. The optical/X-ray spectral indices αox are typical of radio-quiet broad line AGN, in contrast with the known (from previous X-ray studies) “soft X-ray weakness” of BALQSOs and in agreement with the lack of X-ray absorption. We found the low-absorption index (AI) subsample to host the lowest X-ray absorbing column densities of the entire sample. Conclusions. X-ray selected BALQSOs show lower X-ray absorption than purely optically selected ones, and soft X-ray weakness does not hold for any of them. Their outflows may be launched by different mechanisms than classical soft X-ray weak BALQSOs or they may be the tail of the already known population seen along a different line of sight, in both cases expanding the observational parameter space for their search and investigation.
Feasibility of closed loop operation for MIMO links with MIMO interference

In a network with several transmitting nodes, array antennas at both ends of MIMO links can be exploited to have multiple links operate in the same channel. Depending on the network topology, each interfering link can transmit fewer modes than it would in an isolated environment, and use the remaining degrees of freedom to avoid or suppress interference. With interference, channel state information (CSI) must be fed back to the transmitter to reach the highest level of performance. We show that the difference between closed- and open-loop capacities when links interfere is usually much larger than with isolated links. This implies that less frequent CSI updates are sufficient to keep closed-loop MIMO performance above open-loop MIMO. We analyze the effect of CSI aging for MIMO links. To understand the effect of fading and study the feasibility of closed-loop operation in MIMO links, we utilize two models for the MIMO channels. First, we use a Rayleigh fading model, and a filtered Gaussian noise method to simulate a fading channel. Then, we consider a more realistic scenario, where we simulate propagation in a typical indoor environment using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The results, especially with the realistic channels, indicate that, even with the overhead of CSI updates multiplied by the number of iterations, spatial multiplexing may be attractive for static and low-mobility networks, such as in indoor environments.
H2D+: A Light on Baryonic Dark Matter?

It has been suggested that cloudlets of cold (≤10 K) H2 and dense (≥107 cm-3) molecular gas constitute the dark halos of galaxies. Such gas is extremely difficult to detect because the classical tracers of molecular gas, CO and/or dust grains, have very low abundances and because their emission is exceedingly weak. For this reason, the cloudlet hypothesis remains substantially unproven so far. In this Letter, we propose a new method to probe the presence of cold H2 clouds in galactic halos: the ground transition of ortho-H2D+ at 372 GHz. We discuss why the H2D+ is abundant under the physical conditions appropriate for the cloudlets, and we present a chemical model that predicts the H2D+ abundance as a function of four key parameters: gas density and metallicity, the cosmic-ray ionization rate, and dust grain size. We conclude that current ground-based instruments might detect the ortho-H2D+ line emitted by the cloudlets halo and therefore prove the existence of large quantities of dark baryonic matter around galaxies.
Metastability and Synchronizers: A Tutorial

Metastability can arise whenever a signal is sampled close to a transition, leading to indecision as to its correct value. Synchronizer circuits, which guard against metastability, are becoming ubiquitous with the proliferation of timing domains on a chip. Despite the critical importance of reliable synchronization, this topic remains inadequately understood. This tutorial provides a glimpse into the theory and practice of this fascinating subject.
Cosmic GRB energy-redshift relation and Primordial flares as possible energy source for the central engine

By considering similar observed properties of gamma ray bursts (GRB) and solar flares with the prevailing physical conditions in the cosmic environment, the following study suggests that most likely and promising energy source for the central engine which triggers GRB may be due to primordial flares, solar flare like phenomena, at the sites of inter galactic or inter galactic clusters in the early universe. The derived energy-redshift relation, E = E_{0}{(1+z)}^3 (where E is the amount of energy released, z is the redshift of GRB and E_{0} is a constant which is estimated to be ~ 10^{52} ergs), from the simple flare mechanism, is confirmed from the least square fit with the observed energy-redshift relation. Some of the physical parameters like length scale, strength of magnetic field, etc., of the flaring region of the GRB are estimated.
The Concept of Self-Defending Objects in the Development of Security Aware Applications

This paper presents a proposed extension to the object oriented paradigm, whereby software objects are not only responsible for the encapsulation of data, but are also aware of the sensitivity of that data. Those software objects which encapsulate sensitive information will actively defend both their sensitive data and their functionality. These self-defending objects use object level role based access control to secure those sensitive resources. Applying access control measures within self-defending objects will not only ensure that access controls are appropriate and non bypassable, but will also simplify the development of security aware applications.
Content-aware write reduction mechanism of phase-change RAM based Frame Store in H.264 Video codec system

H.264 video codec system requires big capacity of Frame Store (FS) for buffering reference frames. The up-to-date Phase-change Random Access Memory (PRAM) is the promising approach for on-chip caching the reference signals, as PRAM offers the advantages in terms of high density and low leakage power. However, the write endurance problem, that is a PRAM cell can only tolerant limited number of write operations, becomes the main barrier in practical applications. This paper studies the wear reduction techniques of PRAM based FS in H.264 codec system. On the basis of rate-distortion theory, the content oriented selective writing mechanisms are proposed to reduce bit updates in the reference frame buffers. Experiments demonstrate that, for typical video sequences with different frame sizes, our methods averagely achieve more than 30% reduction of bit updates, while introducing around 20% BDBR cost. The power consumption is reduced by 55% on average, and the estimated PRAM lifetime is extended by 61%.
Understanding college students’ intention to consume fruits and vegetables: an application of the Model of Goal Directed Behavior

ABSTRACT The Model of Goal-directed Behavior (MGB) was used to examine factors influencing college students’ intentions to consume fruit and vegetable (F&V). College students, ages 19 years or older pursuing any undergraduate major at The University of Alabama participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed validated survey instruments measuring attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intention, positive anticipated emotion, negative anticipated emotion, past behavior and desire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine psychosocial determinants of intention to consume F&V among college students. Desire had a significant positive relationship with intention. Although desire was not significantly influenced by attitude, subjective norm, or perceived behavioral control, positive anticipated emotion had a significant positive relationship with desire. Past behavior had a significant relationship with both desire and intention. In addition, college students’ intention to consume F&V was significantly influenced by perceived behavioral control. Findings from this study suggest that desire is critical in prompting behavior change. Further, factors influencing desire and/or intention in this population include positive anticipated emotions, past behavior and perceived behavioral control. Abbreviations: Model of goal directed behavior – MGB, fruits and vegetable –F&V
Improving instruction accurate simulation for parallel automotive applications

High level simulation and modeling techniques have matured significantly over the last years and have become more and more important in practice, e.g., in the industrial hardware development and especially the automotive domain. Complex and detailed modeling requires a lot of time during preparation and execution, is quite error prone and thus, reduces the average time-to-market significantly. One popular approach to mitigate this problem is statistical modeling and simulation. In this paper, we focus on another high level simulation approach for determining accurate runtimes of applications using instruction accurate modeling and simulation. We extend the basic instruction accurate simulation technology from OVP using cache models in conjunction with a statistical cost function, which enables high precision runtime predictions with an significant improvement over the pure instruction accurate approach.
Towards an Aggregation-Aware Internet Routing

Internet is composed of a large amount of autonomous systems (ASes). Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is the de facto standard used to connect these ASes and exchange reachability information between them. The global BGP routing table size in default free zone (DFZ) grows fast due to many factors including IP address allocation, multihoming, and traffic engineering, etc. Increasing prefix fragments consume more memory space and computational capacity in network forwarding devices. It has been known that the Internet has a potential routing scalability issue along with large address space (e.g., IPv6) deployment in the future. Route aggregation is a practical approach to reduce route entries. In this paper, we propose an innovation based on BGP, named Aggregation-aware Inter-Domain Routing (AIDR). It takes advantage of the redundant paths to the same destination in the Internet, and takes route aggregation into account in route selection to get more aggregation for forwarding table (FIB). We give a detailed analysis and evaluation on the effect of AIDR using the public BGP traces from RouteViews and RIPE. It shows that AIDR can produce aggregated FIBs of size roughly 20%~36% of the original routing table size with allowing 2.0 AS path stretch, and 25%~40% without AS path tretch.
Search for variations in circular-polarization spectra of the magnetic white dwarf LP 790–29

We present highly time resolved circular-polarization and flux spectra of the magnetic white dwarf LP 790–29 taken with the VLT UT1 in order to test the hypothesis that LP 790–29 is a fast rotator with a period of the order of seconds to minutes. Due to low time resolution of former observations this might have been overlooked – leading to the conclusion that LP 790–29 has a rotational period of over 100 years. The optical spectrum exhibits one prominent absorption feature with minima at about 4500, 4950, and 5350 A, which are most likely C 2 Swan-bands shifted by about 180 A in a magnetic field between 50 MG and 200 MG. At the position of the absorption structures the degree of circular polarization varies between $-1\%$ and +1%, whereas it amounts to +8 to +10% in the blue and red continuum. With this very high degree of polarization LP 790–29 is very well suited to a search for short time variations, since a variation of several percent in the polarization can be expected for a magnetic field oblique to the rotational axis. From our analysis we conclude that variations on time scales from 50 to 2500 s must have amplitudes ≲ 0.7% in the continuum and ≲ 2% in the strongest absorption feature at 4950 A. While no short-term variations could be found a careful comparison of our polarization data of LP 790–29 with those in the literatures indicates significant variations on time scales of decades with a possible period of about 24–28 years.