Constant Problem Research Articles

Generalized K-essence inflation in Jordan and Einstein frames

We here explore a generalized K-essence model which exhibits characteristics akin to ordinary matter. The inflationary framework proposed aims to unify old with chaotic inflation into a single scheme and it considers minimally and non-minimally coupled scenarios, adopting three classes of potentials, in both Jordan and Einstein frames. We show that, to obtain a suitable amount of particles obtained from vacuum energy conversion during inflation, mitigating the classical cosmological constant problem, large-field inflation and, particularly, the Starobinsky-like class of solutions appears the most suitable one.

Remarks on the Relation of Log-Concave and Contoured Distributions in Rn\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mathbb {R}}^n$$\\end{document}

We provide a characterization of those log-concave distributions in Rn\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\\mathbb {R}}}^n$$\\end{document} that are contoured distributions, through the Kp\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$K_p$$\\end{document}-bodies of the distribution, defined by Ball. Our method uses the logarithmic integral for the solution of a Bernstein type approximation problem. In the second part of the paper we state a question for contoured distributions that would provide an alternative approach to the isotropic constant problem.

The cosmological constant problem and the extra dimensions of [formula omitted]=2 [formula omitted]=5 supergravity

We propose an interpretation for the cosmological constant problem based on modeling the universe as a 3-brane embedded in the bulk of 5-dimensional supergravity with hypermultiplets. When solving the modified Friedmann equations the complex structure moduli of the Calabi-Yau manifold cancel the large value of the vacuum energy density on the brane, wherein this value transfers to an Anti-de Sitter fifth dimensional bulk compactified on a scale (∼10−26m). An effective dark energy density is produced on the brane which equals the observed value responsible for the late-time acceleration of the universe. The bulk undergoes a decelerated contraction while we show that cosmic expansion of the brane-universe consists with the recent observed data of the ΛCDM model. On the other hand, through this model, the hierarchy between the electroweak scale (MEW=100GeV) and the Planck scale (Mpl∼1018GeV) is interpreted by compactifying the 6-extra dimensions of D=5 supergravity on a sub-millimeters scale, where the fundamental scale of gravity within these extra dimensions is MEW.

An AI-based multiphase framework for improving the mechanical ventilation availability in emergency departments during respiratory disease seasons: a case study

BackgroundShortages of mechanical ventilation have become a constant problem in Emergency Departments (EDs), thereby affecting the timely deployment of medical interventions that counteract the severe health complications experienced during respiratory disease seasons. It is then necessary to count on agile and robust methodological approaches predicting the expected demand loads to EDs while supporting the timely allocation of ventilators. In this paper, we propose an integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Discrete-event Simulation (DES) to design effective interventions ensuring the high availability of ventilators for patients needing these devices.MethodsFirst, we applied Random Forest (RF) to estimate the mechanical ventilation probability of respiratory-affected patients entering the emergency wards. Second, we introduced the RF predictions into a DES model to diagnose the response of EDs in terms of mechanical ventilator availability. Lately, we pretested two different interventions suggested by decision-makers to address the scarcity of this resource. A case study in a European hospital group was used to validate the proposed methodology.ResultsThe number of patients in the training cohort was 734, while the test group comprised 315. The sensitivity of the AI model was 93.08% (95% confidence interval, [88.46 − 96.26%]), whilst the specificity was 85.45% [77.45 − 91.45%]. On the other hand, the positive and negative predictive values were 91.62% (86.75 − 95.13%) and 87.85% (80.12 − 93.36%). Also, the Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve plot was 95.00% (89.25 − 100%). Finally, the median waiting time for mechanical ventilation was decreased by 17.48% after implementing a new resource capacity strategy.ConclusionsCombining AI and DES helps healthcare decision-makers to elucidate interventions shortening the waiting times for mechanical ventilators in EDs during respiratory disease epidemics and pandemics.

Gerber-Shiu theory for discrete risk processes in a regime switching environment

In this paper we develop the Gerber-Shiu theory for the classic and dual discrete risk processes in a Markovian (regime switching) environment. In particular, by expressing the Gerber-Shiu function in terms of potential measures of an upward (downward) skip-free discrete-time and discrete-space Markov Additive Process (MAP), we derive closed form expressions for the Gerber-Shiu function in terms of the so-called (discrete) Wv and Zv scale matrices, which were introduced in [27]. We show that the discrete scale matrices allow for a unified approach for identifying the Gerber-Shiu function as well as the value function of the associated constant dividend barrier problems.

On the Apparent Discretization of Spacetime and Its Connection with the Cosmological Constant

The emergence of a minimal observable length of order of the Planck scale is a prediction of many quantum theories of gravity. However, the question arises as to whether this is a real fundamental length affecting nature in all of its facets, including spacetime. In this work, we show that the quantum measurement process implies the existence of a minimal measurable length and consequently the apparent discretization of spacetime. The obtained result is used to infer the value of zero-point energy in the universe, which is found to be in good agreement with the observed cosmological constant. This potentially offers some hints towards the resolution of the cosmological constant problem.

Are changes in sleep problems associated with changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition?

Retirement reduces sleep problems, but changes in life satisfaction during the retirement transition are multifactorial and partly unknown. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine whether changes in sleep problems are associated with changes in total and domain-specific life satisfaction during the retirement transition (on average 0.5 years before and 0.5 years after retirement). The study population consisted of Finnish public sector employees (n = 3518) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging (FIREA) study who responded to annual surveys before and after transition to statutory retirement. Sleep problems were measured with Jenkins Sleep Problem Scale questionnaire and participants were grouped into four sleep problem groups depending on the state of their sleep problems during the retirement transition: ‘Never,’ ‘Decreasing,’ ‘Increasing,’ and ‘Constant’ sleep problems. Life satisfaction was measured with the Life Satisfaction Scale questionnaire including four domains (interestingness, happiness, easiness, togetherness). We found that the improvement in total life satisfaction was greatest for participants in the ‘Decreasing’ (0.17, 95% CI 0.11–0.23, SMD 0.27) and ‘Constant’ (0.12, 95% CI 0.07–0.18, SMD 0.19) sleep problem groups. Of the specific life satisfaction domains, similar findings were observed only for the easiness domain. It seems that decreasing or constant sleep problems are associated with improved life satisfaction during the retirement transition, especially in the feeling of easiness of life. This may be due to the fact that as the demands of working life are removed, sleep problems are alleviated or it becomes easier to live with them, which improves life satisfaction.

Ox-Ethnio: Blockchain E-Voting System

Abstract: In comparison to conventional paper-based systems, electronic voting, or e-voting, offers many benefits, including increased efficiency and fewer mistakes. It has developed into many different forms. However, gaining public approval of these systems remains a constant problem, especially when it comes to making them more resilient to possible weaknesses. With its potential to increase the overall resilience of electronic voting systems, blockchain technology is emerging as a market disruptor. With the use of blockchain technology, this project aims to create an efficient e-voting infrastructure by using its transparency and cryptographic underpinnings. The proposed technique satisfies the essential requirements for electronic voting systems and offers end-to-end variabilities essay delves into the planned e-voting mechanism and its actual implementation on the Multichain platform in great depth. Furthermore, Electronic voting systems, when applied in elections, need to uphold legality, accuracy, security, and convenience. Nevertheless, the potential challenges associated with digital voting methods can impede their widespread adoption. Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution to address these concerns, offering decentralized networks for electronic voting. Its main appeal lies in the ability to provide end-to-end verification, making it a preferred choice for developing electronic voting systems.

Morphological features of the poultry thymus

This article reviews the literature on the morphological features of the poultry thymus. Since the preservation of livestock and disease prevention is a constant problem, the issue of poultry care will always remain in the forefront. Efforts to preserve the population and increase their productivity are directly related to strengthening poultry immunity and the state of their immune system. The study of the morphology of immune system organs allows us to objectively assess the effectiveness of methods for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, as well as to identify critical periods of development of the immune system and the body as a whole. When assessing the immune status of poultry, much attention is paid to the state of lymphoid organs, including the thymus. Currently, aspects related to the dynamics of development of immunocompetent organs during the postnatal period of ontogenesis and the time frame of their involution remain unresolved. Understanding the morphological features of the thymus and its changes is a key element in assessing the function of the immune system. It was found that with the growth and development of chicks, the absolute and relative weight of the thymus increases. However, at the onset of reproductive maturity, these values decrease significantly. Involution of the thymus mass occurs, the boundary between cortical and cerebral substances becomes less distinct, and the cellular composition of the thymus changes. The process of age-related involution is accompanied by a decrease in lymphoid tissue and T-lymphocytes. It is worth noting that the total number of circulating T-lymphocytes remains stable, as this population includes long-lived cells that do not require constant renewal. In this context, there is a change in the ratio of cortical and cerebral substances, the growth of connective tissue stroma and adipose tissue. It is noted that stress factors are one of the causes of early thymic involution, and the degree of development and morphological state of the thymus significantly affect the body's resistance to infections. Changes in the structure and morphometry of the chicken thymus can be an important criterion for the morphological diagnosis of immunodeficiencies in poultry.

Equivariant Solutions to the Optimal Partition Problem for the Prescribed Q-Curvature Equation

We study the optimal partition problem for the prescribed constant Q-curvature equation induced by the higher-order conformal operators under the effect of cohomogeneity one actions on Einstein manifolds with positive scalar curvature. This allows us to give a precise description of the solution domains and their boundaries in terms of the orbits of the action. We also prove the existence of least energy symmetric solutions to a weakly coupled elliptic system of prescribed Q-curvature equations under weaker assumptions and conclude a multiplicity result of sign-changing solutions to the prescribed constant Q-curvature problem induced by the Paneitz-Branson operator. Moreover, we study the coercivity of GJMS operators on Ricci solitons, compute the Q-curvature of these manifolds, and give a multiplicity result for the sign-changing solutions to the Yamabe problem with a prescribed number of nodal domains on the Koiso–Cao Ricci soliton.

Spontaneous collapse models lead to the emergence of classicality of the Universe

Assuming that Quantum Mechanics is universal and that it can be applied over all scales, then the Universe is allowed to be in a quantum superposition of states, where each of them can correspond to a different space-time geometry. How can one then describe the emergence of the classical, well-defined geometry that we observe? Considering that the decoherence-driven quantum-to-classical transition relies on external physical entities, this process cannot account for the emergence of the classical behaviour of the Universe. Here, we show how models of spontaneous collapse of the wavefunction can offer a viable mechanism for explaining such an emergence. We apply it to a simple General Relativity dynamical model for gravity and a perfect fluid. We show that, by starting from a general quantum superposition of different geometries, the collapse dynamics leads to a single geometry, thus providing a possible mechanism for the quantum-to-classical transition of the Universe. Similarly, when applying our dynamics to the physically-equivalent Parametrised Unimodular gravity model, we obtain a collapse on the basis of the cosmological constant, where eventually one precise value is selected, thus providing also a viable explanation for the cosmological constant problem. Our formalism can be easily applied to other quantum cosmological models where we can choose a well-defined clock variable.

Solving Particle–Antiparticle and Cosmological Constant Problems

We solve the particle-antiparticle and cosmological constant problems proceeding from quantum theory, which postulates that: various states of the system under consideration are elements of a Hilbert space H with a positive definite metric; each physical quantity is defined by a self-adjoint operator in H; symmetry at the quantum level is defined by a representation of a real Lie algebra A in H such that the representation operator of any basis element of A is self-adjoint. These conditions guarantee the probabilistic interpretation of quantum theory. We explain that in the approaches to solving these problems that are described in the literature, not all of these conditions have been met. We argue that fundamental objects in particle theory are not elementary particles and antiparticles but objects described by irreducible representations (IRs) of the de Sitter (dS) algebra. One might ask why, then, experimental data give the impression that particles and antiparticles are fundamental and there are conserved additive quantum numbers (electric charge, baryon quantum number and others). The reason is that, at the present stage of the universe, the contraction parameter R from the dS to the Poincare algebra is very large and, in the formal limit R→∞, one IR of the dS algebra splits into two IRs of the Poincare algebra corresponding to a particle and its antiparticle with the same masses. The problem of why the quantities (c,ℏ,R) are as are does not arise because they are contraction parameters for transitions from more general Lie algebras to less general ones. Then the baryon asymmetry of the universe problem does not arise. At the present stage of the universe, the phenomenon of cosmological acceleration (PCA) is described without uncertainties as an inevitable kinematical consequence of quantum theory in semiclassical approximation. In particular, it is not necessary to involve dark energy the physical meaning of which is a mystery. In our approach, background space and its geometry are not used and R has nothing to do with the radius of dS space. In semiclassical approximation, the results for the PCA are the same as in General Relativity if Λ=3/R2, i.e., Λ>0 and there is no freedom for choosing the value of Λ.

Rates of Convergence and Metastability for Chidume’s Algorithm for the Approximation of Zeros of Accretive Operators in Banach Spaces

In this paper we give a quantitative analysis of an explicit iteration method due to C.E. Chidume for the approximation of a zero of an m-accretive operator A : X → 2 X in Banach spaces which does not involve the computation of the resolvent of A.

Emergent strong zero mode through local Floquet engineering

Periodically driven quantum systems host exotic phenomena that often do not have any analog in undriven systems. Floquet prethermalization and dynamical freezing of certain observables, via the emergence of conservation laws, are realized by controlling the drive frequency. Recent experimental developments in synthetic quantum matter, such as superconducting qubits and cold atoms, have opened avenues for implementing local Floquet engineering which can achieve spatially modulated quantum control of states. Here, we uncover the novel memory effects of local periodic driving in a nonintegrable spin-half staggered Heisenberg chain. For a boundary-driven protocol at the dynamical freezing frequency, we show the formation of an approximate strong zero mode, a prethermal quasilocal operator, due to the emergence of a discrete global Z2 symmetry. This is captured by constructing an accurate effective Floquet Hamiltonian using a higher-order partially resummed Floquet-Magnus expansion. The lifetime of the boundary spin can be exponentially enhanced by enlarging the set of suitably chosen driven sites. We demonstrate that in the asymptotic limit, achieved by increasing the number of driven sites, a strong zero mode emerges, where the lifetime of the boundary spin grows exponentially with system size. The nonlocal processes in the Floquet Hamiltonian play a pivotal role in the total freezing of the boundary spin in the thermodynamic limit. The novel dynamics of the boundary spin is accompanied by a rich structure of entanglement in the Floquet eigenstates where specific bipartitions yield an area-law scaling while the entanglement for random bipartitions scales as a volume-law. Our work addresses the long-standing question of the existence of a strong zero mode in a nonintegrable model and elucidates the complex nature of thermalization in locally driven systems. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Foundations of time-symmetric physics. 2. Quantum field theory

Time symmetric theory (TST), described in the first article and based on the equivalence principle of particle physics, is applied to quantum fields and time-symmetric quantum field theory is formulated. This principle is based on the Zisman-Stückelberg-Feynman interpretation, where antiparticles are described as negative energy particles moving backward in time, and generalizes it to the rest frames of such particles also moving backward in time. In TST, relativistic fields are described by complex field operators, and observables are automatically normally ordered. For this reason, at time-symmetric quantization (TSQ) of fields, the vacuum energy and charge disappear and there is no cosmological constant problem. In TST, the probabilities of states are positive, and the probability currents can have two signs depending on the direction of evolution along the time axis. The operator of interaction current is defined as the product of the probability current and the matrix of interaction constants. Applications of TST to the Standard Model fields and graviton field are considered. In TSQ correctly describes the observable effects, since in terms of ordinary time it leads to a standard diagram technique, transforming mathematical recipes of the latter into logical consequences of physical principles.

N -cutoff regularization for fields on hyperbolic space

We apply a novel background independent regularization scheme, the N-cutoffs, to self-consistently quantize scalar and metric fluctuations on the maximally symmetric but noncompact hyperbolic space. For quantum matter fields on a classical background or full quantum Einstein gravity (regarded here as an effective field theory) treated in the background field formalism, the N-cutoff is an ultraviolet regularization of the fields’ mode content that is independent of the background hyperbolic space metric. For each N>0, the regularized system backreacts on the geometry to dynamically determine the self-consistent background metric. The limit in which the regularization is removed then automatically yields the “physically correct” spacetime on which the resulting quantum field theory lives. When self-consistently quantized with the N-cutoff, we find that without any fine-tuning of parameters, the vacuum fluctuations of scalar and (linearized) graviton fields do not lead to the usual cosmological constant problem of a curvature singularity. Instead, the presence of increasingly many field modes tends to reduce the negative curvature of hyperbolic space, leading to vanishing values in the limit of removing the cutoff. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

A mass scale law connecting cosmophysics to microphysics

We introduce different mass scales corresponding to the Universe, fermion stars, mini boson stars, Planck black holes, the electron, the neutrino, and the cosmon. These mass scales are obtained by combining the maximum mass of fermion stars, boson stars and soliton stars set by quantum mechanics and general relativity with the Eddington relation connecting the mass me of the electron to the cosmological constant Λ. In this manner, we can express the mass of these objects in terms of the fundamental constants of physics G, c, ħ and Λ. By normalizing the mass Ma of these objects by the Planck mass MP, we find that Ma/MP∼χa/6, where χ∼ρP/ρΛ∼10120 is the “largest large number” in Nature (the ratio of the Planck density on the Einstein cosmological density) and a=3,2,1,0,−1,−2,−3 for the Universe, fermion stars, mini boson stars, Planck black holes, the electron, the neutrino, and the cosmon respectively. This formula suggests an interesting symmetrical mass scale law connecting cosmophysics (Universe, fermion stars, mini boson stars) to microphysics (electron, neutrino, cosmon). A generalization of this law including the earth mass and another neutrino mass scale is proposed. We highlight an accurate form of Eddington relation me≃α(Λħ4/G2)1/6 or Λ≃G2me6/α6ħ4=α−6(me/MP)6lP−2, where α=e2/ħc≃1/137 is the fine structure constant, and provide different heuristic derivations of this relation. We consider another relation Λ=Gc(mΛ∗)4/ħ3=(mΛ∗/MP)4lP−2, where mΛ∗=(Λħ3/Gc)1/4 is the neutrino mass. We relate these relations to the two expressions of the vacuum energy density given by Zeldovich in 1968. We suggest that the dark energy particle (cosmon) of mass mΛ=ħΛ/c could be a quantum of mass and entropy so that Λ=mΛ2c2/ħ2=(mΛ/MP)2lP−2. We relate the large number 10120 to the total number of degrees of freedom (or number of cosmons) in the universe. Finally, we give hints how to possibly solve the cosmological constant problem, the cosmic coincidence problem, and the large number coincidence problem.

Separation of the Linear and Nonlinear Covariates in the Sparse Semi-Parametric Regression Model in the Presence of Outliers

Determining the predictor variables that have a non-linear effect as well as those that have a linear effect on the response variable is crucial in additive semi-parametric models. This issue has been extensively investigated by many researchers in the area of semi-parametric linear additive models, and various separation methods are proposed by the authors. A popular issue that might affect both estimation and separation results is the existence of outliers among the observations. In order to address this lack of sensitivity towards extreme observations, robust estimating approaches are frequently applied. We propose a robust method for simultaneously identifying the linear and nonlinear components of a semi-parametric linear additive model, even in the presence of outliers in the observations. Additionally, this model is sparse in that it may be used to determine which explanatory variables are ineffective by giving accurate zero estimates for their coefficients. To assess the effectiveness of the proposed method, a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study is conducted along with an application to investigate the dataset, which includes Boston property prices dataset.

Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles: An Efficient Nonlinear Quantized Constant Envelope Precoding for Massive MU-MIMO Systems

Notice of Violation of IEEE Publication Principles <BR><BR>"An Efficient Nonlinear Quantized Constant Envelope Precoding for Massive MU-MIMO Systems," <BR>by R. Liang, H. Li, W. Zhang, C. Liu and Y. Guo, <BR>in IEEE Systems Journal, Early Access <BR><BR>After a careful and considered review of the content and authorship of this paper by a duly constituted expert committee, this paper has been found to be in violation of IEEE’s Publication Principles. <BR><BR>This paper contains content from the papers cited below. Credit notices were used, but due to the absence of quotation marks or offset text, the copied content is not clearly referenced or specifically identified. <BR><BR>"VLSI Design of a 3-bit Constant-Modulus Precoder for Massive MU-MIMO," <BR>by O. Castañeda, S. Jacobsson, G. Durisi, T. Goldstein and C. Studer, <BR>in the Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems (ISCAS), May 2018 <BR><BR>"Quantized Precoding for Massive MU-MIMO," <BR>by S. Jacobsson, G. Durisi, M. Coldrey, T. Goldstein and C. Studer, <BR>in IEEE Transactions on Communications, vol. 65, no. 11, pp. 4670-4684, November 2017 <BR><BR> <br/> Massive multiuser multiple-input&#x2013;multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems are foreseen as the key technology in next-generation wireless communication systems. However, many radio-frequency (RF) chains will require high power consumption and lots of hardware cost. One of the practical solutions is using low-resolution discrete phase shifters (PSs) for each antenna and RF chain. This article designs a nonlinear quantized constant envelope precoding algorithm for MU-MIMO systems with low-resolution discrete PS at the base station. In this algorithm, the quantized constant envelope precoding problem is presented as a nonconvex optimization problem. The multiuser interference is minimized by solving the optimal precoded vector and the associated precoding factors. First, we consider relaxing the nonconvex constraint on the 1-bit quantized constant envelope precoding to a continuous set of convex constraints on the unit circle. Afterwards, the semidefinite relaxation method is used to tackle the equivalent 1-bit quantized precoding problem. We further extend the algorithm to provide multi-bit quantized constant envelop precoding. Finally, the simulations are carried out under various conditions and compared with the most advanced precoding methods. The results demonstrate that this algorithm achieves a comparable performance to the existing precoding methods. At the same time, the corresponding performance-complexity tradeoff is more conducive to the expansion of the proposed algorithm to the multibit case.

THE FIREWOOD FOR SALT FURNACE WAS RUINED": UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES IN SALT PRODUCTION IN THE XVIII CENTURY

The history of the salt industry of Prikamye in the 18th century has been studied as the sphere of competence of city authorities and salt industrialists in their continuous interaction with state authorities. For the first time, some materials of the Solikamsk city magistrate related to the exploitation of salt regalia are being introduced into scientific circulation. Force majeure situations in the salt mines, which were resolved by elected officials and owners of the mines, are considered. It is concluded that the sale of salt regalia throughout the 18th century gradually became a constant problem for local authorities and salt industrialists.