Local Version Research Articles

Мифологический персонаж (з)мора / мара в традиции Южного Подлясья в польской и общеславянской перспективе

The author analyzes the field materials collected during her expedition to the Southern Podlasie (Łuków-Siedlce-Garwolin region in Poland) in 2017 and sheds light on the local version of the supernatural being under the name “zmora”. In this territory zmora is endowed with a function (not typical in other Polish local traditions) to tangle and braid the horses’ manes. Meanwhile the informants put aside zmora’s traditional function (that is to suffocate a sleeping person) or do not mention it at all. Zmora from Southern Podlasie is regarded in a wider Polish and all-Slavic perspective. Such parameters as the supernatural being’s name, its origin, appearance, behavior, time of the activity, its functions as well as the amulets and preventive measures used against this evil spirit are examined. The author concludes that in the studied Slavic archaic area zmora has partially taken over the functions of the house spirits, that is reflected in the entire fragment of the mythological characters’ system associated linked to the domestic and economic (cattle-breeding) sphere.

Geometric inequalities for critical metrics of the volume functional

In this article, we investigate the geometry of critical metrics of the volume functional on an n-dimensional compact manifold with (possibly disconnected) boundary. We establish sharp estimates to the mean curvature and area of the boundary components of critical metrics of the volume functional on a compact manifold. In addition, localized version estimates to the mean curvature and area of the boundary of critical metrics are also obtained.

The 8 Years of Existence of Xper3: State of the art and future developments of the platform

The Xper3 platform was launched in November 2013 (Saucède et al. 2020). Xper3 is a free web platform that manages descriptive data and provides interactive identification keys. It is a follow-up to Xper (Forget et al. 1986) and Xper2 (Ung et al. 2010). Xper3 is used via web browsers. It offers a collaborative, multi-user interface without local installation. It is compatible with TDWG’s Structured Descriptive Data (SDD) format. Xper3 and its previous version, Xper2, have already been used for various taxonomic groups. In June 2021, 4743 users had created accounts and edited 5756 knowledge bases. Each knowledge base is autonomous and can be published as a free access key link, as a data paper in publications or on websites. The risk of this autonomy and lack of visibility to already existing knowlege bases is possible duplicated content or overlapping effort. Increasingly, users have asked for a public overview of the existing content. A first version of a searching tool is now available online. Explorer lists the databases whose creators have filled in the extended metadata and have accepted the referencing. The user can search by language, taxonomic group, fossil or current, geography, habitat, and key words. New developments of Xper3 are in progress. Some have a first version online, others are in production and the last ones are future projects. We will present an overview of the different projects in progress and for the future. Calculated descriptors are a distinctive feature of Xper3 (Kerner and Vignes Lebbe 2019). These descriptors are automatically computed from other descriptors by using logical operators (Boolean operators). The use of calculated descriptors remains rare. It is necessary to put forward the calculated descriptors to encourage more feedback in order to improve them. The link between Xper3 and Annotate continues to improve (Hays and Kerner 2020). Annotate offers the possibility of tagging images with controlled vocabularies structured in Xper3. Then, an export from Annotate to Xper3, allows automatic filling in of the Xper3 knowledge base with the descriptions (annotations and numerical measures) of virtual specimens, and then comparing specimens to construct species descriptions, etc. Future developments are in progress that will modify the Xper3 architecture in order to have the same functionalities in both local and online versions and to allow various user interfaces from the same knowledge bases. Xper2-specific features, such as merging states, adding notes, adding definitions and/or illustrations in the description tab, having different ways of sorting and filtering the descriptors during an identification (by groups, identification power, alphabetic order, specialist’s choice) have to be added to Xper3. A new tab in Xper3’s interface is being implemented to give an access to various analysis tools, via API (Application Programming Interface), or R programming code: MINSET: minimum list of descriptors sufficient to discriminate all items MINDESCR: minimum set of descriptors to discriminate an item DESCRXP: generating a description in natural language MERGEMOD: proposing to merge states without loss of discriminating power DISTINXP, DISTVAXP: computing similarities between items or descriptors MINSET: minimum list of descriptors sufficient to discriminate all items MINDESCR: minimum set of descriptors to discriminate an item DESCRXP: generating a description in natural language MERGEMOD: proposing to merge states without loss of discriminating power DISTINXP, DISTVAXP: computing similarities between items or descriptors One last project that we would like to implement is an interoperability between Xper3, platforms with biodiversity data (e.g., Global Biodiversity Information Facility, GBIF) and bio-ontologies. An ID field already exists to add Universally Unique IDentifiers (UUID) for taxa. ID fields have to be added for descriptors and states to link them with ontologies e.g., Phenotypic Quality Ontology PATO, Plant Ontology PO. We are interested in discussing future developments to further improve the user interface and develop new tools for the analysis of knowledge bases.

Commutators of maximal functions on spaces of homogeneous type and their weighted, local versions

We obtain the characterizations of commutators of several versions of maximal functions on spaces of homogeneous type. In addition, with the aid of interpolation theory, we provide weighted version of the commutator theorems by establishing new characterizations of the weighted BMO space. Finally, a concrete example shows that the local version of commutators also has an independent interest.

Regularity and Strict Positivity of Densities for the Nonlinear Stochastic Heat Equation

In this paper, we establish a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence and regularity of the density of the solution to a semilinear stochastic (fractional) heat equation with measure-valued initial conditions. Under a mild cone condition for the diffusion coefficient, we establish the smooth joint density at multiple points. The tool we use is Malliavin calculus. The main ingredient is to prove that the solutions to a related stochastic partial differential equation have negative moments of all orders. Because we cannot prove u ( t , x ) ∈ D ∞ u(t,x)\in \mathbb {D}^\infty for measure-valued initial data, we need a localized version of Malliavin calculus. Furthermore, we prove that the (joint) density is strictly positive in the interior of the support of the law, where we allow both measure-valued initial data and unbounded diffusion coefficient. The criteria introduced by Bally and Pardoux are no longer applicable for the parabolic Anderson model. We have extended their criteria to a localized version. Our general framework includes the parabolic Anderson model as a special case.

Solution of fractional-order Korteweg-de Vries and Burgers’ equations utilizing local meshless method

This paper deals with the numerical solution utilizing local version of the meshless collocation method for time-fraction Korteweg de Vries, Burgers’ and Korteweg de Vries-Burgers’ equations. This technique generates sparse and well-conditioned coefficient matrices when applied on a set of uniform or scattered nodes. To check the accuracy of the proposed local meshless technique three test problems are solved numerically.

Universal $C^∗$-algebras with the local lifting property

The Local Lifting Property (LLP) is a localized version of projectivity for completely positive maps between $\mathrm{C}^*$-algebras. Outside of the nuclear case, very few $\mathrm{C}^*$-algebras are known to have the LLP\@. In this article, we show that the LLP holds for the algebraic contraction $\mathrm{C}^*$-algebras introduced by Hadwin and further studied by Loring and Shulman. We also show that the universal Pythagorean $\mathrm{C}^*$-algebras introduced by Brothier and Jones have the Lifting Property.

Japan’s programming education: a critical focus on music in elementary schools

This study examines the underpinnings of Japan’s programming education in elementary school music, officially implemented nationwide in 2020. Through that reform, which has introduced programming thinking (a local version of computational thinking) in all areas of compulsory education, the country follows the international trend of reinforcing IT skills, considered essential for employability. However, Japan’s cross-curricular policy raises questions on its implications for the arts, including music. In view of that, this study presents a content analysis of 12 recent Japanese-language sources, selected for reporting about activities that integrate programming education into music in elementary schools in Japan. As part of that analysis, the main objectives of those activities are described and examined together with their approaches to programming and music learning contents. Findings reveal the apparent lack of a specific theoretical framework aimed at music learning goals, and beliefs about a certain affinity between music and programming, only partially defined. They also show tensions between flexible and fixed-goal approaches to compositional activities, as well as several interpretations of IT terms that have permeated music education, namely, algorithm and program. This suggests new roles being attributed to music as a school subject in relation to computer science, a fact that leads to discussion about the need for specific strategies, in view of challenges and goals particular to this country, such as society 5.0.

Local models for scatter estimation and descattering in polyenergetic X-ray tomography.

We propose a new modeling approach for scatter estimation and descattering in polyenergetic X-ray computed tomography (CT) based on fitting models to local neighborhoods of a training set. X-ray CT is widely used in medical and industrial applications. X-ray scatter, if not accounted for during reconstruction, creates a loss of contrast in CT reconstructions and introduces severe artifacts including cupping, shading, and streaks. Even when these qualitative artifacts are not apparent, scatter can pose a major obstacle in obtaining quantitatively accurate reconstructions. Our approach to estimating scatter is, first, to generate a training set of 2D radiographs with and without scatter using particle transport simulation software. To estimate scatter for a new radiograph, we adaptively fit a scatter model to a small subset of the training data containing the radiographs most similar to it. We compared local and global (fit on full data sets) versions of several X-ray scatter models, including two from the recent literature, as well as a recent deep learning-based scatter model, in the context of descattering and quantitative density reconstruction of simulated, spherically symmetrical, single-material objects comprising shells of various densities. Our results show that, when applied locally, even simple models provide state-of-the-art descattering, reducing the error in density reconstruction due to scatter by more than half.

A Klein TQFT: The local Real Gromov-Witten theory of curves

In this paper we study the Real Gromov-Witten theory of local 3-folds over Real curves. We show that this gives rise to a 2-dimensional Klein TQFT defined on an extension of the category of unorientable surfaces. We use this structure to completely solve the theory by providing a closed formula for the local RGW invariants in terms of representation theoretic data, extending earlier results of Bryan and Pandharipande. As a consequence we obtain the local version of the real Gopakumar-Vafa formula that expresses the connected real Gromov-Witten invariants in terms of integer invariants. In the case of the resolved conifold the partition function of the RGW invariants agrees with that of the SO/Sp Chern-Simons theory.

Stability and hyperbolicity of equilibria for a scalar nonlocal one-dimensional quasilinear parabolic problem

In this work, we present results on stability and hyperbolicity of equilibria for a scalar nonlocal one-dimensional quasilinear parabolic problem. We show that this nonlocal version of the well-known Chafee-Infante equation bears some resemblance with the local version. However, its nonlocal characteristic requires a fine analysis of the spectrum of the associated linear operators, a lot more elaborated than the local case. The saddle point property of equilibria is shown to hold for this quasilinear model.

On localization of the star-Menger selection principle

In this paper we primarily introduce the local version of star-Menger property, namely locally star-Menger property (a space with this property is called locally star-Menger) and present some important topological observations. Certain interactions between the new notion and star-Menger property are also observed. Some observations on effectively locally star-Menger Pixley-Roy hyperspaces (introduced here) are obtained. Preservation like properties under several topological operations are also interpreted carefully. Besides, several results on decomposition and remainder of locally star-Menger spaces are also presented.

Remarks on Type I Blow-Up for the 3D Euler Equations and the 2D Boussinesq Equations

In this paper, we derive kinematic relations for quantities involving the rate of strain tensor and the Hessian of the pressure for solutions of the 3D Euler equations and the 2D Boussinesq equations. Using these kinematic relations, we prove new blow-up criteria and obtain conditions for the absence of type I singularity for these equations. We obtain both global and localized versions of the results. Some of the new blow-up criteria and type I conditions improve previous results of Chae and Constantin (Int Math Res Notices rnab014, 2021).

Conditional distribution regression for functional responses

AbstractModeling conditional distributions for functional data extends the concept of a mean response in functional regression settings, where vector predictors are paired with functional responses. This extension is challenging because of the nonexistence of well‐defined densities, cumulative distributions, or quantile functions in the Hilbert space where the response functions are located. To address this challenge, we simplify the problem by assuming that the response functions are Gaussian processes, which means that the conditional distribution of the responses is determined by conditional mean and conditional covariance. We demonstrate that these quantities can be obtained by applying global and local Fréchet regression, where the local version is more flexible and applicable when the covariate dimension is low and covariates are continuous, while the global version is not subject to these restrictions but is based on the assumption of a more restrictive regression relation. Convergence rates for the proposed estimates are obtained under the framework of M‐estimation. The corresponding estimation of conditional distributions is illustrated with simulations and an application to bike‐sharing data, where predictors include weather characteristics and responses are bike rental profiles. We also show that our methods are applicable to the challenging problem to study functional fragments. Such data are observed in accelerated longitudinal studies and correspond to functional data observed over short domain segments. We demonstrate the utility of conditional distributions in this context by using the time (age) at which a subject enters the domain of a fragment in addition to other covariates as predictor and the function observed over the domain of the fragment as response.

A finite deformation multiplicative plasticity model with non–local hardening for bonded geomaterials

The paper presents a finite deformation, isotropic hardening, non–associative elastic–plastic constitutive model (FD_Milan model) for describing the mechanical behavior of a wide range of bonded natural geomaterials such as stiff overconsonsolidated clays, porous soft rocks or bio–improved soils. The formulation of the model is based on the multiplicative split of the deformation gradient and on the assumption of hyperelastic behavior. To deal with the occurrence of strain localization, typically observed in this class of geomaterials, the model has been equipped with a non–local version of the hardening laws. This approach is capable of regularizing the pathological mesh dependence occurring in the post–localization regime when adopting classical plasticity models.In view of its application to practical geotechnical problems characterized by large displacements and deformations within a hydro-mechanical coupled environment, the model has been implemented in the recently developed Particle Finite Element code G–PFEM for geomechanics applications.To demonstrate the effectiveness of the numerical implementation, a series of numerical simulations has been performed considering two representative boundary value problems: the modeling of shear localization in plane strain biaxial tests and the simulation of CPTu tests in a saturated porous soil. The results of biaxial test simulations have highlighted the role of the characteristic length in controlling the thickness of the localized zone and the effect of the confining pressure in determining the pattern of shear band formation. An interesting feature emerging from the partially drained CPTu simulation results is the progressive formation of persistent shear bands, which originate from the cone tip and propagate outwards along the entire penetration depth.

THE POZO MORO RELIEFS (CHINCHILLA, SPAIN): A MEDITERRANEAN HERO BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

SummaryAt Pozo Moro, archaeologists discovered the oldest series of architectural and sculptural remains currently known in Iberian culture. It is traditionally assumed that they were part of a single ten‐meters‐high tower that was built – and immediately collapsed – in the late sixth century BC, some fifty years before an Iberian necropolis flourished around its ruins. This paper proposes that the site housed not just one, but various monuments, built at different times, that depicted the deeds of a local version of a Mediterranean hero, an ‘Iberian Heracles’ whose saga was to some extent known throughout the Mediterranean and used everywhere to bolster local claims to power.

Local versions realizing the pastoral model of metal production in conditions of the steppe ecosystems in the Urals-Mygodzhary region in the Late Bronze Age

Based on the results of the landscape-archeological studies in the Urals-Mugodzhary region and historical-ethnographic data, the problem of variability to realize the pasturable model metal production in the Late Bronze Age is discussed in the paper. The economic-cultural system is characterized by a harmonious combination of mobile livestock based on pastures and water sources’ seasonal rotation and separate technological stages of mining and metallurgical production. It was maximally adapted to the local steppe ecosystems’ peculiarities and promoted to save their dynamic balance due to rational use of natural-resource potential.

Putala Naach and Wayang: Ramayana Tradition in Puppet Theatre in Assam and Bali

The Ramayana is not only a Hindu epic, it is a symbol of truth, victory over evil, and this is the reason the main route of the epic has accepted by many countries along with India also. Many local parts of Ramayana have also recognised. Not only in literature, but the Ramayana tradition has preserved in performing art form also. Bali of Indonesia is one of the tourist attraction places for its tradition, culture, and puppetry. Besides the local version of Ramayana, through the Wayang (puppet) the Ramayana has been preserved in Bali. For thousands of years, the stories of Rama, Sita, Hanoman and Ravana have been told in Java and Bali in Indonesia, and thru Wayang (Wayang Kulit and wayang Golek) the Ramayana tradition has been performing. In the North-eastern state of India in Assam, the Ramayana tradition has been performing thru Putala Naach (puppet). The Ramayana tradition has been preserved in two different puppetry forms. In Bali, the Ramayana tradition has performed in shadow puppet (Wayang Kulit), but in Assam, the Ramayana tradition has been performing thru string puppet. Though there is a vast difference between Wayang and Putala Naach, this paper has tried to examine the relationship between them thru the stories of Ramayana, the repertoires, the puppeteers, the beginning rituals, and the musical accompaniments.

Мотив птичьей головы с волютовидным клювом в системе восточноевропейского варианта скифского звериного стиля и его вероятные истоки

The Eastern European Scythian animal style is characterized by some peculiarities both in the repertoire and in artistic technique that distinguish this local version of the Scythian-Siberian animal style from another ones. The article describes the motif of a separate head of a bird of prey with a twirled (in development — volute) beak as a good local marker of the Eastern European Scythian animal style. This is one of the most characteristic repertoire preferences, much less inherent in other local variants of the Scythian-Siberian animal style (excluding the Pazyryk art). The article characterizes morphological types of numerous images of this kind, these types were revealed by the author in the course of classification of images of the Scythian local variant of the animal style. The author reveals the stylistic dynamics of this motif in chronological context against the general background of implementation of the mega-image of bird in the Eastern European Scythian animal style. Also analogues from other local variants of the Scythian-Siberian world are presented. There are determined probable origins of the discrete head of bird of prey with twirled beak in the Eastern European Scythian animal style, where this motif is regular during the 7th—4th centuries BC, i. e. throughout the existence of this local variant. The study supports the version of the polycentric origin of the Scythian-Siberian animal style and the Scythian-Siberian cultural and historical community as a whole.

Is the six-factor asset pricing model discounting the global returns?

ABSTRACT The study proposed a six-factor asset pricing model to explain global returns. The study employed the global version of the six-factor model, besides Carhart four-factor and Fama–French five-factor models, to test the integrated international asset pricing hypothesis. Fama-MacBeth two-step procedure is used to estimate the parameters of both global and local version models. First the study finds that the six-factor model yields better estimates than the competing models in return predictability. Secondly, the study rejects the integrated international asset pricing hypothesis and argues that the local six-factor model yields better estimates than local competing models and outperforms global version models.