Graphical Methods in Device-Independent Quantum Cryptography

We introduce a framework for graphical security proofs in device-independent quantum cryptography using the methods of categorical quantum mechanics. We are optimistic that this approach will make some of the highly complex proofs in quantum cryptography more accessible, facilitate the discovery of new proofs, and enable automated proof verification. As an example of our framework, we reprove a previous result from device-independent quantum cryptography: any linear randomness expansion protocol can be converted into an unbounded randomness expansion protocol. We give a graphical proof of this result, and implement part of it in the Globular proof assistant.Comment: Publishable version. Diagrams have been polished, minor revisions to the text, and an appendix added with supplementary proof

Optimizing ensembles of small models for predicting the distribution of species with few occurrences

1. Ensembles of Small Models (ESM) represent a novel strategy for species distribution modelling with few observations. ESMs are built by calibrating many small models and then averaging them into an ensemble model where the small models are weighted by their cross-validated scores of predictive performance. In a previous paper (Breiner, Guisan, Bergamini, & Nobis, Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 6, 1210-1218, 2015), we reported two major findings. First, ESMs proved largely superior to standard models in terms of model performance and transferability. Second, ESMs including different modelling techniques did not clearly improve model performance compared to single-technique ESMs. However, ESMs often require a large computation effort, which can become problematic when modelling large numbers of species. Given the appealing new perspectives offered by ESMs, it is especially important to investigate if some techniques yield increased performance while saving computation time and thus could be predominantly used for building ESMs. 2. Here, we present results from a reanalysis of a subset of the data used in Breiner etal. (2015). More specifically, we ran ESMs: (1) fitted with 10 modelling techniques separately (in Breiner etal., 2015 we used only three techniques); and (2) using various parameter options for each modelling technique (i.e., model tuning). 3. We show that ESMs vary in model performance and computation time across techniques, and some techniques are advantageous in terms of optimizing model performance and computation time (i.e., GLM, CTA and ANN). Including one of these modelling techniques could thus optimize computation time compared to using more computing-intensive techniques like GBM. Next, we show that parameter tuning can improve performance and transferability of ESMs, but often at the cost of computation time. Parameter tuning could therefore be used when computing resources are not a limiting factor. 4. These findings help improve the applicability and performance of ESMs when applied to large numbers of species

An Injectable Trace Mineral Supplement in Yearling Bulls Causes a Short-Term Increase in Circulating Trace Mineral Levels But Does Not Improve Sperm Quality

Proper trace mineral supplementation is necessary for reproductive development and function. Supplementation with various trace minerals has been shown to improve overall sperm quality and morphology and increase the percentage of live sperm. When developing beef bulls, it is necessary to meet trace mineral requirements to ensure proper reproductive success. An injectable trace mineral product has been made commercially available for use in cattle as a supplemental form of chelated selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese. Considering the role of trace minerals in bull reproductive function, we posed the question of whether using an injectable trace mineral product beyond dietary supplementation could improve sperm quality and percentage of bulls passing yearling breeding soundness exams. The objectives of our study were to compare serum trace mineral concentrations of bulls before and after administration of an injection of trace minerals or saline and to compare semen trace mineral concentrations after treatment. To determine if an injectable trace mineral product could be of benefit, we compared serum and semen trace mineral concentrations as well as semen quality and percentage passing a yearling breeding soundness examination in treated and untreated bulls

Despite NAIS concerns electronic identification use by cow-calf producers is increasing

The proposed U.S. National Animal Identification System has generated concerns among producers relative to implementation of the system. Many of these concerns stem from the USDA’s Bovine Identification Working Group’s recommendations to use electronic Identification Plan Bovine Working Group has recommended radio frequency identification as the technology to individually identify cattle. Understanding and implementing an electronic identification system for cow-calf producers is believed to be one of the greatest challenges of implementing the National Animal Identification System

Some viable models for digital public-interest journalism

The supply of public interest journalism that serves the needs of citizens in a democratic society has always been scarce in the media marketplace when compared with sensationalism, gossip, entertainment, propaganda, and misinformation. This scarce commodity, whose market value lies in its credibility and depends on costly investments of time and money in professional research, has frequently required a subsidy, which for more than a century was provided by advertising. Now that this subsidy has mostly been devoured by technological platforms such as Google and Facebook, the industry and profession are developing new models focused on user needs and wants with a trend toward public service rather than profit. This paper uses deductive and critical methodologies to identify the most promising business models used by media companies to counteract the decline in public-interest journalism. Our proposal is that an appropriate business model can be the best way to revitalize media companies. The research is based on Chesbrough’s business model framework applied to 20 leading digital news publications from 16 countries. In addition, we analyze how Covid-19 has impacted those business models

Smog Nitrogen and the Rapid Acidification of Forest Soil, San Bernardino Mountains, Southern California

We report the rapid acidification of forest soils in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California. After 30 years, soil to a depth of 25 cm has decreased from a pH (measured in 0.01 M CaCl2) of 4.8 to 3.1. At the 50-cm depth, it has changed from a pH of 4.8 to 4.2. We attribute this rapid change in soil reactivity to very high rates of anthropogenic atmospheric nitrogen (N) added to the soil surface (72 kg ha–1 year–1) from wet, dry, and fog deposition under a Mediterranean climate. Our research suggests that a soil textural discontinuity, related to a buried ancient landsurface, contributes to this rapid acidification by controlling the spatial and temporal movement of precipitation into the landsurface. As a result, the depth to which dissolved anthropogenic N as nitrate (NO3) is leached early in the winter wet season is limited to within the top ~130 cm of soil where it accumulates and increases soil acidity

At risk of being risky: The relationship between "brain age" under emotional states and risk preference.

Developmental differences regarding decision making are often reported in the absence of emotional stimuli and without context, failing to explain why some individuals are more likely to have a greater inclination toward risk. The current study (N=212; 10-25y) examined the influence of emotional context on underlying functional brain connectivity over development and its impact on risk preference. Using functional imaging data in a neutral brain-state we first identify the "brain age" of a given individual then validate it with an independent measure of cortical thickness. We then show, on average, that "brain age" across the group during the teen years has the propensity to look younger in emotional contexts. Further, we show this phenotype (i.e. a younger brain age in emotional contexts) relates to a group mean difference in risk perception - a pattern exemplified greatest in young-adults (ages 18-21). The results are suggestive of a specified functional brain phenotype that relates to being at "risk to be risky.