However, even consumer-driven processing models with operations in Europe are facing increased scrutiny with slower consumer activity expected to take hold as we head into the second half of 2012 and 2013.

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One new technique being used by some neuroeconomists is transcranial magnetic stimulation, in which a coil held next to the head issues a low-level magnetic pulse that temporarily disrupts activity in a certain part of the brain, to see if that changes the subject's preferences for example, for a particular food and how much he is willing to pay for it.

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"It's part of our research into a total ubiquitous technology society, and activity recognition is an important part of that, " said Hiroyuki Yokoyama, head of web data research at KKDI's research labs in Tokyo.

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"Ultras went out seeking English fans, absolutely, " said Filippo Bonfiglio, head of DIGOS, the local department which deals with terrorism and political activity.

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Depending on where interest rates head, "we could see an increase in this type of activity, " says Brad Blackwell, portfolio business manager of Wells Fargo's home-mortgage unit.

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