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Konstantinos F. Dialektopoulos

Publications and source records attributed to Konstantinos F. Dialektopoulos.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Joint reconstruction of $H(z)$ and $fσ_8(z)$ with physics informed neural networks

We present a model-independent joint reconstruction of the Hubble parameter $H(z)$ and the growth rate $fσ_8(z)$ using a dual-head physics-informed neural network trained on four complementary late-universe datasets: Cosmic Chronometers, Redshift-Space Distortions, the DESI DR2 BAO mean vector and full covariance, and the Pantheon$+$SH0ES supernova compilation. The two output heads share a backbone and are coupled through the linear growth equation of general relativity, penalizing the ODE residual at 1000 collocation points per training step via automatic differentiation. Uncertainty is quantified by an ensemble of 100 networks, each trained on an independent parametric-bootstrap resample of the data and its own draw of the fiducial cosmological parameters from Planck 2018 priors, so that the ensemble spread captures data-noise, initialization, and fiducial-cosmology systematics simultaneously. The physics coupling weight $λ$ is selected via an L-curve analysis over six values; the curve is nearly flat in total data $χ^2$, indicating that the joint dataset is intrinsically consistent with the growth ODE. Without any $H_0$ prior, the free reconstruction yields $H_0 = 69.0 \pm 4.7$\,km\,s$^{-1}$\,Mpc$^{-1}$, consistent with the Planck 2018 CMB value and with the DESI DR2 inverse distance-ladder determination, and approximately $0.9σ$ below the SH0ES local measurement. The reconstructed $H(z)$ lies systematically below the flat $Λ$CDM prediction at $z \sim 0.7$-$0.8$, consistent with the dark energy evolution suggested by DESI DR2. As conditional analyses, we also anchor $H_0$ to the SH0ES value $73.04 \pm 1.04$\,km\,s$^{-1}$\,Mpc$^{-1}$ and the Local Distance Network consensus $73.50 \pm 0.81$\,km\,s$^{-1}$\,Mpc$^{-1}$; both anchored reconstructions yield a suppressed $fσ_8$, illustrating the propagation of the $H_0$--$σ_8$ link through the ODE coupling.

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Model-independent calibration of Gamma-Ray Bursts with neural networks

The $Λ$ Cold Dark Matter ($Λ$CDM) cosmological model has been highly successful in predicting cosmic structure and evolution, yet recent precision measurements have highlighted discrepancies, especially in the Hubble constant inferred from local and early-Universe data. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) present a promising alternative for cosmological measurements, capable of reaching higher redshifts than traditional distance indicators. This work leverages GRBs to refine cosmological parameters independently of the $Λ$CDM framework. Using the Platinum compilation of long GRBs, we calibrate the Dainotti relations-empirical correlations among GRB luminosity properties-as standard candles through artificial neural networks (ANNs). We analyze both the 2D and 3D Dainotti calibration relations, leveraging an ANN-driven Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach to minimize scatter in the calibration parameters, thereby achieving a stable Hubble diagram. This ANN-based calibration approach offers advantages over Gaussian processes, avoiding issues such as kernel function dependence and overfitting. Our results emphasize the need for model-independent calibration approaches to address systematic challenges in GRB luminosity variability, ultimately extending the cosmic distance ladder in a robust way. By addressing redshift evolution and reducing systematic uncertainties, GRBs can serve as reliable high-redshift distance indicators, offering critical insights into current cosmological tensions.

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Do equation of state parametrizations of dark energy faithfully capture the dynamics of the late universe?

We investigate how strongly late-time inferences about DE dynamics depend on the functional prior used to represent the expansion history. Using identical late-time combinations of CC, DESI BAO measurements, the Pantheon+ SN1a sample, and the H0DN prior, we compare a node-based reconstruction of the reduced Hubble function $E(z)$ with a representative family of smooth low-dimensional DE EoS parametrizations, including CPL. Over the redshift range constrained by the data, both approaches yield consistent $H(z)$, and, in the absence of H0DN, compatible values of $H_0$. However, a clear method dependence emerges at intermediate redshift ($z\sim1.7$): the reconstruction favors stronger deceleration, $q_{\rm Rec}(1.7)\simeq0.56-0.61$, whereas the smooth parametrizations cluster at $q(1.7)\simeq0.32-0.40$, implying a persistent $\sim2-3σ$ discrepancy across dataset combinations and parametrizations. For the EoS-based parametrizations, whose effective DE densities remain positive by construction, the preferred $w_{\rm DE}(1.7)<-1$ values correspond to NECB-violating (phantom-like) behaviour, but this is a less robust discriminator as $w_{\rm DE}$ becomes ill-conditioned as $ρ_{\rm DE}\to0$. In the effective-fluid mapping, the reconstruction accommodates the same late-time kinematical preference through a rapid descent of $ρ_{\rm DE}(z)$ toward very small values and a sign change, whereas the EoS-based parametrizations absorb it through smoother, and in several cases NECB-violating, evolution over $z\sim1-2$. Although the reconstruction improves the best-fit likelihood, especially with H0DN, Bayesian evidence continues to favor the simpler parametric descriptions. Our results isolate $z\sim1.5-2$ as the key window in which EoS-based DE parametrizations can compress localized kinematic structure and associated features of DE that are still permitted by current late-time data.

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Hints of sign-changing scalar field energy density and a transient acceleration phase at $z\sim 2$ from model-agnostic reconstructions

We present a data-driven reconstruction of the late-time expansion history and its implications for dark-energy dynamics. Modeling the reduced Hubble rate with a node-based Gaussian-process-kernel interpolant, we constrain the reconstruction using CC, Pantheon+ SNIa, BAO data from SDSS and DESI, transversal BAO data, and external $H_0$ priors (SH0ES and H0DN). Assuming GR at the background level, we map the reconstructed kinematics onto a dark-energy fluid and a scalar-field description, yielding the total potential and kinetic contributions that reproduce the inferred $H(z)$. To interpret the reconstruction, we consider both a minimal single-field model (canonical or phantom) and a two-field (quintom) system consisting of one canonical and one phantom scalar field (or families). Within the GR-based effective-fluid mapping, the inferred dark-energy density changes sign for all dataset combinations explored, transitioning from $ρ_{\rm DE}<0$ at higher redshift to $ρ_{\rm DE}>0$ toward the present, and defining a transition redshift $z_\dagger$ by $ρ_{\rm DE}(z_\dagger)=0$. A single canonical scalar cannot realize such a smooth evolution during expansion, whereas a phantom field or a two-field quintom framework can accommodate the required behavior; in particular, the two-field system permits smooth phantom-divide crossings at finite $ρ_{\rm DE}>0$ and distinguishes them from the separate notion of a density zero crossing. The reconstructed kinematics admit intermediate-redshift structure in some combinations, including hints of an additional accelerated-expansion interval around $z\sim 1.7$--$2.3$. The present-day equation of state remains close to a cosmological constant: combinations including supernovae give $w_0\simeq -1$, while combinations without supernovae but with an external $H_0$ prior show only a mild preference for $w_0<-1$ at the $\sim1.5$--$1.7σ$ level.

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Renormalization Group-Improved Gravitational Action: A Lagrangian Framework

A new approach for embedding the renormalization group running of Newton's constant and cosmological constant in gravity is proposed. This approach is based on a gravitational Lagrangian that gives rise to a new class of modified gravity theories where $G$ and $Λ$ are spacetime-dependent functions. The Lagrangian formulation can be interpreted as an effective gravitational action that encapsulates the scale dependence of $G$ and $Λ$, arising from quantum effects in the early universe. We show that the new formalism can be discussed using partially the framework and results of Horndeski modified gravity, excluding the equations of motion of the scalar field. The study explores aspects of this new gravity action. We also analyze an interesting non-singular cosmological solution featuring power-law inflation and we discuss the generation of scalar and tensor perturbations within this framework.

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Revisiting Stability in New General Relativity

We study the degrees of freedom in New General Relativity -- flat and metric compatible family of theories -- around the Minkowski background in a gauge invariant manner. First, we confirm the decoupling case, in which the theory reduces to linearized gravity plus a massless KR field. We then show that, unless they vanish, the vector modes of this theory will be unstable. In addition, we find two new branches of the theories, which are instability-free and propagate linearly two tensor modes and in one of the cases also a massless scalar field. This shows that while the generic theory is ill-behaved, there are three possible realizations of instability-free cases, in contradiction to the previous literature, which states that there is only one healthy theory in addition to general relativity.

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Gauge invariant perturbations in teleparallel Horndeski gravity

We present in the form of a catalogue of the cosmological perturbations within the Bahamonde- Dialektopoulos-Levi Said (BDLS) theory, which serves as the teleparallel counterpart of Horndeski gravity. To understand structure formation in cosmological models, it is essential to study both the background and perturbative aspects of their cosmology. While extensive analysis of both Horndeski gravity and its teleparallel analog exists in the literature, a quantitative understanding requires a detailed examination of their cosmological perturbations. We review here all the different gauges for the scalar, vector and tensor perturbations of a cosmological background up to second order and we hope this will help people who work with observations, to incorporate it in existing codes.

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Noether Symmetries in $f(Q)-$Cosmology

We apply the Noether symmetry analysis in $f\left( Q\right)$-Cosmology to determine invariant functions and conservation laws for the cosmological field equations. For the FLRW background and the four families of connections, it is found that only power-law $f\left( Q\right)$ functions admit point Noether symmetries. Finally, exact and analytic solutions are derived using the invariant functions.

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Geodesic deviation in the $q$-metric

We consider the tidal forces between test particles falling along geodesics in the exterior spacetime generated by a static and axially symmetric compact matter source with non-vanishing mass quadrupole. Specifically, we analyze the radial and angular geodesic deviation, compare it with that of the Schwarzschild spacetime, and investigate the impact of the deformation parameter $q$, at different polar angles $θ$ with respect to the vertical symmetry axis. Furthermore, we examine the geodesic deviation for the case of non-constant $θ$ during the radial fall. It is shown that the presence of the deformation parameter affects the behavior of the geodesic deviation vectors, depending on its value. In particular, we observe that for arbitrary values of $q$ and $θ$ the behavior of the deviation vector differs as it approaches the singularity at $r = 2m$. Above all, we can witness either stretching or compressing of the deviation vector for various combinations of $q$ and $θ$. These findings provide insight into the effects of quadrupole deformation on the motion of test particles in the vicinity of the central object.

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A possible late-time transition of $M_B$ inferred via neural networks

The strengthening of tensions in the cosmological parameters has led to a reconsideration of fundamental aspects of standard cosmology. The tension in the Hubble constant can also be viewed as a tension between local and early Universe constraints on the absolute magnitude $M_B$ of Type Ia supernova. In this work, we reconsider the possibility of a variation of this parameter in a model-independent way. We employ neural networks to agnostically constrain the value of the absolute magnitude as well as assess the impact and statistical significance of a variation in $M_B$ with redshift from the Pantheon+ compilation, together with a thorough analysis of the neural network architecture. We find an indication for a possible transition redshift at the $z\approx 1$ region.

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Stable bouncing solutions in Teleparallel Horndeski gravity: violations of the no-go theorem

In order to have singularity-free solutions at the beginning of the Universe, we need to violate the null energy condition. In the general class of Horndeski gravity, there are healthy NEC-violating solutions, which however are plagued with instabilities or some kind of pathologies in the history of the Universe; this is known as the no-go theorem. In this paper, we study the possibility of stable bouncing solutions in the Teleparallel analog of Horndeski gravity and we show explicitly that there exist healthy violations of the no-go theorem.

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Neural network reconstruction of cosmology using the Pantheon compilation

In this work, we reconstruct the Hubble diagram using various data sets, including correlated ones, in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Using ReFANN, that was built for data sets with independent uncertainties, we expand it to include non-Guassian data points, as well as data sets with covariance matrices among others. Furthermore, we compare our results with the existing ones derived from Gaussian processes and we also perform null tests in order to test the validity of the concordance model of cosmology.

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Quasiperiodic oscillations around hairy black holes in Horndeski gravity

Testing gravity theories and their parameters using observations is an important issue in relativistic astrophysics. In this context, we investigate the motion of test particles and their harmonic oscillations in the spacetime of non-rotating hairy black holes (BHs) in Hordeski gravity, together with astrophysical applications of quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs). We show possible values of upper and lower frequencies of twin-peak QPOs which may occur in the orbits from innermost stable circular orbits to infinity for various values of the Horndeski parameter $q$ in relativistic precession, warped disk models, and three different sub-models of the epicyclic resonant model. We also study the behaviour of the QPO orbits and their position relative to innermost stable circular orbits (ISCOs) with respect to different values of the parameter $q$. {It is obtained that at a critical value of the Horndeski parameter ISCO radius takes $6M$ which has been in the pure Schwarzschild case.} Finally, we obtain mass constraints of the central BH of microquasars GRS 1915+105 and XTE 1550-564 at the GR limit and the possible value of the Horndeski parameter in the frame of the above-mentioned QPO models. The analysis of orbits of twin peak QPOs with the ratio of upper and lower frequencies 3:2, around the BHs in the frame of relativistic precession (RP) and epicyclic resonance (ER4) QPO models have shown that the orbits locate close to the ISCO. The distance between QPO orbits and ISCO is obtained to be less than the error of the observations.

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Cosmological Perturbations in the Teleparallel analog of Horndeski gravity

In this work we study the cosmological perturbations in Bahamonde-Dialektopoulos-Levi Said (BDLS) theory, i.e. the teleparallel analog of Horndeski gravity. In order to understand the evolution of structure in a cosmological model, it is necessary to study its cosmology not only in the background but also perturbatively. Both Horndeski and its teleparallel analog have been analyzed a lot in the literature, but in order to study them quantitatively, we need to know their cosmological perturbations. That is why, we study here the scalar-vector-tensor decomposition of the theory and we also express the so-called alpha parameters in terms of the arbitrary functions of the theory, that designate the deviation from the ΛCDM model. We have explored tensor, vector and scalar perturbation of the action up to second order, which drastically opens up new possibilities on searches in the parameter space of scalar-tensor theories in the context of observations.

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Gravitational Collapse in pure Gauss-Bonnet gravity

We study the process of gravitational collapse in pure Gauss-Bonnet gravity. In the homogeneous dust collapse, we show that the $D=7$ pure Gauss-Bonnet theory has gravitational dynamics indistinguishable from Einstein's theory in $D=4$, meaning that collapsing particle feel the same potential as in the classical 4-dimensional general relativistic case. In $D<7$ pure Gauss-Bonnet gravity becomes weaker, while in $D>7$ it becomes stronger, with respect to General Relativity. In the inhomogeneous dust collapse we find the mass modes in the expansion of the energy density in any dimensions that lead to either naked singularities or black holes as final states of collapse.

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Neural network reconstruction of scalar-tensor cosmology

Neural networks have shown great promise in providing a data-first approach to exploring new physics. In this work, we use the full implementation of late time cosmological data to reconstruct a number of scalar-tensor cosmological models within the context of neural network systems. In this pipeline, we incorporate covariances in the data in the neural network training algorithm, rather than a likelihood which is the approach taken in Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses. For general subclasses of classic scalar-tensor models, we find stricter bounds on functional models which may help in the understanding of which models are observationally viable.

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Modified Gravity and Cosmology: An Update by the CANTATA Network

General Relativity and the $Λ$CDM framework are currently the standard lore and constitute the concordance paradigm. Nevertheless, long-standing open theoretical issues, as well as possible new observational ones arising from the explosive development of cosmology the last two decades, offer the motivation and lead a large amount of research to be devoted in constructing various extensions and modifications. All extended theories and scenarios are first examined under the light of theoretical consistency, and then are applied to various geometrical backgrounds, such as the cosmological and the spherical symmetric ones. Their predictions at both the background and perturbation levels, and concerning cosmology at early, intermediate and late times, are then confronted with the huge amount of observational data that astrophysics and cosmology are able to offer recently. Theories, scenarios and models that successfully and efficiently pass the above steps are classified as viable and are candidates for the description of Nature. This work is a Review of the recent developments in the fields of gravity and cosmology, presenting the state of the art, high-lighting the open problems, and outlining the directions of future research. Its realization was performed in the framework of the COST European Action ``Cosmology and Astrophysics Network for Theoretical Advances and Training Actions''.

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Teleparallel Gravity: From Theory to Cosmology

Teleparallel gravity has significantly increased in popularity in recent decades, bringing attention to Einstein's other theory of gravity. In this Review, we relate this form of geometry to the broader metric-affine approach to forming gravitational theories where we describe a systematic way of constructing consistent teleparallel theories that respect certain physical conditions such as local Lorentz invariance. We first use teleparallel gravity to formulate a teleparallel equivalent of general relativity which is dynamically equivalent to general relativity but which may have different behaviors for other scenarios, such as quantum gravity. After setting this foundation, we describe the plethora of modified teleparallel theories of gravity that have been proposed in the literature. In the second part of the Review, we first survey works in teleparallel astrophysics literature where we focus on the open questions in this regime of physics. We then discuss the cosmological consequences for the various formulations of teleparallel gravity. We do this at background level by exploring works using various approaches ranging from dynamical systems to Noether symmetries, and more. Naturally, we then discuss perturbation theory, firstly by giving a concise approach in which this can be applied in teleparallel gravity theories and then apply it to a number of important theories in the literature. Finally, we examine works in observational and precision cosmology across the plethora of proposal theories. This is done using some of the latest observations and is used to tackle cosmological tensions which may be alleviated in teleparallel cosmology. We also introduce a number of recent works in the application of machine learning to gravity, we do this through deep learning and Gaussian processes, together with discussions about other approaches in the literature.

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