bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tensor networks for black hole interiors: non-isometries, quantum extremal surfaces, and wormholes
Authors: Bueller Gracemarie , DeWolfe Oliver , Higginbotham Kenneth
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We use hyperbolic tensor networks to construct a holographic map for black hole interiors that adds a notion of locality to the non-isometric codes proposed by Akers, Engelhardt, Harlow, Penington, and Vardhan. We use tools provided by these networks to study the relationship between non-isometries and quantum extremal surfaces behind the horizon. Furthermore, we introduce a limited notion of dynamics for these interior tensor networks based on the qudit models introduced by Akers et al., and study the evolution of quantum extremal surfaces in an evaporating black hole. We also find a tensor network description of a wormhole connecting the black hole interior to the radiation, providing a mechanism for interior states and operators to be encoded in the radiation after the Page time. As a particular case, we construct a tensor network realization of the backwards-forwards maps recently proposed to incorporate non-trivial effective dynamics in dynamical constructions of these non-isometric black hole codes.
Asymptotically safe — canonical quantum gravity junction
Authors: Thiemann T.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The canonical (CQG) and asymptotically safe (ASQG) approach to quantum gravity share to be both non-perturbative programmes. However, apart from that they seem to differ in several aspects such as: 1. Signature: CQG is Lorentzian while ASQG is mostly Euclidian. 2. Background Independence (BI): CQG is manifesly BI while ASQG is apparently not. 3. Truncations: CQG is apparently free of truncations while ASQG makes heavy use of them.

The purpose of the present work is to either overcome actual differences or to explain why apparent differences are actually absent. Thereby we intend to enhance the contact and communication between the two communities. The focus of this contribution is on conceptual issues rather than deep technical details such has high order truncations. On the other hand the paper tries to be self-contained in order to be useful to researchers from both communities.

The point of contact is the path integral formulation of Lorentzian CQG in its reduced phase space formulation which yields the formal generating functional of physical (i.e. gauge invariant) either Schwinger or Feynman N-point functions for (relational) observables. The corresponding effective actions of these generating functionals can then be subjected to the ASQG Wetterich type flow equations which serve in particular to find the rigorous generating fuctionals via the inverse Legendre transform of the fixed pointed effective action.
Quantum analog to flapping of flags: interface instability for co-flow binary superfluids
Authors: An Yu-Ping , Li Li , Zeng Hua-Bi
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We study the interface dynamics in immiscible binary superfluids using its holographic description, which naturally consists of an inviscid superfluid component and a viscous normal fluid component. We give the first theoretical realization of interface instability for two superfluid components moving with identical velocity, providing a quantum analog to the flapping of flags that is common in daily life. This behavior is in sharp contrast to the one from Gross-Pitaevskii equation for which no such co-flow instability develops in an isolated uniform system because of Galilean invariance. The real time evolution triggered by the dynamical instability exhibits intricate nonlinear patterns leading to quantum turbulence reminiscent of the quantum Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. Moreover, we show that such interface dynamics is essentially different from the Landau instability for which the frictionless flow becomes thermodynamically unstable above a critical superfluid velocity. Our study uncovers the rich interface dynamics of quantum fluids and the emergence of complex flow phenomena.
Conformal BK equation at QCD Wilson-Fisher point
Authors: Balitsky I. , Chirilli G. A.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

High-energy scattering in pQCD in the Regge limit is described by the evolution of Wilson lines governed by the BK equation [1, 2]. In the leading order, the BK equation is conformally invariant and the eigenfunctions of the linearized BFKL equation are powers. It is a common belief that at d ≠ 4 the BFKL equation is useless since unlike d = 4 case it cannot be solved by usual methods. However, we demonstrate that at critical Wilson-Fisher point of QCD the relevant part of NLO BK restores the conformal invariance so the solutions are again powers. As a check of our approach to high-energy amplitudes at the Wilson-Fisher point, we calculate the anomalous dimensions of twist-2 light-ray operators in the Regge limit j → 1.
QCD predictions for vector boson plus hadron production at the LHC
Authors: Caletti S. , Ridder A. Gehrmann-De , Huss A. , Garcia A. Rodriguez , Stagnitto G.
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The identification of a hadron in the final state of hadron-collider events that feature a leptonically decaying vector boson can provide essential information on the parton content of the colliding protons. Moreover, the study of hadrons inside jets can provide deeper insights into the fragmentation dynamics. We provide theoretical predictions for specific observables involving either the production of a Z boson in association with light charged hadrons inside a jet or the production of a W boson together with a charmed hadron. We present results for various fragmentation functions and compare our predictions with measurements by LHCb and ATLAS at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 13 TeV. Our predictions are obtained using the antenna subtraction formalism which has been extended to cope with infrared singularities associated to the fragmentation processes in a hadron-collider environment at NLO accuracy.
Geschlechtersensible Gesundheitsindikatoren für die Gesundheitsberichterstattung am Robert Koch-Institut (GBE-GI) – Ein Pilotprojekt im Rahmen der „Joint Action PreventNCD“
Authors: Gencer Hande , Saß Anke-Christine , Prütz Franziska
Published: October 2024

Eine auf geschlechtersensiblen Indikatoren basierende Gesundheitsberichterstattung (GBE) kann Aufschluss über Geschlechterungleichheiten geben, die Gesundheitsförderung und Gesundheitsversorgung verbessern, Gender-Mainstreaming fördern sowie relevante Informationen für Gleichstellungsmaßnahmen zur Verfügung stellen. Bisher gibt es kein Set von geschlechtersensiblen Gesundheitsindikatoren für die Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes am Robert Koch-Institut. Im Rahmen der Joint Action Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases sollen in einem Pilotprojekt geschlechtersensible Gesundheitsindikatoren identifiziert, systematisch bewertet und in die Webseite für Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Robert Koch-Instituts integriert werden. Dies geschieht in 3 Arbeitspaketen: In einem Scoping-Review wird zunächst die Evidenzlage zu geschlechtersensiblen Gesundheitsindikatoren sowie zu theoretischen Erklärungsansätzen für Geschlechterungleichheit in EU- und OECD-Mitgliedsstaaten ab 2014 durchleuchtet (Arbeitspaket 1). Darauf aufbauend werden die identifizierten Indikatoren und Erklärungsansätze aufbereitet und in einem strukturierten Konsensprozess im Rahmen eines 3‑stufigen Delphi-Verfahrens bestehend aus einer Fokusgruppendiskussion und einem Online-Survey bewertet und ausgewählt (Arbeitspaket 2). Der systematisch bewertete Indikatorensatz wird schließlich in die Webseite für Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Robert Koch-Instituts integriert (Arbeitspaket 3). Die Ergebnisse werden über Fachpublikationen und Konferenzbeiträge disseminiert.
Twenty-four years of empirical research on trust in AI: a bibliometric review of trends, overlooked issues, and future directions
Authors: Benk Michaela , Kerstan Sophie , von Wangenheim Florian , Ferrario Andrea
Published: October 2024

Trust is widely regarded as a critical component to building artificial intelligence (AI) systems that people will use and safely rely upon. As research in this area continues to evolve, it becomes imperative that the research community synchronizes its empirical efforts and aligns on the path toward effective knowledge creation. To lay the groundwork toward achieving this objective, we performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, supplemented with a qualitative content analysis of over two decades of empirical research measuring trust in AI, comprising 1’156 core articles and 36’306 cited articles across multiple disciplines. Our analysis reveals several “elephants in the room” pertaining to missing perspectives in global discussions on trust in AI, a lack of contextualized theoretical models and a reliance on exploratory methodologies. We highlight strategies for the empirical research community that are aimed at fostering an in-depth understanding of trust in AI.
Clinical evaluation of a multiplex PCR-based test for joint infection: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of forty-nine patients
Authors: Lund-Andersen Jacob , Petersen Matilde L. H. , Kostadinov Krassimir , Friis-Hansen Lennart , Calum Henrik , Overgaard Søren
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV)) of the PCR-based BioFire® Joint Infection Panel (BJI Panel) against microbiological culture growth for patients suspected of having a native or prosthetic joint infection.

Methods

Synovial fluid and tissue biopsies were prospectively collected from patients from June 2022 to June 2023. The results of the BJI Panel were compared with those of culture growth.

Results

51 samples were included. Including all pathogens, the sensitivity was 69%, the specificity 89%, the PPV 73% and the NPV 86%. Including only pathogens in the BJI Panel, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity 90%, the PPV 73% and the NPV 100%.

Conclusion

The BJI Panel has a high accuracy for detecting the pathogens in its panel, but the absence of important common pathogens from the panel reduces its sensitivity and NPV. With a short turnaround time and precise pathogen detection, the BJI Panel has the potential to add value as a complementary diagnostic method.
Basal cisternostomy as an adjunct to decompressive hemicraniectomy in moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ciobanu-Caraus Olga , Percuoco Veronica , Hofer Anna-Sophie , Sebök Martina , Germans Menno R. , Oertel Markus F. , Regli Luca , Serra Carlo , Staartjes Victor E.
Published: October 2024

Background

Basal cisternostomy (BC) is a surgical technique to reduce intracranial hypertension following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). As the efficacy and safety of BC in patients with TBI has not been well-studied, we aim to summarize the published evidence on the effect of BC as an adjunct to decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) on clinical outcome following moderate to severe TBI.

Methods

A systematic literature review was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify studies evaluating BC as an adjunct to decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) in moderate to severe TBI. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate summary effect estimates.

Results

Eight studies reporting on 1345 patients were included in the qualitative analysis, of which five (1206 patients) were considered for meta-analysis. Overall, study quality was low and clinical heterogeneity was high. Adjuvant BC (BC + DHC) compared to standalone DHC was associated with a reduction in the length of stay in the ICU (Mean difference [MD]: -3.25 days, 95% CI: -5.41 to -1.09 days, p = 0.003), significantly lower mean brain outward herniation (MD: -0.68 cm, 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.46 cm, p < 0.001), reduced odds of requiring osmotherapy (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.41, p = 0.002) as well as decreased odds of mortality at discharge (OR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.4 to 0.96, p = 0.03). Adjuvant BC compared to DHC did not result in higher odds of a favourable neurological outcome (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 0.95–6.55, p = 0.06) and did not affect mortality at final follow-up (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.17 to 3.74, p = 0.77).

Conclusion

There is insufficient data to demonstrate a potential beneficial effect of adjuvant BC. Despite some evidence for reduced mortality and length of stay, there is no effect on neurological outcome. However, these results need to be interpreted with caution as they carry a high risk of bias due to overall scarcity of published clinical data, technical variations, methodological differences, limited cohort sizes, and a considerable heterogeneity in study design and reported outcomes.
Unraveling the stride: exploring the influence of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension on gait and balance in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Imbalzano Gabriele , Ledda Claudia , Tangari Marta Maria , Artusi Carlo Alberto , Montanaro Elisa , Rizzone Mario Giorgio , Zibetti Maurizio , Lopiano Leonardo , Romagnolo Alberto
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) and gait impairment are frequent sources of disability in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the impact of nOH on balance and gait features remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of nOH on postural and gait parameters in a cohort of patients with PD by means of wearable inertial sensors.

Methods

Gait and balance were assessed using Opal inertial sensors. nOH was defined as sustained systolic blood pressure (BP) drop ≥ 20 mmHg or diastolic BP drop ≥ 10 mmHg within 3 min of standing, with a ΔHR/ΔSBP ratio ≤ 0.5 bpm/mmHg. Analysis of covariance was performed to evaluate differences in gait/balance features between patients with and without nOH, adjusting for age, cognitive status, and motor disability. Moreover, we performed the same analysis considering the presence of hemodynamically relevant nOH (orthostatic mean BP ≤ 75 mmHg).

Results

A total of 82 patients were enrolled, 26 with nOH (31.7%), of which 13 presented with hemodynamically relevant nOH. After correcting for confounders, nOH was independently associated with lower gait speed (p = 0.027), shorter stride length (p = 0.033), longer time for postural transitions (p = 0.004), and increased postural sway (p = 0.019). These differences were even more pronounced in patients with hemodynamically relevant nOH. Higher postural sway was associated with a 7.9-fold higher odds of falls (p = 0.040).

Conclusions

Our study presents an objective demonstration of the independent negative impact of nOH on gait and balance in PD, emphasizing the need for careful detection and management of nOH to mitigate gait and balance disturbances in PD.
Excision combined with ocular surface reconstruction followed by topical chemotherapy for ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Authors: Nakai Hiroko , Ueda Kosuke , Kitazawa Koji , Fukuoka Hideki , Inatomi Tsutomu , Yokoi Norihiko , Kinoshita Shigeru , Horiguchi Go , Teramukai Satoshi , Sotozono Chie
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To investigate the visual prognosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) after tumor resection and ocular surface reconstruction, and clarify factors that influence recurrence.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Medical records of all patients who underwent surgical treatment for OSSN at our hospital between January 1996 and December 2019 were reviewed. Tumor size/location, histological classification, surgical procedure, intraoperative mitomycin-C use, and postoperative topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administration were examined, and pre and postoperative visual acuity (VA) were compared to elucidate factors that influence disease recurrence.

Results

Tumor excision was performed in 70 eyes of 70 cases (43 men, 27 women; average age: 71.6 ± 12.6 years) with dysplasia (8 eyes), carcinoma in situ (26 eyes), and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (36 eyes). Tumors were found in the limbus (N = 59 eyes), palpebral conjunctiva (N = 8 eyes), and from the bulbar to palpebral conjunctiva (N = 3 eyes). Surgical procedures performed were limbal transplantation/keratoepithelioplasty (N = 29 eyes), cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (N = 3 eyes), and auto-conjunctival epithelium transplantation (N = 2 eyes). Ocular surface was reconstructed using amniotic membrane, donor cornea, or cultivated epithelial sheet. The mean follow-up was 38.6 ± 38.6 months (range, 2 months to 13.8 years). VA postoperatively improved in 25 (61.0%) cases. Recurrence occurred in 19 (27.1%) cases at from 2 to 50 months (median: 12.5 months) postoperative. Uni- and multivariate analyses revealed that presurgical tumor size and postoperative administration of 5-FU were significantly related to recurrence.

Conclusion

Combined surgical excision and postoperative topical 5-FU administration effectively prevented OSSN recurrence, and ocular surface reconstruction contributed to improvement of VA.
How Shell Add-On Products Influence Varsity Football Helmet Performance?
Authors: Stark Nicole E.-P. , Begonia Mark T. , Jung Caitlyn , Rowson Steven
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The study purpose was to investigate the laboratory-based performance of three commercially available shell add-on products under varsity-level impact conditions.

Methods

Pendulum impact tests were conducted at multiple locations (front, front boss, rear, side) and speeds (3.1, 4.9, 6.4 m/s) using two helmet models. Tests were performed with a single add-on configuration for baseline comparisons and a double add-on configuration to simulate collisions with both players wearing shell add-ons. A linear mixed-effect model was used to evaluate peak linear acceleration (PLA), peak rotational acceleration (PRA), and concussion risk, which was calculated from a bivariate injury risk function, based on shell add-on and test configuration.

Results

All shell add-ons decreased peak head kinematics and injury risk compared to controls, with the Guardian NXT producing the largest reductions (PLA: 7.9%, PRA: 14.1%, Risk: 34.1%) compared to the SAFR Helmet Cover (PLA: 4.5%, PRA: 9.3%, Risk: 24.7%) and Guardian XT (PLA: 3.2%, PRA: 5.0%, Risk: 15.5%). The same trend was observed in the double add-on test configuration. However, the Guardian NXT (PLA: 17.1%; PRA: 11.5%; Risk: 62.8%) and SAFR Helmet Cover (PLA: 12.2%; PRA: 9.1%; Risk: 52.2%) produced larger reductions in peak head kinematics and injury risk than the Guardian XT (PLA: 5.7%, PRA: 2.2%, Risk: 21.8%).

Conclusion

In laboratory-based assessments that simulated varsity-level impact conditions, the Guardian NXT was associated with larger reductions in PLA, PRA, and injury risk compared to the SAFR Helmet Cover and Guardian XT. Although shell add-ons can enhance head protection, helmet model selection should be prioritized.
Efficient Approximation of Varying Fiber Orientation States in Injection Molded Parts Under Consideration of Multiple Manufacturing Uncertainties
Authors: Wittemann Florian , Krauß Constantin , Kärger Luise
Published: October 2024

The production of high-quality fiber reinforced polymer parts is an important aspect in several industrial areas. However, due to unavoidable uncertainties in material and manufacturing processes, the part quality scatters. One important aspect here is the fiber orientation, being crucial for the thermo-mechanical properties of the part and being influenced by the uncertain material state and process conditions. Process simulations are an important tool for predicting the fiber orientation, but state-of-the-art simulations are normally deterministic and represent only one specific case. Performing enough deterministic simulations to model manufacturing uncertainties requires high numerical effort. Therefore, this work presents methods to quickly and efficiently approximate the fiber orientation under varying material and process parameters, requiring only a few simulations as input. Different schemes for approximation are evaluated and compared with each other and with 3D process simulations.
Strategic configurations: exploring MNEs’ commitment reduction in an emerging economy
Authors: Gao Qiuling , Cui Lin , Wu Sihong , Choi Yoona , Fan Di
Published: October 2024

Commitment reduction in the foreign investment process is a critical strategic decision for multinational enterprises (MNEs). Recognizing the complex nexus of drivers for MNE commitment reduction in an emerging economy, this study investigates the configurations of resource, industrial, and institutional factors that collectively influence the strategic decision of commitment reduction. We incorporated the strategic tripod framework to reveal the interactive patterns among various sets of factors influencing the investment reduction decisions of MNEs. Using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we analyzed foreign investment reduction by MNEs operating across nineteen industries in China between 2013 and 2019. Our findings identify configurational solutions leading to four propositions, applying the strategic tripod to explain MNE commitment reduction decisions. This study concludes with important theoretical and practical implications, suggesting ideas for pushing the research landscape further.
Possible measure of soil factors in the Italian seismic code
Authors: Albarello Dario , Paolucci Enrico
Published: October 2024

The Italian seismic code provides a simplified approach to account for the effect of local seismostratigraphical configuration on the expected ground motion. This approach, common with other seismic codes, provides specific ‘soil factors’ as a function of a set of reference subsoil conditions (soil classes): these factors are considered in 1D subsoil configurations to modify the uniform probability hazard spectrum deduced from probabilistic seismic hazard at reference soil conditions. It is inferred that, to provide a coherent management of uncertainty affecting the response spectrum to be used for the design, the contribution of uncertainty affecting soil factors must be carefully considered to avoid biases in the hazard evaluation. In the present study, variability of soil factors representative of each soil class has been explored by numerical simulation relative to many seismostratigraphical configurations inferred from seismic microzonation studies available in Italy relative to 1689 municipalities. This analysis shows that variability of soil factors is of the same order of magnitude of variability affecting reference response spectra, which implies that the former cannot be neglected as presently happens in the common practice. It is also shown that neglecting this contribution can lead to underestimate the impact of subsoil configuration on the regularized response spectrum provided by the norm, in particular, in the short period range.
syN-BEATS for robust pollutant forecasting in data-limited context
Authors: Berman Josef , Pinhasov Ben , Tshuva Moshe , Aperstein Yehudit
Published: October 2024

This research introduces syN-BEATS, a novel ensemble deep learning model tailored for effective pollutant forecasting under conditions of limited data availability. Based on the N-BEATS architecture, syN-BEATS integrates various configurations with differing numbers of stacks and blocks, effectively combining weak and strong learning approaches. Our experiments show that syN-BEATS outperforms standard models, especially when using Bayesian optimization to fine-tune ensemble weights. The model consistently achieves low relative root mean square errors, proving its capacity for precise pollutant forecasting despite data constraints. A key aspect of this study is the use of data from only one meteorological and one air quality monitoring station per region, simulating environments with restricted monitoring capabilities. By applying this approach in regions with diverse climates and air quality levels, we thoroughly assess the model’s flexibility and resilience under different environmental conditions. The results highlight syN-BEATS’ ability to support the development of effective health alert systems that can detect specific airborne pollutants, even in areas with limited monitoring infrastructure. This advancement is crucial for enhancing environmental monitoring and public health management in under-resourced areas.
Stratification controls the magnitude of in-lake phosphorus cycling: insights from a morphologically complex eutrophic lake
Authors: Zhao Siqi , Hermans Martijn , Niemistö Juha , Vesterinen Jussi , Jilbert Tom
Published: October 2024

Using a combination of sediment trap experiments, sedimentary biogeochemical analyses and mass balance calculations, we conducted a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the in-lake phosphorus (P) cycles including in both the water and sediment phases for Lake Hiidenvesi, a dimictic eutrophic lake in southern Finland. We explicitly demonstrated the heterogeneity of the in-lake P cycles between basins with distinct morphological features. Enhanced interactions between waters and sediments occur in shallow and non-stratified areas, as evidenced by the magnitudes of gross sedimentation and total internal P loading. In such shallow areas, sediment resuspension contributes over 60% of the total internal P loading throughout the entire open water season. In contrast, sedimentary P cycling is less intensive in deep and stratified areas, where diffusive fluxes account for an average of 70% of total internal P loading. We show that sedimentary P burial plays a key role in controlling the in-lake P cycle. Permanent burial of P showing higher rates and efficiencies tends to occur in deeper areas. Overall, sediments in Lake Hiidenvesi act as a net P sink under modern biogeochemical settings; the lake is in the process of long-term recovery from eutrophication due to the larger annual P output than external loading.
The Impact of Cultural Dimensions and Quality of Life on Smartphone Addiction and Employee Performance: The Moderating Role of Quality of Life
Authors: Alshare Khaled , Moqbel Murad , Merhi Mohammad I. , Bartelt Valerie , Alam Maliha
Published: October 2024

Smartphones, while ubiquitous and beneficial, can lead to problematic use. This study investigates the intricate interplay between cultural dimensions, smartphone addiction, and employee performance. Through the lens of distraction theory, attachment Theory, coping theory combined with Hofstede's cultural dimensions, and self-regulation theory and quality of life, we examine how collectivism, individualism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity cultural dimensions influence smartphone addiction and its subsequent effect on employee performance. The findings, based on data collected from 233 employees at a major medical center in the Midwest region of the USA and employing structural equation modeling, reveal a significant cultural influence on smartphone addiction, ultimately leading to a decline in performance. However, quality of life emerges as a crucial moderator, mitigating the negative impact of smartphone addiction. This research offers valuable insights for information systems scholars, highlighting the importance of cultural context in understanding smartphone addiction. Furthermore, the study equips managers with practical knowledge to address smartphone addiction within a culturally diverse workforce. By implementing strategies that enhance employee quality of life, organizations can foster a more productive and engaged work environment.
Poverty Reduction and Family Functioning: Results from an Experimental Study in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Karimli Leyla , Nabayinda Josephine , Nartey Portia B. , Ssewamala Fred M.
Published: October 2024

The study tests the effect of poverty-reduction intervention on family functioning reported by AIDS-orphaned children in extended families in Southern Uganda by asking two questions: (1) based on children’s reports, how does poverty reduction intervention affect family functioning? and (2) to what extent do these effects vary by a child’s gender and orphanhood status? Informed by the social causation theory, family stress model, and asset theory, the study aims to address the existing knowledge gap on effects of poverty reduction interventions on family functioning in low-income families caring for AIDS orphaned children in Uganda. We ran multilevel regression models using longitudinal data collected in a cluster-randomized controlled trial from N = 1410 children (n = 621 boys and n = 789 girls) recruited from 48 rural primary schools in Uganda. Survey data was collected every 12 months over the course of 5 years. The average age of children at enrollment was 13 years. We found significant positive effects of the intervention on family cohesion, family communication, and child-caregiver relationship. Effects vary by child’s gender and orphanhood category. Intervention improves family communication for boys, while improving family cohesion and quality of child-caregiver relationship for girls. Single maternal orphans reported improved family communication, while single paternal orphans reported improved child-caregiver relationship. Poverty reduction interventions are important to improve family functioning for low-income families. Variations by child’s gender and orphanhood status have not been reported in previous studies, and our findings underscore the importance of continued research in this area.
A Multilinear HJB-POD Method for the Optimal Control of PDEs on a Tree Structure
Authors: Kirsten Gerhard , Saluzzi Luca
Published: October 2024

Optimal control problems driven by evolutionary partial differential equations arise in many industrial applications and their numerical solution is known to be a challenging problem. One approach to obtain an optimal feedback control is via the Dynamic Programming principle. Nevertheless, despite many theoretical results, this method has been applied only to very special cases since it suffers from the curse of dimensionality. Our goal is to mitigate this crucial obstruction developing a version of dynamic programming algorithms based on a tree structure and exploiting the compact representation of the dynamical systems based on tensors notations via a model reduction approach. Here, we want to show how this algorithm can be constructed for general nonlinear control problems and to illustrate its performances on a number of challenging numerical tests introducing novel pruning strategies that improve the efficacy of the method. Our numerical results indicate a large decrease in memory requirements, as well as computational time, for the proposed problems. Moreover, we prove the convergence of the algorithm and give some hints on its implementation.
Bias-aware face mask detection dataset
Authors: Kantarcı Alperen , Ofli Ferda , Imran Muhammad , Ekenel Hazım Kemal
Published: October 2024

In December 2019, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spread so quickly around the world that many countries had to set mandatory face mask rules in public areas to reduce the transmission of the virus. To monitor public adherence, researchers aimed to rapidly develop efficient systems that can detect faces with masks automatically. However, the lack of representative and novel datasets posed challenges for training efficient models. Early attempts to collect face mask datasets did not account for potential race, gender, and age biases. Therefore, the resulting models show inherent biases toward specific race groups, such as Asian or Caucasian. In this work, we present a novel face mask detection dataset that contains images posted on Twitter during the pandemic from around the world. Unlike previous datasets, the proposed Bias-Aware Face Mask Detection (BAFMD) dataset contains more images from underrepresented races and age groups to mitigate the problem of the face mask detection task. We perform experiments to investigate potential biases in widely used face mask detection datasets and illustrate that the BAFMD dataset yields models with better performance and generalization ability. The dataset is publicly available at https://github.com/Alpkant/BAFMD.
Paternal Incarceration and Adolescent Delinquency: Role of Father Engagement and Early Child Behavior Problems
Authors: Anderson Abigail J. , Henrich Christopher C. , Mrug Sylvie
Published: October 2024

Paternal incarceration is an important predictor of teen delinquency, but the factors that may explain this relationship—such as early child problem behaviors and level of father engagement—have not been adequately explored. The current longitudinal study examined paternal history of incarceration as a predictor of teen self-reported delinquency over a 15-year gap, considering early child problem behaviors and father engagement as mediators. Sex differences in these relationships were also evaluated. This four-wave longitudinal study included an analytic sample of 4897 teens who participated in the birth-cohort Future of Families and Child Well-Being Study. Mothers and fathers were interviewed shortly after the focal child’s birth and were then reassessed in follow-up interviews at child ages 1, 3, 5, 9, and 15. The focal children were interviewed at ages 9 and 15. Results showed that paternal prior incarceration at year 1 was associated with greater child behavior problems and father engagement at year 5; however, those relationships disappeared by age 9. Paternal history of incarceration was not related to teen delinquency, but child behavior problems at age 9 were directly related to subsequent engagement in delinquent behaviors. Paternal current incarceration was related to subsequent father engagement but was not associated with later child behaviors. No significant indirect pathways emerged, indicating a lack of support for mediation. No sex differences in these relationships were observed. Overall, the findings underscore the complexity of the relationships between paternal incarceration, child behavior, and father engagement in the emergence of delinquent behaviors.
Reflections Upon Student Elective Engagement in STEM Enterprise Education
Authors: Watts Carys A. , Hetherington Richard
Published: October 2024

There is a well recognised desire to encourage enterprise and entrepreneurial thinking in university students, however core or mandatory provision has the potential to dilute the enthusiasm or engagement in enterprise. This paper reflects on the choice to offer optional (elective) enterprise modules to STEM students at Undergraduate (level 6) and Masters level (level 7). In STEM programmes, enterprise or entrepreneurship subjects are often elective options alongside their core academic studies, with much variability in delivery methods and source materials used throughout undergraduate and postgraduate education. This means appealing to a self-selecting cohort with either interest in an alternative direction to ‘pure-science’, or individuals with an aim of creating an impact. With high levels of interaction between educators, industry case studies and learners, a dynamic learning environment is created, with positive outcomes for satisfaction and employability. A qualitative longitudinal study and ethnographic consideration of the individuals who have chosen to engage in enterprise-based elements indicates that initial exposure to curriculum-based enterprise can deepen their understanding of ideation, commercial bioscience, and innovation, leading to discipline-based recognition of value. Although a limited proportion of students go on to be entrepreneurs in the form of company founders, they often cite their enterprise education experience as impactful and frequently allude to skills or experience as intrinsic to their intrapreneurial activities and roles with the organisations they end up working with.
Magnetohydrodynamic Turbulence Simulations as a Testing Ground for PUNCH
Authors: Pecora Francesco , Yang Yan , Gibson Sarah , Viall Nicholeen M. , Chhiber Rohit , DeForest Craig , Matthaeus William H.
Published: October 2024

The Polarimeter to UNify the Corona and Heliosphere (PUNCH) will image macroscopic features of the inner heliosphere and also admit sufficiently high spatial resolution to probe scales of turbulence within the upper end of the inertial range, close to the integral scale. As PUNCH is an imager, its measurements will relate differently to the underlying turbulent environment of the outer corona and inner heliosphere from more familiar in situ samples. We present a numerical study that combines magnetohydrodynamic simulations of turbulence together with FORWARD-modeling synthesis of white-light data via the FORWARD code. We show that (i) the “usual” turbulence scalings are modified by the integration along the LOS in an optically thin medium, and (ii) those scalings are still linked to the original properties of the turbulent field. This study is a first step in the process of analyzing and understanding the unprecedented information that PUNCH will provide.
Composition and Mineralogy of Nuclei Material of Short Period Comets Revealed by Recent Spacecraft Missions
Authors: Zolensky Michael , Engrand Cecile , Nakamura Tomoki , Ebel Denton
Published: October 2024

We summarize mineralogical and compositional results from lab and in-situ spacecraft investigations of samples of comets 81P/Wild 2 and 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko which provide constraints to early solar system evolution. Wild 2 cometary solids were mineralogically similar to anhydrous chondritic Interplanetary Dust Particles with the exception that GEMS have not between reliably reported in the former. Important similarities include the very wide range of olivine and pyroxene bulk compositions (including minor elements), which probably reflects a wide range of sampled grain formation environments. The abundance of presolar materials in the Wild 2 samples is also approximately equal to that in anhydrous chondritic Interplanetary Dust Particles rather than being dramatically higher. High-temperature aggregates including chondrules (mainly type II), CAI and AOAs are also present in Wild 2, but probably at less than 10% overall total abundance. There was a pre-mission expectation that comet solids would be dominated by either non-crystalline materials, nanoscale crystalline materials, or presolar grains. None of these expectations proved to be correct. Organic matter was only well preserved in a few examined samples. These exhibit complex organic bonds, including mainly alkenes, aromatic C = C and carboxyl C = O, in a variety of textures including nanoglobules. The organic matter in Wild 2 samples show spectral similarities with that of insoluble organic matter (IOM) from carbonaceous chondrites. The chronology of the collected solids has not been well established, but there is no evidence for captured live 26Al, which could indicate accretion after this nuclide had effectively completely decayed. The implications of these major results are that Wild 2 sampled widely across the entire solar nebula, much wider than any other known astromaterials, potentially at a relatively late time compared to the oldest available astromaterials. A final caution is that the captured Wild 2 materials described here possibly derived from a small number of interior regions of a single Jupiter Family comet. There is also limited mineralogical information from comet 67P provided by the Rosetta Mission. The investigated 67P dust particles also contained about 45 weight% of solid organic matter, and is similar to the IOM extracted from carbonaceous chondrites. The H/C ratio of 67P IOM is about twice that of most carbonaceous chondrite IOMs and about 5 times that measured in asteroid Ryugu whole-rock samples, but lower than the H/C ratio of volatile species measured in the 67P coma. This high H/C ratio in the coma species is in turn compatible with that of the soluble organic matter in investigated carbonaceous chondrites such as Murchison. The average N/C ratio of 67P dust particles is about one order of magnitude lower than the solar photosphere value, but it is compatible with that of primitive carbonaceous chondrite meteorites and of Ryugu IOM.
Minimal metaphysics in moral and political philosophy
Authors: Esfeld Michael , López Cristian
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is to apply the methodology of minimal ontological commitments to moral and political philosophy. As minimal metaphysics in the philosophy of science endorses scientific realism, so we subscribe to moral realism, arguing that the presumption of liberty is the fundamental assumption defining a person. What needs to be justified then are restrictions to liberty and, in particular, the application of coercion upon persons. In examining knowledge claims about normative facts going beyond the presumption of liberty, such as, for instance, facts about a common good, we show that an ontological commitment to such normative facts is at odds with minimal metaphysics. We thus show how minimal metaphysics vindicates a Kantian deontological stance in moral and political philosophy: moral realism is limited to the obligations that follow from extending the presumption of liberty to all human beings in virtue of them being rational animals, hence to respect every person as an end in itself.
No man’s hand: artificial intelligence does not improve police report writing speed
Authors: Adams Ian T. , Barter Matt , McLean Kyle , Boehme Hunter M. , Geary Irick A.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study examines the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the time police officers spend writing reports, a task that consumes a significant portion of their workday.

Methods

In a pre-registered randomized controlled trial, we test this claim within the patrol division of a medium-sized police department (n = 85) at the individual report level (n = 755). Analyses utilize mixed-effects regression accounting for the nested structure of report-writing.

Results

AI assistance did not significantly affect the duration of writing police reports. Alternative specifications beyond those specified in the pre-registration, including a difference-in-differences approach observing report duration over a full year (n = 6084), confirm the null findings are robust.

Conclusions

Our findings contradict marketing expectations for the effect of this technology, suggesting no time savings in report-writing can be expected when using AI-assisted report-writing. Several other potential effects remain possible and untested.
Shortening mechanisms in construction morphology: the Russian spec-N construction
Authors: Nesset Tore , Björklund Martina , Sokolova Svetlana
Published: October 2024

This study presents an in-depth analysis of Russian stub compounds in spec ‘special’ and their competition with the corresponding full adjective special’nyj ‘special’ followed by a noun. Couched in Construction Morphology the corpus-based analysis addresses four understudied areas in theoretical and Russian morphology: shortening mechanisms, competition between morphological words and multiword expressions, blocking, and compounding in Russian. It is argued that shortening mechanisms create words that are more than stylistic variants of the corresponding longer constructions, although full synonymy may occur under specific conditions. The diachronic and synchronic motivation of the shortening mechanism under scrutiny is analyzed in terms of economy, extravagance and expressiveness. Blocking is demonstrated to be statistical (involving tendencies rather than categorical rules) and bidirectional, whereby a morphological construction may be favored over a syntactic construction and vice versa. The proposed analysis adds to the knowledge of stub compounds in Russian and demonstrates how a wide variety of generalizations can be adequately accounted for in Construction Morphology.
Is the continuity of the therapist–patient relationship relevant for the discharge outcome in orthopaedic physical rehabilitation?
Authors: Platano D. , Tedeschi R. , Tonini G. , Capone S. , Morri M. , Magli A. O. , Raffa D. , Benedetti M. G.
Published: October 2024

Continuity of care has been linked to patient satisfaction and self-reported outcomes. Following hip fractures in the elderly, rehabilitation aims at restoring patients’ mobility and independence at the pre-fracture level and at the earliest possible time. Despite the potential role of physiotherapists’ continuity on functional outcomes, this correlation has not yet been studied in an acute orthopaedic setting. Guaranteeing the presence of the same physical therapist on individual patients is challenging from an organizational point of view. An observational retrospective study was conducted on 129 aged patients (84 ± 8 years) who underwent surgery for proximal hip fracture. Indicators of outcomes were ILOA score at discharge, length of stay and achievement of rehabilitation goals as defined by the Individual Rehabilitation Project. The number of physical therapists taking care of patients was monitored during the patient’s hospital stay. No correlation was found between the number of physical therapists and functional goals at discharge. The frequent change of physical therapists providing rehabilitation to elderly patients who underwent surgery for hip fragile fracture is not related to functional outcomes.
Nonthermal fluctuations accelerate biomolecular motors
Authors: Ariga Takayuki
Published: October 2024

Intracellular transport is essential for maintaining cellular function. This process is driven by different mechanisms in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. In small prokaryotic cells, diffusion is the primary means of transport, while larger eukaryotic cells also rely on active transport by molecular motors such as kinesin and dynein. Recently, it has become evident that, in addition to diffusion based on thermal fluctuations (Brownian motion), which was conventionally considered a diffusion mechanism within living cells, nonthermal fluctuations generated by metabolic activities play a crucial role in intracellular diffusion. Similarly, while molecular motors have been proposed to exploit thermal fluctuations in the environment following the direct observation and manipulation of single molecules, they have also been reported to utilize nonthermal fluctuations in recent years. This review begins with a brief overview of the historical knowledge of diffusive intracellular transport, which has been extended from the thermal fluctuations to the nonthermal fluctuations generated by metabolic activity. It then introduces recent findings on how nonthermal fluctuations accelerate the motion of molecular motors and discusses future perspectives on the general effects of these fluctuations on molecules in living cells.