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This paper describes a novel approach to systematically improve information interactions based solely on its wording. Following an interdisciplinary literature review, we recognized three key attributes of words that drive user engagement: (1) Novelty (2) Familiarity (3) Emotionality. Based on these attributes, we developed a model to systematically improve a given content using computational linguistics, natural language processing (NLP) and text analysis (word frequency, sentiment analysis and lexical substitution). We conducted a pilot study (n=216) in which the model was used to formalize evaluation and optimization of academic titles. A between-group design (A/B testing) was used to compare responses to the original and modified (treatment) titles. Data was collected for selection and evaluation (User Engagement Scale). The pilot results suggest that user engagement with digital information is fostered by, and perhaps dependent upon, the wording being used. They also provide empirical support that engaging content can be systematically evaluated and produced. The preliminary results show that the modified (treatment) titles had significantly higher scores for information use and user engagement (selection and evaluation). We propose that computational linguistics is a useful approach for optimizing information interactions. The empirically based insights can inform the development of digital content strategies, thereby improving the success of information interactions.elop more sophisticated interaction measures. Comment: Dvir, N., & Gafni, R. (2019). Systematic improvement of user engagement with academic titles using computational linguistics. Proceedings of the Informing Science and Information Technology Education Conference, Jerusalem, Israel, pp. 501-512 Santa Rosa, CA: Informing Science Institute. https://doi.org/10.28945/4338

A comprehensive physical model of adiabatic three-wave mixing is developed for the fully nonlinear regime, i.e., without making the undepleted pump approximation. The conditions for adiabatic evolution are rigorously derived, together with an estimate of the bandwidth of the process. Furthermore, these processes are shown to be robust and efficient. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate adiabatic frequency conversion in a wide variety of physically attainable configurations.

A finite discrete graph is turned into a quantum (metric) graph once a finite length is assigned to each edge and the one-dimensional Laplacian is taken to be the operator. We study the dependence of the spectral gap (the first positive Laplacian eigenvalue) on the choice of edge lengths. In particular, starting from a certain discrete graph, we seek the quantum graph for which an optimal (either maximal or minimal) spectral gap is obtained. We fully solve the minimization problem for all graphs. We develop tools for investigating the maximization problem and solve it for some families of graphs.

Policy evaluation in reinforcement learning is often conducted using two-timescale stochastic approximation, which results in various gradient temporal difference methods such as GTD(0), GTD2, and TDC. Here, we provide convergence rate bounds for this suite of algorithms. Algorithms such as these have two iterates, $\theta_n$ and $w_n,$ which are updated using two distinct stepsize sequences, $\alpha_n$ and $\beta_n,$ respectively. Assuming $\alpha_n = n^{-\alpha}$ and $\beta_n = n^{-\beta}$ with $1 > \alpha > \beta > 0,$ we show that, with high probability, the two iterates converge to their respective solutions $\theta^*$ and $w^*$ at rates given by $\|\theta_n - \theta^*\| = \tilde{O}( n^{-\alpha/2})$ and $\|w_n - w^*\| = \tilde{O}(n^{-\beta/2});$ here, $\tilde{O}$ hides logarithmic terms. Via comparable lower bounds, we show that these bounds are, in fact, tight. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first finite-time analysis which achieves these rates. While it was known that the two timescale components decouple asymptotically, our results depict this phenomenon more explicitly by showing that it in fact happens from some finite time onwards. Lastly, compared to existing works, our result applies to a broader family of stepsizes, including non-square summable ones.

For decades, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) have been broadly divided into `long'- and `short'-duration bursts, lasting more or less than 2s, respectively. However, this dichotomy does not map perfectly to the two progenitor channels that are known to produce GRBs -- the merger of compact objects (merger-GRBs) or the collapse of massive stars (collapsar-GRBs). In particular, the merger-GRBs population may also include bursts with a short, hard $\lesssim$2s spike and subsequent longer, softer extended emission (EE). The recent discovery of a kilonova -- the radioactive glow of heavy elements made in neutron star mergers -- in the 50s-duration GRB 211211A further demonstrates that mergers can drive long, complex GRBs that mimic the collapsar population. Here we present a detailed temporal and spectral analysis of the high-energy emission of GRB 211211A. We demonstrate that the emission has a purely synchrotron origin, with both the peak and cooling frequencies moving through the $\gamma$-ray band down to the X-rays, and that the rapidly-evolving spectrum drives the EE signature at late times. The identification of such spectral evolution in a merger-GRB opens avenues for diagnostics of the progenitor type. Comment: Author's final submitted version. 6 figures, 5 tables. The Supplementary Information .tex file is included

Modifying von Neumann's alternating projections algorithm, we obtain an alternating method for solving the recently introduced Common Solutions to Variational Inequalities Problem (CSVIP). For simplicity, we mainly confine our attention to the two-set CSVIP, which entails finding common solutions to two unrelated variational inequalities in Hilbert space. Comment: Nonlinear Analysis Series A: Theory, Methods & Applications, accepted for publication

The progress in nanofabrication, measurement technology, and mesoscopic transport theory has been expanding the field of shot noise. Although a wave-packet approach to DC shot noise of independent electrons at finite temperature was offered as an intuitive alternative to the sophisticated theories, actual shot noise data often behave more complicated than the derived simple expression. For example, so-called effective charge can deviate from elementary electronic charge due to correlated tunnelings. Also, there are cases where one wishes to know the full spectrum of the shot noise. It will be of great use if a handy method for the shot noise in various experimental situations is available. In this article, a classical wave-packet approach to the shot noise is presented. The classical formulation provides a rigorous yet straightforward formalism to compute the full spectrum and, furthermore, clarifies the structure of Fano factor and effective charge. Additionally, the role of realistic detectors and an application to cross correlation measurements are also discussed. The present method can serve as an intuitive complement to the full quantum mechanical and field theoretical approaches.

A systematic approach to design robust control protocols against the influence of different types of noise is introduced. We present control schemes which protect the decay of the populations avoiding dissipation in the adiabatic and nonadiabatic regimes and minimize the effect of dephasing. The effectiveness of the protocols is demonstrated in two different systems. Firstly, we present the case of population inversion of a two-level system in the presence of either one or two simultaneous noise sources. Secondly, we present an example of the expansion of coherent and thermal states in harmonic traps, subject to noise arising from monitoring and modulation of the control, respectively. Funding by the Israeli Science Foundation, the US Army Research Office under Contract W911NF- 15-1-0250, the Basque Government (Grant No. IT986-16), MINECO/FEDER,UE (Grants No. FIS2015-70856-P and No. FIS2015-67161-P), and QUITEMAD+CM S2013-ICE2801. 14 pags., 4 figs., 4 apps. -- Open Access funded by Creative Commons Atribution Licence 3.0