General Dimensions Research Articles

Variational Principles for General Fractal Dimensions

Variational Principles for General Fractal Dimensions

Primary school students’ ratings of teaching – do they differentiate between subjects and teachers?

ABSTRACT Our study aims to provide empirical evidence for and against the valid use of primary school students’ ratings of three generic dimensions of teaching quality (classroom management, supportive climate, cognitive activation). We examine whether students discriminate between corresponding dimensions in different subjects, taking into account whether these subjects are taught by the same or different teachers. Using data from the German Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2015 assessment of 3,853 fourth graders (M age = 8.8 years, 195 classes), we conduct multilevel-multigroup confirmatory factor analysis. The results suggest that students only differentiate between subjects when taught by different teachers. The findings also imply that valid inferences from student assessments may be affected by students’ experiences with multiple teachers.

The impact of gynecologic cancer on female sexuality in Europe and MENA (Middle East and North Africa): a literature review.

Gynecologic cancer has a negative impact on the sexuality of women who are or have been affected by this disease. In fact, gynecologic cancers cause negative changes in female sexuality, affecting body image and psychophysical well-being, with serious consequences for women's sex lives. The aim of this study is to analyze the differences in sexuality among women who have or have had gynecologic cancer in Europe and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). We also explored possible factors that may influence women's sexuality in the 2 populations compared. The literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, considering the 10-year period of 2013 to 2023. Studies were initially selected according to the criterion that the title and abstract were in English. We then reviewed all the articles selected in the first phase and analyzed the following information: author, year of publication, type of gynecologic cancer, country in which the study was conducted, design, and materials used. Finally, we defined the inclusion criteria for the present paper: women 18years of age or older, diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, and who had undergone treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy). The studies reviewed were conducted between 2013 and 2023 in Europe and MENA, and all analyzed sexual function after the disease, understood as a general dimension that includes physiological and psychological aspects. The results of this research show that patients in both geographical areas (Europe and MENA) report changes in sexuality as a result of the cancer. Studies show that cancer reduces, interrupts, and impairs women's sexual activity, resulting in experiences of discomfort, anxiety, guilt, inadequacy, pain, and poorer quality of life. The data analyzed in this review show that cancer causes changes and deterioration in sexuality in both populations studied. No cultural or social factors were found to cause differences between the variables studied in the 2 populations. In the future, it may be interesting to carry out further studies to improve the treatment of women with gynecologic cancer, as sexuality is a very important part of a person's life.

Piecewise linear potentials for false vacuum decay and negative modes

We study bounce solutions and associated negative modes in the class of piecewise linear triangular-shaped potentials that may be viewed as approximations of smooth potentials. In these simple potentials, the bounce solution and action can be obtained analytically for a general spacetime dimension D. The eigenequations for the fluctuations around the bounce are universal and have the form of a Schrödinger-like equation with delta-function potentials. This Schrödinger equation is solved exactly for the negative modes whose number is confirmed to be one. The latter result may justify the usefulness of such piecewise linear potentials in the study of false vacuum decay. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Numerical conformal bootstrap with analytic functionals and outer approximation

This paper explores the numerical conformal bootstrap in general spacetime dimensions through the lens of a distinct category of analytic functionals, previously employed in two-dimensional studies. We extend the application of these functionals to a more comprehensive backdrop, demonstrating their adaptability and efficacy in general spacetime dimensions above two. The bootstrap is implemented using the outer approximation methodology, with computations conducted in double precision. The crux of our study lies in comparing the performance of this category of analytic functionals with conventional derivatives at crossing symmetric points. It is worth highlighting that in our study, we identified some novel kinks in the scalar channel during the maximization of the gap in two-dimensional conformal field theory. Our numerical analysis indicates that these analytic functionals offer a superior performance, thereby revealing a potential alternative paradigm in the application of conformal bootstrap.

Gluonic evanescent operators: negative-norm states and complex anomalous dimensions

In this paper, we build on our previous work to further investigate the role of evanescent operators in gauge theories, with a particular focus on their contribution to violations of unitarity. We develop an efficient method for calculating the norms of gauge-invariant operators in Yang-Mills (YM) theory by employing on-shell form factors. Our analysis, applicable to general spacetime dimensions, reveals the existence of negative-norm states among evanescent operators. We also explore the one-loop anomalous dimensions of these operators and find complex anomalous dimensions. We broaden our analysis by considering YM theory coupled with scalar fields and we observe similar patterns of non-unitarity. The presence of negative-norm states and complex anomalous dimensions across these analyses provides compelling evidence that general gauge theories are non-unitary in non-integer spacetime dimensions.

Multifractal analysis of Hewitt-Stromberg measures with respect to gauge control functions

This study provides a general multifractal formalism that overcomes the limitations of the traditional one. The generic Hewitt-Stromberg measures are used to introduce and study a multifractal formalism. The generic Hewitt-Stromberg dimensions' upper and lower bounds are estimated, producing results even at places $q$ where the upper and lower multifractal Hewitt-Stromberg dimension functions diverge.

322. IMPACT OF POSTOPERATIVE NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT MODES ON CLINICAL AND PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES IN ENHANCED RECOVERY AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR CANCER

Abstract Background Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for esophagectomy has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. However, there is significant variation in the nutritional support treatment modes during the perioperative period. We have recently developed a novel ERAS nutritional support mode. In this study, we compared this new mode with the previous ERAS nutritional support treatment mode to assess their impact on clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs), aiming to develop an optimal approach. Methods We enrolled 357 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal thoracic cancer or esophagogastric junction cancer from June 2021 to August 2023. Two different ERAS nutritional support treatment protocols were used postoperatively: the control group previously received enteral nutrition by nasojejunal tube + parenteral nutrition + early oral diet after surgery, while the study group currently received parenteral nutrition + early oral diet. We compared the two groups in terms of clinical observation indicators, hematological analysis, serum protein changes and clinical outcomes. The comparison of quality of life on PROs was assessed using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. Symptom changes were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. Results A total of 324 patients successfully completed the ERAS nutritional support protocols. The success rates were 91% in the control group and 90.2% in the study group, with no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The incidence of complications did not significantly differ between the two groups (p>0.05). Compared to the control group (n=223), the study group (n=101) significantly shortened the chest drain time (6.2±2.6 days vs. 6.6±1.5 days, p<0.05) and elevated the levels of serum total protein and albumin on the 4th postoperative day (53±5 g/L vs. 51±4 g/L, 30±2 g/L vs. 28±2 g/L, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the first flatus time, first defecation time, infusion time and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (p>0.05). The comparison of hematological analysis, serum protein changes, changes in body weight during the perioperative period and 30-day readmission rate showed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). In the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, the study group had significantly better scores in sadness, dry mouth, enjoyment of life, and general activity dimensions compared to the control group (p=0.013, p<0.001, p=0.045, p=0.008). Conclusion Based on the similar rehabilitation outcomes, the simplified ERAS nutritional support treatment mode without postoperative enteral nutrition by nasojejunal tube is more optimized because it is physiological sound and significantly improves quality of life on PROs.

Dimensions of parenting during infancy: Testing a latent bifactor model

AbstractIn the current paper, we examined the dimensional structure of parenting using a bifactor model of observed parenting domains during infancy. We validated our parenting dimensions by examining correlations with indicators of family well‐being and child development. Data come from a longitudinal cohort that recruited a diverse sample of mothers (56.5% White) and their newborn child (50.7% males). Parenting was assessed using multiple indicators at an average of 18 months (N = 397). Bifactor modelling revealed a general latent dimension of sensitivity and two unique dimensions indexing emotional input and cognitive input. We found a pattern of shared and unique correlations of the three parenting dimensions with family and child well‐being. The most robust correlations were with the general sensitivity dimension, which we argue cuts across parentings behaviors and is fundamental to development.

On the utility of partially corrupted flow measurement data arising from adjacent acoustic Doppler current profilers for energy yield assessment

Recommended practice for quantifying the energy resource at a tidal energy site requires the use of multiple instruments deployed across the site. However, the instruments used work by emitting an acoustic pulse and instruments working at the same time have the potential to interfere with each other through a process known as ’cross-talk’. It is important to understand the impact of cross-talk on measurements and how this can be managed and through data processing or suitable positioning of devices. The ReDAPT project conducted a measurement campaign using two Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) placed upstream of an operational tidal turbine. This aimed to assess the ’in-line’ instrument placement guidelines from IEC 62600-200 for Power Performance Assessment (PPA) in real-world conditions. Consequently, the results within hold potential to support arguments for expanding these zones or adjusting their general dimensions. Despite adhering to industry standards and best practices to eliminate unreliable data in the Quality Control (QC) checks, in both concurrently measuring ADCPs at different time stamps in approximately 15 % of the returned data. This work identified for the first time interference throughout the campaign and quantified subsequent impact on estimates. A method to remove data anomalies caused by interference between closely positioned ADCPs has been developed and demonstrated, resulting in a 7 % variation in estimated Annual Energy Production (AEP). The algorithm effectively removed approximately 90 % of the corrupted measurements. Moving forward, multi-sensor deployments could use the algorithm described to double-check for interference within the data sets, although care should be taken to avoid this by choosing a suitable layout for deployment.

General and distinct correspondence between personality disorder and interpersonal functioning

The alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) in DSM-5 includes interpersonal dysfunction as a core construct as a global severity dimension. However, it is less known how various interpersonal characteristics contribute to both general and distinct dimensions of personality dysfunction. In participants from community sources, we obtained responses to Levels of Personality Functioning Scale-Self Report (LPFS-SR), maladaptive traits (PID-5-BF), and social relationship patterns, including those related to close relationships and quantitative measures of network size. Canonical correlation analysis mapped conjoint associations between two sets of variables (personality scales and social relationship) and identified three distinct modes of correlation as significant. The first canonical pattern represented global dysfunction and was associated with utilitarianism, short-termed, weaker strengths, and smaller network sizes. The second canonical correlation represented externalizing traits and was associated with a larger number of relationships, higher utilitarianism, and short-term relationships with a close significant other. The third canonical correlation represented a detached, unemotional, and callous personality which corresponded with weaker relationship strength with both the mother and a close significant other. Our findings suggest that interpersonal functioning corresponding to personality dysfunction can be distinguished into both common and specific characteristics and further highlight the importance of characterizing distinct patterns within close relationships.

Carroll-invariant propagating fields

We construct Carroll-invariant theories with fields propagating outside the Carroll light cone, i.e., at a speed strictly greater than zero (“Carroll swiftons”). We first consider models in flat Carroll spacetime in general dimensions, where we present scalar and vector Carroll swifton field theories. We then turn to the coupling to gravity and achieve in particular in two dimensions a Carroll-invariant scalar swifton by coupling it suitably to Carroll dilaton gravity. Its backreaction on the geometry generates dynamical torsion. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

CONCEPT OF TRANSDUCER BASE FOR HUMS OF SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF HIGH MOBILITY WHEELED VEHICLE

The paper introduces the concept of a transducer base for HUMS of the suspension system of a high mobility wheeled vehicle. The basic principles of the maintenance system with HUMS as a subsystem and its structure are clarified. The main benefits for operators of the maintenance system after implementation of HUMS into vehicles are presented. Preliminary ranges of loads to be monitored, generated in a selected point in the suspension system of a vehicle with a GVW of 3.5T class are presented, as well as general dimensions and material selection for the base of the transducer.

Local social perception of mining in Parauapebas and Canaã dos Carajás in the eastern Amazonia, Brazil

The mineral industry plays a role in structural transformations in southeastern Pará, Eastern Amazonia, where large projects in this sector are located. This study analyzes aspects of the social perception of mining from image and reputation concepts in the Amazonian context. This paper aimed to examine the role of socioeconomic, political, and historical variables on social perception. It focused on four dimensions - economic, environmental, relationship and image, and general dimensions in Parauapebas and Canaã dos Carajás cities. The methodology consisted of the application in April of 2018 of questionnaires in a stratified sample of 960 and 349 randomly selected households in each of those cities, respectively. We employed the PCA/factor analysis method to examine whether a set of variables is relevant to social perception. The study found that the mining industry is a partner – not an intruder – because its beginning coincided with the social and historical formation of the territory. Perceptions of image and reputation were positive. Interviewee education, age, income, Whatsapp and Facebook usage, having a formal job, belonging to a union and a political party, occupation, and time of arrival are the main factors for social perception of mining. Despite their significantly negative opinion concerning mining's environmental impact, most interviewees pointed out that mining is reliable, friendly, transparent, and involved with the municipalities' problems. Our work fills a gap in growing literature that shows the challenges of companies, governments, and civil society in contemplating the dynamic aspects of mining for effective planning aiming at the social sustainability of mining regions.

Parenting Attitudes and Attributional Style in the First Secondary School Students of kazeron City

Objectives: One of the most important factors affecting the psychological and educational performance of students is the documentation style. Parenting has a significant effect on the attributional style of students. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between fathers’ parenting attitudes (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive) and attributional style (internality (locus), stability, globality) in high school students. Results: The results show that there is a positive and significant relationship between authoritative attitude and the dimension of totality and internality (locus), and there is also a negative and significant relationship between the parenting attitude of authoritarian and the dimension of stability in a negative situation (p<0.001). There is no significant relationship between authoritarian parenting attitude and general dimensions and internality (locus), and a positive and significant relationship has been observed between authoritarian attitude and the style of sustainability documents in a negative situation (p<0.001). There is a significant relationship between the permissive attitude and general attribution styles, internality (locus) and stability control (positive situation) (p<0.001). Similarly, there is no significant difference between boys and girls in terms of parenting attitudes (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive). Conclusion: It seems that there is a significant relationship between the two parenting attitudes of authoritative and permissive of fathers with the attribution styles (internality (locus), stability, globality) of students.

Anisotropic conformal change of conic pseudo-Finsler surfaces, I*

Abstract The present work is devoted to investigate anisotropic conformal transformation of conic pseudo-Finsler surfaces $(M,F)$, that is, $ F(x,y)\longmapsto \overline{F}(x,y)=e^{\phi(x,y)}F(x,y)$, where the function $\phi(x,y)$ depends on both position $x$ and direction $y$, contrary to the ordinary (isotropic) conformal transformation which depends on position only. If $F$ is a pseudo-Finsler metric, the above transformation does not yield necessarily a pseudo-Finsler metric. Consequently, we find out necessary and sufficient condition for a (conic) pseudo-Finsler surface $(M,F)$ to be transformed to a (conic) pseudo-Finsler surface $(M,\overline{F})$ under the transformation $\overline{F}=e^{\phi(x,y)}F$. In general dimension, it is extremely difficult to find the anisotropic conformal change of the inverse metric tensor in a tensorial form. However, by using the modified Berwald frame on a Finsler surface, we obtain the change of the components of the inverse metric tensor in a tensorial form. This progress enables us to study the transformation of the Finslerian geometric objects and the geometric properties associated with the transformed Finsler function $\overline{F}$. In contrast to isotropic conformal transformation, we have a non-homothetic conformal factor $\phi(x,y)$ that preserves the geodesic spray. Also, we find out some invariant geometric objects under the anisotropic conformal change. Furthermore, we investigate a sufficient condition for $\overline{F}$ to be dually flat or/and projectively flat. Finally, we study some special cases of the conformal factor $\phi(x,y)$. Various examples are provided whenever the situation needs.

Consumer evaluation of health and environmental label concepts on sensory acceptance and wellness perception of fortified oat beverage

The study aimed to determine how health and environmental labels affect consumer perception of sensory attributes, overall liking, and wellness perception of oat milk fortified with β-glucan and pea protein. Oat milk was fortified with 6.25 g β-glucan and 14.12 g pea protein per liter. Consumers (n = 108) evaluated oat milk for four consecutive days: Day 1 (label pre-exposure) in a food sensory laboratory; Day 2 and 3 evaluations through a Home-Use-Test (HUT) of bottles labeled with either health or environmental benefits; Day 4 (post-exposure) in a food sensory laboratory. Oat flavor and creaminess intensity, and overall liking on the 9-point hedonic scale were evaluated daily and wellness perception (six dimensions assessed by 31 CATA items) was evaluated on Days 1 and 4. Creaminess was perceived to be significantly greater on Day 1 than Day 4, attributed to adaptation effects, while oat flavor and overall liking (‘like moderately’) were not significantly different over four days. Overall liking was not significantly influenced by location of evaluation (CLT and HUT) or exposure to labels. For wellness perception, the most mentioned terms were from general, physical, and emotional dimensions after health and environment label exposure. Additionally, post-exposure to labels resulted in a significant increase in frequency of mentions for general, social, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. The study outcome provided information on how labels influenced wellness perception, providing a positive experience for the consumers, but did not influence the overall liking of the product.

Life cycle inventory library for embodied emissions in ventilation components

Technical components are generally poorly described in environmental assessments of buildings. In this work, an extensive library of life cycle inventories for generic ventilation components and dimensions have been developed and documented. Components are described as unit processes and can be used to improve the understanding and coverage of ventilation systems in environmental assessment of buildings, and as potential building blocks for optimization of ventilation system design with minimum life cycle emissions. The ventilation components library has been tested on a modern and energy-efficient office building. Results show that more than 78 % of the climate footprint was covered directly by the library, while the main part of the remaining footprint was associated with non-standardized and building specific components. The coverage was even higher for other environmental impact categories. To assess the coverage of the library and estimate the full impacts for a complete ventilation system, inventories were developed also for the building specific components. Results from this showed an estimated total weight of 6.84 kg/m2 floor area, and a climate footprint of 22.7 kg CO2-eq./m2 floor area. Air handling units and circular ductwork were by far the top contributors with a combined 55 % of climate emissions, with roughly equal shares from both.

Iterated-logarithm laws for convex hulls of random walks with drift

We establish laws of the iterated logarithm for intrinsic volumes of the convex hull of many-step, multidimensional random walks whose increments have two moments and a non-zero drift. Analogous results in the case of zero drift, where the scaling is different, were obtained by Khoshnevisan [Probab. Theory Related Fields 93 (1992), pp. 377–392]. Our starting point is a version of Strassen’s functional law of the iterated logarithm for random walks with drift. For the special case of the area of a planar random walk with drift, we compute explicitly the constant in the iterated-logarithm law by solving an isoperimetric problem reminiscent of the classical Dido problem. For general intrinsic volumes and dimensions, our proof exploits a novel zero–one law for functionals of convex hulls of walks with drift, of some independent interest. As another application of our approach, we obtain iterated-logarithm laws for intrinsic volumes of the convex hull of the centre of mass (running average) process associated to the random walk.

A space/time interchange symmetry of rotating AdS black holes in general dimensions

We revisit the previously known local inversion symmetry of the five-dimensional Kerr-AdS metric that relates the over-rotating black hole to the under-rotating one and reinterpret it as an interchanging symmetry between time and the longitudinal angular coordinates. We generalize this to all D dimensions, including D=4, thereby enlarging the trivial linear ZN symmetry of the N=⌊(D−1)/2⌋ longitudinal angular coordinates to the nonlinearly realized ZN+1 symmetry that involves time.