552 research outputs found
Existential witness extraction in classical realizability and via a negative translation
We show how to extract existential witnesses from classical proofs using
Krivine's classical realizability---where classical proofs are interpreted as
lambda-terms with the call/cc control operator. We first recall the basic
framework of classical realizability (in classical second-order arithmetic) and
show how to extend it with primitive numerals for faster computations. Then we
show how to perform witness extraction in this framework, by discussing several
techniques depending on the shape of the existential formula. In particular, we
show that in the Sigma01-case, Krivine's witness extraction method reduces to
Friedman's through a well-suited negative translation to intuitionistic
second-order arithmetic. Finally we discuss the advantages of using call/cc
rather than a negative translation, especially from the point of view of an
implementation.Comment: 52 pages. Accepted in Logical Methods for Computer Science (LMCS),
201
A note on the invariant distribution of a quasi-birth-and-death process
The aim of this paper is to give an explicit formula of the invariant
distribution of a quasi-birth-and-death process in terms of the block entries
of the transition probability matrix using a matrix-valued orthogonal
polynomials approach. We will show that the invariant distribution can be
computed using the squared norms of the corresponding matrix-valued orthogonal
polynomials, no matter if they are or not diagonal matrices. We will give an
example where the squared norms are not diagonal matrices, but nevertheless we
can compute its invariant distribution
Chaotic Scattering in Heavy--Ion Reactions
We discuss the relevance of chaotic scattering in heavy--ion reactions at
energies around the Coulomb barrier. A model in two and three dimensions which
takes into account rotational degrees of freedom is discussed both classically
and quantum-mechanically. The typical chaotic features found in this
description of heavy-ion collisions are connected with the anomalous behaviour
of several experimental data.Comment: 35 pages in RevTex (version 3.0) plus 27 PostScript figures
obtainable by anonymous ftp from VAXFCT.CT.INFN.IT in directory kaos. Fig. 1
upon request to the authors. To be published in the October Focus issue on
chaotic scattering of CHAO
Mindfulness-based interventions for people diagnosed with a current episode of an anxiety or depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Objective
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce risk of depressive relapse for people with a history of recurrent depression who are currently well. However, the cognitive, affective and motivational features of depression and anxiety might render MBIs ineffective for people experiencing current symptoms. This paper presents a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of MBIs where participants met diagnostic criteria for a current episode of an anxiety or depressive disorder.
Method
Post-intervention between-group Hedges g effect sizes were calculated using a random effects model. Moderator analyses of primary diagnosis, intervention type and control condition were conducted and publication bias was assessed.
Results
Twelve studies met inclusion criteria (n = 578). There were significant post-intervention between-group benefits of MBIs relative to control conditions on primary symptom severity (Hedges g = −0.59, 95% CI = −0.12 to −1.06). Effects were demonstrated for depressive symptom severity (Hedges g = −0.73, 95% CI = −0.09 to −1.36), but not for anxiety symptom severity (Hedges g = −0.55, 95% CI = 0.09 to −1.18), for RCTs with an inactive control (Hedges g = −1.03, 95% CI = −0.40 to −1.66), but not where there was an active control (Hedges g = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.54 to −0.48) and effects were found for MBCT (Hedges g = −0.39, 95% CI = −0.15 to −0.63) but not for MBSR (Hedges g = −0.75, 95% CI = 0.31 to −1.81).
Conclusions
This is the first meta-analysis of RCTs of MBIs where all studies included only participants who were diagnosed with a current episode of a depressive or anxiety disorder. Effects of MBIs on primary symptom severity were found for people with a current depressive disorder and it is recommended that MBIs might be considered as an intervention for this population
Alcohol-induced retrograde facilitation renders witnesses of crime less suggestible to misinformation
RATIONALE: Research has shown that alcohol can have both detrimental and facilitating effects on memory: intoxication can lead to poor memory for information encoded after alcohol consumption (anterograde amnesia) and may improve memory for information encoded before consumption (retrograde facilitation). This study examined whether alcohol consumed after witnessing a crime can render individuals less vulnerable to misleading post-event information (misinformation). METHOD: Participants watched a simulated crime video. Thereafter, one third of participants expected and received alcohol (alcohol group), one third did not expect but received alcohol (reverse placebo), and one third did not expect nor receive alcohol (control). After alcohol consumption, participants were exposed to misinformation embedded in a written narrative about the crime. The following day, participants completed a cued-recall questionnaire about the event. RESULTS: Control participants were more likely to report misinformation compared to the alcohol and reverse placebo group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that we may oversimplify the effect alcohol has on suggestibility and that sometimes alcohol can have beneficial effects on eyewitness memory by protecting against misleading post-event information
A Case Concerning Children's False Memories of Abuse: Recommendations Regarding Expert Witness Work
Expert witnesses can play a major role in legal cases concerning the reliability of statements. Abuse cases frequently contain only the memories of eyewitnesses/victims without the presence of physical evidence. Here, it is of the utmost importance that expert witnesses use scientific evidence for their expert opinion. In this case report, a case is described in which 20 children reported being sexually abused by the same teachers at their elementary school. The investigative steps that were taken by the police and school authorities are reviewed, including how they probably affected memory. In order to provide a sound expert opinion regarding the reliability of these statements, three recommendations are proposed. To reduce the effect of confirmation bias and increase objectivity, it is argued that expert witnesses’ reports should contain alternative scenarios, be checked by another expert, and focus on the origin and context of the first statement
Comparison of Y2O3 and ZrO2 synthesized from water nitrate solutions and water-organic nitrate solutions
Effectiveness of Web-Delivered Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Relation to Mental Health and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND: The need for effective interventions to improve mental health and emotional well-being at a population level are gaining prominence both in the United Kingdom and globally. Advances in technology and widespread adoption of Internet capable devices have facilitated rapid development of Web-delivered psychological therapies. Interventions designed to manage a range of affective disorders by applying diverse therapeutic approaches are widely available. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence base of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in a Web-based delivery format. METHOD: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was conducted. Two electronic databases were searched for Web-delivered interventions utilizing ACT for the management of affective disorders or well-being. Only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 59 articles. Of these, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria specified. The range of conditions and outcome measures that were identified limited the ability to draw firm conclusions about the efficacy of Web-delivered ACT-based intervention for anxiety or well-being. CONCLUSIONS: ACT in a Web-based delivery format was found to be effective in the management of depression. Rates of adherence to study protocols and completion were high overall suggesting that this therapeutic approach is highly acceptable for patients and the general public
Highly deformed Ca configurations in Si + C
The possible occurrence of highly deformed configurations in the Ca
di-nuclear system formed in the Si + C reaction is investigated
by analyzing the spectra of emitted light charged particles. Both inclusive and
exclusive measurements of the heavy fragments (A 10) and their
associated light charged particles (protons and particles) have been
made at the IReS Strasbourg {\sc VIVITRON} Tandem facility at bombarding
energies of Si) = 112 MeV and 180 MeV by using the {\sc ICARE}
charged particle multidetector array. The energy spectra, velocity
distributions, and both in-plane and out-of-plane angular correlations of light
charged particles are compared to statistical-model calculations using a
consistent set of parameters with spin-dependent level densities. The analysis
suggests the onset of large nuclear deformation in Ca at high spin.Comment: 33 pages, 11 figure
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