Binary optimal control by trust-region steepest descent

We present a trust-region steepest descent method for dynamic optimal control problems with binary-valued integrable control functions. Our method interprets the control function as an indicator function of a measurable set and makes set-valued adjustments derived from the sublevel sets of a topological gradient function. By combining this type of update with a trust-region framework, we are able to show by theoretical argument that our method achieves asymptotic stationarity despite possible discretization errors and truncation errors during step determination. To demonstrate the practical applicability of our method, we solve two optimal control problems constrained by ordinary and partial differential equations, respectively, and one topological optimization problem.

The Missing Measure of Loneliness: A Case for Including Neededness in Loneliness Scales

Prominent tools used to measure loneliness such as the UCLA Scale and DJGS include no items related to being needed, i.e., neededness. More recent scales such as the DLS and SELSA do include items on neededness, but only within their romantic loneliness subscales. This paper proposes that new iterations of loneliness scales should include in all subscales two items on neededness: (a) whether a person feels important to someone else and (b) whether that person has good ways to serve others’ well-being. The paper surveys cognate studies that do not rely on loneliness scales but establish a link between neededness and feelings of social connection. It then highlights ways in which neededness items would improve the ability of loneliness scales to specify the risk profile, to delineate variations in the emotional tone and quality of loneliness, and to propose suitable interventions. The paper outlines a theoretical argument—drawing on moral philosophy—that prosociality and being needed are non-contingent, morally urgent human needs, postulating that the protective benefits of neededness vary according to at least four factors: the significance, persistence, non-instrumentality, and non-fungibility of the ways in which a person is needed. Finally, the paper considers implications for the design of appropriate remedies for loneliness.

MORAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF MONASTIC LAND OWNERSHIP IN THE CONSECRATION BY PRINCE-MONK VASSIAN PATRIKEEV

The article analyzes the journalistic activity of the famous Russian medieval publicist, Prince-monk Vassian (Patrikeev). The article presents and analyzes his main arguments against the contemporary practice of monastic farms, which extended the right of ownership to large land plots. Vassian builds his argument against the patrimonial rights of monasteries - religious and theoretical argument (the Gospel commandments), historical argument (examples of ancient saints), and also complements it with canonical arguments, references to the decisions of church councils.

The Search for “Nasty” but “Safe” Interrogation Methods

This chapter presents the book’s main theoretical argument, with examples from the French-Algerian War and other cases, followed by the empirical strategy. First, the antitorture norm can, paradoxically, encourage its own violation by convincing those who believe that those not bound by norms and laws have an advantage in international politics. This is called the Cheaters Win explanation. Torturers prefer their methods because they believe security requires brutality. Second, the norm’s lack of specificity allows practitioners to portray their behavior as something short of torture and redefine torture to exclude their behavior. In sum, torturers believe their interrogation methods are nasty enough to work but still permissibly mild, or mild-sounding. The emphasis on the importance of subtle beliefs best matches in-depth case studies, which are chosen to capture torture’s recurrence over time and demonstrate the explanation’s range across various actors and settings.

Magnetoelastic standing waves induced in UO2 by microsecond magnetic field pulses

Magnetoelastic dilatometry of the piezomagnetic antiferromagnet UO2 was performed via the fiber Bragg grating method in magnetic fields up to 150 T generated by a single-turn coil setup. We show that in microsecond timescales, pulsed-magnetic fields excite mechanical resonances at temperatures ranging from 10 to 300 K, in the paramagnetic as well as within the robust antiferromagnetic state of the material. These resonances, which are barely attenuated within the 100-µs observation window, are attributed to the strong magnetoelastic coupling in UO2 combined with the high crystalline quality of the single crystal samples. They compare well with mechanical resonances obtained by a resonant ultrasound technique and superimpose on the known nonmonotonic magnetostriction background. A clear phase shift of π in the lattice oscillations is observed in the antiferromagnetic state when the magnetic field overcomes the piezomagnetic switch field Hc=−18 T. We present a theoretical argument that explains this unexpected behavior as a result of the reversal of the antiferromagnetic order parameter at Hc.

Governing the covid-19 Pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa: Containment Measures as a Public Good

What determined how governments in the Middle East and North Africa reacted to the global covid-19 pandemic? We develop a theoretical argument based on the political costs of different policy options and assess its empirical relevance. Distinguishing between the immediate costs associated with decisive action and the potential costs of uncontrolled spread that are likely to accrue over the long term, we argue that leaders who have fewer incentives to provide public goods to stay in power will lock down later than their more constrained counterparts. We find empirical support for this argument in statistical analyses covering the 1 January – 30 November 2020 period using the Oxford covid-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT) and our own original data on the timing of mosque closures and strict lockdowns across the region. We also illustrate our argument with a description of the response to the pandemic in Egypt.

Modeling implanted metals in electrical stimulation applications

BackgroundMetal implants impact the dosimetry assessment in electrical stimulation techniques. Therefore, they need to be included in numerical models. While currents in the body are ionic, metals only allow electron transport. In fact, charge transfer between tissues and metals requires electric fields to drive the electrochemical reactions at the interface. Thus, metal implants may act as insulators or as conductors depending on the scenario.Objective/HypothesisThe aim of this paper is to provide a theoretical argument that guides the choice of the correct representation of metal implants using purely electrical models but considering the electrochemical nature of the problem in the technology of interest.MethodsWe built a simple model of a metal implant exposed to a homogeneous electric field of various magnitudes to represent both weak (e.g., tDCS), medium (TMS) or strong field stimulation. The same geometry was solved using two different models: a purely electric one (with different conductivities for the implant), and an electrochemical one. As an example of application, we also modeled a transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) treatment in a realistic head model with a skull plate using a high and low conductivity value for the plate.ResultsMetal implants generally act as electric insulators when exposed to electric fields up to around 100 V/m (tES and TMS range) and they only resemble a perfect conductor for fields in the order of 1000 V/m and above. The results are independent of the implant’s metal, but they depend on its geometry.Conclusion(s)Metal implants can be accurately represented by a simple electrical model of constant conductivity, but an incorrect model choice can lead to large errors in the dosimetry assessment. In particular, tES modeling with implants incorrectly treated as conductors can lead to errors of 50% in induced fields or more. Our results can be used as a guide to select the correct model in each scenario.

Biological identity and ‘restitution’ in Argentina. Further critical arguments

In this paper we will briefly explain the context in which the appropriation of 500 children occurred during the most recent Argentinian dictatorship, in order to analyze the political demand of identity restitution of these people. We will describe the phenomenon of restitution that took place thanks to the strategy of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, and we will analyze both the role of genetics on the restitution as well as some criticisms to a notion of biological identity considered to emerge from it. We will situate those criticisms in the philosophical debate over personal identity. The main purpose of this paper is to offer two arguments against an alleged genetic notion of personal identity. Firstly, a theoretical argument presents reasons on the basis of contemporary biological knowledge and, secondly, a practical argument refers to the productive role of biotechnologies. Finally, we will discuss some problems that arise from the criticisms themselves in order to give reasons for a defense of the restitution demand.

The Creation of a Birthing Centre: Considering the Prevention of Post-Natal Depression.

<p>This thesis explores the notion of interior architecture as a tool in the prevention on of post natal depression. This research is part of a larger and current theoretical argument that places interior architecture in a catalyst role for the prevention of mental illness. Initial research shows that the act of giving birth and its physical and mental recovery are tightly linked to the potential development of depressive disorder. Accordingly this research will explore the spatial requirements for birthing with the prevention of mental disorder in mind. The design will be developed at the intersection of a series of criteria of spatial qualities in the prevention of depressive orders and evidence based hospital design parameters for birthing. This research aims to establish a comprehensive base guideline specific for the design of birthing centres, focusing on the prevention of post natal depression. The design here presented is a series of tests and assessment of this guideline.</p>

The Creation of a Birthing Centre: Considering the Prevention of Post-Natal Depression.

<p>This thesis explores the notion of interior architecture as a tool in the prevention on of post natal depression. This research is part of a larger and current theoretical argument that places interior architecture in a catalyst role for the prevention of mental illness. Initial research shows that the act of giving birth and its physical and mental recovery are tightly linked to the potential development of depressive disorder. Accordingly this research will explore the spatial requirements for birthing with the prevention of mental disorder in mind. The design will be developed at the intersection of a series of criteria of spatial qualities in the prevention of depressive orders and evidence based hospital design parameters for birthing. This research aims to establish a comprehensive base guideline specific for the design of birthing centres, focusing on the prevention of post natal depression. The design here presented is a series of tests and assessment of this guideline.</p>