On preheating in alpha-attractor models of inflation

We study (p)reheating in alpha-attractor T-models of inflation, taking into account both scalar fields present in these models: the inflaton and the spectator. The two-field model has a negative field-space curvature which, at the end of inflation, may lead to geometrical destabilization of the spectator for small values of alpha<~10^(-3). We perform the instability (Floquet) analysis of the linear dynamics and a fully non-linear lattice computations with our numerical code, which we specifically designed for a class of two-field models with non-canonical kinetic terms. We find that the perturbations of the spectator field are much more unstable than the perturbations of the inflaton field, so the dynamics of the early stages of preheating is dominated by the evolution of the spectator perturbations. As a result, the transition from the inflationary era to radiation domination era is practically instantaneous and much faster than previously found in an effective theory including only the inflaton field.Comment: extended numerical simulations, references added, matches published versio

Floquet analysis of self-resonance in single-field models of inflation

We review 51 models of single-field inflation, paying special attention to the possibility that self-resonance of the unstable inflaton perturbations leads to reheating. We compute Floquet exponents for the models that are consistent with current cosmological data. We find five models that exhibit a strong instability, but only in one of them -- KKLT inflation -- the equation of state efficiently approaches that of radiation.Comment: matches published versio

The Struggle for AI’s Recognition: Understanding the Normative Implications of Gender Bias in AI with Honneth’s Theory of Recognition

AI systems have often been found to contain gender biases. As a result of these gender biases, AI routinely fails to adequately recognize the needs, rights, and accomplishments of women. In this article, we use Axel Honneth's theory of recognition to argue that AI's gender biases are not only an ethical problem because they can lead to discrimination, but also because they resemble forms of misrecognition that can hurt women's self-development and self-worth. Furthermore, we argue that Honneth's theory of recognition offers a fruitful framework for improving our understanding of the psychological and normative implications of gender bias in modern technologies. Moreover, our Honnethian analysis of gender bias in AI shows that the goal of responsible AI requires us to address these issues not only through technical interventions, but also through a change in how we grant and deny recognition to each other

An attempt at a typology of karst lakes in the Połaniec Basin (Małopolska Upland)

The main goal of the paper is to attempt a typology of karst lakes in the Połaniec Basin (Małopolska Upland). The typology was conducted on the basis of a dependence analysis of several essential morphometric parameters of lake basins. The considered data comprised 23 lakes with respect to15 morphometric features.The correlation analysis, mainly in a group of lakes that are located in single karst sinkholes, revealed that length and width of basins are distinctly associated features. It is also noticeable that basin shape determines lake volume, even though pools, that are characterised by similar water content volume, may differ in area. Moreover, an increase in maximum depth of basins does not necessarily imply any grow in their volume. Likewise, there is no prevalent dependence between basin area and maximum depth.The cluster analysis, among reasonable indications, singled out generally divisions of the considered lakes into two sets. One of the sets comprises Duży Staw and Dziki Staw, while the other consists of all the remaining lakes. Less frequent divisions into three indicated Duży Staw, Dziki Staw, and Czwarty Staw as leading lakes. Divisions into 19–22 clusters were also suggested, however it does not seem to be reliable. As a consequence, the cluster analysis elucidate that Duży Staw and Dziki Staw stand out the most from the other lakes. This remainder constitutes rather close to each other, but not an ideally uniform group of lakes

A pragmatist analysis of the ethics of self-tracking

This dissertation is devoted to the ethical issues arising in connection to self-tracking practices and technologies. Today, various digital devices (such as Fitbit or Apple Watch) and smartphone apps (e.g.,MyFitnessPal) allow users to collect, quantify and analyse information about their behaviour and bodily parameters, typically for the purposes of behaviour change and management. Self-tracking is commonly associated with the promise of translating quantified data into greater knowledge about oneself, as well as greater control over one’s habits and body. Over the course of the dissertation, I identify the normative issues surrounding selftracking by means of a systematic literature review and adapt John Dewey’s ethical theory to apply it to the analysis of the issues that have not yet been adequately analysed in the literature, namely, the impact on the individual and habit formation, the impact on interpersonal relations, and just distribution of benefits and burdens produced through self-tracking. With the help of Dewey’s ethical ideals of inclusive, continuing growing, and democracy (understood as a cooperative and participatory way of life, rather than a political system), I argue that self-tracking 1) has a negative impact on users’ identity and autonomy by manipulating them into behaviours that are not necessarily in line with their sense of self; 2) limits the quality and depth of users’ engagement with others; and 3) allows companies to exert control over users and profit from their data without adequate compensation, and benefits users from privileged groups to a much greater degree than those coming from marginalised backgrounds. The analysis is accompanied by a set of recommendations for users, developers and policymakers that would ensure that self-tracking positively contributes to individual and societal flourishing/wellbeing and operates in line with the ideal of social justice

Review and analysis of the functionality of mobile applications in the field of alcohol consumption

The growing popularity of various devices in the field of mHealth is having an influence on contemporary medicine. The positive role of new technologies in addressing alcohol- related problems is also noticeable. As it seems, solutions used in the mHealth area may improve the addiction treatment system by facilitating stable contact with therapeutic units in the long term and overcoming stigmatisation and geographical barriers. The article contains a review and analysis of telephone app functionalities in the field of alcohol consumption

Mobile applications for alcohol dependent persons as tools supporting the recovery process

The objective of the study was to assess the potential of publicly available mobile applications created as tools supporting the recovery of alcohol-dependent persons

The solution to drug resistance of Gram-negative bacteria – Cefiderocol

Introduction: A major public health problem is the emergence of anti-gram-negative antimicrobial resistance worldwide. Cefiderocol is a new agent targeting Gram-negative bacteria, including strains with resistance to carbapenems. Aim of the study: Analysis of the efficiency of cefiderocol in the treatment of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria, the drug's mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drug. Material and Methods: Search of the PubMed database using the following keywords: cefiderocol, resistance, gram negative bacteria. Only full-length articles were taken into consideration. Results: The studies show that cefiderocol is active against Enterobacteriaceae, P. aeruginosa, B. cepacia and A. baumannii and effective in the treatment of pneumonia in both non-ventilated and ventilated patients. Moreover, it has been used in the treatment of sepsis as a rescue therapy. Conclusion: Cefiderocol is an effective treatment for infections caused by gram-negative bacteria. However, more research is needed to learn more about the use of this drug, side effects and resistance mechanisms

CHANGES IN THE ANAEROBIC THRESHOLD IN AN ANNUAL CYCLE OF SPORT TRAINING OF YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS

The aim of the study was to assess changes in the anaerobic threshold of young soccer players in an annual training cycle. A group of highly trained 15-18 year old players of KKS Lech Poznań were tested. The tests included an annual training macrocycle, and its individual stages resulted from the time structure of the sports training. In order to assess the level of exercise capacities of the players, a field exercise test of increasing intensity was carried out on a soccer pitch. The test made it possible to determine the 4 millimolar lactate threshold (T LA 4 mmol · l-1) on the basis of the lactate concentration in blood [LA], to establish the threshold running speed and the threshold heart rate [HR]. The threshold running speed at the level of the 4 millimolar lactate threshold was established using the two-point form of the equation of a straight line. The obtained indicators of the threshold running speed allowed for precise establishment of effort intensity used in individual training in developing aerobic endurance. In order to test the significance of differences in mean values between four dates of tests, a non-parametric Friedman ANOVA test was used. The significance of differences between consecutive dates of tests was determined using a post-hoc Friedman ANOVA test. The tests showed significant differences in values of selected indicators determined at the anaerobic threshold in various stages of an annual training cycle of young soccer players. The most beneficial changes in terms of the threshold running speed were noted on the fourth date of tests, when the participants had the highest values of 4.01 m · s-1 for older juniors, and 3.80 m · s-1 for younger juniors. This may be indicative of effective application of an individualized programme of training loads and of good preparation of teams for competition in terms of players’ aerobic endurance