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A Novel Approach To Model The Pion Structure Using Advanced Polynomial Functions
Full text linkIn the coming years, new experiments at the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) and the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will provide unprecedented insight into the building blocks of matter. To make the most of these opportunities, scientists must reduce uncertainties in the theoretical models that connect what we observe in experiments to what is happening inside particles like protons and pions. A critical part of these models involves describing how a particles momentum is shared among its internal components – quarks and gluons.
This work focuses on improving how we model the internal structure of the pion. We propose a new approach using smooth, flexible mathematical curves – called B´ezier curves – to describe this structure without overly rigid assumptions. Integrating this method into commonly used analytical tools allows us to study how different modeling choices affect our results. As future experiments deliver more data, our approach will help uncover a broader understanding of the pions inner structure and the forces that hold nuclei together
Nonlinear Phenomena of Discrete Wave Systems With Nonlocal Coupling
Full text linkThere is a long and rich story of nonlinear dynamics in discrete lattices. A particular well studied model is the discrete Nonlinear Schr\ odinger Equation, with many applications, most notably in nonlinear optics.
Recent studies have explored dynamics in scenarios where coupling amongst the array elements is nonlocal. The interest in particular is that in the longwave approximation, it leads to fractional diffraction. In this contribution, we consider two long range interaction lattice wave models, the fractional discrete nonlinear Schr\ odinger equation and the Long Range Ablowitz-Ladik system. By use of perturbation methods, asymptotics and numerical simulations, we present results on modulational instabilities, the emergence of coherent structures, mobility properties of localied modes, and a statistical mechanics framework for the formation of breathers
Emerging Through the Noise: Communication Modes, Leadership, and Cultural Hierarchies in Agile Game Development
Full text linkThis pilot study explores how communication modes, cultural hierarchies (power distance), and emergent leadership influence team performance within small Agile game development teams in a hybrid work environment post-COVID-19. Using surveys across six development milestones among 12 student teams at SMU Guildhall, significant findings revealed that teams utilizing fewer communication modes performed better, and low power distance was associated with increased emergent leadership. Cultural diversity demonstrated a significant, yet directionally inconclusive, association with leadership emergence. These findings underscore practical implications for optimizing communication practices and leadership development in Agile game development settings
Human Capital and Local Credit Supply: Evidence from the Mortgage Industry
No full textThis paper investigates the interaction between the labor market for loan officers and local residential mortgage markets. We find that shocks to local mortgage demand have little effect on the number of local loan officers but affect their average workloads and the fraction of remotely originated mortgages. However, evidence from shocks to the supply of local loan officers shows that these responses are not perfect substitutes for the presence of loan officers. Local loan officers increase access to mortgage credit, the efficiency of the mortgage application process, and households\u27 refinancing decisions. Overall, our findings suggest that labor immobility can distort local credit supply and reduce capital allocation efficiency
Investigating Differences in Cognitive Function Between Middle to Older Age Adults With and Without Asthma
No full textAsthma, age, and overall inflammation have been implicated in cognitive decline. This study examined the relationship between asthma, age, and systemic inflammatory cell activation with cognitive performance among middle-aged and older adults. Participants (N = 132; 72 asthma, 60 controls) completed neuropsychological tests assessing executive control, episodic memory, and processing speed. Blood samples were analyzed for neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and absolute eosinophil count as markers of inflammation. Multivariate multilevel models tested whether higher inflammation predicted poorer cognition, and whether these associations differed by asthma status. Results indicate that neither inflammatory marker were significantly associated with cognitive performance for either group. Participants with asthma demonstrated better overall cognitive performance than controls, particularly in episodic memory. Additionally, older age was found to be associated with poorer cognitive performance overall, however in the control group age was more strangely associated with poor performance than the asthma group. Within the asthma subgroup respiratory medications were not significantly related to cognition. Findings suggest that in a sample with inflammation levels within normal ranges, systemic inflammatory cell activation is not associated with cognitive performance. Enhanced memory performance among asthma participants may reflect indirect benefits of disease management or pro-health behaviors. Future work should aim to include samples with more diverse asthma manifestations, additional inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., CRP, cytokines), and broader socioeconomic representation to better clarify mechanisms linking inflammation, asthma, and cognitive aging
Performance Estimation and Specification of Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB) Through Experimental Characterization and Predictive Modeling of Structural Properties as Functions of Mix Design and Initial Compression.
No full textEarthen construction is one of the earliest forms of construction and is still widely used around the world as an efficient and sustainable building material. Compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) are a modern implementation of earthen construction where soil, water, and cement are compressed in a mold to create a masonry unit. CSEBs have a large creation envelope and changes to mix design and initial compression impact compressive strength and density, for which minimum values must be guaranteed per building design codes. Current design codes lack codified design guidelines for CSEB and its benefits remain unrealized at scale. This research advances earthen construction by establishing mix design selection processes through accurate estimates of compressive strength and density as functions of mix design and initial compression. Specifically, this dissertation experimentally characterizes CSEB performance and develops predictive models for CSEB compressive strength and density that provide a codifiable methods for prescriptive design
Household Bargaining, Healthcare Access, and Insurance Decisions: Understanding Health Disparities in the U.S.
No full textHealth outcomes and access to healthcare are shaped by household decision-making, structural barriers, and individual behavior. This dissertation examines three key dimensions of health equity in the United States: maternal bargaining power in child health, vaccination disparities between immigrants and U.S.-born individuals, and predictors of health insurance enrollment. The first study uses National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data to examine how maternal bargaining power—proxied by the sex ratio in the marriage market—affects child health outcomes. The findings show that greater maternal influence leads to increased investment in children’s well-being and, consequently, improved health outcomes. By integrating household bargaining and health capital theory, the study highlights how intra-family decision-making shapes intergenerational health. The second study applies Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition to NHIS data and finds that insurance coverage differences explain about 70% of the flu vaccination gap between immigrants and natives, with cultural beliefs modestly narrowing the gap. The third study compares predictive models and shows that XGBoost, enhanced by data balancing and feature engineering, outperforms traditional methods in identifying individuals at risk of being uninsured. Together, these studies offer data-driven insights into improving healthcare access and equity
The Hidden Costs of Financial Services: Consumer Complaints and Financial Restitution
No full textFinancial disputes are a widespread but understudied feature of consumer financial markets. Using confidential data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), we analyze nearly two million consumer complaints filed since 2014, which have led to an average payout of $1,470 per successful complaint. The volume of complaints and total restitution have increased substantially over time, suggesting significant scope for additional compensation. When understanding who secures restitution–and why–we find little evidence that differences across firms systematically drive restitution outcomes. Instead, product complexity and consumer engagement play key roles–consumers with higher income and education (high-SES) are more likely to explicitly request refunds, claim fraud, and submit supporting documentation, making firms more responsive. Leveraging previously unexamined CFPB monitoring reviews, where the agency systematically screens company responses and issues confidential reports highlighting deficiencies, we show that regulatory scrutiny increases restitution but disproportionately benefits high-SES consumers, reinforcing individual-specific mechanisms. Our results highlight the complementary nature of regulatory interventions and suggest that financial sophistication and self-advocacy are critical determinants of consumer redress.
Declaration of Interest
Heimer was previously an unpaid contract employee of the CFPB and the opinions of this article do not reflect the opinions of the CFPB or any governmental entity. Any errors or omissions are the authors’ responsibility
The Surface Water And Ocean Topography (SWOT) Mission For River And Lake Ice Application
Full text linkThe Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, launched in December 2022, is designed for global survey of Earth’s surface water. However, the seasonal freezing of lakes and rivers combined with SWOT’s unique interferometric radar characteristics presents a valuable opportunity to assess its potential for river and lake ice applications. In this dissertation, I first compare backscatter characteristics over open water and frozen lakes and rivers. I demonstrate strong contrast in backscatter between water and ice while accounting for incidence angle, highlighting SWOT’s capability to discriminate between surface cover types. However, overlapping backscatter signatures suggest further investigation of drivers of these variations such as ice and snow conditions. I then evaluate SWOT’s ice surface height with in-situ GNSS data collected from rivers and lakes near Fairbanks, Alaska. Results demonstrate varying agreement with root-mean-square errors of approximately 0.66m for rivers and 0.23m for lakes. Varying agreement emphasize the need for continued assessment of SWOT’s elevation products across a broader range of water bodies and through diverse validation approaches. Overall, SWOT demonstrates promising capabilities for both ice detection and ice surface height retrieval, positioning it as an exciting tool for sub-Arctic hydrology and broader cryosphere application
Retail Innovation Through AI: Benefits and Liabilities
Full text linkThis article investigates the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) within the retail industry. We highlight significant opportunities for product customization, innovation, and enhanced supply chain efficiency, while also examining complex legal challenges associated with AI-generated content. In particular, concerns in the copyright realm are highlighted— including documented biases against AI-produced works. Recognizing these issues, retailers should adopt proactive legal strategies, ensure transparency, and consider hybrid human-AI collaborative approaches. Strategically addressing these issues will help maximize consumer and business benefits while mitigating legal exposure