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In this work, we have considered FRW model of the universe for Brans-Dicke (BD) theory with BD scalar field as a Chameleon field. First we have transformed the field equations and conservation equation from Jordan's frame to Einstein's frame. We have shown in presence of variable modified Chaplygin gas, the potential function $V$ and another analytic function $f$ always increase with respect to BD-Chameleon scalar field $\phi$.

The study aims to investigate the role of psychological distance within a theoretical framework of behavior to predict pro-environmental behavior. We use a between-subjects design to test various dimensions of psychological distance on outcomes of pro-environmental intentions and green donation behavior.

Manufacturing system is a combination of humans, machinery and equipment that are bound by a common material and information flow. Queueing theory plays a pivotal role in optimizing manufacturing processes by analysing and modelling the flow of entities, such as materials or tasks, within production systems. This article delves into the significance of queueing theory in manufacturing, highlighting its applications in enhancing efficiency, reducing wait times, and minimizing resource wastage. By examining factors like arrival rates, service times, and system capacities, queueing theory enables the identification of bottlenecks and the design of strategies for smoother operations. This work provides a valuable insights of queueing theory, guidance for decision-making, streamline workflows, and ultimately improves the overall manufacturing performance.

Introduction:  Organizational scientific communication as the foundation of modern organizations has a great impact on the development of organizations and has been considered by researchers in the knowledge management cycle. Considering the role of communication and communication system as the most important assumption of cybernetics, this article with a cybernetic approach considers the evolution of knowledge in cybernetics according to the role of observer and considering the theory of autopoiesis by Maturana and Varla and Luhmann's scientific communication and examines the importance of this approach in sharing organizational knowledge by presenting the four philosophical foundations of cybernetics. Methodology:  This article is a review that has been prepared by using the library method and reviewing theoretical sources and searching in the valid databases of Google Scholar, Magiran and Irandoc. Findings:  The findings indicate that all four cybernetic approaches are important in knowledge sharing and the peak of this importance can be seen in Luhmann's theory of scientific communication and the different role of the observer in each level of cybernetics is clear in the knowledge sharing, according to the autopoiesis theory. Conclusion:  Knowledge management is the basis of organizational knowledge due to its interdisciplinary nature; so it is necessary to consider knowledge sharing studies from the perspective of autopoiesis theory and Luhmann's scientific relationship in the cybernetics. The sharing of observer knowledge in social systems is one of the areas in which the fourth-order cybernetics is well crystallized and is a very good support for the scientific development of societies, which ultimately leads to their development.

ShaykhAhmadSirhindisrevivalistRoleTwo-nationTheoryByMohammadAslam

We discuss applications of some concepts of Compressed Sensing in the recent work on invertibility of random matrices due to Rudelson and the author. We sketch an argument leading to the optimal bound N^{-1/2} on the median of the smallest singular value of an N by N matrix with random independent entries. We highlight the parts of the argument where sparsity ideas played a key role.

The impact of coherence on the nonlinear optical response and stationary transport is studied in quantum cascade laser structures. Nonequilibrium effects such as pump-probe signals, the spatio-temporally resolved electron density evolution, and the subband population dynamics (Rabi flopping) as well as the stationary current characteristics are investigated within a microscopic density-matrix approach. Focusing on the stationary current and the recently observed gain oscillations, it is found that the inclusion of coherence leads to observable coherent effects in opposite parameter regimes regarding the relation between the level broadening and the tunnel coupling across the main injection barrier. This shows that coherence plays a complementary role in stationary transport and nonlinear optical dynamics in the sense that it leads to measurable effects in opposite regimes. For this reason, a fully coherent consideration of such nonequilibrium structures is necessary to describe the combined optical and transport properties

The impact of coherence on the nonlinear optical response and stationary transport is studied in quantum cascade laser structures. Nonequilibrium effects such as pump-probe signals, the spatio-temporally resolved electron density evolution, and the subband population dynamics (Rabi flopping) as well as the stationary current characteristics are investigated within a microscopic density-matrix approach. Focusing on the stationary current and the recently observed gain oscillations, it is found that the inclusion of coherence leads to observable coherent effects in opposite parameter regimes regarding the relation between the level broadening and the tunnel coupling across the main injection barrier. This shows that coherence plays a complementary role in stationary transport and nonlinear optical dynamics in the sense that it leads to measurable effects in opposite regimes. For this reason, a fully coherent consideration of such nonequilibrium structures is necessary to describe the combined optical and transport properties

The impact of coherence on the nonlinear optical response and stationary transport is studied in quantum cascade laser structures. Nonequilibrium effects such as pump-probe signals, the spatio-temporally resolved electron density evolution, and the subband population dynamics (Rabi flopping) as well as the stationary current characteristics are investigated within a microscopic density-matrix approach. Focusing on the stationary current and the recently observed gain oscillations, it is found that the inclusion of coherence leads to observable coherent effects in opposite parameter regimes regarding the relation between the level broadening and the tunnel coupling across the main injection barrier. This shows that coherence plays a complementary role in stationary transport and nonlinear optical dynamics in the sense that it leads to measurable effects in opposite regimes. For this reason, a fully coherent consideration of such nonequilibrium structures is necessary to describe the combined optical and transport properties

We perform an in-depth study of some domination and smoothing properties of linear operators and of their role within the theory of eventually positive operator semigroups. On the one hand we prove that, on many important function spaces, they imply compactness properties. On the other hand, we show that these conditions can be omitted in a number of Perron--Frobenius type spectral theorems. We furthermore prove a Kre\u{\i}n--Rutman type theorem on the existence of positive eigenvectors and eigenfunctionals under certain eventual positivity conditions.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 395-424) and index

This monograph applies ideas from the field of role theory to the study of occupations, beginning with an historical overview of role theory concepts. The analysis of occupations is presented from both a group-centered and person-centered position. Within the group-centered analysis, organizations, work groups, and communities are discussed, and types of social relationships are delineated. In the person-centered analysis, situs and station concepts are introduced and discussed. Some of the dimensions of roles useful in analyzing occupational structure are studied, including orientation to group boundaries, span of association, and dominance. Four independent variables--culture, personality, situation, and interaction--are introduced and their relationship to the occupational structure is described. The study also covers occupational role stresses, several theories of occupational ranking, and the dynamics of occupational behavior. Finally, a methodological framework is suggested for research in occupations using the role theory approach, including attention to data-collection methods, interviewing, sampling, questionnaires, and analysis. (Author)

Within the literature of social psychology, there exists a body of information that deals with role theory, defined as the expectations persons have at any given time and the norms that govern their behavior. This paper discusses role theory as it applies to school-age child caregivers and as part of the process of professionalism. "Role" is defined as a set of expectations that vary depending on the situation, with role norms indicating what actions and words are appropriate in different situations. When the role of school-age caregivers is considered that of a facilitator of positive development, every activity, game, or interaction is an opportunity to further children's development. The many different ways caregivers carry out this role are called functional tasks, and those include being a programmer, teacher, nurturer, discipliner, community worker, and administrator. Sub-roles define the expectations within each of the environments of the functional tasks. Roles are learned through a process called role acquisition, with effective contact and attentive observation of a model key to developing a new role. Role consensus occurs when a new role is acquired and others agree that behaviors are consistent with that role. Occasionally, role strain can occur. This is any felt difficulty meeting the requirements and expectations of a particular role. Several kinds of role strain are: role transition, role dissensus, role ambiguity, role overload, role conflict, and role-person merger. Social role theory can help school-age caregivers with role clarification. As this understanding grows, so will caregivers' proficiency. (TJQ)

This study examines the role of discourse in the development of students' understandings of a rule for determining if a number is divisible by 8. The rule was suggested by a student in a seventh-grade mathematics class. Its validity was investigated in whole-class discussions that occurred on 3 consecutive days. In addition to making field notes and videotaping classroom interactions, what students learned was investigated through the use of whole class surveys and interviews with 9 out of 29 students. Discourse served to sustain the investigation, to assist students' development of the idea, and to confuse students. Confusion occurred as a result of "failures of context" when the discourse failed to deal with the complexity of the language structure involved in a rule and to discriminate between meanings of words such as even and evenly. (Author)

This 10-chapter monograph explores the range of influences parents have on their children's linguistic development and in the process attempts to understand why parents adopt the language styles they do in addressing children. The discussion focuses on the following three themes that are interwoven throughout the book: (1) the social nature of human language that drives parents to adopt a particular style of language with their children; (2) the importance of multiple variables in determining the precise effect a specific parent may have on the language of a particular child; and (3) the difference between direct and indirect effects on the learning process. Chapters 1 and 2 discuss variables that help shape linguistic interaction between parent and child. Chapter 3 examines the character and functioning of baby talk, and the next four chapters focus on how adults influence their children's development of conversational skills, phonology, lexicon, and grammar. Chapter 8 turns to parental roles in the development of literacy and the place of television in language learning. Language problems (real and imagined) are the subject of chapter 9, and chapter 10 offers concluding remarks. (VWL)

The results of a four-year study of teachers' perceptions of their role at work and in private life are presented. Information about the teachers came from interviews, observations, and written statements of concerns of ten teachers during the first, third, and fourth year of teaching. Changes in the private segments of their personal lives such as marriage and parenthood changed their perceptions of priorities and satisfactions. Personal-professional role conflicts arose from concurrent demands for their time and allegiance. In the fourth year behaviors emerged designed to cope with tedium of the teaching job and growing role conflicts. Some abbreviated case histories are used for illustration. (JD)

The object of the paper is to show that the fundamental problem of determining the utility of a communication channel in conveying information can be interpreted as a problem within the framework of multi-stage decision processes of stochastic type and as such may be treated by means of the theory of dynamic programming.

With only some fear of oversimplification, the fundamental differences between Walter Lippmann and John Dewey that are of concern here can be introduced by giving attention to Lippmann's deceptively simple formulation of a central problem in democratic theory: "The environment is complex. Man's political capacity is simple. Can a bridge be built between them?" Or, borrowing Dewey's formulation of the same problem, one might ask "how the gap between the limited capacities of the citizen and the complexity of his environment [is] to be bridged." That such a gap existed was a point of agreement between Dewey and Lippmann. Both understood the difficulties that would result from a relatively uninformed and incompetent citizenry governing popularly in the complex modern age of political affairs. Where the two men had a fundamental disagreement was not so much in their diagnoses or critiques of the problems in modern democracy as in the constructive and prescriptive aspects of their respective democratic theories. This essay focuses on the "problem of knowledge" as understood by Lippmann and Dewey and on the different roles that each subsequently gives to the "expert" in the constructive aspects of their respective democratic theories. The author argues that the heart of Lippmann's and Dewey's disagreement over the role of the expert vis-a-vis the public in a democracy are fundamental differences of thought concerning (1) the kind and degree of knowledge and competence required of citizens in a popularly governed polity and, related, (2) the potential of the average citizen to acquire and exercise such knowledge and competence in political affairs and practical life in general. (Contains 59 footnotes.)

Study 3 aims at investigating the moderating effect of implicit theory (entity vs. incremental).

Young people are a key target group for health promotion and the prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Since schools reach the majority of young people, they serve as a critical arena for health promotion and prevention efforts (Pulimeno, Manuela et al, 2020). The implementation of health interventions in school context, however, is a complex process, with context playing a crucial role in that. To effectively implement health interventions in schools, it is essential to understand the role of context in shaping these efforts, Theoretical approaches, such as implementation science theories, models, and frameworks (TMFs), are often employed to navigate implementation complexities. TMFs serve distinct purposes in implementation: process models guide the translation of research into practice, frameworks typically evaluate the implementation process, and theories aim to understand and explain the factors influencing the implementation process and outcomes (Nilsen, 2015). Due to TMFs distinct purposes, they also provide varying and thus complementary understanding to context and its influence on implementation. However, also deficiencies exist, as not all TMFs clearly take context into account, and those which do, may define context in distinct ways and emphasize some contextual layers (such as individual) over the others thus lacking a holistic approach to how contextual factors may work as facilitator and barrier to implementation (Linnansaari, 2023; Nilsen, 2015). Therefore, other theoretical approaches, such as organizational theories and cultural theories may provide a complementary perspective for understanding the context and its role on implementation. In this review focused on school setting, we define context as a multi-level construct consisting of individual, social, organizational/school level factors as well as the wider environment (e.g. cultural and societal factors) (Linnansaari, 2023). This scoping review with qualitative synthesis aims to explore studies that have used theoretical approaches considering multi-level context and its influence on implementing health interventions in schools. By analyzing these approaches and how they have been applied in planning, delivery, maintenance, or evaluation, we seek to develop theory-driven strategies to enhance implementation in school settings. Ultimately, our goal is to strengthen the implementation of these interventions to better support young people's health and well-being.

Village leaders constitute vital citizen-state links in many developing countries. Do voters bias against women holding these positions? What drives the bias? I theorize that bias should be higher against village leaders than other positions. Because village leaders derive at least some legitimacy from tradition, they carry additional gendered expectations that do not translate to other positions. This bias, which I call position congruity bias, differs from bias for other positions in that it does not operate through a preference for village leaders with “agentic” traits or “masculine” policy competencies. The bias is direct and position specific. I will test this theory in a massive survey experiment in Vietnam. The key hypothesis, which is that voters bias more against women holding village leadership positions than higher levels of government or legislative positions has already been demonstrated in three waves of this survey. I predict that this finding will hold again in 2021. The additional hypothesis that I will preregister in this document speaks to the mechanism, which is that the village leader position will feature greater bias than another position at the village level that does not carry traditional expectations -- the village party secretary.

Recently, Tegmark pointed out that the superposition of ion states involved in the superposition of firing and resting states of a neuron quickly decohere. It undoubtedly indicates that neural networks cannot work as quantum computers, or computers taking advantage of coherent states. Does it also mean that the brain can be modeled as a neural network obeying classical physics? Here we show that it does not mean that the brain can be modeled as a neural network obeying classical physics. A brand new perspective in research of neural networks from quantum theoretical aspect is presented.

The charge photogeneration process in organic molecules is investigated by a quantum heat engine model, in which two molecules are modeled by a two-spin system sandwiched between two bosonic baths at their own temperatures. The two baths represent the photon emission source and the phonon environment, respectively. We utilize the time-dependent density matrix renormalization group algorithm to investigate the ultrafast quantum thermodynamical processes of the model. We find that the transient energy flow through the two spins behaves a two-stage effect: The first stage shows a coherent dynamics which represents the ultrafast delocalization and dissociation of the charge-transfer state, and in the second stage a steady current is establish. The photo-to-charge conversion is highly efficient with the maximum efficiency being $93\%$ with optimized model parameters. The survival entanglement between the two spins is found to be mostly responsible for the hyper efficiency.

Few studies have examined help-seeking behaviors by victims of intimate partner violence considering theoretical models that attempt to explain behavioral intentions. Furthermore, the literature on same-sex intimate partner violence is still scarce, and more research is needed to comprehend what may facilitate help-seeking. This research aims to apply the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) to better understand the intentions of victims of Intimate Partner Violence in different-sex and same-sex relationships to call a helpline.

Using a pre-existing data set (Study 1; N = 1791) including participants from 10 different countries (Sweden, Spain, Japan, China, US, Russia, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia) and an additional sample (to be collected) from the United States (Study 2; target sample size: N = 300), this project aims to test the prediction of Social Role Theory, that the division of labor determines gender role beliefs.

The central focus of this study is to investigate the individual factors that exert influence on interpersonal objectification. Given the significant variability in individuals' capacity to perceive and comprehend the mental and emotional states of others, as well as the consequential impact of attributing such states on the formation of attitudes and subsequent behaviors, our primary aim is to ascertain the potential relationship between Theory of Mind (ToM) proficiency and the inclination to objectify interpersonal relationships. Specifically, we seek to empirically examine whether the activation of ToM in individuals can effectively mitigate their tendency to engage in objectifying behaviors towards others.

We give an estimate of the gravitational field of force exerted on a test particle by the far galaxies, in the frame of the weak field approximation. In virtue of Hubble's law, the action of the far matter turns out to be non negligible, and even the dominant one. An extremely simplified cosmological model is considered. A nonvanishing contribution is obtained only if the discrete and fractal nature of the matter distribution is taken into account. The force per unit mass acting on a test particle is found to be of the order of $0.2 cH_0$, where $c$ is the speed of light and $H_0$ the present value of Hubble's constant.

We give an estimate of the gravitational field of force exerted on a test particle by the far galaxies, in the frame of the weak field approximation. In virtue of Hubble's law, the action of the far matter turns out to be non negligible, and even the dominant one. An extremely simplified cosmological model is considered. A nonvanishing contribution is obtained only if the discrete and fractal nature of the matter distribution is taken into account. The force per unit mass acting on a test particle is found to be of the order of $0.2 cH_0$, where $c$ is the speed of light and $H_0$ the present value of Hubble's constant.

We give an estimate of the gravitational field of force exerted on a test particle by the far galaxies, in the frame of the weak field approximation. In virtue of Hubble's law, the action of the far matter turns out to be non negligible, and even the dominant one. An extremely simplified cosmological model is considered. A nonvanishing contribution is obtained only if the discrete and fractal nature of the matter distribution is taken into account. The force per unit mass acting on a test particle is found to be of the order of $0.2 cH_0$, where $c$ is the speed of light and $H_0$ the present value of Hubble's constant.

This report presents a theory of the optimal display format for tasks that have multiple stimulus elements. Our previous research indicates that these various elements should be presented to display channels that employ separate resources (e.g., be distributed between auditory and visual modalities). In this report we suggest that this distribution should not be done to the extent that (a) the values of the various display elements are correlated (e.g., temperature and pressure of gas in a pipe), (b) the separate elements must be integrated into a single mental model of the environment. Collectively, we define these two conditions as the degree of correlation/integration. As correction/integration increases, the relative advantages of separate resources decreases. The research in our own and other laboratories that supports this concept is reviewed. (Author)

Given the influence of emotions in cognition and behaviour, there is increasing interest in identifying the most optimal emotions for learning and performance. With this information, it becomes possible to develop interventions to promote optimal emotions and downregulate maldaptive emotions on a task-by-task basis and assist in scaffolding the emotion-regulation skills of learners. Pekrun's (2006) Control-Value Theory offers specific predictions about what emotions are most beneficial for learning and suggests appraisals of task-control and -value are key causal mechanisms behind such emotions. Yet, experimental studies examining the causal effects of appraisals-emotions-performance at the task level are near absent. At the same time, experimental mood research appears to suggest differential effects of spontaneous or task-irrelevant emotions, but has neglected examining emotions specific to a task at hand. As such, this project aims to investigate the impact of cognitive appraisals and task-related emotions on information processing style in an experimental setting. In specific, we are interested in how experimentally manipulated appraisals of task control and value affect emotional valence and arousal, and how these emotions subsequently affect performance on a brief cognitive test, the Cognitive-Reflection Test-Long. Specifically, our research questions are: 1) Can we experimentally manipulate appraisals of task control and value? 2) Do appraisals of task control and value predict task-related emotional valence and arousal, as suggested by Control-Value Theory? 3) Does task-related emotions which differ by valence and arousal differentially predict information processing style, as captured by the Cognitive Reflection Test-Long? 4) Is there evidence for the mediating role of emotions in the relationship between appraisals of task control and value and information processing style?

The primary purpose of this study is to examine whether there are differences in the perceived suitability of male and female lawyers for two different law occupations (family lawyer and criminal defense lawyer). Specific law occupations may not be stereotyped in the same way as the general lawyer occupation, and the gendered nature of the stereotypes of specific law occupations may affect whether men or women are perceived to be better suited for the job. Given that occupational fields such as law are resegregating along gendered lines, it is important to understand the stereotype content of these occupations and how they may relate to judgements of individuals looking to go into these occupations.

Our proposed paper investigates how parental mental state talk differs between the UK and China, analysing not just the frequency but also the types (cognition, intention, desire) and referents (parent vs. child) of such talk. We also examine their associations with Theory of Mind (ToM) development across the two cultural contexts. This study is crucial for highlighting the importance of examining different aspects of mental state terms. It aims to determine how various types and referents of mental state talk relate to the development of ToM across diverse cultural contexts. In line with the notion that language usage mirrors societal values, an emerging body of research has revealed cross-cultural differences in how parents discuss mental states with their children (e.g., Chan et al., 2020; Liu et al., 2016; Lu et al., 2008; Kong et al., 2023). Specifically, East Asian parents tend to use mental state language with less frequency and in smaller amounts than their Western counterparts (e.g., Avial-Naveh et al., 2019; Bozicevic et al., 2023; Kong et al., 2023). Despite established cross-cultural differences in the total frequency of mental state talk (e.g., Doan & Wang, 2010; Doan et al., 2019; Kong et al., 2023), research on cultural variations in specific aspects of mental state discourse, such as types and referents, remains relatively underexplored. The type (i.e., terms referring to cognition, desire, and intention) and referent (i.e., who speakers are referring to) are two important aspects of mental state talk (Chan et al., 2020; Taumoepeau et al., 2019). In addition, despite the established link between mental state talk and preschoolers’ understanding of ToM in Western countries, research investigating the nature of this relationship in non-Western samples with collectivist cultural orientation remains scarce. This scarcity of research constrains our understanding of the mechanisms underlying individual variations in ToM development among Chinese children. It also raises questions about whether the link between mental state talk and ToM is applicable to the Chinese cultural context. Even the few studies investigating the role of mental state talk in the development of ToM among Chinese children present mixed results; with some researchers found no relationships between total frequency of mental state talk and ToM (Kong et al., 2023; Liu et al., 2016), while others have identified correlations between specific types of mental state terms and Chinese children's ToM (Chan et al., 2020) as well as emotion situation knowledge (Doan & Wang, 2010). Meanwhile, although previous research has shown that cross-cultural differences in mental state talk account for variations in ToM development among Children from Iran and New Zealand (Taumoepeau et al., 2019), this mediating role has not yet been examined in a comparison between the UK and China. To bridge these gaps, this study adopts a social constructivist framework to examine: (1) whether there are notable cross-cultural differences in the use of mental state language, specifically in terms of type and referent? (2) whether individual differences in ToM show differential associations with parental talk about: (a) the child’s versus their own or shared mental states? (b) specific types of mental state (e.g., cognitions vs. desires)? (3) whether parental mental state talk accounts for cross-cultural differences in children’s ToM?

In summary, this research involves categorizing threats and examining how individuals construct meaning around non-specific threats through attribution, offers deeper insights into the cognitive processes underlying conspiracy theory beliefs. It also broadens the explanatory reach of the existential threat model of conspiracy theories. Additionally, it extends the applicability of traditional attribution theory beyond explaining personal success or failure to encompass the causes of societal events.

Interpersonal objectification refers to a specific form of dehumanization where others are perceived as mere objects. According to Martha Nussbaum (1995), this psychological process involves treating other individuals as instruments to achieve personal goals, perceiving them as passive, violable, interchangeable, and lacking autonomy, subjectivity, and self-determination, either partially or entirely. Such denial of others' humanity often leads to the legitimization of immoral actions against individuals or entire groups, resulting in numerous negative psychological and social effects (Volpato, 2011). Research on this topic primarily focused on analyzing the effects of objectification in the context of sexuality (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997; Heflick & Goldenberg, 2014). More recently, an increasing number of studies have shifted attention to the objectification of others in the workplace. These studies have revealed that individuals in positions of power tend to systematically objectify their subordinates (Gruenfeld et al., 2008), and job characteristics themselves can occasionally lead to perceiving certain types of workers as objects or tools (Andrighetto, 2017). However, knowledge regarding objectification beyond the realms of sexuality and the workplace remains limited, with little understanding of the factors that may facilitate or inhibit this process in everyday social exchanges. Insights from social cognition studies indicate that behavior towards others is often influenced by perceived characteristics and attributed qualities, and recognizing others as human beings is an operation that yields variable outcomes (Fiske, 2009). A key aspect in acknowledging others' humanity is the assumption of the other's perspective, a multidimensional process based on the ability to understand one's own and others' mental (cognitive level) and emotional (affective level) states (Oswald, 1996). The capacity of an individual to attribute mental and emotional states to oneself and others, and to utilize this knowledge in understanding and predicting one's own and others' behavior, has long been analyzed by theorists in the Theory of Mind (ToM) framework (Premack & Woodruff, 1978). Scholars in this field have primarily focused on the development of this capacity during childhood and any psychological issues arising from deficiencies in ToM (Baron Cohen, Leslie, & Frith, 1985; Leslie, 1987; Baron Cohen, 1995). Given that the ability to recognize and comprehend others' mental and emotional states can vary significantly among individuals (Schurz, 2021), and that the level of attributing such states can influence the formation of attitudes towards others and subsequent behaviors (Fiske, 2009), it is crucial to understand the relationships between the ability to understand and assume the perspective of others and the tendency towards objectification. Furthermore, considering that studies on the need for cognitive closure (NFCC) have revealed a diminished capacity for empathy and perspective-taking (Webster et al., 2003; Webster & Kruglanski, 2011), and this effect has been attributed to the specific cognitive effort required to activate ToM (Lin et al., 2010; Bradford et al., 2015), which is undesired by individuals with high NFCC, it is vital to investigate whether this individual factor also plays a role in the objectification of others. The present study is part of a broader research project aimed at investigating whether individual Theory of Mind (ToM) stimulation can mitigate objectifying behaviors towards others. Building upon the findings of our previous correlational study (registered on OSF https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5Y2XZ), which revealed a negative association between ToM and objectification of both others and relationships, the current study seeks to experimentally validate these findings. Participants will be activated ToM by exposing them to an extract from an animated film including scenes that elicits mentalizing (for a similar procedure, see Hortensius et al., 2021). More specifically, depending on the experimental condition, participants will be asked to focus on emotions felt by the characters (condition of activation of affective TOM) or on their intentions and states of mind (condition of activation of cognitive TOM). These two experimental conditions will be compared with a control one, in which participants will be exposed to a short documentary about a big European city. After the experimental manipulation, all three groups will be asked to imagine a scenario in which the possibility of winning a large sum of money through a fictional TV quiz show will be made salient. They will participate in the quiz with one of two partners, each described with either a focus on social and emotional aspects (partner A) or specific quiz-related skills (partner B). The tendency to objectify others will be measured by the propensity to choose partner B. We hypothesize that participants in the condition of affective and cognitive TOM activation will display a lesser inclination to objectify others in the subsequent task, compared to participants who do not receive a prompt to utilize ToM (Hypothesis 1a). Moreover, considering the outcomes of our aforementioned study regarding the differential impact of cognitive and affective ToM on the objectification of others, the present study aims to examine whether affective ToM exerts a more substantial influence in reducing objectification compared to cognitive ToM. Consequently, we propose an alternative hypothesis whereby participants prompted to utilize affective ToM, when exposed to an objectifying situation, are expected to demonstrate lower levels of objectification compared to participants prompted to employ cognitive ToM or those not prompted to utilize ToM at all (Hypothesis 1b). Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the relationship between ToM and objectification will be moderated by the individual's need for cognitive closure (NFCC). Specifically, the effect of ToM stimulation is expected to be more pronounced among participants with lower levels of NFCC and attenuated among those with higher levels of NFCC (Hypothesis 2). Finally, given that narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy (Dark Triad) are personality traits commonly associated with a greater propensity for manipulating others and a diminished regard for others' emotional states (Schimmenti et al., 2019), it is hypothesized that these traits will moderate the relationship between ToM and objectification of others. Specifically, the effect of ToM stimulation is anticipated to be stronger among participants with lower levels of Dark Triad traits and weaker among those with higher levels of Dark Triad traits (Hypothesis 3). It is noteworthy that all the outlined hypotheses will be verified by controlling for the participants’ general tendency to recognize mental and affective states in others and self, which will be measured before exposing participants to the experimental manipulation.

To create suspenseful, dramatic or comical situations, filmmakers make creative decisions about the flow of story information: when, how and, most importantly, who to deliver information for it to come across effectively. They often use Dramatic Irony, a narrative device where the audience knows something that at least one characters does not, thereby creating drama and a divergence in perspectives in relation to the differential knowledge provided. Viewers are first shown the installation scenes that reveal the key information that the character(s) does not have access to and following, are shown the exploitation scenes that stage the dramatic irony conflict, in which the characters’ goals or wellbeing are impacted as a consequence of their ignorance e.g. misunderstandings or decoys. We hypothesized that the salient divergence of knowledge in dramatic irony scenes prompts spectators to infer the character’s mental states and thus proposed Theory of Mind (ToM) as a critical sociocognitive mechanism underlying the comprehension of dramatic irony. For the first time, we directly tested the hypothesis that ToM is implicated in film narratives by manipulating audience access to knowledge from the installation scenes (Study 1). In a between-subjects design, participants watched one of two knowledge conditions: in the Dramatic Irony condition, they watched 6 clips from different Harold Lloyd silent comedy films with complete scenes of dramatic irony (context, installation scene and exploitation scene); and in the Control condition, the installation scenes were edited out so participants only watched the context and exploitation scenes, which still maintained narrative coherence, allowing us to compare whether viewers process the same exploitation scenes engaging more in ToM reasoning when they know more than the character vs. when they do not. We hypothesized that if participants in the dramatic irony condition build a more complex event model, or alternatively different event models for character perspectives, there would be deeper moments of processing of the cognitive states in the exploitation scenes. This should be confirmed by delays or slowed-down moments in a novel self-paced viewing task as well as eye-tracking data: (a) pupil data as an indirect marker of processing load and (b) the analysis of spatio-temporal distribution of attention, i.e. what part of the images participants are processing differently across conditions, which would inform us about how participants extract information about characters’ mental states, and whether there are longer viewing times when event models are switched/updated to follow character perspectives.

Note this registration has been withdrawn: In summary, this research involves categorizing threats and examining how individuals construct meaning around non-specific threats through attribution, offers deeper insights into the cognitive processes underlying conspiracy theory beliefs. It also broadens the explanatory reach of the existential threat model of conspiracy theories. Additionally, it extends the applicability of traditional attribution theory beyond explaining personal success or failure to encompass the causes of societal events.

In summary, this research involves categorizing threats and examining how individuals construct meaning around non-specific threats through attribution, offers deeper insights into the cognitive processes underlying conspiracy theory beliefs. It also broadens the explanatory reach of the existential threat model of conspiracy theories. Additionally, it extends the applicability of traditional attribution theory beyond explaining personal success or failure to encompass the causes of societal events.

The role of item response theory (IRT) in determining the validity of second language tests is examined in the case of one specific test, the listening subtest of the Occupational English Test (OET), used in Australia to measure the language skills of non-native English-speaking health professionals. First, the listening subtest is described. Then the debate over the appropriateness of IRT use in language testing research is discussed in some detail, with reference to a number of separate studies. Finally, a study of the use of IRT in validating the OET is reported. The study involved analysis, using the Partial Credit model, of data from 196 candidates taking the test in 1987. It investigated whether it is possible to construct a single measurement dimension of listening ability from data from the subtest's two parts, and if the answer is yes, whether the skills tested in the two parts are essentially the same. Results indicate that the test is indeed unidimensional, and support the use of IRT for such analysis. It is also concluded that the kinds of listening tasks in the two subtest parts represent significantly different tasks in terms of level of ability required to deal successfully with them. (MSE)

With the advent of new synthesis and large-scale production technologies, nanostructured gas-adsorbent materials (GAM) like carbon nanocomposites and metal-organic frameworks are becoming increasingly more influential in our everyday lives. First-principles methods based on density functional theory (DFT) have been pivotal in establishing the rational design of GAM, a factor which has tremendously boosted their development. However, DFT methods are not perfect and due to the stringent accuracy thresholds demanded in modelling of GAM (i.e., exact binding energies to within ~0.01 eV) these techniques may provide erroneous conclusions in some challenging situations. Examples of problematic circumstances include gas-adsorption processes in which both electronic long-range exchange and nonlocal correlations are important, and systems where many-body energy and Coulomb screening effects cannot be disregarded. In this critical review, we analyse recent efforts done in the assessment of the performance of DFT methods in the prediction and understanding of GAM. Our inquiry is constrained to the areas of hydrogen storage and carbon capture and sequestration, for which we expose a number of unresolved modelling controversies and define a set of best practice simulation principles. Also, we identify the subtle problems found in the generalization of DFT benchmark studies performed in model cluster systems to real materials, and discuss effective approaches to circumvent them. The increasing awareness of the strengths and imperfections of DFT methods in the simulation of gas-adsorption phenomena should lead in the medium term to more precise, and hence even more fruitful, ab initio engineering of GAM.

With the advent of new synthesis and large-scale production technologies, nanostructured gas-adsorbent materials (GAM) like carbon nanocomposites and metal-organic frameworks are becoming increasingly more influential in our everyday lives. First-principles methods based on density functional theory (DFT) have been pivotal in establishing the rational design of GAM, a factor which has tremendously boosted their development. However, DFT methods are not perfect and due to the stringent accuracy thresholds demanded in modelling of GAM (i.e., exact binding energies to within ~0.01 eV) these techniques may provide erroneous conclusions in some challenging situations. Examples of problematic circumstances include gas-adsorption processes in which both electronic long-range exchange and nonlocal correlations are important, and systems where many-body energy and Coulomb screening effects cannot be disregarded. In this critical review, we analyse recent efforts done in the assessment of the performance of DFT methods in the prediction and understanding of GAM. Our inquiry is constrained to the areas of hydrogen storage and carbon capture and sequestration, for which we expose a number of unresolved modelling controversies and define a set of best practice simulation principles. Also, we identify the subtle problems found in the generalization of DFT benchmark studies performed in model cluster systems to real materials, and discuss effective approaches to circumvent them. The increasing awareness of the strengths and imperfections of DFT methods in the simulation of gas-adsorption phenomena should lead in the medium term to more precise, and hence even more fruitful, ab initio engineering of GAM.

With the advent of new synthesis and large-scale production technologies, nanostructured gas-adsorbent materials (GAM) like carbon nanocomposites and metal-organic frameworks are becoming increasingly more influential in our everyday lives. First-principles methods based on density functional theory (DFT) have been pivotal in establishing the rational design of GAM, a factor which has tremendously boosted their development. However, DFT methods are not perfect and due to the stringent accuracy thresholds demanded in modelling of GAM (i.e., exact binding energies to within ~0.01 eV) these techniques may provide erroneous conclusions in some challenging situations. Examples of problematic circumstances include gas-adsorption processes in which both electronic long-range exchange and nonlocal correlations are important, and systems where many-body energy and Coulomb screening effects cannot be disregarded. In this critical review, we analyse recent efforts done in the assessment of the performance of DFT methods in the prediction and understanding of GAM. Our inquiry is constrained to the areas of hydrogen storage and carbon capture and sequestration, for which we expose a number of unresolved modelling controversies and define a set of best practice simulation principles. Also, we identify the subtle problems found in the generalization of DFT benchmark studies performed in model cluster systems to real materials, and discuss effective approaches to circumvent them. The increasing awareness of the strengths and imperfections of DFT methods in the simulation of gas-adsorption phenomena should lead in the medium term to more precise, and hence even more fruitful, ab initio engineering of GAM.

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This article presents two foreign or second language (L2) learner histories representing the extreme ends of the spectrum of learner well-being. One story reflects the very positive learning experiences of a highly strategic learner, while the other story focuses on a less strategic learner's negative, long-lasting responses to a single traumatic episode. The theoretical framework comes from the concept of well-being in positive psychology (with significant adaptations). In addition to contrasting the two cases through the grounded theory approach, the study suggests that the adapted well-being framework is useful for understanding L2 learning experiences, even when the experiences are negative.

Our AFOSR funded work has included both the development of new computational tools to determine photoelectron spectra within the time independent multimode vibronic coupling model, and the use of those tools, and techniques developed as part of other funded research, to determine photoelectron spectra for the selected azolides, anion precursors of the radical species, (CH)mN5_m, forw = 0-4. These anions have been suggested as components of ionic liquids and have been studied experimentally and computationally in Lineberger's group. Key to our ability to determine photoelectron spectra is an open-ended, fine-grained parallel algorithm for solving the nuclear Schrodinger equation using large vibronic bases. This algorithm was used to determine the negative ion photodetachment spectrum of the anion of pyrazolyl, (CH)mN5-m, for m = 3, whose determination, as recently as 2006, was declared computationally unfeasible! Work is currently finishing up on pyrrolyl, m = 4, is significantly in progress on triazolyl m = 2 and has begun on pentazolyl, m = 0. We have also studied a novel conical intersection topography in excited states of N3 + a potential photoionization probe of cyclic Nj, in which 3 symmetry equivalent seams of conical intersection are found in close proximity to a symmetry required seam. Finally, we have and will continue to do work on the role of conical intersections in the photodissociation of nitramines, which has been suggested as being relevant to the ignition process in HMX, RDX and related species.