Optimal decay of eigenvector overlap for non-Hermitian random matrices

We consider the standard overlap Oij:=〈rj,ri〉〈lj,li〉 of any bi-orthogonal family of left and right eigenvectors of a large random matrix X with centred i.i.d. entries and we prove that it decays as an inverse second power of the distance between the corresponding eigenvalues. This extends similar results for the complex Gaussian ensemble from Bourgade and Dubach [15], as well as Benaych-Georges and Zeitouni [13], to any i.i.d. matrix ensemble in both symmetry classes. As a main tool, we prove a two-resolvent local law for the Hermitisation of X uniformly in the spectrum with optimal decay rate and optimal dependence on the density near the spectral edge

MISLEADING GAZE: IMAGE AND DESIRE IN THE ROVER

This paper explores Aphra Behn’s The Rover (1677) as a complex interrogation of gender roles, libertinism, and the commodification of female sexuality in Restoration comedy. Drawing from Thomas Killigrew’s Thomaso, the Wanderer (1664), Behn both inherits and subverts the conventions of the genre, particularly through her treatment of masquerade, gaze, and social identity. Focusing on the figures of Angellica Bianca, Hellena, and Florinda, the study analyses how female characters navigate patriarchal constraints, erotic desire, and the unstable dichotomy between virgin and whore. It also examines Behn’s critique of violent male libertinism, exemplified by the character of Willmore, and her strategic use of theatrical devices such as costuming and misrecognition. The carnival setting, with its temporary suspension of societal norms, serves as a crucial backdrop for exploring the fluidity of gendered performance. Ultimately, the paper argues that The Rover challenges contemporary sexual ideologies while simultaneously revealing the limits of female agency within patriarchal structures

Interpretable crash severity prediction models to improve cyclist safety

This study focuses on 3 years (2016–2018) of cyclist crashes in the City of Rome, Italy. As the first step, a statistical analysis was carried out. Several Cycling Crash Models were developed by using Logistic Regression Models, with a deep dive into the most influencing variables. The two proposed models at intersections and single-lane carriageways have a McFadden score or pseudo-R2 of 0.3976809 and 0.4495008, respectively. The findings show that visibility does not play a key role in leading to a crash with a cyclist; sunny weather is positively correlated to crashes in intersections, while dry surfaces increase the chances of having crashes on single-lane carriageways, such as also the location of these roads in extra-urban environments and autumn and winter seasons. Weekdays are also related to an increase in the probability of having a crash at intersections and on single-lane carriageways. Cyclist crashes are more likely to happen in the evening and nighttime hours. Vertical and horizontal signposting decreases the probability of crashes in intersections and single-lane carriageways. High values of average daily traffic (>2000 vehicles/day) are strongly related to crashes on single-lane carriageways, and high speeds (>50 km/h) increase the probability of fatal crashes in intersections and on single-lane carriageways

A cooperative approach to Range-Only SLAM with undelayed initialization

A 2D cooperative Range-Only SLAM problem is considered in this paper. In addition to odometry, available through noisy encoder readings on the actuated wheels, the robots measure the distances to a set of landmarks in unknown positions within the environment, as well as to other robots. Inter-landmark distances are not assumed to be available. The robots start at unknown locations, with their relative positions also assumed unknown. A Multi-Hypotheses Extended Kalman Filter, endowed with a Federated Information Sharing mechanism, is proposed to solve the problem in a computationally efficient way, without any delay in the initialization of landmark and robot position estimates. Simulation and experimental results are reported in the paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showing significant improvements in both steady-state and transient performance compared to the single-robot scenario

Estimation of pedestrian flows with open-source crowding data: an integrated modelin Nomentano-Tiburtina district, Rome

This research aims to investigate pedestrian crowding in the urban area of the Nomentano-Tiburtina district in Rome, through a methodology that sees an integrated approach between a configurational digital model, created with the Space Syntax tool by Qgis, and a physical model based on data collection through the mobile observer mode and therefore directly and through the use of Google Street View, in virtual terms. An innovative methodology was therefore developed to be able to obtain a physical model through virtual data collection, and this made it possible to calibrate the digital model. The calibration highlighted, with a Pearson of 0.88, the effectiveness of the methodology developed. At the same time, all the factors influencing the digital model, such as demand-driven and land-use, were also studied. From the analysis of these factors, it was found that the presence of shops on the pedestrian network plays a strategic role in the assessment of pedestrian crowding, recording a better correlation than the data measured on site. The conclusions drawn from this research, therefore, are of considerable help in urban planning, emphasizing concepts such as accessibility and pedestrian safety

Two-tier screening approach for liver fibrosis stratification in outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Background: To examine the prevalence and severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to assess the effectiveness of the EASL-EASD-EASO algorithm for liver fibrosis screening. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 1203 Italian older outpatients with T2DM who underwent vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) assessment. MASLD was defined as CAP ≥248 dB/m. Significant liver fibrosis was defined as LSM ≥8 kPa, compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) as LSM ≥10 kPa, and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) as LSM ≥25 kPa or LSM ≥20 kPa and platelet count <150 000/mm3. FIB-4 index was calculated in all participants. Results: The prevalence rates of MASLD, significant liver fibrosis, cACLD, and CSPH were 71.3%, 21.1%, 11.7% and 1.7%, respectively. A 2-tier screening strategy for liver fibrosis using the FIB-4 index and VCTE showed that among patients with a normal FIB-4 index, 629 (83.3%) had LSM <8 kPa and 126 (16.7%) had LSM≥8 kPa. Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of the FIB-4 index for detecting LSM≥8 kPa were 50.4%, 66.3%, 83.3% and 28.6%, respectively. Increased body weight (adjusted-OR 3.34, 95%CI 1.75–6.39) and elevated ALT levels (adjusted-OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.01–2.36) were the strongest predictors of significant liver fibrosis. Conclusions: MASLD and significant liver fibrosis are common in older patients with T2DM. Fibrosis risk stratification using FIB-4, followed by VCTE, is a good strategy in real-world settings. However, relying solely on FIB-4 may fail to identify some patients with advanced disease, particularly those with increased body weight and elevated serum aminotransferase levels

Hydrothermal synthesis of Cu/Pr doped and Co-doped fluorapatite for biomedical applications: Antibacterial efficiency and cytotoxicity assessment

In this study, Cu2+ and Pr3+doped Fluorapatite (FAP) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Their structural, optical, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the preservation of the whole hexagonal fluorapatite structure upon doping and co-doping with Cu2+ and Pr3+ ions, with crystallite sizes estimated using the Scherrer equation as 21.6 nm for pure FAP, 33.7 nm for FAP[sbnd]Cu, 33.0 nm for FAP[sbnd]Pr, and 17.9 nm for co-doped FAP-Pr-Cu. The Williamson–Hall (W[sbnd]H) analysis indicated larger apparent crystallite sizes ranging from 25.2 nm (FAP-Pr-Cu) to 85.5 nm (FAP[sbnd]Cu), suggesting strain-induced peak broadening in the doped samples. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that doping-induced modifications of vibrational modes of fluorapatite matrix and their corresponding intensities, suggesting small structural alterations. By using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), we have confirmed the incorporation of Cu2+ and Pr3+ into the FAP lattice and verified their respective oxidation states. The elemental composition of the prepared powders was investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed agglomerated particles with a sheet-like morphology, while dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements indicated an increase in the hydrodynamic size upon doping; the average particle sizes ranged from 171.4 nm for pure FAP to 203.0 nm, confirming the impact of dopant incorporation on particle agglomeration. UV–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed a direct bandgap energy of 4.78 eV for pure FAP, whereas the doped samples exhibited bandgap energies ranging between 4.51 eV and 5.40 eV, depending on the doping element. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against clinical bacterial pathogens implicated in oral cavity disease and vagina infection (S1, S2, S3, S4, E1) using the microdilution method. The results demonstrated that Cu[sbnd]Pr co-doped FAP exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy against staphylococcus aureus (S1) and Enterococcus faecalis (E1), with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.123 and 1.11 mg/mL, respectively. By contrast, pure FAP was found to have a MIC of 1.11 and 3.33 mg/mL for the same bacteria. Additionally, cytotoxicity assessment on the human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS) was evaluated using the MTT assay, which indicated that the co-doped sample exhibited lower toxicity

A macroscopic and physically-based relationship between bike speeds and energy expenditure during commuting trips

As it emerges from the literature, bike speed is a trade-off between safety, travel times, and energy expenditure. In addition to that, infrastructure, terrain, and gender play also a key role. By assessing and correlating energy expenditure with cycling speed, it becomes possible to integrate terrain-related factors with individual human capabilities to gauge effort. This paper gathers terrain-related data from sixty-one (61) German cities and uses it to propose a relationship between energy expenditure and bike speed within a macroscopic, physically grounded framework. Furthermore, a Bike Mode Split (BMS) model is introduced to emphasize the role of energy expenditure in predicting cycling demand, as an application of this physically-based framework. Geographic data, Census data, and mode split data are collected from the main official German sources. The result shows that there is a linear relationship between bike speeds and energy expenditure, and also between energy expenditure and slope for conventional and electrical bike (c-bike, and e-bikes, respectively)