bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polynomial-time algorithms for multimarginal optimal transport problems with structure
Authors: Altschuler Jason M. , Boix-Adserà Enric 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMultimarginal Optimal Transport (MOT) has attracted significant interest due to applications in machine learning, statistics, and the sciences. However, in most applications, the success of MOT is severely limited by a lack of efficient algorithms. Indeed, MOT in general requires exponential time in the number of marginals k and their support sizes n. This paper develops a general theory about what “structure” makes MOT solvable in $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

time. We develop a unified algorithmic framework for solving MOT in $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

time by characterizing the structure that different algorithms require in terms of simple variants of the dual feasibility oracle. This framework has several benefits. First, it enables us to show that the Sinkhorn algorithm, which is currently the most popular MOT algorithm, requires strictly more structure than other algorithms do to solve MOT in $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

time. Second, our framework makes it much simpler to develop $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

time algorithms for a given MOT problem. In particular, it is necessary and sufficient to (approximately) solve the dual feasibility oracle—which is much more amenable to standard algorithmic techniques. We illustrate this ease-of-use by developing $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

-time algorithms for three general classes of MOT cost structures: (1) graphical structure; (2) set-optimization structure; and (3) low-rank plus sparse structure. For structure (1), we recover the known result that Sinkhorn has $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

runtime; moreover, we provide the first $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

time algorithms for computing solutions that are exact and sparse. For structures (2)-(3), we give the first $$\mathrm {poly}(n,k)$$

poly
(
n
,
k
)

time algorithms, even for approximate computation. Together, these three structures encompass many—if not most—current applications of MOT.
Get up, stand up: a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a messenger-based intervention to reduce sedentary behavior in university students
Authors: Kellner Mona , Faas Franziska 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Aim
Sedentary behavior is a severe and independent risk factor for health. According to current research, sitting time is at a dangerously high level. Especially young adults show a high prevalence compared to others. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a 6-week messenger-based intervention to reduce sedentary behavior in university students.

Subject and methods
The 345 university students that enrolled were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 173) and control group (n = 172). Randomization and allocation to the trial group were computer assisted. The trial was conducted remotely, without any personal contact. A drop out of 276 participants led to a primary analysis of 71 (IG n = 41; CG n = 31) participants. Sedentary behavior was assessed online using the Heidelberg Questionnaire for the Assessment of Sitting Behavior, at 5 time points: baseline (T0), 2 weeks (Z1), 4 weeks (Z2) 6 weeks (end of the intervention, T1), and follow-up 4 weeks after intervention (T2).

Results
Mixed ANOVA was carried out for T0 and T1 to reveal interaction effects between time and group. Mean differences show a highly practically and statistically relevant reduction in sitting time in the intervention group of 60 min between baseline and T1. No sustained effect of the intervention could be detected by analyzing sitting times at follow-up, 4 weeks after the end of the intervention.

Conclusions
Reduction in sedentary behavior in the intervention group after 6 weeks shows that the intervention is practically and statistically relevant. Limitations concerning the assessment method (questionnaire) as well as the sample size should be considered. The trial serves as a pilot study. However, the positive outcome of sitting time reduction paves the way for further research in this field.
Embracing policy paradoxes: EU’s Just Transition Fund and the aim “to leave no one behind”
Authors: Sarkki Simo , Ludvig Alice , Nijnik Maria , Kopiy Serhiy 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWith the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, UN Member States pledge “to leave no one behind” and “endeavour to reach the furthest behind first”. The EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) was designed to meet these policy objectives. It is one of three pillars of the Just Transition Mechanism, aiming at fair delivery of the European Green Deal and reducing adverse social and economic impacts of the transition towards a climate-neutral Europe. We examine the formulation of the JTF Regulation, from January 2020 until July 2021 and analyse seven topics of importance during the JTF formulation. Based on the results, we identify and discuss four paradoxes related to governance scales, offsetting exclusion, equity illusion, and eligibility criteria. The paradoxes arise from tension between the all-inclusive objective to leave no one behind, and selective affirmative actions, seeking to reach the furthest behind first. Results of the analysis enabled us to put forward plausible strategies to embrace these policy paradoxes to offer important lessons learned for the JTF and also to future policies that seek to leave no one behind.
A note on the cost of capital with fixed payout ratios
Authors: Diedrich Ralf , Dierkes Stefan , Gröger Hans-Christian 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe insights of Modigliani and Miller (Am Econ Rev 53:433–443, 1963) and Miles and Ezzell (15:719–730, https://doi.org/10.2307/2330405, 1980) on the cost of capital of firms rank among the most important results in financial theory. The underlying assumptions regarding the financial policy, however, can hardly be reconciled with empirical findings. We investigate the implications of an alternative approach that is characterized by a fixed payout ratio. By introducing additional assumptions about investment opportunities, we find relationships between the cost of equity of levered and unlevered firms. The results contribute to explaining empirical findings and open the possibility to base valuation techniques on realistic and yet practicable assumptions.
Determinanten und Verläufe musikalischer Begabung im Jugendalter
Authors: Labonde Philippe , Müllensiefen Daniel 
Published: August 2022

ZusammenfassungNur wenige Langzeitstudien beschreiben bislang musikalische Entwicklungsverläufe mit einem Fokus auf Begabungsforschung (Müllensiefen 2017). Diese Lücke will der vorliegende Beitrag schließen und anhand der Daten aus einer internationalen Langzeitstudie die Frage beantworten, wie hilfreich unterschiedliche Begabungsansätze für die Modellierung musikalischer Entwicklung sind. Dabei soll untersucht werden, wie sich verschiedene Definitionen musikalischer Begabung und deren statistische Umsetzung auf die Identifikation musikalisch Begabter auswirken. Hierfür werden klassische Begabungskriterien nach Gagné (1998) und der TAD-Ansatz (Preckel et al. 2020) zur Klassifizierung der Studienteilnehmer/innen verwendet und die Ergebnisse miteinander verglichen. In beiden Ansätzen erweisen sich fluide Intelligenz, Arbeitsgedächtniskapazität, die Persönlichkeitsdimension Offenheit und der Glaube an die Veränderbarkeit von Musikalität durch Training als robuste Prädiktoren. Als zentraler Unterschied zeigt sich, dass die perzeptuellen musikalische Fähigkeiten der Begabten, die nach traditionellen Kriterien ausgewählt wurden, ab dem ersten Messzeitpunkt sinkt. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Referenz auf das Phänomen der Regression zur Mitte diskutiert und legen nahe, dass die Analyse von Langzeitdaten unter Berücksichtigung des TAD-Ansatzes einen geeigneteren Ansatz für Entscheidungen über die musikalische Begabung von Jugendlichen darstellen.
Prereduction Behavior of Manganese Ores With Solid Carbon and in CO/CO2 Gas Atmosphere
Authors: Mukono Tichaona , Reiersen Henrik Stensdal , Schanche Trygve Lindahl , Wallin Maria , Tangstad Merete 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The prereduction reactions in the submerged arc furnace (SAF) are highly decisive of the total carbon, and energy consumption of the ferromanganese process. Therefore, understanding the dependency of prereduction behavior on ore characteristics and furnace conditions is of paramount importance. Prereduction behavior of Comilog, Nchwaning and UMK ores with solid carbon was studied in an open 75 kVA induction furnace set up simulating the conditions of an industrial SAF. In addition, the ores were thermogravimetrically studied with non-isothermal heating to 1000 °C in a flowing 70/30 CO/CO2 atmosphere. Gasification of carbon according to Boudouard reaction was considered significant for carbonate ores in induction furnace setup. UMK had a greater extent of prereduction compared to Nchwaning which is low in carbonates and Comilog which is known to have a higher CO reactivity at similar CO contents. TGA rate curves shows that prereduction of UMK ore occurred with two major distinctive steps. The first one was a combination of prereduction reactions and decomposition of carbonates with a peak temperature of 700 °C, and the second peak was the decomposition of calcite at 900 °C. The O/Mn ratio for UMK shows that prereduction is already completed prior to the second decomposition peak at 900 °C. In addition to prereduction reactions, Nchwaning is also characterized by an endothermic step which is decomposition of carbonates at 900 °C. Comilog ore produced the most fines followed by Nchwaning and lastly UMK on decrepitation.
Psychosocial Determinants of Premarital Sexual Practices among University Students in Sudan
Authors: Elshiekh Husameddin Farouk , Hoving Ciska , de Vries Hein 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSudan is one of the Islamic countries where extramarital sex is religiously forbidden and socially unacceptable. However, increasing numbers of university students become engaged in premarital sex practices, which increases their risk of contracting STIs, including HIV, and puts them into conflicts with their religious beliefs. As little is known about the motivations for abstinence from premarital sex, this study aimed to identify these psychosocial determinants. Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 257 students between18 and 27 years old was recruited from randomly selected public and private universities in Khartoum. The participants filled out an online questionnaire based on the Integrated Change Model (ICM) to assess their beliefs and practices about abstinence from premarital sex. The analysis of variances (MANOVA) showed that the students who reported being sexually active differed significantly from abstainers in having more knowledge about HIV/AIDS, higher perception of susceptibility to HIV, more exposure to cues that made them think about sex and a more positive attitude towards premarital sex. The abstainers had a significantly more negative attitude towards premarital sex, higher self-efficacy to abstain from sex until marriage and perceived more peer support and norms favouring abstinence from sex until marriage. These findings suggest that promoting abstinence from sex until marriage among university students in Sudan, which aligns with the Sudanese religious values and social norms, requires health communication messages addressing these potential determinants. However, given that sexual encounters still may occur, health communication messages may profit from a more comprehensive approach by also addressing the need for condom use for those unwilling to refrain from sex.
Coping styles mediating the relationship between perceived chronic stress and conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19
Authors: Pfeffer Bettina , Goreis Andreas , Reichmann Adelais , Bauda Ines , Klinger Diana , Bock Mercedes M. , Plener Paul L. , Kothgassner Oswald D. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAs a global health crisis, COVID-19 has led to a rise in overall stress levels. Concurrently, conspiracy beliefs regarding the origin and spread of the disease have become widespread. Engaging in such beliefs can be explained as a form of coping in order to deal with elevated levels of stress. The present study investigated the indirect effects of coping strategies in the association between perceived chronic stress and COVID-related conspiracy beliefs. We report data from an online survey (N = 1,354 individuals: 807 female; 508 male; 8 diverse; 6 not specified; mean age 39.14 years) in German-speaking countries collected between January and March 2021. Our results indicate that people who felt more stressed were more prone to conspiracy beliefs. Coping via acceptance and self-blame was associated with decreased tendencies towards COVID-related conspiracy beliefs, while people who used denial as a strategy were more prone to these beliefs. These findings emphasize the need for stress management interventions and effective coping strategies during times of crisis in order to reduce chronic perceived stress, promote adaptive coping, and ultimately reduce conspiracy beliefs.
Historic subsurface dimension stone quarry and the stability of its galleries as a function of pillar width and thickness of cover bed
Authors: Zenah Jalal , Görög Péter , Török Ákos 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThere are historic subsurface dimension stones in the capital of Hungary (Budapest) that were excavated in porous limestone. The stability of these subsurface openings is important, since most of them are located in urban areas, where existing buildings or new structures are planned to be built. The paper presents a detailed study considering the geometry of the system and the mechanical parameters of the limestone. The geometry of the cellar system was obtained using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). The cover beds are few meters in thickness, and the width of the pillar is between 2.50 and 3.98 m, according to the measurements. The rock mass parameters which were used in the calculations were obtained from laboratory tests. A finite element (FEM) software Rocscience (RS2) were applied to model the stability of the galleries. Calculations were made for various geometries taking into account the thickness of cover beds and the width of pillars. Altogether 70 models were made. A surface load of 150 kN/m2 was also applied to model the buildings. New relationships between cover bed thickness, pillar width and displacements are outlined to compare these results to previous works. The strength reduction factor was also calculated for all geometries, indicating the changes in the stability of these underground quarries and pointing out the importance of cellar geometries.
Prediction of impact performance of fiber reinforced polymer composites using finite element analysis and artificial neural network
Authors: Stephen Clifton , Thekkuden Dinu Thomas , Mourad Abdel-Hamid I. , Shivamurthy B. , Selvam Rajiv , Behara Sai Rohit 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn this study, a methodology combining finite element analysis (FEA) and artificial neural network (ANN) through multilayer perceptron architecture was utilized to predict the impact resistance behavior of hybrid and non-hybrid fabric reinforced polymer (FRP) composites. A projectile at 250 m s−1 impact velocity was considered for the high velocity impact simulations. The Kevlar, carbon and glass fabric-based epoxy composites were modelled and the impact tests were performed through finite element simulations. The residual velocity results from FEA were used as training data for the ANN prediction. The ANN predicted results were in good agreement with FEA results with a maximum variation of about 6.6%. In terms of impact resistance, composite laminates with more Kevlar layers exhibited enhanced performance compared to other samples. Neat Kevlar/epoxy (K/K/K) exhibited the best impact resistance performance in terms of lowest residual velocity and highest energy absorption of 101.84 m s−1 and 222.86 J, respectively. Whereas, neat glass/epoxy (G/G/G) specimens registered the highest projectile residual velocity (165.13 m s−1) and lowest energy absorption (158.99 J) compared to all other specimens. 2-fabric sandwich composite K/G/K exhibited a low residual velocity of 115.27 m s−1 and high energy absorption of 218.53 J, which is the second best among all specimens. Comparatively, the 3-fabric hybrid composites registered intermediate impact resistance results lower than that of Kevlar rich specimens, but significantly higher than neat G/G/G composite, thus, proving the effectiveness of hybridization in enhancement of impact performance compared to neat glass composite. Overall, the chosen methodology yielded significantly accurate results for the prediction of impact behavior of FRP composites.
Booking in the Rain. Testing the Impact of Public Information on Prices
Authors: Figini Paolo , Cicognani Simona , Zirulia Lorenzo 
Published: August 2022

AbstractWeather forecasts are a rare example of public information which is, at the same time, relevant for agents' decisions and entirely exogenous for both sides of the (tourism) market. We develop a model where signals of good weather have a positive impact on accommodation prices, the effect being stronger the higher the accuracy of the forecast and the ex-ante uncertainty in weather conditions. Using data from a sea and sun destination, we estimate an augmented hedonic price model and find that results robustly support the theory. We also find that the response of prices to weather forecasts is larger for upper-scale hotels than for low- and mid-scale hotels, a result we link to the superior pricing capability of the former.
Keeping tabs through collaboration? Sharing ministerial responsibility in coalition governments
Authors: Klüser K. Jonathan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMoving past the conventional focus on ministerial portfolios, this paper investigates how coalition governments allocate and share ministerial responsibility for individual policy issues. Sharing responsibility induces coalescing parties to collaborate on policy issues, which addresses the problem of ministerial autonomy. Consequently, I argue that incumbent parties in coalition governments share ministerial responsibility for contentious and salient policy issues. This claim is corroborated based on a newly elicited dataset of over 30,000 ministerial policy responsibilities from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The findings have important implications for scholarship on coalition governments, as they demonstrate that incumbent parties can use the design of ministerial portfolios itself to insulate a coalition compromise from partisan deviations.
From Spirit Possession to Ritual Theatre—A Potential Scenario for the Development of Japanese Kagura
Authors: Lancashire Terence 
Published: August 2022

The Japanese goddess Arne no Uzume no Mikoto bound up her sleeves with a chord of heavenly pi-kage vine, tied around her head a head-band of the heavenly masaki vine, bound together bundles of sasa leaves to hold in her hands, and overturning a bucket before the heavenly rock-cave door, stamped resoundingly upon it. Then she became divinely possessed, exposed her breasts, and pushed her skirt-band down to her genitals. (Philippi 1968:84)This description of the possession dance of the goddess Ame no Uzume no Mikoto in the eighth century Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) A.D. 712, to entice the sun goddess from her place of hiding, is held as the origins of kagura—a ritual dance performed by miko—female shrine attendants. The connection between myth and ritual is made early in Japanese history with the early ninth century Kogo shûi—a record of court rites stating that the successors of Ame no Uzume no Mikoto were an already extinct female priestly group, Sarume Kimi no Uji, and they in turn passed their skill on to the miko.
Is the environment a victim of the economic downturn? Evidence from China's manufacturing firms
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Yin Haitao , Yang Huimin 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates whether pollution-intensive industries develop faster in a time of economic downturn. Using firm-level panel data from 2005 to 2013, we find supporting empirical results in an analysis of China's manufacturing industries in the 2008 economic crisis. We find that pollution-intensive firms tended to produce more compared with non-pollution-intensive firms in the 2008 economic crisis, with the pre-crisis period as a baseline. We further find that this effect is more pronounced in areas with higher export dependence and a smaller proportion of production from pollution-intensive industries. The relatively faster production expansion in pollution-intensive industries is more evident for state-owned enterprises.
Observation of Topographic Rossby Waves Triggered by Kuroshio Path Meander in the East China Sea
Authors: Chen Juntian , Zhu Xiao‐Hua , Zheng Hua , Nakamura Hirohiko , Zhao Ruixiang , Wang Min , Park Jae‐Hun , Nishina Ayako 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTopographic Rossby waves (TRWs) are motions triggered by potential vorticity adjustments, which strongly contribute to deep ocean variabilities. This study discerned near‐36‐day significant along‐slope fluctuations, speculated to be TRWs, using deep current observations over the continental slope in the East China Sea (ECS). The TRWs propagated southwestward along the continental slope with wavelengths of ∼95 km in the northern stations and ∼36 km in the southern stations where the slope is steeper. The group velocity was estimated to be ∼15.5 km/day, and the maximum current speed was ∼10 cm/s. It was assumed that the energy source originates from the Kuroshio path meander, which has a similar typical period to the TRWs and can induce surface eddy kinetic energy, along with depth variations of water column in west of the Tokara Strait. Analyses involving ray tracing model of TRWs showed consistency with the observations in wave characteristics, thereby confirming our postulation regarding the TRWs and their origin. Moreover, the energy rays, emanated from the origin, intensively propagated along the slope; and after climbing over the successive slope, eventually stopped when reaching the flat areas. Additionally, the TRWs' hyperbolic intensification and vertical coherent phase features were revealed in model results. The seasonality of the Kuroshio path meander induced depth variation of water column was estimated to be prevalent in February and August. Overall, this study revealed the propagation features and generation mechanism of TRWs over the continental slope in the ECS for the first time.