Predicting birth-rates through German micro-census data: a comparison of probit and Boolean regression

This paper investigates the complex interrelationships of qualitative socio-economic variables in the context of Boolean Regression. The data forming the basis for this investigation are from the German Micro-census waves of 1996 2002 and comprise about 400 000 observations. Boolean Regression is used to predict how birth events depend on the socio-economic characteristics of women and their male partners. Boolean Regression is compared to Probit. The data set is split into two halves in order to determine which method yields more accurate predictions. It turns out that Probit is superior, if a given socio-economic type is substantiated by less than about 30 observations, whereas Boolean Regression is superior to Probit, if a given socio-economic type is verified by more than about 30 observations. Therefore a "hybrid" estimation method, combining Probit and Boolean Regression, is proposed and used in the remainder of the paper. Different methods of interpreting the results of the estimations are introduced, relying mainly on simulation techniques. With respect to the reasons for the prevailing low German fertility rates, it is evident that these could be decisively higher if people had higher incomes and earned more with relative ease. From a methodological perspective, the paper demonstrates that Scientific Use Files of socio-economic data comprising hundred thousands or even millions of observations, and which have been made available recently, are the natural field of application for Boolean Regression. Possible consequences for future social and economic research are discussed. --

Entropy and stability in time use – An empirical investigation based on the German Time Use Survey

Flexibility is a tool for preserving the stability of a system. In general, we can expect that the more variant its behaviour, the more stable a system will be. The investigation provides an example of this principle within the discipline of home economics. For a sample of single-person households from Germany’s national Time Use Survey 2001/2002, it can be shown that the stability of activity sequences is greater, the higher the entropy of time use. For this purpose, a Markov model is derived from heuristic considerations. The Markov matrices are estimated and their eigenvectors and eigenvalues then calculated. It is evident that the entropy of an attractor is higher, the lower the norm of the second eigenvalue of the corresponding Markov matrix. The main components of this relationship, namely diversity and stability in time use, turn out to be only weakly associated with the usual socio-economic regressors. Hence, new empirically and theoretically relevant dimensions for socio-economic research emerge.Time use survey, Markov process, system stability, entropy, teaching

Taschengeld und Sparverhalten bei Grundschulkindern: eine empirische Untersuchung in Nordwestdeutschland

This working paper presents the results of a survey of 330 schoolchildren from three primary schools in small rural towns in North-Rhine Westfalia and Lower Saxony. The questions dealt with pocket money and savings behaviour and the data related to two main issues. Firstly, a measure was made to the extent to which the investigated families apply the central recommendations of pocket money pedagogy. Secondly, the data was considered in the context of the established attitudinal-behavioural models. The results reveal that approximately 80 % of the children receive pocket money regularly. The average weekly amount is EUR 2.29, with a standard deviation of EUR 1.61. Within the attitude-behaviour-framework, a relationship was proven between the perceived behavioural control of the children and their ability to come out with the pocket money. This results supplements and confirms analogous findings from health didactics, in which strengthening the self esteem of children has emerged a central pillar of prevention of unhealthy behaviour. --

Superconducting Resonator-Rydberg Atom Hybrid in the Strong Coupling Regime

We propose a promising hybrid quantum system, where a highly-excited atom strongly interacts with a superconducting LC oscillator via the electric field of capacitor. An external electrostatic field is applied to tune the energy spectrum of atom. The atomic qubit is implemented by two eigenstates near an avoided-level crossing in the DC Stark map of Rydberg atom. Varying the electrostatic field brings the atomic-qubit transition on- or off-resonance to the microwave resonator, leading to a strong atom-resonator coupling with an extremely large cooperativity. Like the nonlinearity induced by Josephson junctions in superconducting circuits, the large atom-resonator interface disturbs the harmonic potential of resonator, resulting in an artificial two-level particle. Different universal two-qubit logic gates can also be performed on our hybrid system within the space where an atomic qubit couples to a single photon with an interaction strength much larger than any relaxation rates, opening the door to the cavity-mediated state transmission.Comment: 4 figure

Roadmap on quantum optical systems

This roadmap bundles fast developing topics in experimental optical quantum sciences, addressing current challenges as well as potential advances in future research. We have focused on three main areas: quantum assisted high precision measurements, quantum information/simulation, and quantum gases. Quantum assisted high precision measurements are discussed in the first three sections, which review optical clocks, atom interferometry, and optical magnetometry. These fields are already successfully utilized in various applied areas. We will discuss approaches to extend this impact even further. In the quantum information/simulation section, we start with the traditionally successful employed systems based on neutral atoms and ions. In addition the marvelous demonstrations of systems suitable for quantum information is not progressing, unsolved challenges remain and will be discussed. We will also review, as an alternative approach, the utilization of hybrid quantum systems based on superconducting quantum devices and ultracold atoms. Novel developments in atomtronics promise unique access in exploring solid-state systems with ultracold gases and are investigated in depth. The sections discussing the continuously fast- developing quantum gases include a review on dipolar heteronuclear diatomic gases, Rydberg gases, and ultracold plasma. Overall, we have accomplished a roadmap of selected areas undergoing rapid progress in quantum optics, highlighting current advances and future challenges. These exciting developments and vast advances will shape the field of quantum optics in the future

Бионимичная метафора (зоометафора) как один из компонентов научно-технических терминов (на материале русского, английского и немецкого языков)

Объект исследования - научно-технические термины с компонентом зоонимом в составе, в представленных языках. Цель работы – описать и сопоставить особенности данных единиц. Были проведены компонентный, сравнительно-сопоставительный, структурно-морфологический и анализ особенностей зоонимов в составе НТТ исследуемых языков. В результате исследования были выделены основные модели образования, черты и функции зоотерминов, согласно формам анализа, созданы практическая база и словарный минимум зоонимичных НТТ. Материалы статьи были освещены в рамках международных студенческих научно-практических конференций. Область применения: в педагогической практике, а также при составлении ряда спецкурсов, написании работ, составлении словарей.В будущем планируется дальнейшее изучение в других языках.The object of the study is scientific and technical term with zoonym key component in presented languages. Objective – to describe and compare the semantic and functional features of zoonymic units within the scientific and technical dictionaries. In the process, the following analysis forms were conducted: zoonym component, comparative, characteristics, structural and morphological. The study identified key zoonym models, features and functions, according to forms of analysis, was created a practical basis and vocabulary minimum. Article materials were presented at international student scientific conferences. Field of application: teaching practice, preparation of a number of special courses, works writing, dictionaries compiling. It is planned to further study in other languages

ICARUS-Q: A scalable RFSoC-based control system for superconducting quantum computers

We present a control and measurement setup for superconducting qubits based on Xilinx 16-channel radio frequency system on chip (RFSoC) device. The proposed setup consists of four parts: multiple RFSoC boards, a setup to synchronise every digital to analog converter (DAC), and analog to digital converter (ADC) channel across multiple boards, a low-noise direct current (DC) supply for tuning the qubit frequency and cloud access for remotely performing experiments. We also design the setup to be free of physical mixers. The RFSoC boards directly generate microwave pulses using sixteen DAC channels up to the third Nyquist zone which are directly sampled by its eight ADC channels between the fifth and the ninth zonesComment: Main text: 15 pages, 23 figures Appendix: 2 pages, 2 figure

Antimicrobial use in pediatric oncology and hematology in Germany and Austria, 2020/2021: a cross-sectional, multi-center point-prevalence study with a multi-step qualitative adjudication process

Background Due to the high risk of severe infection among pediatric hematology and oncology patients, antimicrobial use is particularly high. With our study, we quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated, based on institutional standards and national guidelines, antimicrobial usage by employing a point-prevalence survey with a multi-step, expert panel approach. We analyzed reasons for inappropriate antimicrobial usage. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at 30 pediatric hematology and oncology centers in 2020 and 2021. Centers affiliated to the German Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology were invited to join, and an existing institutional standard was a prerequisite to participate. We included hematologic/oncologic inpatients under 19 years old, who had a systemic antimicrobial treatment on the day of the point prevalence survey. In addition to a one-day, point-prevalence survey, external experts individually assessed the appropriateness of each therapy. This step was followed by an expert panel adjudication based upon the participating centers’ institutional standards, as well as upon national guidelines. We analyzed antimicrobial prevalence rate, along with the rate of appropriate, inappropriate, and indeterminate antimicrobial therapies with regard to institutional and national guidelines. We compared the results of academic and non-academic centers, and performed a multinomial logistic regression using center- and patient-related data to identify variables that predict inappropriate therapy. Findings At the time of the study, a total of 342 patients were hospitalized at 30 hospitals, of whom 320 were included for the calculation of the antimicrobial prevalence rate. The overall antimicrobial prevalence rate was 44.4% (142/320; range 11.1–78.6%) with a median antimicrobial prevalence rate per center of 44.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.9–49.9). Antimicrobial prevalence rate was significantly higher (p < 0.001) at academic centers (median 50.0%; 95% CI 41.2–55.2) compared to non-academic centers (median 20.0%; 95% CI 11.0–32.4). After expert panel adjudication, 33.8% (48/142) of all therapies were labelled inappropriate based upon institutional standards, with a higher rate (47.9% [68/142]) when national guidelines were taken into consideration. The most frequent reasons for inappropriate therapy were incorrect dosage (26.2% [37/141]) and (de-)escalation/spectrum-related errors (20.6% [29/141]). Multinomial, logistic regression yielded the number of antimicrobial drugs (odds ratio, OR, 3.13, 95% CI 1.76–5.54, p < 0.001), the diagnosis febrile neutropenia (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.06–0.51, p = 0.0015), and an existing pediatric antimicrobial stewardship program (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15–0.84, p = 0.019) as predictors of inappropriate therapy. Our analysis revealed no evidence of a difference between academic and non-academic centers regarding appropriate usage. Interpretation Our study revealed there to be high levels of antimicrobial usage at German and Austrian pediatric oncology and hematology centers with a significant higher number at academic centers. Incorrect dosing was shown to be the most frequent reason for inappropriate usage. Diagnosis of febrile neutropenia and antimicrobial stewardship programs were associated with a lower likelihood of inappropriate therapy. These findings suggest the importance of febrile neutropenia guidelines and guidelines compliance, as well as the need for regular antibiotic stewardship counselling at pediatric oncology and hematology centers. Funding European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Infektiologie, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Krankenhaushygiene, Stiftung Kreissparkasse Saarbrücken