Search Results (8)

In this investigation, we explore previously unknown relations between natural constants by taking the following steps: (1) We discard Dirac’s constant ℏ from the universal man-made constants of physics, which we redefine in terms of Planck’s constant h. (2) Working in the SI system of units, we determine Newton’s gravitational constant G from Boltzmann’s constant $k_{\mathrm{B}}$ and the elementary charge e, recognizing the entropy of matter as their common underlying characteristic. (3) By comparing the mass of 1 mole of electrons to the h-defined Planck mass $M_{\mathrm{P}}$, we deduce nature’s own molar constant ($\simeq$0.1 mol) that contains a ‘reduced Avogadro number’ ${\aleph }_{\mathrm{A}}=N_{\mathrm{A}}/f_{\mathrm{A}}$ of particles, where $N_{\mathrm{A}}$ is Avogadro’s number and $f_{\mathrm{A}}\simeq 10$ is the associated Avogadro factor. (4) From the new effective gravitational constant $G_{★}\equiv 4\pi {\epsilon }_{0}G$, where ${\epsilon }_0$ is the vacuum permittivity, we obtain MOND’s universal constant ${\mathcal{A}}_0$ and its critical acceleration $a_0$, recognizing the Newtonian source of gravity as the common underlying characteristic and repudiating the need for a principle of equivalence of masses. (5) We derive the gravitational coupling constant ${\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{g}}$ solely from ${\aleph }_{\mathrm{A}}$. (6) We adopt the measured value of the h-defined fine-structure constant (FSC) $\mathsf{\alpha }$ and the value of ${\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{g}}$ (or, equivalently, nature’s ${\aleph }_{\mathrm{A}}$), and we determine the relative ratio ${\mathsf{\beta }}_{\mathrm{g}}={\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{g}}/\mathsf{\alpha }$ precise to 10 significant digits. (7) We derive the relative strong ratio ${\mathsf{\beta }}_{\mathrm{s}}={\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{s}}/\mathsf{\alpha }$ directly from the Avogadro factor $f_{\mathrm{A}}$. (8) We determine the coupling constants of weak and strong interactions (${\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{w}}$ and ${\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{s}}$, respectively) in terms of the FSC $\mathsf{\alpha }$. (9) The relation ${\mathsf{\alpha }}_{\mathrm{w}}=\sqrt{\mathsf{\alpha }}$ leads to a determination of the mass of the W boson $m_{\mathrm{W}}$ from the measured values of $\mathsf{\alpha }$ and the reduced Fermi constant $G_{\mathrm{F}}^0$. (10) Using the Planck mass as a principal constant ($M_{\mathrm{P}}={\aleph }_{\mathrm{A}}{m}_{\mathrm{e}}$, where $m_{\mathrm{e}}$ is the electron mass), we obtain new classical definitions of $h,\mathsf{\alpha }$, and the Compton radius $r_{\mathrm{c}}$; and we reformulate in a transparent, geometrically clear way several important QED equations, as well as the extended Planck system of units itself. We discuss the implications of these results, and we pave a way forward in exploring the unification of the fundamental forces of nature. Full article

In this paper, I argue that the phenomenon of complementizer agreement in West Germanic and the distribution of DPs in German can be given a common explanation in terms of an approach in which context values are not freely assigned via an interpretive function operation, as is assumed in standard accounts of formal semantics, but rather, they become accessible in a specific functional head in the C-domain. Full article

The violation of a Leggett–Garg inequality confirms the incompatibility between quantum mechanics and the combined premises (called macro-realism) of macroscopic realism (MR) and noninvasive measurability (NIM). Arguments can be given that the incompatibility arises because MR fails for systems in a superposition of macroscopically distinct states—or else, that NIM fails. In this paper, we consider a strong negation of macro-realism, involving superpositions of coherent states, where the NIM premise is replaced by Bell’s locality premise. We follow recent work and propose the validity of a subset of Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) and Leggett–Garg premises, referred to as weak macroscopic realism (wMR). In finding consistency with wMR, we identify that the Leggett–Garg inequalities are violated because of failure of both MR and NIM, but also that both are valid in a weaker (less restrictive) sense. Weak MR is distinguished from deterministic macroscopic realism (dMR) by recognizing that a measurement involves a reversible unitary interaction that establishes the measurement setting. Weak MR posits that a predetermined value for the outcome of a measurement can be attributed to the system after the interaction, when the measurement setting is experimentally specified. An extended definition of wMR considers the “element of reality” defined by EPR for system A, where one can predict with certainty the outcome of a measurement on A by performing a measurement on system B. Weak MR posits that this element of reality exists once the unitary interaction determining the measurement setting at B has occurred. We demonstrate compatibility of systems violating Leggett–Garg inequalities with wMR but point out that dMR has been shown to be falsifiable. Other tests of wMR are proposed, the predictions of wMR agreeing with quantum mechanics. Finally, we compare wMR with macro-realism models discussed elsewhere. An argument in favour of wMR is presented: wMR resolves a potential contradiction pointed out by Leggett and Garg between failure of macro-realism and assumptions intrinsic to quantum measurement theory. Full article

We present a new complex network-based study focused on intraplate earthquakes recorded in southern Norway during the period 1980–2020. One of the most recognized limitations of spatial complex network procedures and analyses concerns the definition of adequate cell size, which is the focus of this approach. In the present study, we analyze the influence of observational errors of hypocentral and epicentral locations of seismic events in the construction of a complex network, looking for the best cell size to build it and to develop a basis for interpreting the results in terms of the structure of the complex network in this seismic region. We focus the analysis on the degree distribution of the complex networks. We observed a strong result of the cell size for the slope of the degree distribution of the nodes, called the critical exponent $\gamma$. Based on the Abe–Suzuki method, the slope ($\gamma$) showed a negligible variation between the construction of 3- and 2-dimensional complex networks. The results were also very similar for a complex network built with subsets of seismic events. These results suggest a weak influence of observational errors measured for the coordinates latitude, longitude, and depth in the outcomes obtained with this particular methodology and for this high-quality dataset. These results imply stable behavior of the complex network, which shows a structure of hubs for small values of the cell size and a more homogeneous degree distribution when the cell size increases. In all the analyses, the $\gamma$ parameter showed smaller values of the error bars for greater values of the cell size. To keep the structure of hubs and small error bars, a better range of the side sizes was determined to be between 8 to 16 km. From now on, these values can be used as the most stable cell sizes to perform any kind of study concerning complex network studies in southern Norway. Full article

This study aims to identify tourism usage strategies for the protection and socioeconomic sustainable development of monumental structures that maintain their functional continuity. The results revealed that some strategies provide significant opportunities in socioeconomic terms if they maintain a structure’s original function; however, some uses pose a significant threat in the case of functional continuity. The main contribution of this work is the definition of monumental structures in relation to adaptive reuse and strategic planning tools (SWOT). The spatial and functional change of the Hacı Ali Ağa Bath was examined chronologically in the first stage. An external expert group determined 41 factors consisting of functional, social, and economic return concepts revealed by the literature review in the second stage. These factors were then evaluated by internal experts using SWOT analyses. The structure’s formation since 2006 was revealed through analysis. The cultural heritage significance of the hammam culture is the function determined as the strength, whereas the functional changes were determined as the weakness. The building became idle due to the pandemic, thus bringing this situation to light. The importance of the original function was placed on the agenda by the general administration, which is regarded as a prominent opportunity to conduct an assessment. The inability of all functions to establish a relationship with tourism has been recognized as a significant threat. Strong opportunities, strong threats, and usage strategies are provided for monumental structures that maintain their functional continuity. Full article

In this paper, we study selected aspects of determinism in the control part of a cyber-physical system (CPS) that is specified by a Petri net-based model. In particular, the control interpreted Petri nets (CIPNs) are applied, which are an extension of the ordinary Petri nets, supplemented by signals (related to sensors and actuators) that permit communication with the environment. The notions of weak and strong determinism in a system described by a CIPN are introduced in the paper. The proposed concepts are supported by formal definitions and theorems. Moreover, a novel modelling methodology for a deterministic system specified by a CIPN is proposed. The presented solutions are illustrated by a case study example of a real-life cyber-physical system. Finally, the results of experimental verification of the proposed determinism-based techniques are demonstrated and discussed. Full article

The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to both coronary heart disease (CHD) and ischemic stroke (IS) in Chinese individuals have not been identified definitely. This study was developed to evaluate the genetic susceptibility to CHD and IS on the chromosome 9p21 and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1 genes (ABCA1) in a Chinese Han population. Genotypes of the rs1333040, rs1333042, rs4977574, rs2066715 and rs2740483 SNPs were determined in 1134 unrelated patients (CHD, 565 and IS, 569) and 541 controls. The frequencies of the rs4977574 genotypes and alleles between CHD and control groups, and the rs2740483 genotypes and alleles between IS and control groups were different (p = 0.006–0.001). The subjects with rs1333042GG genotype and the carriers of the rs4977574G allele were associated with increased risk of CHD. The carriers of the rs4977574G allele were associated with increased risk of IS. However, the carriers of the rs2740483C allele had lower risk of IS than the non-carriers of the rs2740483C allele after controlling for potential confounders. The rs4977574GG-age (>60 year) interaction increased the risk of CHD (p = 0.022), whereas the rs2740483CG/CC-body mass index (>24 kg/m²) interaction decreased the risk of IS (p = 0.035). The interactions of rs1333040-rs1333042 on the risk of CHD and IS were relatively strong, whereas the interactions of rs1333040-rs1333042-rs2066715 and rs1333040-rs1333042-rs2066715-rs2740483 on the risk of CHD, and rs1333040-rs1333042-rs4977574 and rs1333040-rs1333042-rs4977574-rs2740483 on the risk of IS were relatively weak. These findings suggest that some common variants on the chromosome 9p21 and ABCA1 and their interactions may significantly modify the risk of CHD and IS independent of effects on serum lipid levels. Full article

There is an implied assumption that addictions to different substances vary in strength from weak (easier to stop) to strong (harder to stop), though explicit definitions are lacking. Our hypothesis is that the strength of addictions can be measured by cessation rates found with placebo or no treatment controls, and that a weaker addiction would have a higher cessation rate than a stronger addiction. We report an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cessation trials, using randomised or quasi-randomised trials and reporting objectively-measured abstinence. The outcome for comparison was quit rates–typically the percentage of participants abstinent according to an objective test of abstinence at six months or longer. Twenty-eight cessation reviews (139,000 participants) were found. Most data came from reviews of smoking cessation in over 127,000 participants, and other reviews each covered a few thousand participants. Few reviews used data from studies shorter than three months, and almost all determined abstinence using objective measures. Cessation rates with placebo in randomised trials using objective measures of abstinence and typically over six months duration were 8% for nicotine, 18% for alcohol, 47% for cocaine, and 44% for opioids. Evidence from placebo cessation rates indicates that nicotine is more difficult to give up than alcohol, cocaine, and opioids. Tobacco is also a severe addiction, with a number of major deleterious health effects in a large number of people. Full article