Invariant submanifolds for affine control systems

Given an affine control system $\dot{\mathbf x} = f({\mathbf x}) + \sum_{j=1}^m g_j({\mathbf x}) u_j$ we present an algorithmic process of construction of submanifolds that are invariant under controls assuming that the linear span of $f, g_1, \ldots, g_m$ has constant rank. We use the method of reduction of Pfaffian systems to a largest integrable subsystem and finding the first integrals and the generalized first integrals for the vector fields.Comment: 11 page

Churn Management Optimization via Partial Least Square (PLS) Model with Controllable Marketing Instruments and Associated Management Costs

In this paper, we use a partial least square (PLS) optimization method as a prediction model to estimate the churn probabilities of customers and as a control model after configuring optimization objective and constraints with relative management costs of controllable variables. In our experiment, we observe that while the training and test data sets are dramatically different in terms of churner distributions (50% vs. 1.8%), four controllable variables in three marketing strategies played a key role in optimization process. We also observe that the most significant variable for prediction does not necessarily play an important role in optimization model because of the highest management cost. In addition, we show that marketing managers even further maximize financial outcomes of marketing campaigns by selecting customers based on churn probability or management cost

Cell migration directionality and speed are independently regulated by RasG and Gβ in Dictyostelium cells in electrotaxis.

Motile cells manifest increased migration speed and directionality in gradients of stimuli, including chemoattractants, electrical potential and substratum stiffness. Here, we demonstrate that Dictyostelium cells move directionally in response to an electric field (EF) with specific acceleration/deceleration kinetics of directionality and migration speed. Detailed analyses of the migration kinetics suggest that migration speed and directionality are separately regulated by Gβ and RasG, respectively, in EF-directed cell migration. Cells lacking Gβ, which is essential for all chemotactic responses in Dictyostelium, showed EF-directed cell migration with the same increase in directionality in an EF as wild-type cells. However, these cells failed to show induction of the migration speed upon EF stimulation as much as wild-type cells. Loss of RasG, a key regulator of chemoattractant-directed cell migration, resulted in almost complete loss of directionality, but similar acceleration/deceleration kinetics of migration speed as wild-type cells. These results indicate that Gβ and RasG are required for the induction of migration speed and directionality, respectively, in response to an EF, suggesting separation of migration speed and directionality even with intact feedback loops between mechanical and signaling networks

The influence of game genre on Internet gaming disorder

Although Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has been investigated in detail, minimal research has been conducted regarding the influence of different game genres on IGD. The aim of this study is to compare the characteristics of members of game genre-specific groups with IGD and to identify factors associated with IGD status in each group in a large sample of adults. Methods Internet games were categorized into four genres: real-time strategy games, massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), sport games, and first-person shooter (FPS) games. Participants (n = 2,923) who usually played one of these games completed an anonymous online survey that collected sociodemographic, game usage pattern, and psychopathological assessment data. Results MMORPG and FPS game players more frequently met the criteria for IGD than participants in the other two groups. Differences between the IGD-suspected gamers within the genre-specific groups were observed for a few items, such as average game-playing time and the subscales of the behavioral activation system; however, the factors that contributed to the development of IGD within each game genre-specific group were found to be considerably different. Discussion and conclusions The findings of this study suggest that IGD is a stable psychiatric diagnosis encompassing users of a broad range of game genres. In addition, the development of strategies for the prevention of and early intervention on individuals at high risk for developing IGD may require consideration of the distinct characteristics identified as effective predictors of IGD in users of each game genre