A scheme comparison of Autler-Townes based slow light in inhomogeneously broadened quantum dot media

We propose a method to achieve significant optical signal delays exploiting the effect of Autler-Townes splitting in an inhomogeneously broadened quantum dot medium. The absorption and slow-down effects are compared for three schemes i.e. $\Xi$, V and $\Lambda$, corresponding to different excitation configurations. Qualitative differences of the V-scheme compared to the $\Xi$- and $\Lambda$-scheme are found, which show that features of Autler-Townes splitting are only revealed in the V-scheme. The underlying physical mechanisms causing this discrepancy are analyzed and discussed. Finally we compare field propagation calculations of the schemes showing significantly larger achievable signal delays for the V-scheme despite finite absorption of the coupling field. This opens the possibility for using waveguide structures for both coupling and probe fields, thus significantly increasing the achievable signal delays

Gender Bias in Nobel Prizes

Strikingly few Nobel laureates within medicine, natural and social sciences are women. Although it is obvious that there are fewer women researchers within these fields, does this gender ratio still fully account for the low number of female Nobel laureates? We examine whether women are awarded the Nobel Prizes less often than the gender ratio suggests. Based on historical data across four scientific fields and a Bayesian hierarchical model, we quantify any possible bias. The model reveals, with exceedingly large confidence, that indeed women are strongly under-represented among Nobel laureates across all disciplines examined

From harm to hope:Unraveling the intergenerational transmission of family violence

The main goal of this dissertation is to extend our knowledge on underlying mechanisms of the ‘making or breaking’ of the intergenerational transmission of family violence. The findings show that the intergenerational transmission can be explained by several mechanisms. The youth themselves explained this transmission especially by the mechanism of social learning; they did not have the right role model, and therefore, were less able to learn healthy conflict tactic skills, to talk about emotions and to develop emotion regulation skills. Underneath this behavior several trauma symptoms may exist, which can be triggered by certain stimuli, resulting in certain behavior. Additionally, based on interactions with their parents when they are young, children develop a secure or insecure attachment style. Family violence affects the attachment quality, increasing the risk of low self-esteem and mistrusting others, resulting in problems finding the right balance between connectedness and autonomy, setting boundaries, and sometimes even (justifying) controlling or aggressive behavior. Our results also highlight that children are resilient and able to break the intergenerational transmission of violence; with the right professional or social support and understanding, the youth can learn from their experiences with others, resulting in trust in self and others, reducing the risk of experiencing (later) violence within their romantic relationships. These findings highlight the need for specialized and long-term care, with a focus on strengthening the social network, to foster safe family environments for future generations of children exposed to family violence

Gender bias in Nobel prizes

Abstract Strikingly few Nobel laureates within medicine, natural and social sciences are women. It is obvious that there are fewer women researchers within these fields, but does this still fully account for the low number of female Nobel laureates? We examine whether women are awarded the Nobel Prizes less often than the gender ratio suggests. Based on historical data across four scientific fields and a Bayesian hierarchical model, we quantify any possible bias. The model reveals, with exceedingly large confidence, that indeed women are strongly under-represented among Nobel laureates across all disciplines examined