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Abstract: The interplay between awareness diffusion and epidemic spreading has been an active topic of research in recent years. Studies have shown that group interactions are an important consideration in contagion processes, and that thus higher-order interactions should be introduced into epidemic modeling. Research has also shown that individual responses to an unfolding epidemic are often strongly heterogeneous. We therefore present a two-layer network model, where the diffusion of awareness unfolds over 2-simplicial complexes in one layer, and the actual epidemic spreading unfolds over pairwise physical contacts in the other layer. The model takes into account individual differences in the degree of acceptance of information and self-protection measures once the epidemic is perceived. We use the micro Markov chain approach to determine the epidemic threshold of the model, which agrees well with the results obtained by Monte Carlo simulations. We show that the synergistic reinforcement due to 2-simplicial complexes in the virtual layer can restrain epidemic spreading by facilitating awareness diffusion, and moreover, that individual heterogeneity in the physical layer can increase the epidemic threshold and decrease the size of epidemic transmission. However, heterogeneity in the perception can also have the opposite effect because it inhibits the diffusion of awareness. Our results reveal the intricate interplay between awareness diffusion and epidemic spreading, and we hope they can help determine effective control measures.
Keywords: higher-order interactions, awareness diffusion, epidemic spreading, multiplex network, social physics
Published in DKUM: 21.06.2024; Views: 163; Downloads: 9
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Abstract: The environment is a system, a complex system, which we are unable to comprehend, let alone truly understand, with the help of simplified models that we, humans, are able to process. Our human understanding of the complexity of a grain of sand simply isn’t enough to construe and adapt the universe! This would require time and knowledge, which we do not have today, and which we will not have for a long time. So, everything is in interpretation. Let us start our stories with some basic truths. The main premise is, that man doesn't need an outside enemy, he's the greatest threat to himself. But he's not just a threat to himself, he's a threat also to everything around him. No living thing on earth destroys it more than it takes for its existence, except for human.
Keywords: complex systems, human awareness, environmental attitudes, energy production
Published in DKUM: 08.08.2023; Views: 450; Downloads: 36
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Abstract: In this paper, we will examine the causes behind the higher level of compliance with social security contributions in comparison with other tax categories in the case of Slovenia. The results of econometric models suggest that the activities of the Tax Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, which were more stringently performed in the area of social security contributions in the most recent period, are an important - but not the only factor - behind the higher level of compliance in connection with social security contributions. At the same time, the decrease in tax compliance with other taxes (income tax, corporate income tax, and VAT) did not essentially influence the higher level of compliance with social security contributions. The more consistent treatment of unpaid social security contributions as a criminal offence and the higher public awareness about the importance of paying social security contributions in the latest period are recognized as important factors which simultaneously constitute the main difference between social security contributions and other taxes. The higher level of public awareness about the benefits that result from public services financed with taxes is recognized as a possible way to more optimally collect taxes in Slovenia.
Keywords: social security contributions, activities of the Tax Administration of the Republic of Slovenia, tax compliance, punishment, public awareness
Published in DKUM: 14.07.2017; Views: 1806; Downloads: 92
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Abstract: Integration/differentiation of mental processes is major mechanism of development. Developmental theories ascribe intellectual development to it. In psychometric theory, Spearman’s law of diminishing returns postulates that increasing g allows increasing differentiation of cognitive abilities, because increased mental power allows variable investment in domain-specific learning. Empirical evidence has been inconsistent so far, with some studies supporting and others contradicting this mechanism. This state of affairs is due to a developmental phenomenon: Both differentiation and strengthening of relations between specific processes and g may happen but these changes are phase-specific and ability-specific, depending upon the developmental priorities in the formation of g in each phase. We present eight studies covering the age span from 4 to 85 years in support of this phenomenon. Using new powerful modeling methods we showed that differentiation and binding of mental processes in g occurs in cycles. Specific processes intertwine with g at the beginning of cycles when they are integrated into it; when well established, these processes may vary with increasing g, reflecting its higher flexibility. Representational knowledge, inductive inference and awareness of it, and grasp of logical constraints framing inference are the major markers of g, first intertwining with in their respective cycles and differentiating later during the periods of 2–6, 7–11, and 11–20 years, respectively. The implications of these findings for an overarching cognitive developmental/differential theory of human mind are discussed.
Keywords: intelligence, cognitive development, individual differences, integration, differentiation, awareness
Published in DKUM: 21.06.2017; Views: 1094; Downloads: 395
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Abstract: It is widely accepted that the use of humour and jokes in particular brings a number of benefits to the EFL teacher. Not only can jokes help to establish a relaxed learning atmosphere, they can also serve as a context in which to study particular aspects of grammar, vocabulary and culture. However, jokes based on national and regional stereotypes tend to be ignored by EFL teachers, as their potential to cause offense has seen them deemed unsuitable for classroom use. The purpose of this paper is to present a different perspective: it is precisely the rather risky nature of these jokes which makes them ideal for classroom use, particularly in lessons with the specific aim of raising students' cultural awareness through the exploration of stereotypes.
Keywords: EFL classroom, Scottish jokes, Slovene jokes, stereotypes, cultural awareness
Published in DKUM: 16.05.2017; Views: 1247; Downloads: 199
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