Source Of Discrepancy Research Articles

Fundamentals of territorial issues in post-soviet central Central Asia: critical analysis

In 2021, on the 30th anniversary of the collapse of the USSR as a political institution, a large-scale study has been publishing on the role of the soviet system in modern period. In the case of Central Asia, there are also a number of large-scale regional and interstate problems which were “inherited” from the Soviet regime and being a basis dispute for the last three decades. One of them is the unresolved territorial issues between the post-Soviet states of Central Asia. Currently, the main problem in Central Asia is the lack of demarcation of state borders between countries, in addition to transboundary rivers and electricity transmission. In particular, the Fergana Valley problem is a source of disagreement between Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In the region, the Republic of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are the main countries with fully delimited state borders. However, the unresolved issue of the Fergana Valley in Central Asia poses a direct geopolitical threat not only to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, but to the region as a whole. The emergence and formation of intraregional border disputes in Central Asia in the 1920s and 1930s, the Soviet system of government did not take into account the political and ethnic characteristics of the region, but only in terms of transport and logistics. imperial political interests. The article analyzes the territorial problems of Central Asia in the XXI century on the basis of the critical theory of social constructivism. Key words: Central Asia, Fergana Valley, territorial disputes, USSR, delimitation and demarcation, theory of constructivism.

A quantitative evaluation of the issue of drought definition: a source of disagreement in future drought assessments

Droughts are anticipated to intensify in many parts of the world due to climate change. However, the issue of drought definition, namely the diversity of drought indices, makes it difficult to compare drought assessments. This issue is widely known, but its relative importance has never been quantitatively evaluated in comparison to other sources of uncertainty. Here, encompassing three drought categories (meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts) with four temporal scales of interest, we evaluated changes in the drought frequency using multi-model and multi-scenario simulations to identify areas where the definition issue could result in pronounced uncertainties and to what extent. We investigated the disagreement in the signs of changes between drought definitions and decomposed the variance into four main factors: drought definitions, greenhouse gas concentration scenarios, global climate models, and global water models, as well as their interactions. The results show that models were the primary sources of variance over 82% of the global land area. On the other hand, the drought definition was the dominant source of variance in the remaining 17%, especially in parts of northern high-latitudes. Our results highlight specific regions where differences in drought definitions result in a large spread among projections, including areas showing opposite signs of significant changes. At a global scale, 7% of the variance resulted independently from the definition issue, and that value increased to 44% when 1st and 2nd order interactions were considered. The quantitative results suggest that by clarifying hydrological processes or sectors of interest, one could avoid these uncertainties in drought assessments to obtain a clearer picture of future drought change.

Convergent close-coupling calculations of electrons scattering on electronically excited molecular hydrogen

We use the adiabatic-nuclei molecular convergent close-coupling method to perform calculations of 0.01--1000 eV electrons scattering on the $c^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{u}$, $a^{3}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{g}^{+}$, $B^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{u}^{+}$, $C^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{u}$, and $EF^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{g}^{+}$ states of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in the $v=0$ vibrational level. Elastic, superelastic, ionization, and grand-total cross sections are presented, as well as cross sections for excitation of the $n=2$--3 singlet and triplet states of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ (where $n$ is the atomic-limit principle quantum number). Comparison with available theoretical results is made. Good agreement is found with the recent $R$-matrix results [J. Phys. B 53, 245203 (2020)] for most of the exchange and dipole-forbidden transitions, but not for the dipole-allowed transitions. The sources of disagreement were found to be an unconverged partial-wave expansion and the utilization of the fixed-nuclei approximation (as opposed to adiabatic-nuclei) in the $R$-matrix calculations.

Isotopic and vibrational-level dependence of H2 dissociation by electron impact

The low-energy electron-impact dissociation of molecular hydrogen has been a source of disagreement between various calculations and measurements for decades. Excitation of the ground state of H$_2$ into the dissociative $b ^3\Sigma_u^+$ state is now well understood, with the most recent measurements being in excellent agreement with the molecular convergent close-coupling (MCCC) calculations of both integral and differential cross sections (2018 Phys. Rev. A 98 062704). However, in the absence of similar measurements for vibrationally-excited or isotopically-substituted H$_2$, cross sections for dissociation of these species must be determined by theory alone. We have identified large discrepancies between MCCC calculations and the recommended $R$-matrix cross sections for dissociation of vibrationally-excited H$_2$, D$_2$, T$_2$, HD, HT, and DT (2002 Plasma Phys. Contr. F. 44 1263-1276,2217-2230), with disagreement in both the isotope effect and dependence on initial vibrational level. Here we investigate the source of the discrepancies, and discuss the consequences for plasma models which have incorporated the previously recommended data.

It’s (Almost) All About Desert: On the Source of Disagreements in Responsibility Studies

AbstractIn this article I discuss David Shoemaker’s recently published piece “Responsibility: The State of the Question. Fault Lines in the Foundations.” While agreeing with Shoemaker on many points, I argue for a more unified diagnosis of the seemingly intractable debates that plague (what I call) “responsibility studies.” I claim that, of the five fault lines Shoemaker identifies, the most basic one is about the role that the notion of deserved harm should play in the theory of moral responsibility. I argue that the deep divide between those theorists who affirm and those who deny that moral responsibility is essentially about the justification of desert thus understood can be traced to the disagreement about whether the focus on the reactive attitudes by itself entails that moral responsibility has nothing to do with traditional questions about desert and free will. I then show that the seeming intractableness of the other four fault lines Shoemaker identifies is expectable and explicable in light of this more basic disagreement. After this diagnostic work, I conclude by suggesting a solution to the “morass” that has taken over responsibility studies: theorists working in the field should acknowledge that it has effectively bifurcated into two discrete subareas, which I suggest calling “retribution studies” and “interpersonal studies.”

Ocean Swell Comparisons Between Sentinel‐1 and WAVEWATCH III Around Australia

AbstractAn intercomparison between directional wave spectra derived from Sentinel‐1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites and a WAVEWATCH III model hindcast in the wider Australian region is presented. The coastal buoy network around Australia is considerably sparse, and only a handful of buoy measurements exist in deeper oceans. National and regional scale wave models require validation and verification through intercomparisons with available observations to be confidently adopted and improved. In the absence of dense in‐situ measurements, satellite‐derived surface wave data provide an invaluable and independent source of observations. Satellite altimeters provide well‐calibrated significant wave height data, but do not resolve wave directions, and are also not the platform of choice for resolving wave periods. SAR satellites that routinely map ocean surface waves fill this gap as they are able to measure directional wind‐wave spectra of long period waves. This constitutes an important satellite data stream for better understanding the propagation of swell waves across ocean basins, and for comparisons with national and down‐scaled wave models. However, both SAR wave measurements as well as wave models do not represent the truth and need qualification before regarding them as reliable data sets. The aim of this article is to perform an intercomparison of a wave model hindcast with SAR‐derived wave information in the wider Australian region. The comparisons are done in the context of mean wave climate and its seasonal variability, and demonstrate good agreement for wave heights and periods. Valuable insights into possible sources of disagreement are given.

Driver Gap Acceptance Characteristics at Roundabouts and Meta-analysis of Recent Studies in India

The present study mainly focuses on estimating driver’s gap acceptance parameters such as critical gap and follow-up headways. In addition, meta-analysis was also carried out to compare critical gap values for different vehicle classes obtained from various studies in India. The data were collected and analysed for three different roundabouts located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India. Results indicate that the critical headway and weighted follow-up headway values are significantly lower than that recommended by HCM 2010 and higher than that of Indo-HCM 2017. It is also observed that the distribution of critical gap and follow-up headways of different vehicle classes are mostly skewed. This inconsistencies in the critical gap and following headways may be due to different traffic conditions, vehicle composition and driver behavior. Further, the inhomogeneity in leader and follower vehicle groups while accepting the gaps could be the reason or skewed distributions. As a part of meta-analysis, random effect model is used to identify the source of disagreement in the critical gap values obtained from several Indian studies. The variation in critical gap values across several studies was analyzed and the summary effect was computed using forest plot and funnel plot. Results of meta-analysis show that there is a wide variation among critical gap values that may be attributed to the method of estimation, vehicle and geometric characteristics.

Molecular phylogeny and taxonomy of the genus Pilumnus Leach, 1815 (Eucrustacea: Brachyura: Pilumnidae) in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

The genus Pilumnus covering a large group of bristle crabs, a typical resident of rocky, cobble and coral habitats. Taxonomy of the genus in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman have always been source of disagreement among specialists due to potential taxonomic uncertainty in the genus. We used combined morphological and molecular characteristics to provide an insight into the real diversity within this genus. Partial fragment of two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear gene (H3) were used for molecular analyses. Both Bayesian and Maximum likelihood methods estimated a similar tree topology with highly supported clades. The tree showed the occurrence of two groups including the Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific species. Our result showed that there is a well consistency between morphological and molecular characteristics at interspecific level. Five species were identified from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, including P. incanus, P. longicornis, P. savignyi, P. persicus n. sp. and P. parvusi n. sp. Pilumnus persicus n. sp. is closely related to P. minutus, which has been already recorded from the region, but it is described here as a new species; according to current morphology and molecular data. Pilumnus parvusi n. sp. differed from the other congeners occurring in the Persian Gulf, whereas it is genetically presented as sister clade to the Atlantic species group.

Central bank communication through interest rate projections

Abstract In this paper we quantitatively investigate how central bank communication affects the market yield curve on announcement days. We do this for two central banks who communicate future policy intentions by means of publishing the path of expected future policy rates. We find that unanticipated changes in the published policy rates correspond to yield changes in the same direction. However, policy revisions cannot explain all variation in market rates on announcement days. We further shed some light on which sources of disagreement could explain these differences.

A QM/MM study of the conformation stability and electronic structure of the photochromic switches derivatives of DHA/VHF in acetonitrile solution

We present a detailed theoretical study of the electronic absorption spectra and thermochemistry of molecular photoswitches composed of one and two photochromic units of dihydroazulene (DHA)/vinylheptafulvene (VHF) molecules. Six different isomers are considered depending on the ring opening/closure forms of the DHA units. The solvent effect of acetonitrile is investigated using a sequential Molecular Mechanics/Quantum Mechanics approach. The thermochemical investigations of these photochromic molecules were performed using the Free Energy Perturbation method, and the simulations were performed using Configurational Bias Monte Carlo. We show that to open the 5-member ring of the DHA, there is no significant gain in thermal release of energy for the back reaction when a unit or two DHA units are considered. Overall, we found agreement between the solvation free energy based on Monte Carlo simulations and the continuum solvent model. However, the cavitation term in the continuum model is shown to be a source of disagreement when the non-electrostatic terms are compared. The electronic absorption spectra are calculated using TDDFT CAM-B3LYP/cc-pVDZ. Agreement with experiment is obtained within 0.1 eV, considering statistically uncorrelated configurations from the simulations. Inhomogeneous broadening is also considered and found to be well described in all cases.

Methyl-3-hexenoate combustion chemistry: Experimental study and numerical kinetic simulation

This work represents a detailed investigation of combustion and oxidation of methyl-3-hexenoate (CAS Number 2396-78-3), including experimental studies of combustion and oxidation characteristics, quantum chemistry calculations and kinetic model refinement. Following experiments have been carried out: Speciation measurements during oxidation in a jet-stirred reactor at 1 atm; chemical speciation measurements in a stoichiometric premixed flame at 1 atm using molecular-beam mass-spectrometry; ignition delay times measurements in a shock tube at 20 and 40 bar; and laminar burning velocity measurements at 1 atm using a heat-flux burner over a range of equivalence ratios. An updated detailed chemical kinetic mechanism for methyl-3-hexenoate combustion based on previous studies was proposed and validated against the novel experimental data and the relevant data available in literature with satisfactory agreement. Sensitivity and reaction pathway analyses were performed to show main decomposition pathways of methyl-3-hexenoate and underline possible sources of disagreements between experiments and simulations.

Quantum Anomalies via Differential Properties of Lebesgue–Feynman Generalized Measures

We address the problem concerning the origin of quantum anomalies, which has been the source of disagreement in the literature. Our approach is novel as it is based on the differentiability properties of families of generalized measures. To this end, we introduce a space of test functions over a locally convex topological vector space, and define the concept of logarithmic derivatives of the corresponding generalized measures. In particular, we show that quantum anomalies are readily understood in terms of the differential properties of the Lebesgue–Feynman generalized measures (equivalently, of the Feynman path integrals). We formulate a precise definition for quantum anomalies in these terms.

On the peak quasi-static load of axisymmetric buckling of circular tubes

The axial crushing of thin-walled metal circular tubes was addressed in this work for its importance in many engineering applications especially when failed in concertina mode. Theoretical estimates of the peak load were formulated for lower and upper bounds based on Rankine-Gordon principle and the elastic-plastic criterion of buckling, respectively. Numerical simulations were also made to validate these estimates using ABAQUS 14-2 finite element software. Previous findings were compared with both the theoretical and numerical results of the present work. It is found that the peak load is unique for a particular specimen, while the lower bound stress can be equal for different values of D, t and L, as long as the D/t ratio is the same. Moreover, the upper bound stress requires both D/t and L/D ratios. It was also found that all numerical results agree favorably with the theoretical predictions, but not with all of the experimental findings. This partial disagreement was proved to be attributed to the questionable data extracted from one of the cited work. Empirical relations for the available experimental findings were established to confirm the source of disagreement as well as to afford a unified relation which might represent data of different materials, and finally to offer an alternative prediction of experimental peak load.

Dynamicism, radical enactivism, and representational cognitive processes: The case of subitization

ABSTRACT The role of representational cognitive processes (RCPs) in theories of cognition remains a source of disagreement in philosophy of mind and cognitive neuroscience. These debates are stoked by arguments that purport to show that RCPs neither receive support from nor support computational theories of cognition, and that dynamicist Embodied, Embedded, Extended (3E) and radical enactivist views of cognition show that RCPs can either be taken out of our heads or dispensed with entirely. We argue that these criticisms fail. We review familiar arguments for thinking that cognitive processes are representational. Next, we consider the challenge that RCPs neither support nor are supported by computational views of cognition, as well as the challenge that neuro-computational RCPs are rendered superfluous by dynamicist views of cognition. We then consider the challenge that intracranial RCPs are rendered superfluous by 3E and radical enactivist views of cognition. We grant that representation is neither necessary nor sufficient for computation. However, we argue that independent reasons support the explanatory utility of neuro-computational RCPs in dynamicist and 3E accounts of cognition and that radical enactivism’s claim that all RCPs are extracranial is mistaken about at least one species of cognitive processing, that of subitizing.

Fluent or nonfluent? Part A. Underlying contributors to categorical classifications of fluency in aphasia

ABSTRACT Background The concept of fluency is widely used to dichotomously classify aphasia syndromes in both research and clinical practice. Despite its ubiquity, reliability of fluency measurement is reduced due to its multi-dimensional nature and the variety of methods used to measure it. Aims The primary aim of the study was to determine what factors contribute to judgements of fluency in aphasia, identifying methodological and linguistic sources of disagreement. Methods & Procedures We compared fluency classifications generated according to fluency scores on the revised Western Aphasia Battery (WAB-R) to clinical impressions of fluency for 254 English-speaking people with aphasia (PwA) from the AphasiaBank database. To determine what contributed to fluency classifications, we examined syndrome diagnoses and measured the predictive strength of 18 spontaneous speech variables extracted from retellings of the Cinderella story. The variables were selected to represent three dimensions predicted to underlie fluency: grammatical competence, lexical retrieval, and the facility of speech production. Outcomes & Results WAB-R fluency classifications agreed with 83% of clinician classifications, although agreement was much greater for fluent than nonfluent classifications. The majority of mismatches were diagnosed with anomic or conduction aphasia by the WAB-R but Broca’s aphasia by clinicians. Modifying the WAB-R scale improved the extent to which WAB-R fluency categories matched clinical impressions. Fluency classifications were predicted by a combination of variables, including aspects of grammaticality, lexical retrieval and speech production. However, fluency classification by WAB-R was largely predicted by severity, whereas the presence or absence of apraxia of speech was the largest predictor of fluency classifications by clinicians. Conclusions Fluency judgements according to WAB-R scoring and those according to clinical impression showed some common influences, but also some differences that contributed to mismatches in fluency categorization. We propose that, rather than using dichotomous fluency categories, which can mask sources of disagreement, fluency should be explicitly identified relative to the underlying deficits (word-finding, grammatical formulation, speech production, or a combination) contributing to each individual PwA’s fluency profile. Identifying what contributes to fluency disruptions is likely to generate more reliable diagnoses and provide more concrete guidance regarding therapy, avenues we are pursuing in ongoing research.

Inter-technique variability between antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods affects clinical classification of cefuroxime in strains close to breakpoint

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of various susceptibility methods when testing cefuroxime against a collection of Escherichia coli isolates with MIC values close to the breakpoint. Methods80 E. coli strains with a cefuroxime MIC value of 16 mg/L obtained by broth microdilution with Vitek 2 were selected. Microdilution was considered the reference standard and was performed in duplicate, as were disc and gradient diffusion tests using two different manufacturers in each case. EUCAST 8.0 breakpoints were used for MIC interpretation. ResultsAll strains were resistant according to Vitek 2 (MIC 16 mg/L) but 72.5% (58/80) were classified as susceptible by reference standard microdilution. Categorical and essential agreements between Vitek 2 and reference standard microdilution were 27.5% (95% CI 1.9–1.4) and 86.3% (95% CI 0.8–0.9), respectively. Differences are statistically significant when isolates are classified as ‘susceptible’ or ‘resistant’ according to EUCAST breakpoints between diffusion methods (disc and gradient) and reference standard microdilution. Using BioMérieux (BM) and Liofilchem (LF) gradient testing, 24.1% (14/58) and 13.8% (8/58) of results were identified as false susceptible and 4.5% (1/22) and 40.9% (9/22) were found to be false resistant, respectively. Using Oxoid (OX) and Bio Rad (BR) cefuroxime discs, 22.5% (13/58) and 17.2% (10/58) of results were false susceptible and 9.1% (2/22) and 13.6% (3/22) were false resistant, respectively. DiscussionIntertechnique variation around the cefuroxime breakpoint was a considerable source of disagreements and seriously affected the clinical classification of the isolates. We propose that the definition of the area of technical uncertainty (ATU) be modified to include the variability between approved AST methods.

E-Cigarettes: A Hazard or a Help?

A global debate has arisen regarding the relative benefits and harm resulting from the use of electronic cigarettes (“e-cigarettes”). In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, the use of e-cigarettes (“vaping”) has been shown to help reduce addiction to combustible tobacco cigarette (“smoking”), which represents the leading preventable health hazard in many countries. In contrast, in other countries, such as the United States, e-cigarettes, which have attracted many adolescents and young adults who would not otherwise have started to smoke, represent an alternative delivery vehicle for nicotine or cannabis (marijuana) by expanding their markets, reducing nicotine cessation rates by means of a more convenient, healthier, and less offensive product. Although considered less harmful health-wise than smoking, the expected net effect of vaping remains controversial, as sufficient experience has not yet been accumulated to confirm the health impacts, especially over the long term. Nevertheless, viewed by themselves, e-cigarettes do represent a health hazard, with growing information regarding their adverse effects. The stakes of this debate are high—for individuals, society and the e-cigarette, tobacco, insurance, and health care industries. After highlighting the current use of e-cigarettes by adults and adolescents, this article summarizes current issues associated with e-cigarettes, highlighting their health effects; nicotine and addiction; initiation; smoking cessation and harm reduction; gateway to smoking; modifications; flavorings; secondhand aerosol; and new product innovations. It discusses the sources of disagreements and reactions from regulators and life insurers. In addition, the modeling, estimates, and uncertainties associated with mortality resulting from vaping are addressed. For life and health insurance, actuaries are assessing whether to treat e-cigarette users in a manner similar to those who smoke combustible tobacco cigarettes.

Cooperation and conflict in intra-hospital transfers: A qualitative analysis.

AimThe purpose of this study was to explore the latent conditions of cooperation and conflict in intra‐hospital patient transfers (i.e. transfers of patients between units in a hospital).DesignSecondary qualitative analysis of 28 interviews conducted with 29 hospital staff, including physicians (N = 13), nurses (N = 10) and support staff (N = 6) from a single, large academic tertiary hospital in the Northeastern United States.MethodsA two‐member multidisciplinary team applied a directed content analysis approach to data collected from semi‐structured interviews.ResultsThree recurrent themes were generated: (a) patient flow policies created imbalances of power; (b) relationships were helpful to facilitate safe transfers; and (c) method of admission order communication was a source of disagreement. Hospital quality improvement efforts could benefit from a teaming approach to minimize unintentional power imbalances and optimize communicative relationships between units.

Inescapable Frameworks: Ethics of Care, Ethics of Rights and the Responsible Research and Innovation Model

Notwithstanding the EU endorsement, so far Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is discussed as regards its definition, its features and its conceptual core: innovation and responsibility. This conceptual indeterminacy is a source of disagreements at the political level, giving rise to a plurality of outcomes and versions upheld within the same model of governance. Following a Charles Taylor’s suggestion, this conceptual opening of the RRI model can be explained by the existence of plural, clashing moral frameworks: discourse ethics, Aristotelian ethics, care ethics, dignitarian ethics, rights-based moralities etc. Given the diffusion in the RRI literature of references to care ethics and its justification of participation and responsibility, I will compare the conceptual premises of this philosophical line with those of ethics of rights, which have been criticised by advocates of care ethics. I will argue that public engagement based on only needs cannot lead to responsible outcomes since it produces however the exclusion of some needs, covered instead by rights. In order for participation to be effective, rights or an alliance between the two perspectives is required.

Why Don't We Agree? Evidence from a Social Network of Investors

ABSTRACTWe study sources of investor disagreement using sentiment of investors from a social media investing platform, combined with information on the users' investment approaches (e.g., technical, fundamental). We examine how much of overall disagreement is driven by different information sets versus differential interpretation of information by studying disagreement within and across investment approaches. Overall disagreement is evenly split between both sources of disagreement, but within‐group disagreement is more tightly related to trading volume than cross‐group disagreement. Although both sources of disagreement are important, our findings suggest that information differences are more important for trading than differences across market approaches.