Predictions Of Theory Research Articles

Nuclear mass predictions of the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov theory with the kernel ridge regression. II. Odd-even effects

Nuclear mass predictions of the relativistic continuum Hartree-Bogoliubov theory with the kernel ridge regression. II. Odd-even effects

Context-dependent effects of morphosyntax processing in Turkish–Persian bilinguals: Electrophysiological and neuroanatomic correlates

Aims and objectives: Morphosyntax processing is related to the P600 event-related potentials (ERPs) component and blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) activation of the Pars opercularis (PO). First, this paper aims to investigate the relation of these variables across individuals. Second, we consider the role of context in morphosyntactic processing. Design/methodology: Highly proficient Turkish–Persian bilinguals ( N = 33) made morphosyntactic judgments on sentences. In a monolingual context, only L2 sentences (Persian) were presented, and the electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. In a bilingual context, Persian and Turkish sentences alternated, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was measured. Data and analysis: The EEG and fMRI data were taken from separately published experiments on the same participants. Here, we correlated amplitudes of EEG-derived ERP components and the number of activated voxels in fMRI in designated brain regions because both parameters are proportionally attuned to the number of activated neurons. Findings/conclusions: Morphosyntactic violations in a Persian monolingual context yielded a P600 component in the ERP. In L1, morphosyntactic violations increased BOLD activation in the left PO and in L2 they activated the posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG). The P600 amplitude correlated only with BOLD activity in the left PO for L1. These results first support a critical role of the PO in generating the P600; second, the findings are context-specific and are most pronounced for the presumed base languages in different contexts (i.e., L2 in monolingual and L1 in bilingual contexts). These results are consistent with predictions of the adaptive control theory. Originality: This study contributes to the rarely investigated interface between ERPs and fMRI in bilingual speakers during morphosyntactic processing. The results offer novel insights into language context effects. Significance/implications: Our findings highlight the importance of cross-modality neuroimaging in bilinguals and language processing in both monolingual and bilingual contexts.

Cognitive flexibility in autism: How task predictability and sex influence performances.

While cognitive flexibility challenges are frequently reported in autistic individuals, inconsistencies in the findings prompt further investigation into the factors influencing this flexibility. We suggest that unique aspects of the predictive brain in autistic individuals might contribute to these challenges, potentially varying by sex. Our study aimed to test these hypotheses by examining cognitive flexibility under different predictability conditions in a sample including a similar number of males and females. We conducted an online study with 263 adults (127 with an autism diagnosis), where participants completed a flexibility task under varying levels of predictability (unpredictable, moderately predictable, and predictable). Our results indicate that as task predictability increases, performance improves; however, the response time gap between autistic and non-autistic individuals also widens. Moreover, we observe significant differences between autistic males and females, which differ from non-autistic individuals, highlighting the need to consider sex differences in research related to the cognition of autistic individuals. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of cognitive flexibility and sex differences in autism in light of predictive brain theories and suggest avenues for further research.

The Impact of Shear on Disk Galaxy Star Formation Rates

Abstract Determining the physical processes that control galactic-scale star formation rates is essential for an improved understanding of galaxy evolution. The role of orbital shear is currently unclear, with some models expecting reduced star formation rates and efficiencies with increasing shear, e.g., if shear stabilizes gas against gravitational collapse, while others predicting enhanced rates, e.g., if shear-driven collisions between giant molecular clouds trigger star formation. Expanding on the analysis of 16 galaxies by C. Suwannajak et al., we assess the shear dependence of star formation efficiency (SFE) per orbital time (ϵ orb) in 49 galaxies selected from the PHANGS-ALMA survey. In particular, we test a prediction of the shear-driven giant molecular cloud​​​​​​ (GMC) collision model that ϵ orb ∝ (1–0.7β), where β ≡ d ln v circ / d ln r , i.e., SFE per orbital time declines with decreasing shear. We fit the function ϵ orb = ϵ orb,0(1 − α CC β) finding α CC ≃ 0.76 ± 0.16; an alternative fit with ϵ orb normalized by the median value in each galaxy yields α CC * = 0.80 ± 0.15 . These results are in good agreement with the prediction of the shear-driven GMC collision theory. We also examine the impact of a galactic bar on ϵ orb finding a modest decrease in SFE in the presence of a bar, which can be attributed to lower rates of shear in these regions. We discuss the implications of our results for the GMC life cycle and environmental dependence of star formation activity.

Three-dimensional metamaterials based on discrete assembly to customize thermal expansion response under temperature stimuli

Three-dimensional (3D) metamaterials with the customizable thermal response under the temperature stimuli are of great necessity for engineering applications. However, current researches usually focused on the design strategy of these metamaterials and lack the integrated strategy throughout design and fabrication. Here, an integrating design-manufacturing-response workflow is established to develop a series of 3D metamaterials. Specifically, a construction strategy, which is based on discrete assembly, mortise-and-tenon structures and transition cube blocks, is proposed to connect the dissimilar and out-of-plane struts. Then, totally three classes of 3D complicated metamaterials made of Aluminum and Invar alloys are fabricated to export multi-directional customizable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Additionally, the theory prediction, simulations and experiments are conducted to characterize the thermal responses. The results suggest that through reasonably modulating the geometrical parameters, all the fabricated metamaterials are capable of reaching the CTEs across from large positive, near-zero and negative values. Besides, the metamaterials PC and UN present the unidirectional customizable CTEs (-12.72 × 10-6 ∼ +42.73 × 10-6/°C and -12.54 × 10-6 ∼ +41.51 × 10-6/°C, respectively), while the metamaterials FS show the transversal isotropic CTEs (-10.89 × 10-6 ∼ +34.66 × 10-6/°C) and IS have the isotropic customizable CTEs (-10.18 × 10-6 ∼ +34.58 × 10-6/°C). Overall, these originally developed metamaterials open a new avenue for customizing the targeted thermal responses for engineering applications, where the thermal expansion is of high significance.

Exploring the kinetics and thermodynamics of TiFe0.8CrxMn0.2-x hydrogen storage alloys

The influence of Fe substitution by Cr and/or Mn on the hydrogenation properties of TiFe0.8CrxMn0.2-x hydrogen storage alloys was explored for several substitution amounts (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2). The synthesized alloys consisted of a dominant TiFe (cubic, CsCl-type) and a secondary C14 Laves phase (hexagonal, MgZn2-type). The increase in Cr content, and consequently in C14 Laves phase fraction, improved the first hydrogenation kinetics and the hydrogen intake after activation (1.60–1.70 wt% H2 at 30 °C within 3 min), while substantially stabilizing the monohydride phase. The reaction enthalpy obtained from pressure-composition-temperature (PCT) curves hence increased along Cr substitution, ranging 24.35 ± 0.34 to 35.39 ± 1.00 kJmol-1 for the absorption, and 31.08 ± 1.39 to36.34 ± 1.99 kJmol−1for the desorption (absolute values). These experimental findings were in good agreement with density functional theory (DFT) predictions performed across the explored composition space. The estimated entropy values on the other hand remained nearly constant, fluctuating between 84.28 ± 4.76 and 102.64 ± 3.12 J mol−1 H2 K−1 for the absorption, and 100.46 ± 9.71 up to 105.45 ± 4.31 J mol−1 H2 K−1 for the desorption. Solid-gas reaction modeling showed that, under practical service conditions, the hydrogenation of activated alloys was interface-controlled followed by diffusion-controlled mechanisms as the reaction proceeded.

Sustained EEG responses to rapidly unfolding stochastic sounds reflect Bayesian inferred reliability tracking.

How does the brain track and process rapidly changing sensory information? Current computational accounts suggest that our sensations and decisions arise from the intricate interplay between bottom-up sensory signals and constantly changing expectations regarding the statistics of the surrounding world. A significant focus of recent research is determining which statistical properties are tracked by the brain as it monitors the rapid progression of sensory information? Here, by combining EEG (three experiments N≥22 each) and computational modelling, we examined how the brain processes rapid and stochastic sound sequences that simulate key aspects of dynamic sensory environments. Passively listening participants were exposed to structured tone-pip arrangements that contained transitions between a range of stochastic patterns. Predictions were guided by a Bayesian predictive inference model. We demonstrate that listeners automatically track the statistics of unfolding sounds, even when these are irrelevant to behaviour. Transitions between sequence patterns drove an increase of the sustained EEG response. This was observed to a range of distributional statistics, and even in situations where behavioural detection of these transitions was at floor. These observations suggest that the modulation of the EEG sustained response reflects a process of belief updating within the brain. By establishing a connection between the outputs of the computational model and the observed brain responses, we demonstrate that the dynamics of these transition-related responses align with the tracking of "precision" - the confidence or reliability assigned to a predicted sensory signal - shedding light on the intricate interplay between the brain's statistical tracking mechanisms and its response dynamics.

Understanding the impact of covariates on the classification of implementation units for soil-transmitted helminths control: a case study from Kenya

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are a parasitic infection that predominantly affects impoverished regions. Model-based geostatistics (MBG) has been established as a set of modern statistical methods that enable mapping of disease risk in a geographical area of interest. We investigate how the use of remotely sensed covariates can help to improve the predictive inferences on STH prevalence using MBG methods. In particular, we focus on how the covariates impact on the classification of areas into distinct class of STH prevalence.MethodsThis study uses secondary data obtained from a sample of 1551 schools in Kenya, gathered through a combination of longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys. We compare the performance of two geostatistical models: one that does not make use of any spatially referenced covariate; and a second model that uses remotely sensed covariates to assist STH prevalence prediction. We also carry out a simulation study in which we compare the performance of the two models in the classifications of areal units with varying sample sizes and prevalence levels.ResultsThe model with covariates generated lower levels of uncertainty and was able to classify 88 more districts into prevalence classes than the model without covariates, which instead left those as “unclassified”. The simulation study showed that the model with covariates also yielded a higher proportion of correct classification of at least 40% for all sub-counties.ConclusionCovariates can substantially reduce the uncertainty of the predictive inference generated from geostatistical models. Using covariates can thus contribute to the design of more effective STH control strategies by reducing sample sizes without compromising the predictive performance of geostatistical models.

Influence of porosity distribution on buckling behavior of FG sandwich plates using a quasi-3D refined plate theory

This paper uses a quasi-3D refined shear deformation plate theory to investigate the buckling response of supported functionally graded (FG) porous sandwich (SW) plates. The material properties of FG sandwich porous plates (SWPPs) are defined by a modified mixing rule, supplemented by an additional term representing the porosity in the thickness of the FG layer. By incorporating indefinite integral variables, the number of unknowns and governing equations of the current theory is reduced, making it easier to use. Three common types of sandwich porous plates are considered in the analysis: an isotropic FG porous plate, an FG face plate with a homogeneous core, and a homogeneous face plate with an FG core. The current method considers both normal and shear deformations and satisfies the transverse shear stress-free boundary conditions at the top and bottom surfaces of the plate. The equilibrium equations are derived using the principle of virtual displacements. These equations are then solved using the Navier-type method. The influence of thickness strain and several parameters, including mechanical loads, porosity coefficients, layer thickness ratios, geometric parameters, and gradient indices, are studied. The numerical results of the present theory are similar to the predictions of quasi-3D theories with more unknowns, in addition to being more accurate than those obtained by higher-order shear deformation theories. The findings support the idea that the suggested theory offers an easy and effective method for predicting the buckling behavior of FG porous sandwich plates. The results show that, without taking into account transverse normal deformations, the plate is softer and the critical buckling load decreases. On the other hand, with transverse normal deformations, the plate is stiffer, which increases the critical buckling load.

Polyelectrolyte brush in a cylindrical pore: A Poisson-Boltzmann theory.

The conformation of a polyelectrolyte (PE) brush grafted to the inner surface of a long cylindrical mesopore was described within analytical Poisson-Boltzmann strong stretching approximation. The internal structure of the PE brush, including brush thickness and radial density profile of monomer units, and radial distribution of electrostatic potential were analyzed as functions of the pore radius, degree of polymerization, and grafting density of the brush-forming PE chains as well as ionic strength of the solution. It is demonstrated that narrowing of the pore leads to a non-monotonous variation of the brush thickness, which passes through a maximum when the brush thickness becomes equal to the pore radius. Variation in the salt concentration triggers conformational transition that leads to the opening or closing of the hollow (PE-free) channel in the pore center that potentially allows controlling of the pore-selective permeability for charged nanocolloidal particles (e.g., globular proteins or viruses). The predictions of the analytical theory were validated by numerical calculations using the Scheutjens-Fleer self-consistent field modeling method. These theoretical findings may be used for the design of highly selective smart mesoporous membranes with PE brush-functionalized pores for, e.g., protein separation and purification.

Thermodynamic properties of pinned nanobubbles.

We present molecular dynamics simulations to study the thermodynamics of nanobubbles trapped at the mouth of narrow slit pores. Except when the slit dimensions are comparable to typical molecular sizes, the predictions of macroscopic thermodynamic theory are recovered by our simulations. Our simulations confirm that in this case, the internal pressure of stable nanobubbles is independent of the bubble radius and the surface tension and only depends on the bulk properties of the solute-containing solution, i.e., the chemical potential balance. However, in the case of extreme confinement, the pressure is not a suitable quantity to describe the thermodynamics of the bubbles, while the balance of the chemical potentials is.

Effects of physical practice on the duration of motor imagery

Motor Simulation Theory proposes that imagined actions are produced using the brain’s motor system, and should therefore always be temporally equivalent to physical movements. However, empirical results are not always consistent with this prediction. Studies indicate that the durations of unfamiliar imagined actions are over-estimated, whereas the durations of more familiar actions may be closer to (or even faster than) actual movement execution. We therefore examined the effects of different levels of practice on the durations of both physically performed and imagined actions. Participants (N=31) completed an initial assessment in which the durations of physically performed and imagined finger movement sequences were measured. Participants then completed three days of physical training in which different sequences received either extensive training (150 repetitions/session), minimal training (10 repetitions/session), or no training. In a subsequent assessment session, we found that the time taken to both physically execute and imagine performing sequences decreased with training. However, contrary to the predictions of Motor Simulation theory, imagined movement durations consistently over-estimated those of physically performed movements. While the difference in the timing of imagined and physically executed movements decreased between the initial and final assessment, this effect was not modulated by training. These results extend our understanding of the relationship between motor imagery and physical practice, and highlight a key limitation in the predictions of Motor Simulation Theory.

The turbulent cascade of inertia-gravity waves in rotating shallow water

In this work we study features of inertia-gravity wave turbulence in the rotating shallow water equations. On examining the dynamics of waves with varying rotation rates, we find that the turbulent cascade of waves is strongest at low rotation rates, forming a $k^{-2}$ energy spectrum, and a rich distribution of shocks in physical space. At high rotation rates, the forward cascade of waves weakens along with a steeper energy spectra and vanishing of shocks in physical space. The wave cascade is seen to be scale-local, resulting in a noticeable time interval for energy to get transferred from domain scale to dissipative scale. Furthermore, we find that the vortical flow has a non-negligible effect on the wave cascade, especially at high rotation rates. The vortical flow assists in the forward cascade of waves and shock formation at high rotation rates, while the waves by themselves in the absence of the vortical flow lack a forward cascade and shock formation at such high rotation rates. On investigating the physical space structures in the vortical flow and their connections to the wave cascade, we find that strain-dominant regions, that are located around the boundaries of coherent vortices, are the physical space regions that contribute majorly to the forward cascade of waves. Our results in general highlight intriguing features of dispersive inertia-gravity wave turbulence that are qualitatively similar to those seen in three-dimensional homogeneous isotropic turbulence and are beyond the predictions of asymptotic resonant wave interaction theory.

Separation of sticker-spacer energetics governs the coalescence of metastable condensates.

A key conundrum of biological condensates is the coexistence of multiple droplets, in direct variance with classical predictions of mean-field theories of polymer solutions. Our current study uncovers that the merging of sticker-spacer condensate is an entropy driven process, as opposed to the surface energy driven fusion that are observed for canonical liquid droplets. This entropy, stemming from the inter-condensate polymer exchange, makes the droplet merging process dependent on inter-sticker dissociation kinetics. Stronger inter-sticker interaction triggers a kinetic arrest, preventing the condensate merger even at a low density. Our prediction starkly correlates with recent experimental findings on protein-RNA condensates in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the biological relevance of the interplay of kinetics and thermodynamics.

An Analysis of Credit Risk Prediction for Small and Micro Enterprises

Digital inclusive finance has emerged as a significant catalyst for the high-quality development of small and micro enterprises (SMEs). This study, grounded in credit risk prediction theory, develops a comprehensive profiling and predictive model for SMEs, offering insights into innovative mechanisms by which inclusive finance can support their sustainable growth. Utilizing an extensive literature review, along with experimental modeling based on publicly available data, the study explores two approaches to feature construction. By employing diverse algorithms, it builds predictive models and proposes tailored policy recommendations to enhance inclusive financial practices. The credit prediction model facilitates targeted financial support and innovation management strategies for SMEs, contributing a fresh perspective to advancing the quality and effectiveness of digital inclusive finance

Inclusive B¯→Xsℓ+ℓ− at the LHC: theory predictions and new-physics reach

We present theoretical predictions for observables in inclusive B¯→Xsℓ+ℓ− suitable for measurements at hadron colliders through a sum-over-exclusive approach. At low q2 we calculate the branching ratio and three angular observables. At high q2 we provide the branching ratio and the ratio of the B¯→Xsℓ+ℓ− rate with respect to the inclusive B¯→Xuℓν¯ rate with the same phase-space cut. We compare our predictions to the B factory measurements and also to an extraction of the experimental rate through a sum-over-exclusive method using branching ratios of the exclusive B¯→K∗μ+μ− modes measured at LHCb. We find a consistent picture comparing Standard Model theory and experiment. As such, our analysis does not support a recent claim about a deficit in the inclusive branching ratio in the high-q2 region. Finally, we present current model-independent bounds on new physics and emphasize the potential of complementary analyses of B¯→Xsℓ+ℓ− at Belle II and the LHC.

Continuous Microwave Photon Counting by Semiconductor-Superconductor Hybrids.

We present a continuous microwave photon counter based on superconducting cavity-coupled semiconductor quantum dots. The device utilizes photon-assisted tunneling in a double quantum dot with tunneling events being probed by a third dot. Our device detects both single and multiple-photon absorption events independently, thanks to the energy tunability of a two-level double-dot absorber. We show that the photon-assisted tunnel rates serve as the measure of the cavity photon state in line with the P(E) theory-a theoretical framework delineating the mediation of the cavity photon field via a two-level absorber. We further describe the single photon detection using the Jaynes-Cummings input-output theory and show that it agrees with the P(E) theory predictions at a low-power regime.

Defects of English Rules of Contractual Interpretation and Their Challenges for African Businesses

Abstract The Law Society of England and Wales, as well as English politicians and judges, claim that English (contract) law is admirable, settled and predictable, and non-English legal systems are “laxer systems” whose judges are not as exceptionally knowledgeable as English judges. These claims of legal superiority attract foreign litigants such as African businesspeople to use English laws and forums to resolve their contractual disputes. This article aims to disprove these claims by rigorously assessing them from an Afrocentric lens, as well as from the prediction theory of law, English case law, and rules of contractual interpretation. It finds that English contract law and dispute resolution mechanisms are far from predictable and settled. Also, there is a staggering level of disagreement among English judges regarding their interpretation of commercial contracts. The article exposes the defects of English contract laws to enable foreign businesses to make informed decisions about their choice of laws and forums to resolve their contractual disputes.

Do vulnerable social identities of faculty matter when predicting their inclusive practices at university?

Some qualitative studies have shown that faculty and chief diversity officers belonging to minority groups are firmly committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in their universities. This suggests that identification with minority groups could be linked to the inclusive attitudes and practices of higher education professionals, an expectation that is consistent with the predictions of the Social Identity Theory proposed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner. Within the framework of this theoretical model, the quantitative study presented here was designed to test whether the vulnerable social identities of university teachers predict their diversity practices, if they do so through their beliefs and attitudes towards diversity, and whether certain sociodemographic variables act as moderators (gender and job tenure). With a survey-based design, we collected data from 972 faculty members from eight Spanish public universities, which we analysed using linear regression, structural equation analysis and moderation analysis. The results showed that lecturers’ affiliation to vulnerable groups significantly but weakly predicted their attitudes towards diversity and inclusive practices. The effect on practices was partially mediated by attitudes. In addition, the direct effect of social identity on inclusive research and teaching innovation was moderated by gender – it was only significant in women. In the discussion section, we interpret the weakness of the effect of social identity in terms of the possible limited commitment to minority group identities of university faculty, concurrent with fundamentally non-threatening contextual norms. As an application of the results, we propose the development of more solid and transformative diversity policies, clear and operational rules, convergent and coordinated management mechanisms, and training aimed at strengthening and integrating social and professional identities.

Observation of tt¯ production in the lepton+jets and dilepton channels in p+Pb collisions at sNN = 8.16 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This paper reports the observation of top-quark pair production in proton-lead collisions in the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The measurement is performed using 165 nb−1 of p+Pb data collected at sNN = 8.16 TeV in 2016. Events are categorised in two analysis channels, consisting of either events with exactly one lepton (electron or muon) and at least four jets, or events with two opposite-charge leptons and at least two jets. In both channels at least one b-tagged jet is also required. Top-quark pair production is observed with a significance over five standard deviations in each channel. The top-quark pair production cross-section is measured to be σtt¯=58.1±2.0stat.−4.4+4.8syst. nb, with a total uncertainty of 9%. In addition, the nuclear modification factor is measured to be RpA=1.090±0.039stat.−0.087+0.094syst.. The measurements are found to be in good agreement with theory predictions involving nuclear parton distribution functions.