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A First Application of the Backward Technique in Social Sciences: Exploring Demographic Noise in a Model with Three Personality Types
No full textAbstract: In the realm of dynamical systems described by deterministic differential equations
used in biomathematical modeling, two types of random events influence the populations
involved in the model: the first one is called environmental noise, due to factors
external to the system; the second one is called demographic noise, deriving from the
inherent randomness of the modeled phenomenon. When the populations are small, only
space-discrete stochastic models are capable of describing demographic noise; when the
populations are large, these discrete models converge to continuous models described by
stochastic ordinary differential systems, maintaining the essence of intrinsic noise. Moving
forward again from a continuous stochastic framework, we get to the continuous deterministic
setting described by ordinary differential equations if we assume that noise can
be neglected. The inverse process has recently been explored in the literature by means
of the so-called “backward technique” in a biological context, starting from a system of
continuous ordinary differential equations and going “backward” to the reconstruction
and numerical simulation of the underlying discrete stochastic process, that models the
demographic noise intrinsic to the biological phenomenon. In this study, starting from
a predictable, deterministic system, we move beyond biology and explore the effects of
demographic noise in a novel model arising from the social sciences. Our field will be psychosocial,
that is, the connections and processes that support social relationships between
individuals. We consider a group of individuals having three personality types: altruistic,
selfish, and susceptible (neutral). Applying the backward technique to this model built
on ordinary differential equations, we demonstrate how demographic noise can act as a
switching factor, i.e., moving backward from the deterministic continuous model to the
discrete stochastic process using the same parameter values, a given equilibrium switches
to a different one. This highlights the importance of addressing demographic noise when
studying complex social interactions. To our knowledge, this is also the first time that the
backward technique has been applied in social contexts
Nicolai Hartmann's Interpretation of Hegel's Dialectics
No full textThis paper examines Nicolai Hartmann’s interpretation of Hegel’s dialectics, with particular attention to what he terms “real dialectics.” It is divided into three sections. The first provides a concise account of Hartmann’s reading of Hegel in its historical and historiographical context, emphasizing its independence from contemporaneous interpretations, such as those of Wilhelm Dilthey and Neo‐Hegelianism. The second analyzes Hartmann’s treatment of the relationship between Aristotle and Hegel—a key step toward understanding his conception of "real dialectics.” Central here are the notions of the “concept” and the intellectual proximity between Aristotelian aporetics and Hegel’s dialectical method. The final section develops Hartmann’s account of Hegel’s “real dialectics,” examining its connection to the notion of Erfahrung and concluding with an evaluation of the elements Hartmann considers still philosophically relevant in Hegel’s dialectical thought
Le pitture della Tomba N241/del Buon Pastore a Cirene: una revisione per via documentaria
No full textLa Tomba 241/del Buon Pastore è uno dei più interessanti contesti funerari di Cirene (odierna Shahat, Libia) in virtù delle sue pitture parietali, di età tardo-antica. J.-R. Pacho ne pubblicò una tavola (1827) con molti fraintendimenti ed errori, immettendo in letteratura un'iconografia inesistente. Si deve a L. Bacchielli la riscoperta della tomba nella necropoli nord di Cirene e la sua pubblicazione de (1990-91). Indagini condotte tra 2009 e 2010 hanno permesso di effettuare una nuova documentazione del contesto e di esaminarlo dettagliatamente, tenendo conto anche di tutta la documentazioni pregressa. Il contributo presenta i risultati di queste più recenti ricerche e offre una nuova restituzione grafica delle pitture, qui pubblicata a colori per la prima volta
Balancing Accuracy and Energy: The Impact of Window Size on Sensor-Based Human Activity Recognition
No full textIn wearable computing, data segmentation based on a sliding window approach is common, and the window segment size is crucial in determining activity recognition performances. The existing literature is indeed focused on investigating how the window size impacts accuracy neglecting, however, the impact on the energy consumption of low-power devices employed to perform the recognition task. We have performed an experimental analysis of the impact of the window size, coupled with feature selection, on the energy consumption of the ESP32 device. This paper describes how those two critical aspects affect performance evaluation. We consider three public datasets to provide useful insights on the best trade-off between accuracy and energy consumption. Results show that the best performance is usually obtained with windows longer than 2.56 s and features ranging from 10 to 20
Methodologies for Assessing Patent Value: A Systematic Literature Review
Full text linkPatents play a strategic role in many business fields, with most involving sales, licensing decisions, or internal management. These decisions have become increasingly strategic as these intangible assets are now recognized as crucial for company performance and value operating in an increasingly globalized and competitive market. Patent management can benefit from insights gained through patent evaluation. This study examines the evolution of managerial literature on patent value and reviews the most important methodologies applicable to patent evaluation, developed through a comprehensive literature review on the subject. The focus is specifically on frameworks applicable at the corporate level, especially in companies without dedicated Intellectual Property (IP) departments and where Research and Development (R&D) assets are not managed strategically. An original systematization of current methodologies is provided, along with managerial implications and suggestions for future research directions
Protocol for measuring force in skinned diaphragm muscle fibers of myopathic SEPN1 knockout mice following chronic tauroursodeoxycholic acid treatment
Full text link: Selenoprotein N1 (SEPN1) is a type II endoplasmic reticulum (ER) glycoprotein. Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding for SEPN1 give rise to myopathy. Here, we present a protocol for evaluating the contractility of diaphragmatic muscle fibers of SEPN1 knockout mice following chronic treatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). We describe steps for genotyping SEPN1 knockout mice, TUDCA in vivo treatment, diaphragm dissection, and chemical permeabilization. We then detail procedures for single muscle fiber isolation and tension measurement. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Germani et al.1
Bridging the Gap in Physical Activity and Sport Among Women University Students: Motivational and Practical Insights for Effective Promotion
No full textWomen’s participation in physical activity (PA) and sport remains lower than that of men, with specific challenges persisting into young adulthood. This study aims to better understand the diverse engagement patterns and motivations of women university students in order to inform targeted, gender-sensitive approaches to PA and sport promotion. A survey was conducted among 2,071 women students aged 18–25 years (M = 20.01, SD = 1.33) from 16 European universities. Principal component analysis and clustering techniques revealed two main participation styles: “free” (C1 and C2) and “organized” (C3 and C4). The “free” group preferred low-intensity, flexible activities, often self-directed, and supported by digital tools, while the “organized” group thrived in structured, socially supportive environments such as clubs or team sports with coaching. Motivational factors varied considerably: C1 participants did not prioritize a single motivational factor, C2 were primarily motivated by physical condition and appearance, while a combination of enjoyment, affiliation, and psychological well-being drove C3 and C4 participants. The study highlights the need for universities to offer diverse, flexible PA options that cater to different preferences, from autonomous activities facilitated by digital innovations to structured programs that promote social belonging and accountability. Universities can create supportive environments that encourage sustained PA and sport engagement by tailoring interventions to individual motivations and using inclusive communication strategies. These findings provide valuable insights for promoting active lifestyles among women university students and for advancing gender-sensitive approaches to PA and sport promotion