51 research outputs found
Equilibria-based Probabilistic Model Checking for Concurrent Stochastic Games
Probabilistic model checking for stochastic games enables formal verification
of systems that comprise competing or collaborating entities operating in a
stochastic environment. Despite good progress in the area, existing approaches
focus on zero-sum goals and cannot reason about scenarios where entities are
endowed with different objectives. In this paper, we propose probabilistic
model checking techniques for concurrent stochastic games based on Nash
equilibria. We extend the temporal logic rPATL (probabilistic alternating-time
temporal logic with rewards) to allow reasoning about players with distinct
quantitative goals, which capture either the probability of an event occurring
or a reward measure. We present algorithms to synthesise strategies that are
subgame perfect social welfare optimal Nash equilibria, i.e., where there is no
incentive for any players to unilaterally change their strategy in any state of
the game, whilst the combined probabilities or rewards are maximised. We
implement our techniques in the PRISM-games tool and apply them to several case
studies, including network protocols and robot navigation, showing the benefits
compared to existing approaches
Widest Paths and Global Propagation in Bounded Value Iteration for Stochastic Games
Solving stochastic games with the reachability objective is a fundamental
problem, especially in quantitative verification and synthesis. For this
purpose, bounded value iteration (BVI) attracts attention as an efficient
iterative method. However, BVI's performance is often impeded by costly end
component (EC) computation that is needed to ensure convergence. Our
contribution is a novel BVI algorithm that conducts, in addition to local
propagation by the Bellman update that is typical of BVI, global propagation of
upper bounds that is not hindered by ECs. To conduct global propagation in a
computationally tractable manner, we construct a weighted graph and solve the
widest path problem in it. Our experiments show the algorithm's performance
advantage over the previous BVI algorithms that rely on EC computation.Comment: v2: an URL to the implementation is adde
An unusual location of retroperitoneal epidermoid cyst in a child: case report and a review of the literature
We report the case of a 4-year-old girl presenting with the retroperitoneal epidermoid cyst. The lesion presented as an intra-abdominal cyst on physical examination and was followed up with more specific investigations by ultrasound and computed tomographic scanning. The final diagnosis was obtained only after laparotomy where the cystic mass was completely excised and pathological examination was done. The patient is well at 3-year follow-up. epidermoid cyst of the reteroperitoneal space, although rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of incidentally discovered intra-abdominal cysts during investigation of irrelevant illnesses or during routine abdominal ultrasound scan
Equilibria-based probabilistic model checking for concurrent stochastic games
Probabilistic model checking for stochastic games enables formal verification of systems that comprise competing or collaborating entities operating in a stochastic environment. Despite good progress in the area, existing approaches focus on zero-sum goals and cannot reason about scenarios where entities are endowed with different objectives. In this paper, we propose probabilistic model checking techniques for concurrent stochastic games based on Nash equilibria. We extend the temporal logic rPATL (probabilistic alternating-time temporal logic with rewards) to allow reasoning about players with distinct quantitative goals, which capture either the probability of an event occurring or a reward measure. We present algorithms to synthesise strategies that are subgame perfect social welfare optimal Nash equilibria, i.e., where there is no incentive for any players to unilaterally change their strategy in any state of the game, whilst the combined probabilities or rewards are maximised. We implement our techniques in the PRISM-games tool and apply them to several case studies, including network protocols and robot navigation, showing the benefits compared to existing approaches
A large-scale test of the link between intergroup contact and support for social change
Guided by the early findings of social scientists, practitioners have long advocated for greater contact between groups to reduce prejudice and increase social cohesion. Recent work, however, suggests that intergroup contact can undermine support for social change towards greater equality, especially among disadvantaged group members. Using a large and heterogeneous dataset (12,997 individuals from 69 countries), we demonstrate that intergroup contact and support for social change towards greater equality are positively associated among members of advantaged groups (ethnic majorities and cis-heterosexuals) but negatively associated among disadvantaged groups (ethnic minorities and sexual and gender minorities). Specification-curve analysis revealed important variation in the sizeâand at times, directionâof correlations, depending on how contact and support for social change were measured. This allowed us to identify one type of support for changeâwillingness to work in solidarityâ that is positively associated with intergroup contact among both advantaged and disadvantaged group members
Need satisfaction in intergroup contact:A multinational study of pathways toward social change
none43siFinanziamenti esterni a vari co-autoriWhat role does intergroup contact play in promoting support for social change toward greater social equality? Drawing on the needs-based model of reconciliation, we theorized that when inequality between groups is perceived as illegitimate, disadvantaged group members will experience a need for empowerment and advantaged group members a need for acceptance. When intergroup contact satisfies each group's needs, it should result in more mutual support for social change. Using four sets of survey data collected through the Zurich Intergroup Project in 23 countries, we tested several preregistered predictions, derived from the above reasoning, across a large variety of operationalizations. Two studies of disadvantaged groups (Ns = 689 ethnic minority members in Study 1 and 3,382 sexual/gender minorities in Study 2) support the hypothesis that, after accounting for the effects of intergroup contact and perceived illegitimacy, satisfying the need for empowerment (but not acceptance) during contact is positively related to support for social change. Two studies with advantaged groups (Ns = 2,937 ethnic majority members in Study 3 and 4,203 cis-heterosexual individuals in Study 4) showed that, after accounting for illegitimacy and intergroup contact, satisfying the need for acceptance (but also empowerment) is positively related to support for social change. Overall, findings suggest that intergroup contact is compatible with efforts to promote social change when group-specific needs are met. Thus, to encourage support for social change among both disadvantaged and advantaged group members, it is essential that, besides promoting mutual acceptance, intergroup contact interventions also give voice to and empower members of disadvantaged groups.mixedHĂ€ssler, Tabea; Ullrich, Johannes; Sebben, Simone; Shnabel, Nurit; Bernardino, Michelle; Valdenegro, Daniel; Van Laar, Colette; GonzĂĄlez, Roberto; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Tropp, Linda R; Ditlmann, Ruth K; Abrams, Dominic; Aydin, Anna Lisa; Pereira, Adrienne; Selvanathan, Hema Preya; von Zimmermann, Jorina; Lantos, NĂłra Anna; Sainz, Mario; Glenz, Andreas; Kende, Anna; OberpfalzerovĂĄ, Hana; Bilewicz, Michal; BrankoviÄ, Marija; Noor, Masi; Pasek, Michael H; Wright, Stephen C; ĆœeĆŸelj, Iris; Kuzawinska, Olga; Maloku, Edona; Otten, Sabine; Gul, Pelin; Bareket, Orly; Corkalo Biruski, Dinka; Mugnol-Ugarte, Luiza; Osin, Evgeny; Baiocco, Roberto; Cook, Jonathan E; Dawood, Maneeza; Droogendyk, Lisa; Loyo, AngĂ©lica Herrera; JeliÄ, Margareta; Kelmendi, Kaltrina; Pistella, JessicaHĂ€ssler, Tabea; Ullrich, Johannes; Sebben, Simone; Shnabel, Nurit; Bernardino, Michelle; Valdenegro, Daniel; Van Laar, Colette; GonzĂĄlez, Roberto; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Tropp, Linda R; Ditlmann, Ruth K; Abrams, Dominic; Aydin, Anna Lisa; Pereira, Adrienne; Selvanathan, Hema Preya; von Zimmermann, Jorina; Lantos, NĂłra Anna; Sainz, Mario; Glenz, Andreas; Kende, Anna; OberpfalzerovĂĄ, Hana; Bilewicz, Michal; BrankoviÄ, Marija; Noor, Masi; Pasek, Michael H; Wright, Stephen C; ĆœeĆŸelj, Iris; Kuzawinska, Olga; Maloku, Edona; Otten, Sabine; Gul, Pelin; Bareket, Orly; Corkalo Biruski, Dinka; Mugnol-Ugarte, Luiza; Osin, Evgeny; Baiocco, Roberto; Cook, Jonathan E; Dawood, Maneeza; Droogendyk, Lisa; Loyo, AngĂ©lica Herrera; JeliÄ, Margareta; Kelmendi, Kaltrina; Pistella, Jessic
Gender Gap in Parental Leave Intentions: Evidence from 37 Countries
Despite global commitments and efforts, a gender-based division of paid and unpaid work persists. To identify how psychological factors, national policies, and the broader sociocultural context contribute to this inequality, we assessed parental-leave intentions in young adults (18â30 years old) planning to have children (N = 13,942; 8,880 identified as women; 5,062 identified as men) across 37 countries that varied in parental-leave policies and societal gender equality. In all countries, women intended to take longer leave than men. National parental-leave
policies and womenâs political representation partially explained cross-national
variations in the gender gap. Gender gaps in leave intentions were paradoxically
larger in countries with more gender-egalitarian parental-leave policies (i.e., longer leave available to both fathers and mothers). Interestingly, this cross-national
variation in the gender gap was driven by cross-national variations in womenâs (rather than menâs) leave intentions. Financially generous leave and gender-egalitarian policies (linked to menâs higher uptake in prior research) were not associated with leave intentions in men. Rather, menâs leave intentions were related to their individual gender attitudes. Leave intentions were inversely related to career ambitions. The potential for existing policies to foster gender equality in paid and unpaid work is discussed
Gender Gap in Parental Leave Intentions: Evidence from 37 Countries
Despite global commitments and efforts, a gender-based division of paid and unpaid work persists. To identify how psychological factors, national policies, and the broader sociocultural context contribute to this inequality, we assessed parental-leave intentions in young adults (18â30 years old) planning to have children (N = 13,942; 8,880 identified as women; 5,062 identified as men) across 37 countries that varied in parental-leave policies and societal gender equality. In all countries, women intended to take longer leave than men. National parental-leave policies and womenâs political representation partially explained cross-national variations in the gender gap. Gender gaps in leave intentions were paradoxically larger in countries with more gender-egalitarian parental-leave policies (i.e., longer leave available to both fathers and mothers). Interestingly, this cross-national variation in the gender gap was driven by cross-national variations in womenâs (rather than menâs) leave intentions. Financially generous leave and gender-egalitarian policies (linked to menâs higher uptake in prior research) were not associated with leave intentions in men. Rather, menâs leave intentions were related to their individual gender attitudes. Leave intentions were inversely related to career ambitions. The potential for existing policies to foster gender equality in paid and unpaid work is discussed.Gender Gap in Parental Leave Intentions: Evidence from 37 CountriespublishedVersio
Gender gap in parental leave intentions: Evidence from 37 countries
This is the final version. Available from Wiley via the DOI in this record.âŻDespite global commitments and efforts, a gender-based division of paid and unpaid work persists. To
identify how psychological factors, national policies, and the broader sociocultural context contribute
to this inequality, we assessed parental-leave intentions in young adults (18â30years old) planning to
have children (N = 13,942; 8,880 identified as women; 5,062 identified as men) across 37 countries that
varied in parental-leave policies and societal gender equality. In all countries, women intended to take
longer leave than men. National parental-leave policies and womenâs political representation partially
explained cross-national variations in the gender gap. Gender gaps in leave intentions were paradoxically
larger in countries with more gender-egalitarian parental-leave policies (i.e., longer leave available to
both fathers and mothers). Interestingly, this cross-national variation in the gender gap was driven by
cross-national variations in womenâs (rather than menâs) leave intentions. Financially generous leave
and gender-egalitarian policies (linked to menâs higher uptake in prior research) were not associated with
leave intentions in men. Rather, menâs leave intentions were related to their individual gender attitudes.
Leave intentions were inversely related to career ambitions. The potential for existing policies to foster
gender equality in paid and unpaid work is discussed.SSHRC Insight Development GrantSSHRC Insight GrantEconomic and Social Research CouncilState Research AgencyGuangdong 13th-five Philosophy and Social Science Planning ProjectNational Natural Science Foundation of ChinaSwiss National Science FoundationSwiss National Science FoundationCenter for Social Conflict and Cohesion StudiesCenter for Intercultural and Indigenous ResearchSSHRC Postdoctoral FellowshipSlovak Research and Development AgencySwiss National Science FoundationCanada Research ChairsSocial Sciences and Humanities Research Council of CanadaOntario Ministry of Research and InnovationHSE University, RFFaculty of Arts, Masaryk Universit
Gendered self-views across 62 countries: a test of competing models
Social role theory posits that binary gender gaps in agency and communion should be larger in less egalitarian countries, reflecting these countriesâ more pronounced sex-based power divisions. Conversely, evolutionary and self-construal theorists suggest that gender gaps in agency and communion should be larger in more egalitarian countries, reflecting the greater autonomy support and flexible self-construction processes present in these countries. Using data from 62 countries (N = 28,640), we examine binary gender gaps in agentic and communal self-views as a function of country-level objective gender equality (the Global Gender Gap Index) and subjective distributions of social power (the Power Distance Index). Findings show that in more egalitarian countries, gender gaps in agency are smaller and gender gaps in communality are larger. These patterns are driven primarily by cross-country differences in menâs self-views and by the Power Distance Index (PDI) more robustly than the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI). We consider possible causes and implications of these findings
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