  Centralized DNS over HTTPS/TLS (DoH/DoT) resolution, which has started being
deployed by major hosting providers and web browsers, has sparked controversy
among Internet activists and privacy advocates due to several privacy concerns.
This design decision causes the trace of all DNS resolutions to be exposed to a
third-party resolver, different than the one specified by the user's access
network. In this work we propose K-resolver, a DNS resolution mechanism that
disperses DNS queries across multiple DoH resolvers, reducing the amount of
information about a user's browsing activity exposed to each individual
resolver. As a result, none of the resolvers can learn a user's entire web
browsing history. We have implemented a prototype of our approach for Mozilla
Firefox, and used it to evaluate the performance of web page load time compared
to the default centralized DoH approach. While our K-resolver mechanism has
some effect on DNS resolution time and web page load time, we show that this is
mainly due to the geographical location of the selected DoH servers. When more
well-provisioned anycast servers are available, our approach incurs negligible
overhead while improving user privacy.


  The notion of travel groupoids was introduced by L. Nebesk\'y in 2006 in
connection with a study on geodetic graphs. A travel groupoid is a pair of a
set $V$ and a binary operation $*$ on $V$ satisfying two axioms. For a travel
groupoid, we can associate a graph. We say that a graph $G$ has a travel
groupoid if the graph associated with the travel groupoid is equal to $G$.
Nebesk\'y gave a characterization for finite graphs to have a travel groupoid.
In this paper, we introduce the notion of T-partition systems on a graph and
give a characterization of travel groupoids on a graph in terms of T-partition
systems.


  In the study of computational effects, it is important to consider the notion
of computational effects with parameters. The need of such a notion arises
when, for example, statically estimating the range of effects caused by a
program, or studying the ways in which effects with local scopes are derived
from effects with only the global scope. Extending the classical observation
that computational effects can be modeled by monads, these computational
effects with parameters are modeled by various mathematical structures
including graded monads and indexed monads, which are two different
generalizations of ordinary monads. The former has been employed in the
semantics of effect systems, whereas the latter in the study of the
relationship between the local state monads and the global state monads, each
exemplifying the two situations mentioned above. However, despite their
importance, the mathematical theory of graded and indexed monads is far less
developed than that of ordinary monads.
  Here we develop the mathematical theory of graded and indexed monads from a
2-categorical viewpoint. We first introduce four 2-categories and observe that
in two of them graded monads are in fact monads in the 2-categorical sense, and
similarly indexed monads are monads in the 2-categorical sense in the other
two. We then construct explicitly the Eilenberg--Moore and the Kleisli objects
of graded monads, and the Eilenberg--Moore objects of indexed monads in the
sense of Street in appropriate 2-categories among these four. The corresponding
results for graded and indexed comonads also follow.
  We expect that the current work will provide a theoretical foundation to a
unified study of computational effects with parameters, or dually (using the
comonad variants), of computational resources with parameters, arising for
example in Bounded Linear Logic.


  Reverberation observations have uncovered an Fe K{\alpha} fluorescence line
in the tidal disruption event (TDE) Swift J1644+57 (Kara et al. 2016). The
discovery paper used the lag spectrum to argue that the X-ray continuum source
was located very close to the blackhole (~30 gravitational radii) and moved
sub-relativistically. We reanalyze the lag spectrum, pointing out that dilution
effects cause it to indicate a geometric scale an order of magnitude larger
than previously inferred. If the X-ray continuum is produced by a relativistic
jet, as suggested by rapid variability, high luminosity and hard spectrum, this
larger scale predicts an Fe ionization state consistent with efficient
K{\alpha} production. Moreover, the momentum of the jet radiation impinging on
the surrounding accretion flow on this larger scale accelerates a layer of gas
to speeds ~0.1-0.2c, consistent with the blueshifted line profile.
  Implications of our results on the global picture of jetted TDEs are
discussed. A power-law {\gamma}/X-ray spectrum may be produced by external
UV-optical photons being repetitively inverse-Compton scattered by cold
electrons in the jet, although our model for the K{\alpha} reverberation does
not depend on the jet radiation mechanism (magnetic reconnection in a Poynting
jet is still a viable mechanism). The non-relativistic wind driven by jet
radiation may explain the late-time radio rebrightening in Swift J1644+57. This
energy injection may also cause the thermal UV-optical emission from jetted
TDEs to be systematically brighter than in non-jetted ones.


  The axion, originally postulated by Peccei and Quinn to solve the strong CP
problem, has become of great interest in particle and astroparticle
phenomenology. Yet it has a problem. It is widely assumed that the axion leaves
the nonperturbative features of QCD, such as the axial anomaly and chiral
symmetry breaking, unscathed. This is, however, not the case. It turns out that
the anomalous coupling of the axion to the gauge bosons can be integrated
partially, leaving behind a path integral extending over topologically trivial
gauge potentials only. This has far reaching consequences. We conclude that the
Peccei-Quinn axion extension of the Standard Model is not a viable theory.


  In smart power grids, keeping the synchronicity of generators and the
corresponding controls is of great importance. To do so, a simple model is
employed in terms of swing equation to represent the interactions among
dynamics of generators and feedback control. In case of having a communication
network available, the control can be done based on the transmitted
measurements by the communication network. The stability of system is denoted
by the largest eigenvalue of the weighted sum of the Laplacian matrices of the
communication infrastructure and power network. In this work, we use graph
theory to model the communication network as a graph problem. Then, Ant Colony
System (ACS) is employed for optimum design of above graph for synchronization
of power grids. Performance evaluation of the proposed method for the 39-bus
New England power system versus methods such as exhaustive search and Rayleigh
quotient approximation indicates feasibility and effectiveness of our method
for even large scale smart power grids.


  The two-body problem under the influence of both dark energy and
post-Newtonian modifications is studied. In this unified framework, we
demonstrate that dark energy plays the role of a critical period with
$T_{\Lambda} = 2\pi/c \sqrt{\Lambda} \approx 60~\text{Gyr}$. We also show that
the ratio between orbital and critical period naturally emerges from the
Kretschmann scalar, which is a quadratic curvature invariant characterizing all
binary systems effectively represented by a de Sitter-Schwarzschild spacetime.
The suitability of a binary system to constrain dark energy is determined by
the ratio between its Keplerian orbital period $T_\text{K}$ and the critical
period $T_\Lambda$. Systems with $T_\text{K} \approx T_\Lambda$ are optimal for
constraining the cosmological constant $\Lambda$, such as the Local Group and
the Virgo Cluster. Systems with $T_{\text{K}} \ll T_\Lambda$ are dominated by
attractive gravity (which are best suited for studying modified gravity
corrections). Systems with $T_{\text{K}} \gg T_\Lambda$ are dominated by
repulsive dark energy and can thus be used to constrain $\Lambda$ from below.
We use our unified framework of post-Newtonian and dark-energy modifications to
calculate the precession of bounded and unbounded astrophysical systems and
infer constraints on $\Lambda$ from them. Pulsars, the solar system, S stars
around Sgr A*, the Local Group, and the Virgo Cluster, having orbital periods
of days to gigayears, are analyzed. The results reveal that the upper bound on
the cosmological constant decreases when the orbital period of the system
increases, emphasizing that $\Lambda$ is a critical period in binary motion.


  Blind visual quality assessment (BVQA) on 360{\textdegree} video plays a key
role in optimizing immersive multimedia systems. When assessing the quality of
360{\textdegree} video, human tends to perceive its quality degradation from
the viewport-based spatial distortion of each spherical frame to motion
artifact across adjacent frames, ending with the video-level quality score,
i.e., a progressive quality assessment paradigm. However, the existing BVQA
approaches for 360{\textdegree} video neglect this paradigm. In this paper, we
take into account the progressive paradigm of human perception towards
spherical video quality, and thus propose a novel BVQA approach (namely ProVQA)
for 360{\textdegree} video via progressively learning from pixels, frames and
video. Corresponding to the progressive learning of pixels, frames and video,
three sub-nets are designed in our ProVQA approach, i.e., the spherical
perception aware quality prediction (SPAQ), motion perception aware quality
prediction (MPAQ) and multi-frame temporal non-local (MFTN) sub-nets. The SPAQ
sub-net first models the spatial quality degradation based on spherical
perception mechanism of human. Then, by exploiting motion cues across adjacent
frames, the MPAQ sub-net properly incorporates motion contextual information
for quality assessment on 360{\textdegree} video. Finally, the MFTN sub-net
aggregates multi-frame quality degradation to yield the final quality score,
via exploring long-term quality correlation from multiple frames. The
experiments validate that our approach significantly advances the
state-of-the-art BVQA performance on 360{\textdegree} video over two datasets,
the code of which has been public in
\url{https://github.com/yanglixiaoshen/ProVQA.}


  The Robust Artificial Intelligence System Assurance (RAISA) workshop will
focus on research, development and application of robust artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems. Rather than studying
robustness with respect to particular ML algorithms, our approach will be to
explore robustness assurance at the system architecture level, during both
development and deployment, and within the human-machine teaming context. While
the research community is converging on robust solutions for individual AI
models in specific scenarios, the problem of evaluating and assuring the
robustness of an AI system across its entire life cycle is much more complex.
Moreover, the operational context in which AI systems are deployed necessitates
consideration of robustness and its relation to principles of fairness,
privacy, and explainability.


  The $\alpha$-sandwiched R\'enyi divergence satisfies the data processing
inequality, i.e. monotonicity under quantum operations, for $\alpha\geq 1/2$.
In this article, we derive a necessary and sufficient algebraic condition for
equality in the data processing inequality for the $\alpha$-sandwiched R\'enyi
divergence for all $\alpha\geq 1/2$. For the range $\alpha\in [1/2,1)$, our
result provides the only condition for equality obtained thus far. To prove our
result, we first consider the special case of partial trace, and derive a
condition for equality based on the original proof of the data processing
inequality by Frank and Lieb [J. Math. Phys. 54.12 (2013), p. 122201] using a
strict convexity/concavity argument. We then generalize to arbitrary quantum
operations via the Stinespring Representation Theorem. As applications of our
condition for equality in the data processing inequality, we deduce conditions
for equality in various entropic inequalities. We formulate a R\'enyi version
of the Araki-Lieb inequality and analyze the case of equality, generalizing a
result by Carlen and Lieb [Lett. Math. Phys. 101.1 (2012), pp. 1-11] about
equality in the original Araki-Lieb inequality. Furthermore, we prove a general
lower bound on a R\'enyi version of the entanglement of formation, and observe
that it is attained by states saturating the R\'enyi version of the Araki-Lieb
inequality. Finally, we prove that the known upper bound on the entanglement
fidelity in terms of the usual fidelity is saturated only by pure states.


  We report a study of the effects of pressure on the diffusivity of water
molecules confined in single- wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with average mean
pore diameter of 16 Angstroms. The measurements were carried out using
high-resolution neutron scattering, over the temperature range 220 < T < 260 K,
and at two pressure conditions: ambient and elevated pressure. The high
pressure data were collected at constant volume on cooling, with P varying from
1.92 kbar at temperature T = 260 K to 1.85 kbar at T = 220 K. Analysis of the
observed dynamic structure factor S(Q, E) reveals the presence of two
relaxation processes, a faster diffusion component (FC) associated with the
motion of "caged" or restricted molecules, and a slower component arising from
the free water molecules diffusing within the SWNT matrix. While the
temperature dependence of the slow relaxation time exhibits a
Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law and is non-Arrhenius in nature, the faster component
follows an Arrhenius exponential law at both pressure conditions. The
application of pressure remarkably slows down the overall molecular dynamics,
in agreement with previous observations, but most notably affects the slow
relaxation. The faster relaxation shows marginal or no change with pressure
within the experimental conditions.


  In this paper, it is shown that the covariant representation (CR)
transforming the Dirac field under de Sitter isometries is equivalent to a
direct sum of two unitary irreducible representations (UIRs) of the $Sp(2,2)$
group transforming alike the particle and antiparticle field operators in
momentum representation. Their basis generators and Casimir operators are
written down for the first time finding that these representations are
equivalent to a UIR from the principal series whose canonical labels are
determined by the fermion mass and spin. The properties of the conserved
observables (i. e. one-particle operators) associated to the de Sitter
isometries via Noether theorem and of the corresponding Pauli-Lubanski type
operator are also pointed out.


  We investigate the conditions required for the production of
electron-positron pairs above a pulsar polar cap (PC) and the influence of pair
production on the energetics of the primary particle acceleration. Assuming
space-charge limited flow acceleration including the inertial frame-dragging
effect, we allow both one-photon and two-photon pair production by either
curvature radiation (CR) photons or photons resulting from inverse-Compton
scattering of thermal photons from the PC by primary electrons. We find that,
while only the younger pulsars can produce pairs through CR, nearly all known
radio pulsars are capable of producing pairs through non-resonant
inverse-Compton scatterings. The effect of the neutron star equations of state
on the pair death lines is explored. We show that pair production is
facilitated in more compact stars and more massive stars. Therefore accretion
of mass by pulsars in binary systems may allow pair production in most of the
millisecond pulsar population. We also find that two-photon pair production may
be important in millisecond pulsars if their surface temperatures are above
about three million degrees K. Pulsars that produce pairs through CR will have
their primary acceleration limited by the effect of screening of the electric
field. In this regime, the high-energy luminosity should follow a $L_{HE}
\propto \dot E_{rot}^{1/2}$ dependence. The acceleration voltage drop in
pulsars that produce pairs only through inverse-Compton emission will not be
limited by electric field screening. In this regime, the high-energy luminosity
should follow a $L_{HE} \propto \dot E_{rot}$ dependence. Thus, older pulsars
will have significantly lower gamma-ray luminosity.


  The unique pressure exerted by active particles -- the "swim" pressure -- has
proven to be a useful quantity in explaining many of the seemingly confounding
behaviors of active particles. However, its use has also resulted in some
puzzling findings including an \textit{extremely negative} surface tension
between phase separated active particles. Here, we demonstrate that this
contradiction stems from the fact that the swim pressure \textit{is not a true
pressure}. At a boundary or interface, the reduction in particle swimming
generates a net active force density -- an entirely \textit{self-generated body
force}. The pressure at the boundary, which was previously identified as the
swim pressure, is in fact an elevated (relative to the bulk) value of the
\textit{traditional particle pressure} that is generated by this interfacial
force density. Recognizing this unique mechanism for stress generation allows
us to define a much more physically plausible surface tension. We clarify the
utility of the swim pressure as an "equivalent pressure" (analogous to those
defined from electrostatic and gravitational body forces) and the conditions in
which this concept can be appropriately applied.


  An accurate calculation of the exciton ground and excited states in AlGaAs
and InGaAs coupled quantum wells (CQWs) in an external electric field is
presented. An efficient and straightforward algorithm of solving the
Schrodinger equation in real space has been developed and exciton binding
energies, oscillator strengths, lifetimes, and absorption spectra are
calculated for applied electric fields up to 100 kV/cm. It is found that in
symmetric 8-4-8 nm GaAs/Al(0.33)Ga(0.67)As CQW structure, the ground state of
the system switches from direct to indirect exciton at approximately 5 kV/cm
with dramatic changes of its binding energy and oscillator strength while the
bright excited direct-exciton state remains almost unaffected. It is shown that
the excitonic lifetime is dominated either by the radiative recombination or by
tunneling processes at small/large values of the electric field, respectively.
The calculated lifetime of the exciton ground state as a function of the bias
voltage is in a quantitative agreement with low-temperature photoluminescence
measurements. We have also made freely available a numerical code for
calculation of the optical properties of direct and indirect excitons in CQWs
in an electric field.


  We consider the Cauchy problem posed in the whole space for the following
nonlocal heat equation: u_t = J * u - u, where J is a symmetric continuous
probability density. Depending on the tail of J, we give a rather complete
picture of the problem in optimal classes of data by: (i) estimating the
initial trace of (possibly unbounded) solutions; (ii) showing existence and
uniqueness results in a suitable class; (iii) giving explicit unbounded
polynomial solutions.


  Multi-step reasoning is widely adopted in the community to explore the better
performance of language models (LMs). We report on the systematic strategy that
LMs use in this process. Our controlled experiments reveal that LMs rely more
heavily on heuristics, such as lexical overlap, in the earlier stages of
reasoning when more steps are required to reach an answer. Conversely, as LMs
progress closer to the final answer, their reliance on heuristics decreases.
This suggests that LMs track only a limited number of future steps and
dynamically combine heuristic strategies with logical ones in tasks involving
multi-step reasoning.


  This paper presents stacked attention networks (SANs) that learn to answer
natural language questions from images. SANs use semantic representation of a
question as query to search for the regions in an image that are related to the
answer. We argue that image question answering (QA) often requires multiple
steps of reasoning. Thus, we develop a multiple-layer SAN in which we query an
image multiple times to infer the answer progressively. Experiments conducted
on four image QA data sets demonstrate that the proposed SANs significantly
outperform previous state-of-the-art approaches. The visualization of the
attention layers illustrates the progress that the SAN locates the relevant
visual clues that lead to the answer of the question layer-by-layer.


  Assume G is a graph and k is a positive integer. Let f: V(G) to N be defined
as f(v)=min{k, d_G(v)}. If G is DP-f-colourable (respectively, f-choosable),
then we say G is DP-k-truncated-degree-colourable (respectively,
k-truncated-degree-choosable). Hutchinson [On list-colouring outerplanar
graphs. J. Graph Theory] proved that 2-connected maximal outerplanar graphs
other than the triangle are 5-truncated-degree-choosable. This result was
recently improved by Dai, Hu, Li, and Maezawa in [On DP-colouring of
outerplanar graphs. Manuscript, 2023], where it is proved that 2-connected
outerplanar graphs other than cycles are DP-5-truncated-degree-colourable. This
paper further improves this result and proves that 2-connected K_{2,4}-minor
free graphs other than cycles and complete graphs are
DP-$5$-truncated-degree-colourable.


  We report a method to characterize the propagation of an ultrashort pulse of
light through a multiple scattering medium by measuring its time-resolved
transmission matrix. This method is based on the use of a spatial light
modulator together with a coherent time-gated detection of the transmitted
speckle field. Using this matrix, we demonstrate the focusing of the scattered
pulse at any arbitrary position in space and time after the medium. Our
approach opens new perspectives for both fundamental studies and applications
in imaging and coherent control in disordered media.


  Deep measurements are presented of four rich clusters of galaxies: Abell 1367
(z=0.022), Abell 2199 (z=0.030), Abell 1795 (z=0.063), and Abell 1146
(z=0.141). All clusters have an excess of galaxies at faint magnitudes above
blank sky fields. We correct for background contamination and measure the
luminosity function of these galaxies in each cluster, and then combine these
luminosity functions to get better statistics. The resultant combined
luminosity function is rising at faint magnitudes, with a logarithmic slope
-1.5 < \alpha < -1.2 for -18 < M_B < -13 and -19 < M_R < -15. This is similar
to what has been observed independently in the Coma cluster. The colours of
these faint galaxies suggest that they are dwarf spheroidals.


  The paper is concerned with two-person games with saddle point. We
investigate the limits of value functions for long-time-average payoff,
discounted average payoff, and the payoff that follows a probability density.
  Most of our assumptions restrict the dynamics of games. In particular, we
assume the closedness of strategies under concatenation. It is also necessary
for the value function to satisfy Bellman's optimality principle, even if in a
weakened, asymptotic sense.
  We provide two results. The first one is a uniform Tauber result for games:
if the value functions for long-time-average payoff converge uniformly, then
there exists the uniform limit for probability densities from a sufficiently
broad set; moreover, these limits coincide. The second one is the uniform Abel
result: if a uniform limit for self-similar densities exists, then the uniform
limit for long-time average payoff also exists, and they coincide.


  We review the status of a certain (infinite) class of four-dimensional
generally covariant theories propagating two degrees of freedom that are
formulated without any direct mention of the metric. General relativity itself
(in its Plebanski formulation) belongs to the class, so these theories are
examples of modified gravity. We summarize the current understanding of the
nature of the modification, of the renormalizability properties of these
theories, of their coupling to matter fields, and describe some of their
physical properties.


  In this introductory work I will present the Finite Difference method for
hyperbolic equations, focusing on a method which has second order precision
both in time and space (the so-called staggered leapfrog method) and applying
it to the case of the 1d and 2d wave equation. A brief derivation of the energy
and equation of motion of a wave is done before the numerical part in order to
make the transition from the continuum to the lattice clearer. To illustrate
the extension of the method to more complex equations, I also add dissipative
terms of the kind $-\eta \dot{u}$ into the equations. The von Neumann numerical
stability analysis and the Courant criterion, two of the most popular in the
literature, are briefly discussed. In the end I present some numerical results
obtained with the leapfrog algorithm, illustrating the importance of the
lattice resolution through energy plots.


  Traditional techniques for handling Byzantine failures are expensive: digital
signatures are too costly, while using $3f{+}1$ replicas is uneconomical ($f$
denotes the maximum number of Byzantine processes). We seek algorithms that
reduce the number of replicas to $2f{+}1$ and minimize the number of
signatures. While the first goal can be achieved in the message-and-memory
model, accomplishing the second goal simultaneously is challenging. We first
address this challenge for the problem of broadcasting messages reliably. We
consider two variants of this problem, Consistent Broadcast and Reliable
Broadcast, typically considered very close. Perhaps surprisingly, we establish
a separation between them in terms of signatures required. In particular, we
show that Consistent Broadcast requires at least 1 signature in some execution,
while Reliable Broadcast requires $O(n)$ signatures in some execution. We
present matching upper bounds for both primitives within constant factors. We
then turn to the problem of consensus and argue that this separation matters
for solving consensus with Byzantine failures: we present a practical consensus
algorithm that uses Consistent Broadcast as its main communication primitive.
This algorithm works for $n=2f{+}1$ and avoids signatures in the common-case --
properties that have not been simultaneously achieved previously. Overall, our
work approaches Byzantine computing in a frugal manner and motivates the use of
Consistent Broadcast -- rather than Reliable Broadcast -- as a key primitive
for reaching agreement.


  In view of ever-changing conditions both in the external world and in
intrinsic brain states, maintaining the robustness of computations poses a
challenge, adequate solutions to which we are only beginning to understand. At
the level of cell-intrinsic properties, biophysical models of neurons permit
one to identify relevant physiological substrates that can serve as regulators
of neuronal excitability and to test how feedback loops can stabilize crucial
variables such as long-term calcium levels and firing rates. Mathematical
theory has also revealed a rich set of complementary computational properties
arising from distinct cellular dynamics and even shaping processing at the
network level. Here, we provide an overview over recently explored homeostatic
mechanisms derived from biophysical models and hypothesize how multiple
dynamical characteristics of cells, including their intrinsic neuronal
excitability classes, can be stably controlled.


  We have studied double Higgs production at future linear colliders while
paying special attention to the option of high-energy and high-luminosity
photon beams. The main purpose was to examine the feasibility of e+e-, e-gamma
and gamma-gamma colliders in order to probe the anomalous triple Higgs
coupling, which is crucial for understanding the Standard Model. We considered
mainly the cases of light and intermediate Higgs bosons. Double Higgs
production is almost background free, except in the MH=MZ mass range, which is
discussed separately. It is shown that for a light Higgs boson the HHH coupling
can be measured even at e+e- collider at 500 GeV. For a intermediate Higgs
boson a collider in the TeV region is suitable for such an investigation. We
have estimated the bounds on the anomalous HHH coupling, which can be
experimentally established using future linear colliders.


  We report that the lowest energy transverse-optic phonon in metallic SnTe
softens to near zero energy at the structural transition at $T_C=75 \text{~K}$
and importantly show that the energy of this mode below $T_C$ increases as the
temperature decreases. Since the mode is a polar displacement this proves
unambiguously that SnTe undergoes a ferroelectric displacement below $T_C$.
Concentration gradients and imperfect stoichiometry in large crystals may
explain why this was not seen in previous inelastic neutron scattering studies.
Despite SnTe being metallic we find that the ferroelectric transition is
similar to that in ferroelectric insulators, unmodified by the presence of
conduction electrons: we find that (i) the damping of the polar mode is
dominated by coupling to acoustic phonons rather than electron-phonon coupling
(ii) the transition is almost an ideal continuous transition (iii) comparison
with density functional calculations identifies the importance of
dipolar-dipolar screening for understanding this behaviour.


  Because of todays technological developments and the influence of digital
systems into every aspect of our lives, importance of cyber security improves
more and more day-by-day. Projects, educational processes and seminars realized
for this aim create and improve awareness among individuals and provide useful
tools for growing equipped generations. The aim of this study is to focus on a
cyber security eco-system, which was self-occurred within the interactive
educational environment designed under the scope of TUBITAK 4004 Nature
Education and Science Schools Projects (with the name of A Cyber Security
Adventure) with the use of important technologies such as virtual reality,
augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. The eco-system occurred within
the interactive educational process where high school students took place
caused both students and the project team to experience an indirect social
experiment environment. In this sense, it is thought that the findings and
comments presented in the study will give important ideas to everyone involved
in cyber security education, life-long learning processes, and the technology
use in software oriented educational tools.


  A variety V has definable factor congruences if and only if factor
congruences can be defined by a first-order formula Phi having central elements
as parameters. We prove that if Phi can be chosen to be existential, factor
congruences in every algebra of V are compact.


  Based on observations from the Insight-Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope
(Insight-HXMT), an analysis of Type-C quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs)
observed during the outburst of the new black hole candidate Swift J1727.8-1613
in 2023 was conducted. This analysis scrutinized the QPO's evolution throughout
the outburst, particularly noting its rapid frequency escalation during two
flare events. Utilizing the energy range covered by Insight-HXMT, a dependency
of the QPO frequency on energy was observed. Below approximately 3 Hz, minimal
variations in frequency with energy were noted, whereas clear variations with
photon energy were observed when it exceeded approximately 3 Hz. Additionally,
a sharp drop in the rate of change was observed when the frequency exceeded
approximately 8 Hz. This behavior, similar to several previously reported
sources, suggests the presence of a common underlying physical mechanism.
Moreover, the QPO rms-frequency relationship can be explained by the
Lense-Thirring precession model. The relationship between rms-energy and phase
lag with frequency suggests the black hole system as a high-inclination source.


  The 2-d spin 1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet with exchange coupling $J$ is
investigated on a periodic square lattice of spacing $a$ at very small
temperatures using the loop-cluster algorithm. Monte Carlo data for the
staggered and uniform susceptibilities are compared with analytic results
obtained in the systematic low-energy effective field theory for the staggered
magnetization order parameter. The low-energy parameters of the effective
theory, i.e.\ the staggered magnetization density ${\cal M}_s =
0.30743(1)/a^2$, the spin stiffness $\rho_s = 0.18081(11) J$, and the spin wave
velocity $c = 1.6586(3) J a$ are determined with very high precision. Our study
may serve as a test case for the comparison of lattice QCD Monte Carlo data
with analytic predictions of the chiral effective theory for pions and
nucleons, which is vital for the quantitative understanding of the strong
interaction at low energies.


  Classifying network traffic is the basis for important network applications.
Prior research in this area has faced challenges on the availability of
representative datasets, and many of the results cannot be readily reproduced.
Such a problem is exacerbated by emerging data-driven machine learning based
approaches. To address this issue, we present(N et)2databasewith three open
datasets containing nearly 1.3M labeled flows in total, with a comprehensive
list of flow features, for there search community1. We focus on broad aspects
in network traffic analysis, including both malware detection and application
classification. As we continue to grow them, we expect the datasets to serve as
a common ground for AI driven, reproducible research on network flow analytics.
We release the datasets publicly and also introduce a Multi-Task Hierarchical
Learning (MTHL)model to perform all tasks in a single model. Our results show
that MTHL is capable of accurately performing multiple tasks with hierarchical
labeling with a dramatic reduction in training time.


  Long-distance quantum communication in quantum networks faces significant
challenges due to the constraints imposed by the no-cloning theorem. Most
existing quantum communication protocols rely on the a priori distribution of
entanglement pairs (EPs), a process known to incur considerable latency due to
its stochastic nature. In this work, we consider the problem of minimizing the
latency of establishing an EP across a pair of nodes in a quantum network.
While prior research has primarily focused on minimizing the expected
generation latency by selecting {\em static} entanglement routes and/or
swapping trees in advance, our approach considers a real-time adaptive strategy
-- wherein the order of entanglement-swapping operations (hence, the swapping
tree used) is progressively determined at runtime based on the runtime
success/failure of the stochastic events. In this context, we present a greedy
algorithm that iteratively determines the best route and/or
entanglement-swapping operation to perform at each stage based on the current
network. We evaluate our schemes on randomly generated networks and observe a
reduction in latency of up to 40% from the optimal offline approach.


We present a brief overview of fractional analytic QCD.


  3D object detection from point clouds is crucial in safety-critical
autonomous driving. Although many works have made great efforts and achieved
significant progress on this task, most of them suffer from expensive
annotation cost and poor transferability to unknown data due to the domain gap.
Recently, few works attempt to tackle the domain gap in objects, but still fail
to adapt to the gap of varying beam-densities between two domains, which is
critical to mitigate the characteristic differences of the LiDAR collectors. To
this end, we make the attempt to propose a density-insensitive domain adaption
framework to address the density-induced domain gap. In particular, we first
introduce Random Beam Re-Sampling (RBRS) to enhance the robustness of 3D
detectors trained on the source domain to the varying beam-density. Then, we
take this pre-trained detector as the backbone model, and feed the unlabeled
target domain data into our newly designed task-specific teacher-student
framework for predicting its high-quality pseudo labels. To further adapt the
property of density-insensitivity into the target domain, we feed the teacher
and student branches with the same sample of different densities, and propose
an Object Graph Alignment (OGA) module to construct two object-graphs between
the two branches for enforcing the consistency in both the attribute and
relation of cross-density objects. Experimental results on three widely adopted
3D object detection datasets demonstrate that our proposed domain adaption
method outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, especially over
varying-density data. Code is available at
https://github.com/WoodwindHu/DTS}{https://github.com/WoodwindHu/DTS.


  The dependence of Tc on nearly hydrostatic pressure has been measured for an
isotopically pure (11B) MgB2 sample in a helium-loaded diamond-anvil-cell to
nearly 20 GPa. Tc decreases monotonically with pressure from 39.1 K at ambient
pressure to 20.9 K at 19.2 GPa. The initial dependence is the same as that
obtained earlier (dTc/dP = -1.11(2) K/GPa) on the same sample in a He-gas
apparatus to 0.7 GPa. The observed pressure dependence Tc(P) to 20 GPa can be
readily described in terms of simple lattice stiffening within standard
phonon-mediated BCS superconductivity.


  Using tools from spectral analysis, singular and regular perturbation theory,
we develop a systematic method for analytically computing the approximate price
of a derivative-asset. The payoff of the derivative-asset may be
path-dependent. Additionally, the process underlying the derivative may exhibit
killing (i.e. jump to default) as well as combined local/nonlocal stochastic
volatility. The nonlocal component of volatility is multiscale, in the sense
that it is driven by one fast-varying and one slow-varying factor. The
flexibility of our modeling framework is contrasted by the simplicity of our
method. We reduce the derivative pricing problem to that of solving a single
eigenvalue equation. Once the eigenvalue equation is solved, the approximate
price of a derivative can be calculated formulaically. To illustrate our
method, we calculate the approximate price of three derivative-assets: a
vanilla option on a defaultable stock, a path-dependent option on a
non-defaultable stock, and a bond in a short-rate model.


  We construct dense, triangle-free, chromatic-critical graphs of chromatic
number $k$ for all $k\geq 4$. For $k\geq 6$ our constructions have $>
(\frac{1}{4} -\varepsilon)n^2$ edges, which is asymptotically best possible by
Tur\'an's theorem. We also demonstrate (nonconstructively) the existence of
dense $k$-critical graphs avoiding all odd cycles of length $\leq \ell$ for any
$\ell$ and any $k\geq 4$, again with a best possible density of $>(\frac{1}{4}
-\varepsilon)n^2$ edges for $k\geq 6$. The families of graphs without triangles
or of given odd-girth are thus rare examples where we know the correct maximal
density of $k$-critical members ($k\geq 6$).


  We derive a dynamic field theory for a kinetically constrained model, based
on the Fredrickson--Andersen model, which we expect to describe the properties
of an Arrhenius (strong) supercooled liquid at the coarse-grained level. We
study this field theory using the renormalization group. For mesoscopic length
and time scales, and for space dimension d \geq 2, the behaviour of the model
is governed by a zero-temperature dynamical critical point in the directed
percolation universality class. We argue that in d=1 its behaviour is that of
compact directed percolation. We perform detailed numerical simulations of the
corresponding Fredrickson-Andersen model on the lattice in various dimensions,
and find reasonable quantitative agreement with the field theory predictions.


  We compute the critical temperature of Bose-Einstein condensation in dilute
three-dimensional homogeneous Bose gases. Our method involves the models of
spatial permutations and it should be exact to lowest order in the scattering
length of the particle interactions. We find that the change in the critical
temperature is proportional to a rho^{1/3} with constant c = -2.33; this
contradicts the current consensus among physicists.


  Photon bunching in incoherent cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy
originates from the fact that a single high-energy electron can generate
multiple photons when interacting with a material, thus revealing key
properties of electron-matter excitation. Contrary to previous works based on
Monte-Carlo modelling, here we present a fully analytical model describing the
amplitude and shape of the second order autocorrelation function
($g^{(2)}(\tau)$) for continuous and pulsed electron beams. Moreover, we extend
the analysis of photon bunching to ultrashort electron pulses, in which up to
500 electrons per pulse excite the sample within a few picoseconds. We obtain a
simple equation relating the bunching strength ($g^{(2)}(0)$ to the electron
excitation efficiency ($\gamma$), electron beam current, emitter decay lifetime
and pulse duration, in the case of pulsed electron beams. The analytical model
shows good agreement with experimental data obtained on InGaN/GaN quantum wells
using continuous, ns-pulsed (using beam blanker) and ultrashort ps-pulsed
(using photoemission) electron beams. We extract excitation efficiencies of
0.13 and 0.05 for 10 and 8 keV electron beams, respectively, and we observe
that non-linear effects play no compelling role even after excitation with
ultrashort and dense electron cascades in the quantum wells.


  Spiking Neural Networks~(SNNs) are a promising research paradigm for low
power edge-based computing. Recent works in SNN backpropagation has enabled
training of SNNs for practical tasks. However, since spikes are binary events
in time, standard loss formulations are not directly compatible with spike
output. As a result, current works are limited to using mean-squared loss of
spike count. In this paper, we formulate the output probability interpretation
from the spike count measure and introduce spike-based negative log-likelihood
measure which are more suited for classification tasks especially in terms of
the energy efficiency and inference latency. We compare our loss measures with
other existing alternatives and evaluate using classification performances on
three neuromorphic benchmark datasets: NMNIST, DVS Gesture and N-TIDIGITS18. In
addition, we demonstrate state of the art performances on these datasets,
achieving faster inference speed and less energy consumption.


  In this paper, we propose a new notion of Forward--Backward Martingale
Problem (FBMP), and study its relationship with the weak solution to the
forward--backward stochastic differential equations (FBSDEs). The FBMP extends
the idea of the well-known (forward) martingale problem of Stroock and
Varadhan, but it is structured specifically to fit the nature of an FBSDE. We
first prove a general sufficient condition for the existence of the solution to
the FBMP. In the Markovian case with uniformly continuous coefficients, we show
that the weak solution to the FBSDE (or equivalently, the solution to the FBMP)
does exist. Moreover, we prove that the uniqueness of the FBMP (whence the
uniqueness of the weak solution) is determined by the uniqueness of the
viscosity solution of the corresponding quasilinear PDE.


  Reducing the global burden of stillbirths is important to improving child and
maternal health. Of interest is understanding patterns in the timing of
stillbirths -- that is, whether they occur in the intra- or antepartum period
-- because stillbirths that occur intrapartum are largely preventable. However,
data availability on the timing of stillbirths is highly variable across the
world, with low- and middle-income countries generally having few reliable
observations. In this paper we develop a Bayesian penalized splines regression
framework to estimate the proportion of stillbirths that are intrapartum for
all countries worldwide. The model accounts for known relationships with
neonatal mortality, pools information across geographic regions, incorporates
different errors based on data attributes, and allows for data-driven temporal
trends. A weighting procedure is proposed to account for unrepresentative
subnational data. Results suggest that the intrapartum proportion is generally
decreasing over time, but progress is slower in some regions, particularly
Sub-Saharan Africa.


  The lifetime of the metastable 3P2 state of neon has been determined to
14.70(13) s (decay rate 0.06801(62) 1/s) by measuring the decay in fluorescence
of an ensemble of Ne-20 atoms trapped in a magneto-optical trap (MOT). Due to
low background gas pressure p < 5 10^-11 mbar and low relative excitation to
the 3D3 state (0.5% excitation probability) operation only small corrections
have to be included in the lifetime extrapolation. Together with a careful
analysis of residual loss mechanisms in the MOT a lifetime determination to
high precision is achieved.


  LPBF of Al alloys is associated with numerous challenges when compared to
other commonly used alloys due to their higher reflectivity and thermal
conductivity. In this work, processing diagrams, temperature prediction models,
XCT, and metallography are used for establishing criteria in process parameter
optimization of high reflectivity Al alloys based on AlSi$_{10}$Mg response in
using 57 different process parameter combinations - 21 using a focused Gaussian
laser beam and 36 using divergent beams. For LPBF systems with focused beam
diameters <100 {\mu}m, divergent beams obtained by defocusing to a position
above the LPBF build plate primarily lead to conduction mode melt pools, while
a focused beam leads to transition and keyhole mode melt pools. Conduction mode
melting helps in avoiding keyhole mode defects, resulting in parts with
densities >99.98%. Additionally, an analytical model-guided selection of laser
power and velocity settings for a focused beam help in stabilizing melt pool
and spatter dynamics in the transition melting mode thereby enabling a
potential to obtain density values close to conduction mode densities
(~99.98%). A dimensionless keyhole number (Ke) was derived in this work to
identify distinct regions of conduction (Ke of 0-12), transition (Ke of 12-20),
and keyhole (Ke > 20) mode melting during LPBF of AlSi$_{10}$. A melt pool
aspect ratio (ratio of melt pool depth to width) of ~0.4 is observed to be the
threshold between conduction and transition/keyhole mode melt pools for
AlSi$_{10}$, different from the conventionally assumed 0.5. Lastly, inferred
laser absorptivity values (from experimental melt pools) of transition/keyhole
mode melt pools are observed to be >40% higher when compared to conduction mode
melt pools. This work demonstrates a dimensionless-process map method to obtain
near fully dense parts that can be generalized for LPBF of high reflectivity
alloys.


  We study theoretically planar interfaces between two domains of superfluid
3He-B. The structure of the B-B walls is determined on the scale of the
superfluid condensation energy, and thus the domain walls have thickness on the
order of the Ginzburg-Landau coherence length. We study the stability and decay
schemes of five inequivalent structures of such domain walls using
one-dimensional Ginzburg-Landau simulation. We find that only one of the
structures is stable against small perturbations. We also argue that B-B
interfaces could result from adiabatic A to B transition and study textures at
B-B interfaces. The B-B interface has a strong orienting effect on spin-orbit
rotation producing textures similar as caused by external walls. We study the
B-B interface in a parallel-plate geometry and find that the conservation of
spin current sets an essential condition on the structure. The stable B-B
interface gives rise to half-quantum circulation.


  In the framework of the center vortex picture of confinement, the nature of
the deconfining phase transition is studied. Using recently developed
techniques which allow to associate a center vortex configuration with any
given lattice gauge configuration, it is demonstrated that the confining phase
is a phase in which vortices percolate, whereas the deconfined phase is a phase
in which vortices cease to percolate if one considers an appropriate slice of
space-time.


  The area and perimeter dependence of the Josephson-like interlayer tunneling
signature of the coherent $\nu_T=1$ quantum Hall phase in bilayer
two-dimensional electron systems is examined. Electrostatic top gates of
various sizes and shapes are used to locally define distinct $\nu_T=1$ regions
in the same sample. Near the phase boundary with the incoherent $\nu_T=1$ state
at large layer separation, our results demonstrate that the tunneling
conductance in the coherent phase is closely proportional to the total area of
the tunneling region. This implies that tunneling at $\nu_T=1$ is a bulk
phenomenon in this regime.


  In \emph{bandwidth allocation games} (BAGs), the strategy of a player
consists of various demands on different resources. The player's utility is at
most the sum of these demands, provided they are fully satisfied. Every
resource has a limited capacity and if it is exceeded by the total demand, it
has to be split between the players. Since these games generally do not have
pure Nash equilibria, we consider approximate pure Nash equilibria, in which no
player can improve her utility by more than some fixed factor $\alpha$ through
unilateral strategy changes. There is a threshold $\alpha_\delta$ (where
$\delta$ is a parameter that limits the demand of each player on a specific
resource) such that $\alpha$-approximate pure Nash equilibria always exist for
$\alpha \geq \alpha_\delta$, but not for $\alpha < \alpha_\delta$. We give both
upper and lower bounds on this threshold $\alpha_\delta$ and show that the
corresponding decision problem is ${\sf NP}$-hard. We also show that the
$\alpha$-approximate price of anarchy for BAGs is $\alpha+1$. For a restricted
version of the game, where demands of players only differ slightly from each
other (e.g. symmetric games), we show that approximate Nash equilibria can be
reached (and thus also be computed) in polynomial time using the best-response
dynamic. Finally, we show that a broader class of utility-maximization games
(which includes BAGs) converges quickly towards states whose social welfare is
close to the optimum.


  We prove an upper bound for the L^4-norm and for the L^2-norm restricted to
the vertical geodesic of a holomorphic Hecke cusp form of large weight. The
method is based on Watson's formula and estimating a mean value of certain
L-functions of degree 6. Further applications to restriction problems of Siegel
modular forms and subconvexity bounds of degree 8 L-functions are given.


  In the past decades, boreal summers have been characterized by an increasing
number of extreme weather events in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics,
including persistent heat waves, droughts and heavy rainfall events with
significant social, economic and environmental impacts. Many of these events
have been associated with the presence of anomalous large-scale atmospheric
circulation patterns, in particular persistent blocking situations, i.e.,
nearly stationary spatial patterns of air pressure. To contribute to a better
understanding of the emergence and dynamical properties of such situations, we
construct complex networks representing the atmospheric circulation based on
Lagrangian trajectory data of passive tracers advected within the atmospheric
flow. For these Lagrangian flow networks, we study the spatial patterns of
selected node properties prior to, during and after different atmospheric
blocking events in Northern Hemisphere summer. We highlight the specific
network characteristics associated with the sequence of strong blocking
episodes over Europe during summer 2010 as an illustrative example. Our results
demonstrate the ability of the node degree, entropy and harmonic closeness
centrality based on outgoing links to trace important spatio-temporal
characteristics of atmospheric blocking events. In particular, all three
measures capture the effective separation of the stationary pressure cell
forming the blocking high from the normal westerly flow and the deviation of
the main atmospheric currents around it. Our results suggest the utility of
further exploiting the Lagrangian flow network approach to atmospheric
circulation in future targeted diagnostic and prognostic studies.


  Let $p$ be a fixed prime number and let $R$ denote a uniserial $p$-adic space
group of dimension $d_x=(p-1)p^{x-1}$ and with cyclic point group of order
$p^x$. In this short note we prove that all the quotients of $R$ of size bigger
than or equal to $p^{d_x+x}$ have isomorphic mod $p$ cohomology groups. In
particular, we show that the cohomology groups of sufficiently large quotients
of the unique maximal class pro-$p$ group are isomorphic as $\F_p$-modules.


  The present status of the chiral approach to the $NN$ interaction as proposed
by Weinberg is discussed. The important role of correlation effects and
explicit vector meson ($\rho$, $\omega$) exchange in the dynamics of
baryon-baryon interactions is demonstrated. As an example, the inclusion of the
exchange of a correlated pair of $\pi$ and $\rho$ meson between two nucleons
appears to be mandatory in order to resolve a long-standing puzzle concerning
the formfactor at the pion-nucleon-nucleon vertex.


  Let $E_{m,n}$ be an elliptic curve over $\mathbb{Q}$ of the form
$y^2=x^3-m^2x+n^2$, where $m$ and $n$ are positive integers. Brown and Myers
showed that the curve $E_{1,n}$ has rank at least two for all $n$. In the
present paper, we specify the two points which can be extended to a basis for
$E_{1,n}(\mathbb{Q})$ under certain conditions described explicitly. Moreover,
we verify a similar result for the curve $E_{m,1}$, which, however, gives a
basis for the rank three part of $E_{m,1}(\mathbb{Q})$.


  Monte Carlo methods play an important role in scientific computation,
especially when problems have a vast phase space. In this lecture an
introduction to the Monte Carlo method is given. Concepts such as Markov
chains, detailed balance, critical slowing down, and ergodicity, as well as the
Metropolis algorithm are explained. The Monte Carlo method is illustrated by
numerically studying the critical behavior of the two-dimensional Ising
ferromagnet using finite-size scaling methods. In addition, advanced Monte
Carlo methods are described (e.g., the Wolff cluster algorithm and parallel
tempering Monte Carlo) and illustrated with nontrivial models from the physics
of glassy systems. Finally, we outline an approach to study rare events using a
Monte Carlo sampling with a guiding function.


  I propose a general geometric framework in which to discuss the existence of
time observables. This frameworks allows one to describe a local sense in which
time observables always exist, and a global sense in which they can sometimes
exist subject to a restriction on the vector fields that they generate. Pauli's
prohibition on quantum time observables is derived as a corollary to this
result. I will then discuss how time observables can be regained in modest
extensions of quantum theory beyond its standard formulation.


  The data management of large companies often prioritize more recent data, as
a source of higher accuracy prediction than outdated data. For example, the
Facebook data policy retains user search histories for $6$ months while the
Google data retention policy states that browser information may be stored for
up to $9$ months. These policies are captured by the sliding window model, in
which only the most recent $W$ statistics form the underlying dataset.
  In this paper, we consider the problem of privately releasing the $L_2$-heavy
hitters in the sliding window model, which include $L_p$-heavy hitters for
$p\le 2$ and in some sense are the strongest possible guarantees that can be
achieved using polylogarithmic space, but cannot be handled by existing
techniques due to the sub-additivity of the $L_2$ norm. Moreover, existing
non-private sliding window algorithms use the smooth histogram framework, which
has high sensitivity.
  To overcome these barriers, we introduce the first differentially private
algorithm for $L_2$-heavy hitters in the sliding window model by initiating a
number of $L_2$-heavy hitter algorithms across the stream with significantly
lower threshold. Similarly, we augment the algorithms with an approximate
frequency tracking algorithm with significantly higher accuracy. We then use
smooth sensitivity and statistical distance arguments to show that we can add
noise proportional to an estimation of the $L_2$ norm. To the best of our
knowledge, our techniques are the first to privately release statistics that
are related to a sub-additive function in the sliding window model, and may be
of independent interest to future differentially private algorithmic design in
the sliding window model.


  We present the results from a spectroscopic study of 1080 nearby active M
dwarfs, selected by correlating the 2MASS and ROSAT catalogs. We have derived
the spectral types and estimated distances for all of our stars. The spectral
types range between K5 and M6. Nearly half of our stars lie within 50 pc. We
have measured the equivalent width of the H alpha emission line. Our targets
show an increase in chromospheric activity from early to mid-spectral types,
with a peak in activity around M5. Using the count rate and hardness ratios
obtained from the ROSAT catalog, we have derived the X-ray luminosities. Our
stars display a "saturation-type" relation between the chromospheric and
coronal activity. The relation is such that log (Lx/Lbol) remains "saturated"
at a value of about -3 for varying H alpha equivalent width. We have found 568
matches in the USNO-B catalog, and have derived the tangential velocities for
these stars. There is a slight trend of decreasing chromospheric activity with
age, such that the stars with higher Vtan have lower H alpha equivalent widths.
The coronal emission, however, remains saturated at a value of log (Lx/Lbol) -3
for varying tangential velocities, suggesting that the coronal activity remains
saturated with age. We do not find any break in the saturation-type relation at
the spectral type where stars become fully convective (~M3.5). Most of the
stars in our sample show more coronal emission than the dMe stars in the Hyades
and Praesepe clusters, and have Vtan< 40km/s, suggesting a young population.


  Screening in plasma with Bose-Einstein condensate is studied. Finite
temperature effects are taken into account. It is shown that, due to condensate
effects, the potential has several unusual features. It contains two
oscillating terms, one of which is analogous to the fermionic Friedel
oscillations in standard QED, and a power law decreasing term. In the $T \to 0$
limit, only one of the oscillating terms survives. On the whole, any charge
impurity is screened more efficiently than in ordinary plasma.


  We prepare single phonon Fock state of mechanical mode in optomechanical
system based on photon subtraction process in the linear regime of
optomechanical interaction. The correlation set between cavity and field modes
is utilized to recast the state of a pre-cooled mechanical mode into a single
phonon Fock state as the field mode is subjected to a photon subtraction type
measurement at a dynamical instant of interaction time. The resultant
conditional state of mechanical mode quantified by its Wigner function,
exhibits an excellent compatibility with the standard single quantum Fock
state. We confirm the nature of obtained state by calculating the phonon
statistics, and conditional fidelity which approaches to unity for an
instantaneous measurement time within an appropriate choice of parametric
regime. Moreover, we also study the effects of temperature parameter for the
preparation of target state. The present scheme can be realized to engineer the
single quantum Fock state of macroscopic mechanical mode with currently
available technology.


  The bending relaxation of H2O and D2O by collisions with Ar is studied at the
Close Coupling level. Two new 4D PES are developed for these two systems. They
are tested by performing rigid rotor calculations as well as computing the
bound states of D2O with Ar. The results are compared with available
theoretical and experimental data. Propensity rules for the dynamics are
discussed and compared to those of H2O colliding with Ne or He. The bending
relaxation cross sections and rates are then calculated for these two systems.
The results are analysed and compared with available experimental data.


  We perform an extensive study of equation of state (EoS) models featuring a
phase transition from hadronic to deconfined quark matter in neutron star
merger simulations. We employ three different hadronic EoSs, a constant speed
of sound parameterization for the quark phase and a Maxwell construction to
generate a large sample of hybrid EoS models. We systematically vary the onset
density and density jump of the phase transition as well as the quark matter
stiffness and simulate binary neutron star mergers to infer how the properties
of the phase transition affect the gravitational-wave signal. In total we
simulate mergers with 245 different hybrid EoS models. In particular, we
explore in which scenarios a phase transition would be detectable by a
characteristically increased postmerger gravitational-wave frequency compared
to an estimate from the inspiral signal assuming a purely hadronic EoS. We find
that the density jump at the transition (latent heat) has the largest impact on
the gravitational-wave frequencies, while the influence of the stiffness of
quark matter is smaller. We quantify which range of phase transition properties
would be compatible with a certain magnitude or absence of the
gravitational-wave postmerger frequency shift. By means of these dependencies,
a future detection will thus directly yield constraints on the allowed features
of the hadron-quark phase transition.


  The mechanical properties of polycrystalline metals are governed by the
interaction of defects that are generated by deformation within the 3D
microstructure. In materials that deform by slip, the plasticity is usually
highly heterogeneous within the microstructure. Many experimental tools can be
used to observe the results of slip events at the free surface of a sample;
however, there are only a few methods for imaging these events in the bulk. In
this article, the imaging of bulk slip events within the 3D microstructure are
enabled by the combined use of X-ray diffraction contrast tomography and
topotomography. Correlative measurements between high-resolution digital image
correlation, X-ray diffraction contrast tomography, topotomography and phase
contrast tomography are performed during deformation of Ti-7Al to investigate
the sensitivity of the X-ray topotomography method for the observation of slip
events in the bulk. Much larger neighborhoods of grains were able to be mapped
than in previous studies, enabling quantitative measurements of slip
transmission. Significant differences were observed between surface and bulk
grains, indicating the need for 3D observations of plasticity to better
understand deformation in polycrystalline materials.


  A social network consists of a set of actors and a set of relationships
between them which describe certain patterns of communication. Most current
networks are huge and difficult to analyze and visualize. One of the methods
frequently used is to extract the most important features, namely to create a
certain abstraction, that is the transformation of a large network to a much
smaller one, so the latter is a useful summary of the original one, still
keeping the most important characteristics. In the case of a social network it
can be achieved in two ways. One is to find groups of actors and present only
them and relationships between them. The other is to find actors who play
similar roles and to construct a smaller network in which the connection
between the actors would be replaced with connections between the roles.
Classifying actors by the roles they are playing in the network can help to
understand 'who is who' in a social network. This classification can be very
useful, because it gives us a comprehensive view of the network and helps to
understand how the network is organized, and to predict how it could behave in
the case of certain events (internal or external).


  The back-end module of Distributed Collaborative Simultaneous Localization
and Mapping (DCSLAM) requires solving a nonlinear Pose Graph Optimization (PGO)
under a distributed setting, also known as SE(d)-synchronization. Most existing
distributed graph optimization algorithms employ a simple sequential
partitioning scheme, which may result in unbalanced subgraph dimensions due to
the different geographic locations of each robot, and hence imposes extra
communication load. Moreover, the performance of current Riemannian
optimization algorithms can be further accelerated. In this letter, we propose
a novel distributed pose graph optimization algorithm combining multi-level
partitioning with an accelerated Riemannian optimization method. Firstly, we
employ the multi-level graph partitioning algorithm to preprocess the naive
pose graph to formulate a balanced optimization problem. In addition, inspired
by the accelerated coordinate descent method, we devise an Improved Riemannian
Block Coordinate Descent (IRBCD) algorithm and the critical point obtained is
globally optimal. Finally, we evaluate the effects of four common graph
partitioning approaches on the correlation of the inter-subgraphs, and discover
that the Highest scheme has the best partitioning performance. Also, we
implement simulations to quantitatively demonstrate that our proposed algorithm
outperforms the state-of-the-art distributed pose graph optimization protocols.


  In this paper, we introduce the Volumetric Relightable Morphable Model
(VRMM), a novel volumetric and parametric facial prior for 3D face modeling.
While recent volumetric prior models offer improvements over traditional
methods like 3D Morphable Models (3DMMs), they face challenges in model
learning and personalized reconstructions. Our VRMM overcomes these by
employing a novel training framework that efficiently disentangles and encodes
latent spaces of identity, expression, and lighting into low-dimensional
representations. This framework, designed with self-supervised learning,
significantly reduces the constraints for training data, making it more
feasible in practice. The learned VRMM offers relighting capabilities and
encompasses a comprehensive range of expressions. We demonstrate the
versatility and effectiveness of VRMM through various applications like avatar
generation, facial reconstruction, and animation. Additionally, we address the
common issue of overfitting in generative volumetric models with a novel
prior-preserving personalization framework based on VRMM. Such an approach
enables high-quality 3D face reconstruction from even a single portrait input.
Our experiments showcase the potential of VRMM to significantly enhance the
field of 3D face modeling.


  This paper proves the existence of a dichotomy which being formally derived
from the topological successiveness of w-order leads to the same absurdity of
Zeno's Dichotomy II. It also derives a contradictory result from the first
Zeno's Dichotomy.


  Aptamer-based sensing of small molecules such as dopamine and serotonin in
the brain, requires characterization of the specific aptamer sequences in
solutions mimicking the in vivo environment with physiological ionic
concentrations. In particular, divalent cations (Mg2+ and Ca2+) present in
brain fluid, have been shown to affect the conformational dynamics of aptamers
upon target recognition. Thus, for biosensors that transduce aptamer structure
switching as the signal response, it is critical to interrogate the influence
of divalent cations on each unique aptamer sequence. Herein, we demonstrate the
potential of molecular dynamics simulations to predict the behaviour of
dopamine and serotonin aptamers on sensor surfaces. The simulations enable
molecular-level visualization of aptamer conformational changes that, in some
cases, are significantly influenced by divalent cations. The correlations of
theoretical simulations with experimental findings validate the potential for
molecular dynamics simulations to predict aptamer-specific behaviors on
biosensors


  The Lipschitz multi-armed bandit (MAB) problem generalizes the classical
multi-armed bandit problem by assuming one is given side information consisting
of a priori upper bounds on the difference in expected payoff between certain
pairs of strategies. Classical results of (Lai and Robbins 1985) and (Auer et
al. 2002) imply a logarithmic regret bound for the Lipschitz MAB problem on
finite metric spaces. Recent results on continuum-armed bandit problems and
their generalizations imply lower bounds of $\sqrt{t}$, or stronger, for many
infinite metric spaces such as the unit interval. Is this dichotomy universal?
We prove that the answer is yes: for every metric space, the optimal regret of
a Lipschitz MAB algorithm is either bounded above by any $f\in \omega(\log t)$,
or bounded below by any $g\in o(\sqrt{t})$. Perhaps surprisingly, this
dichotomy does not coincide with the distinction between finite and infinite
metric spaces; instead it depends on whether the completion of the metric space
is compact and countable. Our proof connects upper and lower bound techniques
in online learning with classical topological notions such as perfect sets and
the Cantor-Bendixson theorem. Among many other results, we show a similar
dichotomy for the "full-feedback" (a.k.a., "best-expert") version.


  We examine the long-term asymptotic behavior of dissipating solutions to
aggregation equations and Patlak-Keller-Segel models with degenerate power-law
and linear diffusion. The purpose of this work is to identify when solutions
decay to the self-similar spreading solutions of the homogeneous diffusion
equations. Combined with strong decay estimates, entropy-entropy dissipation
methods provide a natural solution to this question and make it possible to
derive quantitative convergence rates in $L^1$. The estimated rate depends only
on the nonlinearity of the diffusion and the strength of the interaction kernel
at long range.


  Properties of toposes of right $M$-sets are studied, and these toposes are
characterised up to equivalence by their canonical points. The solution to the
corresponding Morita equivalence problem is presented in the form of an
equivalence between a 2-category of monoids and the corresponding 2-category of
toposes.


  Neuromorphic computing relies on spike-based, energy-efficient communication,
inherently implying the need for conversion between real-valued (sensory) data
and binary, sparse spiking representation. This is usually accomplished using
the real valued data as current input to a spiking neuron model, and tuning the
neuron's parameters to match a desired, often biologically inspired behaviour.
We developed a tool, the WaLiN-GUI, that supports the investigation of neuron
models and parameter combinations to identify suitable configurations for
neuron-based encoding of sample-based data into spike trains. Due to the
generalized LIF model implemented by default, next to the LIF and Izhikevich
neuron models, many spiking behaviors can be investigated out of the box, thus
offering the possibility of tuning biologically plausible responses to the
input data. The GUI is provided open source and with documentation, being easy
to extend with further neuron models and personalize with data analysis
functions.


  The fintech PicPay offers a wide range of financial services to its 30
million monthly active users, with more than 50 thousand items recommended in
the PicPay mobile app. In this scenario, promoting specific items that are
strategic to the company can be very challenging. In this work, we present a
Switching Hybrid Recommender System that combines two algorithms to effectively
promote items without negatively impacting the user's experience. The results
of our A/B tests show an uplift of up to 3.2\% when compared to a default
recommendation strategy.


  We consider a one-dimensional lattice of Ising-type variables where the
ferromagnetic exchange interaction J between neighboring sites is frustrated by
a long-ranged anti-ferromagnetic interaction of strength g between the sites i
and j, decaying as |i-j|^-alpha, with alpha>1. For alpha smaller than a certain
threshold alpha_0, which is larger than 2 and depends on the ratio J/g, the
ground state consists of an ordered sequence of segments with equal length and
alternating magnetization. The width of the segments depends on both alpha and
the ratio J/g. Our Monte Carlo study shows that the on-site magnetization
vanishes at finite temperatures and finds no indication of any phase
transition. Yet, the modulation present in the ground state is recovered at
finite temperatures in the two-point correlation function, which oscillates in
space with a characteristic spatial period: The latter depends on alpha and J/g
and decreases smoothly from the ground-state value as the temperature is
increased. Such an oscillation of the correlation function is exponentially
damped over a characteristic spatial scale, the correlation length, which
asymptotically diverges roughly as the inverse of the temperature as T=0 is
approached. This suggests that the long-range interaction causes the Ising
chain to fall into a universality class consistent with an underlying
continuous symmetry. The e^(Delta/T)-temperature dependence of the correlation
length and the uniform ferromagnetic ground state, characteristic of the g=0
discrete Ising symmetry, are recovered for alpha > alpha_0.


  In a recent talk of Robbert Fokkink, some conjectures related to the infinite
Tribonacci word were stated by the speaker and the audience. In this note we
show how to prove (or disprove) the claims easily in a "purely mechanical"
fashion, using the Walnut theorem-prover.


  A failed core-collapse supernova from a non-rotating progenitor can eject
mass due to a weakening of gravity associated to neutrino emission by the
protoneutron star. This mechanism yields observable transients and sets an
upper limit to the mass of the black hole (BH) remnant. Previous global
simulations of this mechanism have included neutrino losses parametrically,
however, with direct implications for the ejecta mass and energy. Here we
evolve the inner supernova core with a spherically-symmetric,
general-relativistic neutrino radiation-hydrodynamic code until BH formation.
We then use the result in a Newtonian code that follows the response of the
outer layers of the star to the change in gravity and resolves the surface
pressure scale height. We find that the dense-matter equation of state (EOS)
can introduce a factor $\sim 2$ variation in gravitational mass lost to
neutrinos, with a stiff EOS matching previous parametric results, and a soft
EOS yielding lower ejecta masses and energies by a factor of several. This
difference is caused primarily by the longer time to BH formation in stiffer
EOSs. With a soft EOS, our red and yellow supergiant progenitors fail to unbind
mass if hydrogen recombination energy is not included. Using a linear ramp in
time for mass-energy lost to neutrinos (with suitable parameters) yields a
stellar response within $\sim 10\%$ of that obtained using the detailed history
of neutrino losses. Our results imply quantitative but not qualitative
modifications to previous predictions for shock breakout, plateau emission, and
final BH masses from these events.


  The workspace topologies of a family of 3-revolute (3R) positioning
manipulators are enumerated. The workspace is characterized in a half-cross
section by the singular curves. The workspace topology is defined by the number
of cusps that appear on these singular curves. The design parameters space is
shown to be divided into five domains where all manipulators have the same
number of cusps. Each separating surface is given as an explicit expression in
the DH-parameters. As an application of this work, we provide a necessary and
sufficient condition for a 3R orthogonal manipulator to be cuspidal, i.e. to
change posture without meeting a singularity. This condition is set as an
explicit expression in the DH parameters.


  A recent update from MiniBooNE has strengthened the observed $4.8\sigma$
excess of $e$-like events. Motivated by this and other notable deviations from
standard model predictions, such as the muon $(g-2)$, we propose a solution to
low energy anomalies through a dark neutrino sector. The model is
renormalizable and can also explain light neutrino masses with an anomaly-free
and dark $U(1)^\prime$ gauge symmetry broken at the GeV scale. Large kinetic
mixing leads to s-channel production of heavy neutral leptons at $e^+e^-$
colliders, where we point out and explain a $\gtrsim 2\sigma$ excess observed
in the BaBar monophoton data. Our model is also compatible with anomalous
$e$-like events seen at old accelerator experiments, as well as with an excess
of double vertex signatures observed at CCFR.


  The human-agent team, which is a problem in which humans and autonomous
agents collaborate to achieve one task, is typical in human-AI collaboration.
For effective collaboration, humans want to have an effective plan, but in
realistic situations, they might have difficulty calculating the best plan due
to cognitive limitations. In this case, guidance from an agent that has many
computational resources may be useful. However, if an agent guides the human
behavior explicitly, the human may feel that they have lost autonomy and are
being controlled by the agent. We therefore investigated implicit guidance
offered by means of an agent's behavior. With this type of guidance, the agent
acts in a way that makes it easy for the human to find an effective plan for a
collaborative task, and the human can then improve the plan. Since the human
improves their plan voluntarily, he or she maintains autonomy. We modeled a
collaborative agent with implicit guidance by integrating the Bayesian Theory
of Mind into existing collaborative-planning algorithms and demonstrated
through a behavioral experiment that implicit guidance is effective for
enabling humans to maintain a balance between improving their plans and
retaining autonomy.


  In distributed storage systems, locally repairable codes (LRCs) are designed
to reduce disk I/O and repair costs by enabling recovery of each code symbol
from a small number of other symbols. To handle multiple node failures,
$(r,\delta)$-LRCs are introduced to enable local recovery in the event of up to
$\delta-1$ failed nodes. Constructing optimal $(r,\delta)$-LRCs has been a
significant research topic over the past decade. In \cite{Luo2022}, Luo
\emph{et al.} proposed a construction of linear codes by using unions of some
projective subspaces within a projective space. Several new classes of Griesmer
codes and distance-optimal codes were constructed, and some of them were proved
to be alphabet-optimal $2$-LRCs.
  In this paper, we first modify the method of constructing linear codes in
\cite{Luo2022} by considering a more general situation of intersecting
projective subspaces. This modification enables us to construct good codes with
more flexible parameters. Additionally, we present the conditions for the
constructed linear codes to qualify as Griesmer codes or achieve distance
optimality. Next, we explore the locality of linear codes constructed by
eliminating elements from a complete projective space. The novelty of our work
lies in establishing the locality as $(2,p-2)$, $(2,p-1)$, or $(2,p)$-locality,
in contrast to the previous literature that only considered $2$-locality.
Moreover, by combining analysis of code parameters and the C-M like bound for
$(r,\delta)$-LRCs, we construct some alphabet-optimal $(2,\delta)$-LRCs which
may be either Griesmer codes or not Griesmer codes. Finally, we investigate the
availability and alphabet-optimality of $(r,\delta)$-LRCs constructed from our
modified framework.


  Recently, Lin and Shinder constructed non-trivial homomorphisms from Cremona
groups of rank >2 to \mathbb{Z} using motivic techniques. In this short note we
propose an alternative perspective from median geometry on their theorem.


  An equation over a group with one unknown is called regular if the exponent
sum of the unknown is nonzero. In this paper we prove that some regular
equations of exponent $rp^s$, where $r \in \mathbb{Z}$, $s \in \mathbb{N}$,
$\gcd(r,p)=1$, over the group UT$_n(\mathbb{F}_p)$ ($n \geq 2$) are solvable in
an overgroup isomorphic to UT$_{(n-1)p^s + 1}(\mathbb{F}_p)$. Applying this for
$n=3$ we prove that any regular equation of exponent $rp^s$ over the Heisenberg
$p$-group UT$_3(\mathbb{F}_p)$ is solvable in an overgroup isomorphic to
UT$_{2p^s + 1}(\mathbb{F}_p)$. The proofs of these results are constructive and
allow to obtain solutions of equations in explicit form.


  We perform a calculation of the cross section for nine reactions induced by
$\bar K$ scattering on protons. The reactions studied are $K^-p \to \Lambda
\pi^+ \pi^-$, $K^-p \to \Sigma^0 \pi^+ \pi^-$, $K^-p \to \Lambda \pi^0 \eta$,
$K^-p \to \Sigma^0 \pi^0 \eta$, $K^-p \to \Sigma^+ \pi^- \eta$, $\bar K^0 p \to
\Lambda \pi^+ \eta$, $\bar K^0 p \to \Sigma^0 \pi^+ \eta$, $\bar K^0 p \to
\Sigma^+ \pi^+ \pi^-$, $\bar K^0 p \to \Sigma^+ \pi^0 \eta$. We find that in
the reactions producing $\pi^+ \pi^-$ a clear peak for the $f_0(980)$ resonance
is found, while no trace of $f_0(500)$ appears. Similarly, in the cases of $\pi
\eta$ production a strong peak is found for the $a_0(980)$ resonance, with the
characteristic strong cusp shape. Cross sections and invariant mass
distributions are evaluated which should serve, comparing with future data, to
test the dynamics of the chiral unitary approach used for the evaluations and
the nature of these resonances.


  We investigate the dynamics of a two-level Andreev bound state system in a
transmissive quantum point contact embedded in an rf-SQUID. Coherent coupling
of the Andreev levels to the circulating supercurrent allows manipulation and
read out of the level states. The two-level Hamiltonian for the Andreev levels
is derived, and the effect of interaction with the quantum fluctuations of the
induced flux is studied. We also consider an inductive coupling of qubits, and
discuss the relevant SQUID parameters for qubit operation and read out.


  We consider the counting problem of the number of \textit{leaf-labeled
increasing trees}, where internal nodes may have an arbitrary number of
descendants. The set of all such trees is a discrete representation of the
genealogies obtained under certain population-genetical models such as
multiple-merger coalescents. While the combinatorics of the binary trees among
those are well understood, for the number of all trees only an approximate
asymptotic formula is known. In this work, we validate this formula up to
constant terms and compare the asymptotic behavior of the number of all
leaf-labelled increasing trees to that of binary, ternary and quaternary trees.


  Given a graph $G$ and a set of terminals $T$, a \emph{distance emulator} of
$G$ is another graph $H$ (not necessarily a subgraph of $G$) containing $T$,
such that all the pairwise distances in $G$ between vertices of $T$ are
preserved in $H$. An important open question is to find the smallest possible
distance emulator.
  We prove that, given any subset of $k$ terminals in an $n$-vertex undirected
unweighted planar graph, we can construct in $\tilde O(n)$ time a distance
emulator of size $\tilde O(\min(k^2,\sqrt{k\cdot n}))$. This is optimal up to
logarithmic factors. The existence of such distance emulator provides a
straightforward framework to solve distance-related problems on planar graphs:
Replace the input graph with the distance emulator, and apply whatever
algorithm available to the resulting emulator. In particular, our result
implies that, on any unweighted undirected planar graph, one can compute
all-pairs shortest path distances among $k$ terminals in $\tilde O(n)$ time
when $k=O(n^{1/3})$.


  In this paper, we study the effects which are produced by the interaction
between a brane Universe and the bulk in which the Universe is embedded. Taking
into account the effects produced by the interaction between a brane Universe
and the bulk, we derived the Equation of State (EoS) parameter $\omega_D$ for
three different models of Dark Energy (DE), \emph{i.e.} the Holographic DE
(HDE) model with infrared (IR) cut-off given by the Granda-Oliveros cut-off,
the Modified Holographic Ricci DE (MHRDE) model and a DE model which is
function of the Hubble parameter $H$ squared and to higher derivatives of $H$.
Moreover, we have considered two different cases of scale factor (namely, the
power law and the emergent ones). A nontrivial contribution of the DE is
observed to be different from the standard matter fields confined to the brane.
Such contribution has a monotonically decreasing behavior upon the evolution of
the Universe for the emergent scenario of the scale factor, while monotonically
increasing for the power-law form of the scale factor $a(t)$.


  The computational effort for the evaluation of numerical simulations based on
e.g. the finite-element method is high. Metamodels can be utilized to create a
low-cost alternative. However the number of required samples for the creation
of a sufficient metamodel should be kept low, which can be achieved by using
adaptive sampling techniques. In this Master thesis adaptive sampling
techniques are investigated for their use in creating metamodels with the
Kriging technique, which interpolates values by a Gaussian process governed by
prior covariances. The Kriging framework with extension to multifidelity
problems is presented and utilized to compare adaptive sampling techniques
found in the literature for benchmark problems as well as applications for
contact mechanics. This thesis offers the first comprehensive comparison of a
large spectrum of adaptive techniques for the Kriging framework. Furthermore a
multitude of adaptive techniques is introduced to multifidelity Kriging as well
as well as to a Kriging model with reduced hyperparameter dimension called
partial least squares Kriging. In addition, an innovative adaptive scheme for
binary classification is presented and tested for identifying chaotic motion of
a Duffing's type oscillator.


  Observations of the QSO HE 0226-4110 (zem = 0.495) with the Cosmic Origins
Spectrograph (COS) from 1134 to 1796 {\AA} with a resolution of ~17 km s-1 and
signal-to- noise (S/N) per resolution element of 20 to 40 are used to study the
multi-phase absorption system at z = 0.20701 containing O VI and Ne VIII. The
system was previously studied with lower S/N observations with FUSE and STIS.
The COS observations provide more reliable measures of the H I and metal lines
present in the system and reveal the clear presence of broad Lyman {\alpha}
(BLA) absorption with b = 72(+13, -6) km s-1 and logN(H I) = 13.87\pm0.08.
Detecting BLAs associated with warm gas absorbers is crucial for determining
the temperature, metallicity and total baryonic content of the absorbers. The
BLA is probably recording the trace amount of thermally broadened H I in the
collisionally ionized plasma with log T ~5.7 that also produces the O VI and Ne
VIII absorption. The total hydrogen column in the collisionally ionized gas,
logN(H) ~ 20.1, exceeds that in the cooler photoionized gas in the system by a
factor of ~22. The oxygen abundance in the collisionally ionized gas is [O/H] =
-0.89\pm0.08\pm0.07. The absorber probably occurs in the circumgalactic
environment (halo) of a foreground L = 0.25L* disk galaxy with an impact
parameter of 109h70-1 kpc identified by Mulchaey & Chen (2009).


  We study limit distributions of independent random matrices as well as limit
joint distributions of their blocks under normalized partial traces composed
with classical expectation. In particular, we are concerned with the ensemble
of symmetric blocks of independent Hermitian random matrices which are
asymptotically free, asymptotically free from diagonal deterministic matrices,
and whose norms are uniformly bounded. This class contains symmetric blocks of
unitarily invariant Hermitian random matrices whose asymptotic distributions
are compactly supported probability measures on the real line. Our approach is
based on the concept of matricial freeness which is a generalization of
freeness in free probability. We show that the associated matricially free
Gaussian operators provide a unified framework for studying the limit
distributions of sums and products of independent rectangular random matrices,
including non-Hermitian Gaussian matrices and matrices of Wishart type. This
framework also leads to random matrix models for boolean, monotone and s-free
independences.


  We present an approach to parallel natural language parsing which is based on
a concurrent, object-oriented model of computation. A depth-first, yet
incomplete parsing algorithm for a dependency grammar is specified and several
restrictions on the degree of its parallelization are discussed.


  Reversible logic represents the basis for many emerging technologies and has
recently been intensively studied. However, most of the Boolean functions of
practical interest are irreversible and must be embedded into a reversible
function before they can be synthesized. Thus far, an optimal embedding is
guaranteed only for small functions, whereas a significant overhead results
when large functions are considered. In this paper, we study this issue. We
prove that determining an optimal embedding is coNP-hard already for restricted
cases. Then, we propose heuristic and exact methods for determining both the
number of additional lines as well as a corresponding embedding. For the
approaches we considered sums of products and binary decision diagrams as
function representations. Experimental evaluations show the applicability of
the approaches for large functions. Consequently, the reversible embedding of
large functions is enabled as a precursor to subsequent synthesis.


  There is a growing interest in enhancing compiler optimizations with ML
models, yet interactions between compilers and ML frameworks remain
challenging. Some optimizations require tightly coupled models and compiler
internals,raising issues with modularity, performance and framework
independence. Practical deployment and transparency for the end-user are also
important concerns. We propose ML-Compiler-Bridge to enable ML model
development within a traditional Python framework while making end-to-end
integration with an optimizing compiler possible and efficient. We evaluate it
on both research and production use cases, for training and inference, over
several optimization problems, multiple compilers and its versions, and gym
infrastructures.


  Joint device-to-device (D2D) and cellular communication is a promising
technology for enhancing the spectral efficiency of future wireless networks.
However, the interference management problem is challenging since the operating
devices and the cellular users share the same spectrum. The emerging
reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) technology is a potentially ideal
solution for this interference problem since RISs can shape the wireless
channel in desired ways. This paper considers an RIS-aided joint D2D and
cellular communication system where the RIS is exploited to cancel interference
to the D2D links and maximize the minimum signal-to-interference plus noise
(SINR) of the device pairs and cellular users. First, we adopt a popular
alternating optimization (AO) approach to solve the minimum SINR maximization
problem. Then, we propose an interference cancellation (IC)-based approach
whose complexity is much lower than that of the AO algorithm. We derive a
representation for the RIS phase shift vector which cancels the interference to
the D2D links. Based on this representation, the RIS phase shift optimization
problem is transformed into an effective D2D channel optimization. We show that
the AO approach can converge faster and can even give better performance when
it is initialized by the proposed IC solution. We also show that for the case
of a single D2D pair, the proposed IC approach can be implemented with limited
feedback from the single receive device.


  The first-order general relativistic theory of a generic dissipative
(heat-conducting, viscous, particle-creating) fluid is rediscussed from a
unified covariant frame-independent point of view. By generalizing some
previous works in the literature, we derive a formula for the temperature
variation rate, which is valid both in Eckart's (particle) and in the
Landau-Lifshitz (energy) frames. Particular attention is paid to the case of
gravitational particle creation and its possible cross-effect with the bulk
viscosity mechanism.


  The frequency with which background galaxies appear as long arcs as a result
of gravitational lensing by foreground clusters of galaxies has recently been
found to be a very sensitive probe of cosmological models by Bartelmann et al.
(1998). They have found that such arcs would be expected far less frequently
than observed (by an order of magnitude) in the currently favored model for the
universe, with a large cosmological constant $\Omega_\Lambda \sim 0.7$. Here we
analyze whether including the effect of cluster galaxies on the likelihood of
clusters to generate long-arc images of background galaxies can change the
statistics. Taking into account a variety of constraints on the properties of
cluster galaxies, we find that there are not enough sufficiently massive
galaxies in a cluster for them to significantly enhance the cross section of
clusters to generate long arcs. We find that cluster galaxies typically enhance
the cross section by only $\lesssim 15%$.


  We present a multi-phase-field model to describe quantitatively nanowire
growth by the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process. The free-energy functional of
this model depends on three non-conserved order parameters that distinguish the
vapor, liquid, and solid phases. The evolution equations for those order
parameters describe basic kinetic processes including the rapid
(quasi-instantaneous) equilibration of the liquid catalyst to a droplet shape
with constant mean curvature, the slow incorporation of growth atoms at the
droplet surface, and crystallization within the droplet. The standard
constraint that the sum of the phase fields equals unity and the conservation
of the number of catalyst atoms, which relates the catalyst volume to the
concentration of growth atoms inside the droplet, are handled via separate
Lagrange multipliers. An analysis of the model is presented that rigorously
maps the phase-field equations to a desired set of sharp-interface equations
for the evolution of the phase boundaries under the constraint of force-balance
at three-phase junctions given by the Young-Herring relation that includes
torque term related to the anisotropy of the solid-liquid and solid-vapor
interface excess free energies. Numerical examples of growth in two dimensions
are presented. The simulations reproduce many of the salient features of
nanowire growth observed experimentally, including growth normal to the
substrate with tapering of the side walls, transitions between different growth
orientations, and crawling growth along the substrate.


  A variant of quantum electrodynamics coupled to a dark photon through a
kinetic mixing is studied. The analogous of the light-light diagram becomes the
conversion process $\gamma'\gamma' \to \gamma \gamma$ and an expression for the
differential cross section is estimated. For high energies beams, as in LHC,
this differential cross section could be measurable and its magnitude would be
typically similar to the total cross section of neutrinos, {\it i.e.} $\sim
10^{-50}\,{\text{m}}^2$.


  Dense pairs of geometric topological fields have tame open core, that is,
every definable open subset in the pair is already definable in the reduct. We
fix a minor gap in the published version of van den Dries's seminal work on
dense pairs of o-minimal groups, and show that every definable unary function
in a dense pair of geometric topological fields agrees with a definable
function in the reduct, off a small definable subset, that is, a definable set
internal to the predicate. For certain dense pairs of geometric topological
fields without the independence property, whenever the underlying set of a
definable group is contained in the dense-codense predicate, the group law is
locally definable in the reduct as a geometric topological field. If the reduct
has elimination of imaginaries, we extend this result, up to interdefinability,
to all groups internal to the predicate.


  We investigate a region of the Galactic plane, between 120 <= l <= 140 and -1
<= b <= +4, and uncover a population of moderately reddened (E(B-V) \sim 1)
classical Be stars within and beyond the Perseus and Outer Arms. 370 candidate
emission line stars (13 <= r <= 16) selected from the INT Photometric H-alpha
Survey of the Northern Galactic plane (IPHAS) have been followed up
spectroscopically. A subset of these, 67 stars with properties consistent with
those of classical Be stars, have been observed at sufficient spectral
resolution (Delta_lambda \sim 2 - 4 Angstrom) at blue wavelengths to narrow
down their spectral types. We determine these to a precision estimated to be
+/- 1 sub-type and then we measure reddenings via SED fitting with reference to
appropriate model atmospheres. Corrections for contribution to colour excess
from circumstellar discs are made using an established scaling to H-alpha
emission equivalent width. Spectroscopic parallaxes are obtained after
luminosity class has been constrained via estimates of distances to
neighbouring A/F stars with similar reddenings. Overwhelmingly, the stars in
the sample are confirmed as luminous classical Be stars at heliocentric
distances ranging from 2 kpc up to \sim 12 kpc. However, the errors are
presently too large to enable the cumulative distribution function with respect
to distance to distinguish between models placing the stars exclusively in
spiral arms, or in a smooth exponentially-declining distribution.