Central Problem Research Articles

Проявления латентного цифрового экстремизма в молодежной среде

The article deals with the psychological aspects of ensuring the safety of minors from their involvement in extremist activities in the modern world. The age-related psychological characteristics of the personality of minors, as well as the conditions in which their life values, attitudes and worldview in general are formed, are systematically and comprehensively considered. The central problem discussed in the work is latent extremism, which is formed and spread through the means of modern communication technologies. The main conductor of the spread of extremist ideas for young people in general and minors in particular is the Internet with its ability to exchange information and have an indirect impact on the psyche. The role of latent extremism in the formation of a proto-extremist environment, which is the previous stage in the formation of a full-fledged extremist criminal environment, is noted.

Morita equivalence and globalization for partial Hopf actions on nonunital algebras

In this work, we investigate partial actions of a Hopf algebra [Formula: see text] on nonunital algebras and the associated partial smash products, with the objective of providing a framework where one may obtain results for both [Formula: see text]-algebras with local units and [Formula: see text]-categories. We show that our partial actions correspond to nonunital algebras in the category of partial representations of [Formula: see text]. The central problem of existence of a globalization for a partial action is studied in detail, and we provide sufficient conditions for the existence (and uniqueness) of a minimal globalization for associative algebras in general. Extending previous results by Abadie, Dokuchaev, Exel and Simon, we define Morita equivalence for partial Hopf actions, and we show that if two symmetrical partial actions are Morita equivalent then their standard globalizations are also Morita equivalent. Particularizing to the case of a partial action on an algebra with local units, we obtain several strong results on equivalences of categories of modules of partial smash products of algebras and partial smash products of [Formula: see text]-categories.

Robust reverse 1-center problems on trees with interval costs

This paper concerns the problem of reducing the edge lengths of a tree in a minimum cost way such that the 1-center function at a predetermined vertex is at most a given threshold value. Moreover, it is assumed that the costs of reducing edge lengths are not exactly determined, but they are estimated within intervals and their total deviation is limited within a given bound. This problem is called the robust reverse 1-center problem on trees with interval costs. We first reformulate the problem as a Stackelberg game and translate it into a univariate optimization problem. Based on the special properties of the feasible set, we can state the corresponding problem as a parameterized minimum cost flow problem. Then we develop an algorithm that solves the problem in O ( n 2 log ⁡ n ) time due to the convexity of the univariate objective function. We finally discuss the problem of improving the international transportation network in Iran as a real-life application.

Stability condition for nilpotent singularities by its complex separatrices

This work is focused in the center problem for nilpotent singularities of differential systems in the plane. Although there are involved methods to approach the center problem in this work, we present a new stability criteria based on the existence of the complex separatrices passing through the singular point, and independent of the normal form. The algebraic method needs only the computation of such complex separatrices up to certain order, which can be done with a computer algebra package.

Finite Freedom and its split from the Absolute in Schelling’s Bruno

Abstract The dialogue Bruno of 1802 is arguably the natural starting point for any investigation on the concepts of finitude, evil and human freedom in Schelling’s middle metaphysics. In this dialogue the author elaborates for the first time in his system a concept of freedom and independence of the finite, which extends via his reformulation in Philosophy and Religion of 1804 to the Freedom Essay of 1809 and beyond to the works of 1810 and 1811 – Stuttgart Private Lectures and The Ages of the World. The central ontological problem of the dialogue relates to the possibility of a separation between the absolute and the world as space of finite beings, which, according to the system of identity first presented in 1801, cannot exist as such. The question we will then address concerns the status of the finite as such and how would it be possible to admit both its existence for consciousness and the positing of an absolute and infinite principle of philosophy. We will show how Schelling’s interest shifts, almost unintentionally, from the infinite principle to the finite as such, as a principle of freedom and self-initiation independent of the real.

Constitutional foundations of local self-government in Ukraine

The constitutional foundations of local self­government in Ukraine are norms-principles reflected in more than 20 articles of the Constitution of Ukraine. Norms establishing the legal, organizational, material and financial foundations of local self-government provide for the establishment of a democratic decentralized management system, based on independent territorial communities, local self-government bodies, which are entrusted with the decision of all issues of local importance. Real effective local self-government is possible only in the presence of certain conditions that have objectively developed in society, and which collectively form the basis of local self-government. The basics of local self­government create the foundation, that is, the foundation on which the entire system of local self-government is built. One of the fundamental foundations of local self-government is the participation of citizens in the social and political life of the state. The topicality of the topic is due primarily to the fact that at the current stage of democratic transformation of our country, local self­government is the basis of civil society. Local self-government is one of the most important institutions of a democratic state. Its development is a central scientific problem of municipal law and a "cornerstone” in municipal science for many decades, since its inception. The 1996 Constitution of Ukraine created the legal basis for the development of local self-government as a special type of public power. The article analyzes the constitutional principles that established the status of municipal power, their influence on further legislation and practice of local self­government. The constitutional principles of local self-government are analyzed. The approaches available in modern jurisprudence regarding the definition of the concept of "basics of local self­government” have been considered. Arguments are presented in favor of separating the organizational- legal, territorial, and material-financial bases of the activity of local self-government bodies.

Integer syndrome decoding in the presence of noise

Code-based cryptography received attention after the NIST started the post-quantum cryptography standardization process in 2016. A central NP-hard problem is the binary syndrome decoding problem, on which the security of many code-based cryptosystems lies. The best known methods to solve this problem all stem from the information-set decoding strategy, first introduced by Prange in 1962. A recent line of work considers augmented versions of this strategy, with hints typically provided by side-channel information. In this work, we consider the integer syndrome decoding problem, where the integer syndrome is available but might be noisy. We study how the performance of the decoder is affected by the noise. First we identify the noise model as being close to a centered in zero binomial distribution. Second we model the probability of success of the ISD-score decoder in presence of a binomial noise. Third, we demonstrate that with high probability our algorithm finds the solution as long as the noise parameter d is linear in t (the Hamming weight of the solution) and t is sub-linear in the code-length. We provide experimental results on cryptographic parameters for the BIKE and Classic McEliece cryptosystems, which are both candidates for the fourth round of the NIST standardization process.

Artificial intelligence and robotic surgical education

There are numerous barriers in robotic surgical training, including reliance on observational learning, low-quality feedback, and inconsistent assessment. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential solutions to these central problems in robotic surgical education and may allow for more efficient and efficacious training. Three key areas in which AI has particular relevance to robotic surgical education are video labeling, feedback, and assessment. Video labeling refers to the automated designation of prespecified categories to operative videos. Numerous prior studies have applied AI for video labeling, particularly for retrospective educational review after an operation. Video labeling allows learners and their instructors to rapidly identify critical parts of an operative video. We recommend incorporating AI-based video labeling into robotic surgical education where available. AI also offers a mechanism by which reliable feedback can be provided in robotic surgery. Feedback through AI harnesses automated performance metrics (APMs) and natural language processing (NLP) to provide actionable and descriptive plans to learners while reducing faculty assessment burden. We recommend combining supervised AI-generated, APM-based feedback with expert-based feedback to allow surgeons and trainees to reflect on metrics like bimanual dexterity and efficiency. Finally, summative assessment by AI could allow for automated appraisal of surgeons or surgical trainees. However, AI-based assessment remains limited by concerns around bias and opaque processes. Several studies have applied computer vision to compare AI-based assessment with expert-completed rating scales, though such work remains investigational. At this time, we recommend against the use of AI for summative assessment pending additional validity evidence. Overall, AI offers solutions and promising future directions by which to address multiple educational challenges in robotic surgery. Through advances in video labeling, feedback, and assessment, AI has demonstrated ways by which to increase the efficiency and efficacy of robotic surgical education.

The 16th Hilbert Problem for Discontinuous Piecewise Linear Hamiltonian Saddles and Isochronous Centers Separated by a Straight Line

The 16th Hilbert Problem for Discontinuous Piecewise Linear Hamiltonian Saddles and Isochronous Centers Separated by a Straight Line

The equivalence of Axiom (∗)+ and Axiom (∗)++

Asperó and Schindler have completely solved the Axiom [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text] problem. They have proved that if [Formula: see text] holds then Axiom [Formula: see text] holds, with no additional assumptions. The key question now concerns the relationship between [Formula: see text] and Axiom [Formula: see text]. This is because the foundational issues raised by the problem of Axiom [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text] arguably persist in the problem of Axiom [Formula: see text] vs. [Formula: see text]. The first of our two main theorems is that Axiom [Formula: see text] is equivalent to Axiom [Formula: see text], and as a corollary we show that Axiom [Formula: see text] fails in all the known models of [Formula: see text]. This suggests that [Formula: see text] actually refutes Axiom [Formula: see text]. Our second main theorem is that the [Formula: see text] Conjecture holds assuming [Formula: see text]. This is the strongest partial result known on this conjecture which is one of the central open problems of [Formula: see text]-theory and [Formula: see text]-logic. These results identify a fundamental asymmetry between the Continuum Hypothesis and any axiom which is both [Formula: see text]-expressible and which implies [Formula: see text], on the basis of generic absoluteness for the simplest of the nontrivial sentences of Third-Order Number Theory. These are the [Formula: see text]-sentences with no parameters. Such sentences are those which simply assert the existence of a set [Formula: see text] for which some property involving only quantification over [Formula: see text] holds.

Planning for the development of strength and conditioning coaches’ psychosocial competencies

ABSTRACT Co-produced research can engage academics with non-academic partners to improve policy and practices in everyday life. Accordingly, we collaborated with the United Kingdom’s Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) stakeholders. As an ongoing participatory action research (PAR), in phase one we explored the lack of psychosocial competencies in the UKSCA’s predominantly positivist and bioscientific coach education curriculum and their suggestions for change. This manuscript focuses on the planning step of phase two of our PAR. Twenty-six UKSCA stakeholders engaged in focus groups or one-on-one interviews where they discussed their knowledge, beliefs, feelings, and suggestions of learning psychosocial coaching competencies as part of the UKSCA’s coach education and accreditation pathway. We used a thematic narrative analysis to create one story involving five sequential themes that build towards a plan for the UKSCA’s curriculum changes. The narrative arc starts with the stakeholders uncovering the central problem – the lack of psychosocial competencies. Then, the stakeholders identify the current curriculum as scientific and objective, explore how psychosocial competencies are currently learned through experience, and the story climaxes with a debate on the need for change. In the resolution, they suggest actions for change, particularly a new module for the UKSCA, taught by psychosocial content experts. In the challenge of introducing new disciplinary knowledge to the field of strength and conditioning, the story outlines how PAR can lead to the organisation of a practical plan for ongoing co-production, which may shape coaches’ knowledge construction and a plurality of ontological and epistemological perspectives within the UKSCA.

AI Concepts for System of Systems Dynamic Interoperability.

Interoperability is a central problem in digitization and System of Systems (SoS) engineering, which concerns the capacity of systems to exchange information and cooperate. The task to dynamically establish interoperability between heterogeneous cyber-physical systems (CPSs) at run-time is a challenging problem. Different aspects of the interoperability problem have been studied in fields such as SoS, neural translation, and agent-based systems, but there are no unifying solutions beyond domain-specific standardization efforts. The problem is complicated by the uncertain and variable relations between physical processes and human-centric symbols, which result from, e.g., latent physical degrees of freedom, maintenance, re-configurations, and software updates. Therefore, we surveyed the literature for concepts and methods needed to automatically establish SoSs with purposeful CPS communication, focusing on machine learning and connecting approaches that are not integrated in the present literature. Here, we summarize recent developments relevant to the dynamic interoperability problem, such as representation learning for ontology alignment and inference on heterogeneous linked data; neural networks for transcoding of text and code; concept learning-based reasoning; and emergent communication. We find that there has been a recent interest in deep learning approaches to establishing communication under different assumptions about the environment, language, and nature of the communicating entities. Furthermore, we present examples of architectures and discuss open problems associated with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled solutions in relation to SoS interoperability requirements. Although these developments open new avenues for research, there are still no examples that bridge the concepts necessary to establish dynamic interoperability in complex SoSs, and realistic testbeds are needed.

Periodic perturbations of central force problems and an application to a restricted 3-body problem

We consider a perturbation of a central force problem of the formx¨=V′(|x|)x|x|+ε∇xU(t,x),x∈R2∖{0}, where ε∈R is a small parameter, V:(0,+∞)→R and U:R×(R2∖{0})→R are smooth functions, and U is τ-periodic in the first variable. Based on the introduction of suitable time-maps (the radial period and the apsidal angle) for the unperturbed problem (ε=0) and of an associated non-degeneracy condition, we apply an higher-dimensional version of the Poincaré–Birkhoff fixed point theorem to prove the existence of non-circular τ-periodic solutions bifurcating from invariant tori at ε=0. We then prove that this non-degeneracy condition is satisfied for some concrete examples of physical interest (including the homogeneous potential V(r)=κ/rα for α∈(−∞,2)∖{−2,0,1}). Finally, an application is given to a restricted 3-body problem with a non-Newtonian interaction.

The role of neutral and adaptive evolutionary processes on patterns of genetic diversity across small cave-dwelling populations of Icelandic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus).

Understanding the adaptability of small populations in the face of environmental change is a central problem in evolutionary biology. Solving this problem is challenging because neutral evolutionary processes that operate on historical and contemporary timescales can override the effects of selection in small populations. We assessed the effects of isolation by colonization (IBC), isolation by dispersal limitation (IBDL) as reflected by a pattern of isolation by distance (IBD), and isolation by adaptation (IBA) and the roles of genetic drift and gene flow on patterns of genetic differentiation among 19 cave-dwelling populations of Icelandic Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). We detected evidence of IBC based on the genetic affinity of nearby cave populations and the genetic relationships between the cave populations and the presumed ancestral population in the lake. A pattern of IBD was evident regardless of whether high-level genetic structuring (IBC) was taken into account. Genetic signatures of bottlenecks and lower genetic diversity in smaller populations indicate the effect of drift. Estimates of gene flow and fish movement suggest that gene flow is limited to nearby populations. In contrast, we found little evidence of IBA as patterns of local ecological and phenotypic variation showed little association with genetic differentiation among populations. Thus, patterns of genetic variation in these small populations likely reflect localized gene flow and genetic drift superimposed onto a larger-scale structure that is largely a result of colonization history. Our simultaneous assessment of the effects of neutral and adaptive processes in a tractable and replicated system has yielded novel insights into the evolution of small populations on both historical and contemporary timescales and over a smaller spatial scale than is typically studied.

Research on WSN clustering algorithm of firefly algorithm to optimize k-means

Aiming at the problem that uneven clustering of wireless sensor networks leads to large energy consumption differences between clusters and short network lifetime, this paper proposes a clustering routing algorithm of WSN based on the Firefly algorithm to optimize k-means (FAKMC). This paper mainly studies the clustering stage of the network, adopts the k-means algorithm for node partition, and uses the improved FA to optimize the sensitive problem of the initial clustering centre of k-means. Simulation results show that, compared to LEACH and k-means, the clustering result proposed in this paper is more uniform and can extend the network life cycle.

A new computational framework for log-concave density estimation

In statistics, log-concave density estimation is a central problem within the field of nonparametric inference under shape constraints. Despite great progress in recent years on the statistical theory of the canonical estimator, namely the log-concave maximum likelihood estimator, adoption of this method has been hampered by the complexities of the non-smooth convex optimization problem that underpins its computation. We provide enhanced understanding of the structural properties of this optimization problem, which motivates the proposal of new algorithms, based on both randomized and Nesterov smoothing, combined with an appropriate integral discretization of increasing accuracy. We prove that these methods enjoy, both with high probability and in expectation, a convergence rate of order 1/T up to logarithmic factors on the objective function scale, where T denotes the number of iterations. The benefits of our new computational framework are demonstrated on both synthetic and real data, and our implementation is available in a github repository LogConcComp (Log-Concave Computation).

Neural populations within macaque early vestibular pathways are adapted to encode natural self-motion.

How the activities of large neural populations are integrated in the brain to ensure accurate perception and behavior remains a central problem in systems neuroscience. Here, we investigated population coding of naturalistic self-motion by neurons within early vestibular pathways in rhesus macaques (Macacca mulatta). While vestibular neurons displayed similar dynamic tuning to self-motion, inspection of their spike trains revealed significant heterogeneity. Further analysis revealed that, during natural but not artificial stimulation, heterogeneity resulted primarily from variability across neurons as opposed to trial-to-trial variability. Interestingly, vestibular neurons displayed different correlation structures during naturalistic and artificial self-motion. Specifically, while correlations due to the stimulus (i.e., signal correlations) did not differ, correlations between the trial-to-trial variabilities of neural responses (i.e., noise correlations) were instead significantly positive during naturalistic but not artificial stimulation. Using computational modeling, we show that positive noise correlations during naturalistic stimulation benefits information transmission by heterogeneous vestibular neural populations. Taken together, our results provide evidence that neurons within early vestibular pathways are adapted to the statistics of natural self-motion stimuli at the population level. We suggest that similar adaptations will be found in other systems and species.

Indonesia Paradox on Plastic Waste Import in International Policy and Social Movement Perspective

Indonesia, recognized as the second largest marine polluter globally, faces a significant environmental crisis despite stringent international policies and vigorous social movements advocating for sustainability. According to data from INAPLAS and BPS, Indonesia generates 64 million tons of plastic waste annually, with 3.2 million tons ending up in the sea. The waste management system in Indonesia is rudimentary, involving basic stages of collection, transportation, and disposal, with processing occurring only at the final destination. Amidst this waste crisis, Indonesia continues to import plastic waste from countries such as the United States, Germany, Australia, and Hong Kong, exacerbating the environmental and health hazards. This paper explores the paradox of plastic waste import in Indonesia, focusing on how international policies, including the Basel Convention and its recent amendments, intersect with local regulations and their enforcement. It also examines the role of social movements in combating plastic waste imports and advocating for environmental sustainability. The central problem addressed is the regulatory and social polemic surrounding waste importation in Indonesia, considering the social, political, and legal dimensions. Employing a conceptual and statute approach, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the waste import regulation issues linked to social problems within Indonesian society. It argues that the complexity of international trade, economic incentives, and insufficient regulation enforcement contribute to the paradoxical situation where policies and advocacy efforts seem misaligned with outcomes. The findings offer social and juridical recommendations for the Indonesian government and society to address the waste import dilemma effectively. By aligning policies with environmental goals and leveraging social movements, Indonesia can drive significant change towards sustainable waste management practices.

“The Third Notebook of Travels” by Liudmyla Fedorova-Kohanska as an example of a bandurist’s concert repertoire

Statement of the problem. One of the central problems faced by the modern bandurа performer is the insufficient amount of current repertoire that would correspond to modern musical trends and, at the same time, the audience’s preferences. In order to solve the problem of updating the repertoire of a modern bandura player, it is important to attract in the performance practice the works by modern Ukrainian composers. The article examines the instrumental cycle for solo bandura titled “The Third Notebook of Travels” by Ukrainian composer Liudmyla Fedorova-Kohanska. The focus is on identifying important artistic and technical principles that play a significant role in the professional development of modern academic bandura players. The recent research and publications show that there is limited literature analyzing contemporary compositions for the bandura, particularly those by Liudmyla Fedorova-Kohanska. Prior research has primarily focused on traditional repertoires and techniques, leaving a gap in understanding the contribution of modern works to the evolution of bandura performance. Objectives, methods, and novelty of the study. The study aims to determine the artistic and pedagogical significance of “The Third Notebook of Travels” within the context of the repertoire needs of bandura players. By analyzing this cycle, the research seeks to highlight its impact on enhancing performance skills and its importance in the academic training of bandura musicians. The first scientific understanding of the cycle and its introduction into the musicological and, importantly, performance circulation determines the relevance and the novelty of the research topic. The study offers a novel perspective on the work`s role in developing comprehensive musicianship of a bandure player, including technical proficiency and interpretative abilities. The study employs a detailed analytical approach, examining the musical structure, thematic development, and technical requirements of the cycle. Results and conclusion. The analysis reveals that performing “The Third Notebook of Travels” as an entire cycle is crucial for developing bandura players’ artistry. It enhances their technical skills, endurance, and large-scale musical thinking. The cycle’s diverse technical demands and expressive range make it an essential component of the modern bandura repertoire, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary Ukrainian music. “The Third Notebook of Travels” by Liudmyla Fedorova-Kohanska significantly contributes to the professional growth of bandura players. Its inclusion in academic programs can enhance the pedagogical framework, providing students with challenging and enriching repertoire. This cycle not only advances technical skills but also cultivates interpretative depth and musical versatility

Genome assembly in the telomere-to-telomere era.

Genome sequences largely determine the biology and encode the history of an organism, and de novo assembly - the process of reconstructing the genome sequence of an organism from sequencing reads - has been a central problem in bioinformatics for four decades. Until recently, genomes were typically assembled into fragments of a few megabases at best, but now technological advances in long-read sequencing enable the near-complete assembly of each chromosome - also known as telomere-to-telomere assembly - for many organisms. Here, we review recent progress on assembly algorithms and protocols, with a focus on how to derive near-telomere-to-telomere assemblies. We also discuss the additional developments that will be required to resolve remaining assembly gaps and to assemble non-diploid genomes.