Emergence Research Articles

A minimal dynamical model of Intonation: Tone contrast, alignment, and scaling of American English pitch accents as emergent properties

The pitch accent system of Mainstream American English (MAE) is one of the most well-studied phenomena within the Autosegmental-Metrical (AM) approach to intonation. In this work we present an explicit model grounded in dynamical theory that predicts both qualitative phonological and quantitative phonetic generalizations about the MAE system. While the traditional AM account separates a phonological model of the structure of the accents from the F0 algorithm that interprets the phonological specification, we propose a unified dynamical model that encompasses both. The proposed model is introduced incrementally, one dynamical term at a time, to arrive at the minimal model needed to account for observed empirical generalizations, avoiding unnecessary complexity. The quantitative and qualitative properties of the MAE system that inform the dynamical model are based on an analysis of a large database of productions of the four most well-studied pitch accents of American English: three rising accents (H*, L+H*, L*+H) and a low-falling accent (L*). The dynamic model highlights the importance of velocity-based measures of F0, not typically invoked in intonational research, as key to understanding F0 differences among pitch accent categories. Although the focus of this work is on the MAE pitch accent system, suggestions are made for how the unified phonetic-phonological dynamical framework presented can be further developed to account for other pitch-based phenomena in a variety of languages.

Particle topology-regulated relaxation dynamics in cluster-ordering.

The granular materials of soft particles (SPs) demonstrate unique viscoelasticity distinct from general colloidal and polymer systems. Exploiting dynamic light scattering measurements, together with molecular dynamics simulations, we study the diffusive dynamics of soft particle clusters (SPCs) with spherical and cylindrical brush topologies, respectively, in the melts of SPs. A topologically constrained relaxation theory is proposed by quantitatively correlating the relaxation time to the topologies of the SPCs, through the mean free space (Va) of tethered SPs in the cluster. The tethered SPs in SPCs are crowded by SPs of the melts to form the cage zones, and the cooperative diffusion of the tether SPs in the zones is required for the diffusive motion of SPCs. The cage zone serves as an entropic barrier for the diffusion of SP clusters, while its strength is determined by Va. Three characteristic modes can be confirmed: localized non-diffusive mode around critical Va, diffusive mode with Va deviating far from the critical value, and a sub-diffusive mode as an interlude between two limits. Our studies raise attention to the emergent physical properties of materials based on SPs via a topological design while opening new avenues for the design of soft structural materials.

Gold-Template-Assisted Mechanical Exfoliation of Large-Area 2D Layers Enables Efficient and Precise Construction of Moiré Superlattices.

Moiré superlattices, consisting of rotationally aligned 2D atomically thin layers, provide a highly novel platform for the study of correlated quantum phenomena. However, reliable and efficient construction of moiré superlattices is challenging because of difficulties to accurately angle-align small exfoliated 2D layers and the need to shun wet-transfer processes. Here, efficient and precise construction of various moiré superlattices is demonstrated by picking up and stacking large-area 2D mono- or few-layer crystals with predetermined crystal axes, made possible by a gold-template-assisted mechanical exfoliation method. The exfoliated 2D layers are semiconductors, superconductors, or magnets and their high quality is confirmed by photoluminescence and Raman spectra and by electrical transport measurements of fabricated field-effect transistors and Hall devices. Twisted homobilayers with angle-twisting accuracy of ≈0.3°, twisted heterobilayers with sub-degree angle-alignment accuracy, and multilayer superlattices are precisely constructed and characterized by their moiré patterns, interlayer excitons, and second harmonic generation. The present study paves the way for exploring emergent phenomena in moiré superlattices.

Graphene-based spintronics

Graphene, the first isolated two-dimensional atomic crystal, is about to pass its 20th year. The last decade has been a critical period for graphene to gradually move from the laboratory to practical applications, and the research on the spin-related physical properties and various spintronic applications of graphene is still enduring. In this review, we systematically retrospect the important and state-of-art progresses about graphene-based spintronics. First, spin–orbit coupling and various tuning means in graphene have been introduced, such as adatoms, electrical control, and the proximity effect. Second, several methods for inducing magnetism in graphene are summarized, including defect, atom doping, proximity effect, and the recently attractive twisted magic-angle. Third, graphene-based lateral and vertical spin valves are discussed, along with some emergent spin transport properties, including spin injection, scattering, and relaxation. Fourth, graphene-based spin logic circuits for spin communications and multifunctional spin logic devices are exhibited. Finally, some significant opportunities and challenges of graphene-based spintronics for the fundamental physics and practical applications in the future are briefly discussed.

System-level time computation and representation in the suprachiasmatic nucleus revealed by large-scale calcium imaging and machine learning.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the mammalian central circadian pacemaker with heterogeneous neurons acting in concert while each neuron harbors a self-sustained molecular clockwork. Nevertheless, how system-level SCN signals encode time of the day remains enigmatic. Here we show that population-level Ca2+ signals predict hourly time, via a group decision-making mechanism coupled with a spatially modular time feature representation in the SCN. Specifically, we developed a high-speed dual-view two-photon microscope for volumetric Ca2+ imaging of up to 9000 GABAergic neurons in adult SCN slices, and leveraged machine learning methods to capture emergent properties from multiscale Ca2+ signals as a whole. We achieved hourly time prediction by polling random cohorts of SCN neurons, reaching 99.0% accuracy at a cohort size of 900. Further, we revealed that functional neuron subtypes identified by contrastive learning tend to aggregate separately in the SCN space, giving rise to bilaterally symmetrical ripple-like modular patterns. Individual modules represent distinctive time features, such that a module-specifically learned time predictor can also accurately decode hourly time from random polling of the same module. These findings open a new paradigm in deciphering the design principle of the biological clock at the system level.

Density functional theory study of the structure, stability, magnetic properties, and (hyper)polarizability of (sub-nm) rare-earth (RE) doped gold clusters: Au5RE with RE = Sc, Y, La-Lu.

Rare-earth doped materials are of immense interest for their potential applications in linear and nonlinear photonics. There is also intense interest in sub-nanometer gold clusters due to their enhanced stability and unique optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties. To leverage their emergent properties, here we report a systematic study of the geometries, stability, electronic, magnetic, and linear and nonlinear optical properties of Au5RE (RE = Sc, Y, La-Lu) clusters using density-functional theory. Several low-energy isomers consisting of planar or non-planar configurations are identified. For most doped clusters, the non-planar configuration is energetically favored. In the case of La-, Pm-, Gd-, and Ho-doped clusters, a competition between planar and non-planar isomers is predicted. A distinct preference for the planar configuration is predicted for Au5Eu, Au5Sm, Au5Tb, Au5Tm, and Au5Yb. The distinction between the planar and non-planar configurations is highlighted by the calculated highest frequencies, with the stretching mode of the non-planar configuration predicted to be stiffer than the planar configuration. The bonding analysis reveals the dominance of the RE-d orbitals in the formation of frontier molecular orbitals, which, in turn, facilitates retaining the magnetic characteristics governed by RE-f orbitals, preventing spin-quenching of rare earths in the doped clusters. In addition, the doped clusters exhibit small energy gaps between frontier orbitals, large dipole moments, and enhanced hyperpolarizability compared to the host cluster.

Factors Affecting Student Retention: A Complex-Systemic Study of EFL Students at Cadi Ayyad University

In order to shed light on the problem of student retention (a university's ability to retain its students), this paper analyzes the implementation of complexity theory in Moroccan universities. Tinto's (1975) Student Integration model served as its main reference. Through the lenses of nestedness and networked interactions, we examine the case of the English department at the factors affecting student retention at the English department and (b) build a model that will serve as an example for student retention there. In order to address the topic at hand, the study conceptualizes student retention as an emergent phenomenon brought on by component and agent interaction in a complex system. Data was gathered from freshmen English department students. EFA (exploratory factor analysis) and correlations were used to analyze the quantitative data. Statistically significant findings supported three of the five hypotheses. According to the research, four variables from the initial model were revealed by the EFA. The following variables are: (1) Initial goal and institutional commitment; (2) Social integration; (3) Family background; and (4) Academic integration. In a nutshell, this paper seeks to investigate how complexity perspectives might be used to construct student retention models that will guide institutional decision-making at Moroccan universities.

‘Our opinions really matter': conceptualising and operationalising authentic student voice through negotiated integrated curriculum

ABSTRACT Student democratic participation in schools is often limited to involvement in school councils with associated dangers of tokenism and speaking for others. There is limited space for students to have a voice in what is learned due to mandated state curricula and scepticism about student capacity, even though consultation with students about matters that affect them is a legally binding obligation under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. These challenges have resulted in limited research on operationalising substantive student voice. Student agency remains feasible within the boundaries of the formal curriculum, but with significant limitations on decision-making. This paper conceptualises the relationship between student voice and agency, mediated by forms of curricular engagement. We posit that ideological dimensions of engagement and associated student positionality exert a dominant influence on voice and agency. Furthermore, we examine the potential for more authentic approaches to voice and agency to dynamically alter student engagement. Empirically, we draw on work on curriculum negotiation and integration to consider the operationalisation of student voice as the fundamental driver of curriculum, with authentic engagement and agency as emergent properties. Practical considerations for incorporating such approaches in state curricula are explored.

“Green skills" and the emergent property of “greening”

ABSTRACT This article offers critical analysis of the concept of “green skills" as part of policies designed to support green transition. We argue that it is unhelpful to focus on (definitions and narrow sets of) “green skills", as opposed to conceptualising the emergent properties of social systems which result in “greening” i.e. the incorporation of policies and practices in various societal domains, which comprise measurable reduced environmental impact and environmentally responsible economic activity as an outcome. We maintain: (a) greening can be considered an emergent property at the macro level (e.g. green economy, green industry) to which skills of various types contribute, in combination with other arrangements at the organisational, institutional and policy level; (b) what counts more in reaching green goals is not delivering parcels of so-called “green skills”, but education and training of a form that is the emergent property of how a certain type of Vocational Education and Training (VET) system functions, and of the pedagogical assumptions underpinning it. Our discussion is prompted by two projects on the European steel industry’s efforts to decarbonise and comparative reflections on the capacity of VET in Germany and the UK to deliver the skills necessary to support (the steel industry’s) transition.

Emergent Properties in Chemistry - Relating Molecular Properties to Bulk Behavior.

Certain properties of an object only emerge when a sufficient number of those objects are present in a definite arrangement. For example, one or two water molecules cannot said to be in a liquid state, but a drop of water can be. This concept of emergence has been studied extensively, but only occasionally discussed explicitly in the context of chemistry. In this paper, we aim to show the fruitfulness of the concept of emergence for chemical inquiry by considering four case studies of emergent chemical properties, i. e., the liquidity and freezing of water, structural properties of crystals, thermodynamical phase transitions and quantum mechanical phenomena. We show that some of these properties emerge gradually, some at discrete points, and some should be taken to emerge only when the number of constituents tends to infinity. We argue that studying the way in which chemical properties emerge presents a useful avenue for research that promises greater insight into the nature of those properties.

Review of recent analytical advances in the spectroscopy of hydrogenic lines in plasmas

Abstract Broadening of hydrogenic spectral lines is an important tool in spectroscopic diagnostics of various laboratory and astrophysical plasmas. We review recent analytical advances in three areas. First, we review the analytical solution for the splitting of hydrogenic lines under the combination of a circularly polarized electromagnetic wave with a strong magnetic field. Practical applications of this solution relate to the spectroscopic diagnostic of the electron cyclotron waves and to the relativistic laser–plasma interactions. Second, we review analytical results concerning the Stark–Zeeman broadening of the Lyman-alpha (Ly-alpha) line in plasmas. These results allow for the Stark width of the Ly-alpha π-component to be used for the experimental determination of the ion density or of the root-mean-square field of a low-frequency electrostatic plasma turbulence in the situation where the Zeeman effect dominates over the Stark effects. Third, we review recent analytical advances in the area of the intra-Stark spectroscopy: three different new methods, based on the emergent phenomenon of the Langmuir-wave-caused structures (“L-dips”) in the line profiles, for measuring super-strong magnetic fields of the GigaGauss range developing during relativistic laser–plasma interactions. We also review the rich physics behind the L-dips phenomenon – because there was a confusion in the literature in this regard.

Getting stuck in a rut as an emergent feature of a dynamic decision-making system.

Human sensorimotor decision making has a tendency to get 'stuck in a rut', being biased towards selecting a previously implemented action structure (hysteresis). Existing explanations propose this is the consequence of an agent efficiently modifying an existing plan, rather than creating a new plan from scratch. Instead, we propose that hysteresis is an emergent property of a system learning from the consequences of its actions. To examine this, 152 participants moved a cursor to a target on a tablet device while avoiding an obstacle. Hysteresis was observed when the obstacle moved sequentially across the screen between trials, whereby the participant continued moving around the same side of the obstacle despite it now requiring a larger movement than the alternative. Two further experiments (n = 20) showed an attenuation when time and resource constraints were eased. We created a simple computational model capturing probabilistic estimate updating that showed the same patterns of results. This provides, to our knowledge, the first computational demonstration of how sensorimotor decision making can get 'stuck in a rut' through the updating of the probability estimates associated with actions.

Agile methodologies in digital banking: Theoretical underpinnings and implications for customer satisfaction

This paper delves into the theoretical underpinnings of agile methodologies and investigates their potential to enhance customer satisfaction in digital banking. Theoretical foundations of agile methodologies draw on several key theoretical frameworks complexity theory, complex systems, like digital banking ecosystems, exhibit emergent properties. Traditional linear approaches struggle to predict these. Agile embraces iterative development cycles and adaptability to changing requirements, acknowledging this complexity lean thinking, derived from manufacturing, lean thinking prioritizes eliminating waste and maximizing customer value. Agile translates this by focusing on short development sprints, prioritizing features with the highest customer impact, and minimizing unnecessary functionalities customer co-creation, traditional models often distance customers from the development process. Agile emphasizes customer co-creation, actively involving them in design and testing. This fosters a deeper understanding of customer needs and leads to more relevant and satisfying digital banking experiences. Agile practices in digital banking. Agile methodologies encompass diverse practices. This visual management system focuses on workflow optimization. Promoting a continuous flow of work from development to deployment user stories and acceptance criteria, User Acceptance criteria define the specific conditions a feature must meet for user approval. These practices ensure features align with customer needs and expectations. Agile methodologies hold significant promise for enhancing customer satisfaction in digit banking. Agile development allows banks to deliver new features and functionalities faster, keeping pace with evolving customer demands. Customers benefit from quicker access to innovative solutions that address their financial needs. This results in digital banking experiences that are intuitive, efficient, and cater to specific user needs. Increased Innovation, The iterative nature of agile fosters continuous learning and experimentation. Banks can test new features, gather customer feedback, and rapidly iterate upon them, leading to a more innovative and dynamic digital banking experience. Improved transparency and trust, agile practices promote open communication and collaboration between development teams and customers. Customers are kept informed of updates and have a voice in shaping the development process, fostering trust and a sense of ownership.

Creative principles for managing innovation projects in BANI environment

In the dynamic landscape of innovation, where environments are increasingly characterized as Brittle, Accelerating, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible (BANI), traditional project management approaches fall short of addressing the complexities and uncertainties that arise. This abstract explores a set of creative principles tailored for the effective management of innovation projects within BANI environments. Drawing inspiration from agile frameworks, design thinking, and open innovation, these principles aim to navigate the brittleness, acceleration, nonlinearity, and incomprehensibility inherent in such contexts. Adaptive leadership, rapid prototyping, and scenario planning emerge as key components, fostering a culture of continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration. Emphasizing innovation metrics beyond traditional KPIs, the abstract advocates for an ecosystem thinking approach to holistically comprehend the intricate interplay of factors within BANI environments. By integrating these creative principles, organizations can position themselves to not only adapt to the challenges presented by BANI but to thrive amid uncertainty, turning it into a catalyst for innovative growth. The world of innovation is facing unprecedented challenges. The acronym BANI – Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible – aptly captures the current environment characterized by fragile systems and interconnectedness. A single event can trigger cascading disruptions across industries and continents. Heightened uncertainty and anxiety. Rapid change and unforeseen events create constant pressure and require agility in decisionmaking. Non-linear trajectories and emergent phenomena. Traditional planning becomes obsolete in a world where cause and effect are blurry and unexpected outcomes arise. An incomprehensible information landscape. The sheer volume and complexity of data make it difficult to discern truth and make informed decisions. By embracing these creative principles, we can transform innovation projects from rigid endeavours into dynamic journeys of exploration and discovery. In the face of the BANI environment, embracing creativity, learning from failures, and pivoting quickly are the keys to unlocking ground breaking ideas and shaping a better future.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as a Complementary Treatment for Osteoradionecrosis of the Mandible: Useless or Useful? - A Literature Review

Radiotherapy (RT) is a key component of managing head and neck cancer patients. However, despite the emer gence and improvement of new RT techniques, late complications may occur, such as osteoradionecrosis of the mandible (ORNM). The diagnosis is based on clinical/radiological criteria. In the established ORNM, the chronic process does not solve spontaneously, and optimal management still needs to be established. Over the last decades, a broad therapeutic spectrum has been considered, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Al though, the clinical impact of HBOT varies according to the literature, which is why there is a current controversy regarding its benefits. Further prospective and randomised studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in the ‘real-world’ clinical practice. This article aims to synthesise the existing data, analyse previous studies´ results, identify gaps in knowledge, and discuss ORNM’ management, including a proposal for an algorithm, with a par t icular focus on HBOT.

Assessment of the resistance of landscapes of the Altai Republic
 to anthropogenic impacts

Currently, there are many points of view on assessing the resistance of landscapes to anthropogenic impact, but there are no generally accepted methods for quantitative assessment of the emergent properties of geosystems. Various methods and approaches have been developed that are based on indices of sustainability and well-being, as well as classification models, the vast majority of which are based on a score-index approach. The work provides an integral assessment of the environmental sustainability of the landscapes of the Altai Republic, which is based on a number of physical and geographical factors that influence the stability of the existing geosystems. The most important among them are: relief (especially the steepness of slopes), vegetation cover, soils, density of the river network, water balance and land types. As a result, it was established that there is a general pattern - with increasing altitude above sea level, the ecological sustainability of landscapes decreases. Against the background of this pattern, flattened areas of intermountain basins stand out, where stability increases somewhat. Thus, in the north-west of the republic, landscapes of high environmental sustainability predominate, which are succeded by less stable landscapes of the central regions, and on the slopes of the North and South Chuysky, Katunsky ridges, the Tabyn-Bogdo-Ola massif, the ecological sustainability of landscapes is noticeably reduced.

Emergentism in the biological framework: the case of fitness

In this paper, I aim to explore whether fitness, understood as a causal disposition, can be characterized as an emergent property of organisms, or if it is reducible to the anatomical, physiological, and environmentally relative properties that characterize them. In doing so, I refer to Jessica Wilson’s characterization of ontological emergence and examine if fitness meets her criteria for ontological emergent properties (dependence and autonomy); and, if so, to what degree (weak or strong).

Topological Quantum Well States in Pb/Sb Thin-Film Heterostructures.

Composite topological heterostructures, wherein topologically protected states are electronically tuned due to their proximity to other matter, are key avenues for exploring emergent physical phenomena. Particularly, pairing a topological material with a superconductor such as Pb is a promising means for generating a topological superconducting phase with exotic Majorana quasiparticles, but oft-neglected is the emergence of bulklike spin-polarized states that are quite relevant to applications. Using high-resolution photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations, we report the emergence of bulk-like spin-polarized topological quantum well states with long coherence lengths in Pb films grown on the topological semimetal Sb. The results establish Pb/Sb heterostructures as topological superconductor candidates and advance the current understanding of topological coupling effects required for realizing emergent physics and for designing advanced spintronic device architectures.

Anomalous exchange bias effect in ferromagnetic VI3 flakes

The exchange bias effect, pivotal in magnetic data storage and sensing devices, has been observed not only in interfacial regions but also in intrinsic ferromagnetic materials. Here, we have uncovered a robust and stable exchange bias effect within the layered van der Waals (vdW) ferromagnet VI3 employing magnetic circular dichroism microscopy. At 10 K, we observed a significant exchange field of approximately 0.1 T, accompanied by random shifts (positive or negative relative to zero magnetic field) after zero-field cooling. Notably, this effect is effectively controllable after field cooling, with shift direction opposing the applied magnetic field. The presence of strong magnetic anisotropic energy within VI3 results in larger coercivity-bound magnetic domains. These domains dictate the neighboring ferromagnetic alignment and induce shifts in the hysteresis loop. Our study not only contributes to comprehending fundamental nanoscale magnetic interactions but also sheds light on emergent phenomena within layered van der Waals magnets.

Always on standby: acknowledging the psychosocial risk of our postdigital presence in online digital labour in higher education

ABSTRACT This paper focuses on our experiences as higher education workers and the changing work culture that has resulted in the move to online digital labour. The shift to online and remote teaching has had disastrous impacts on academics’ ability to both pursue research, and maintain a work–life balance. Examined in this paper is an understanding of how online digital labour has created an ontological shift that has inexorably blurred the boundaries between home and work. We theorize how forms of psychosocial risk in the academy has been normalized in both an intensification of digital labour and in part, an entire sector transformation away from physical campuses. Through a nomenclature of ‘postdigital presence’ we discuss how there has been a fundamental change in how we experience academic work, and narrate how it has (re)formed our working worlds. As future projections, we situate notions of the Slow University and Quiet Quitting as counter hegemonic tactics for policy makers to consider, by reflecting on three ‘interruptions’ around Remote and Isolated work, Job Demands, and Digital Fatigue. We conclude that there is a need to engage in critical questioning around digital labour as an emergent social, anthropological and technological phenomena, not only for improved academic well-being, but also due to the financial risk to institutions of academics being always ‘on standby’.