bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disturbances of ionospheric radio channel during magnetic storms in November–December 2023
Authors: Ponomarchuk Sergey , Zolotukhina Nina
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of analysis of oblique ionospheric sounding data obtained with continuous chirp signal on the subauroral paths Magadan—Irkutsk and Norilsk—Irkutsk. It specifies the interplanetary sources of magnetic storms in November–December 2023. It was established that signals propagating outside the great-circle arc and additional diffuse reflections can be found in oblique sounding ionograms in intense magnetospheric convection field. Their appearance can be related to refraction of radio waves on the polar wall of the main ionospheric trough and scattering by small-scale inhomogeneities. Connection has been revealed between variations in the maximum observed frequencies of HF radio wave propagation modes with the spatial position of the main ionospheric trough and the equatorial boundary of diffuse electron precipitation zone.
On Unstable Ground: Trans-Civic, Trans Gender Fluidity in Chester’s ‘Play of the Flood’
Authors: Redfern Gillian
Published: December 2024

This article explores potential audience reception of the character Uxor in the Chester ‘Play of the Flood’ in relation to the notion of gendered place in medieval Chester. After discussing the implications for divergent readings of Uxor according to cis-centric understandings of place of performance, I interrogate the possibilities of trans places and people in medieval Chester in order to trouble the historically cis approach to Uxor’s performance and potential reception. Ultimately, I posit that Uxor inhabits a trans identity that in a necessarily contingent and temporary way allows trans-Uxor to secure spiritual, if not physical, salvation for those denied access to the ark.
‘A Tragedie Written in Greeke’: How Jocasta was Made ‘Classical’
Authors: Bigliazzi Silvia
Published: December 2024

Critics often take for granted that Dolce’s Italian translation of a Latin version of Euripides’s Phoenician Women provided Gascoigne and Kinwelmersh with a ready example for composing a ‘classical’ drama for an English Renaissance audience. However, the choice of an Italian play with a Greek story for the performance of the first Greek tragedy in England at Gray’s Inn in 1566 remains a sidelined question. This article argues that one reason for their choice of Dolce’s play resides in his treatment of the Euripidean material in ways that attuned it to contemporary dramaturgical as well as cultural and political circumstances while scattering signposts throughout, suggesting belongingness to classical antiquity. One of these features was the female lament shared by the chorus and Antigone in the last act, which, while absent from Euripides, was a model that could be recognized as Euripidean and, more broadly, Greek.
Espacios diversos de la sociedad postdigital: retos educativos.
Authors: García Blazquez Eduardo , Gil Tévar Simón , Gil Quintana Javier
Published: December 2024

El artículo indaga en la sociedad postdigital, desde la perspectiva de un espacio de incertidumbre,
de ignorancia y desconocimiento, de lo transparente e invisible, de fluidos de control, de vacío, de
indignación y de la decepción. Una sociedad en la que el miedo ha quedado instaurado, con sus
situaciones de riesgo: pandemia, guerras, exclusión poblacional, brecha económica y digital.
Entorno a estas perspectivas se plantean cinco retos educativos: 1. Desde el espacio de la
incertidumbre, en el desarrollo de la conciencia global en habilidades de adaptación, la
alfabetización digital, la educación interdisciplinaria, la intercreatividad y la innovación. 2. Desde
el espacio de ignorancia y desconocimiento, en alfabetizar mediáticamente a la población 3. Desde
el espacio transparente e invisible, educar en el compromiso a ser precavido, ante la inseguridad y
el bombardeo de información. 4. Desde el espacio de "fluidos de control" educar en espacios
formales y no formales, mediante el diálogo, la crítica constructiva y el consenso. 5. Desde los
espacios del vacío, la indignación y la decepción, enfocarse en la participación cívica y la búsqueda
de soluciones desde la innovación, para reducir la desigualdad, la falta de privacidad y la
desinformación.
Escolasticidio; sobre olivos y vida.
Authors: Takkal Fernández Aixa , Bouille de Vicente Luis , López Palacios Joaquín
Published: December 2024

Escolasticidio es el término acuñado por la profesora Karma Nabulsi para dar cuenta de la
sistemática y deliberada destrucción del sistema educativo palestino por parte del ejército israelí,
agravada desde el 7 de octubre del 2023. La educación, determinante para una sociedad marcada
por la falta de libertades fundamentales y la amenaza existencial, se ha convertido en los últimos
meses en un objetivo militar. Este hecho brutal es el punto de partida de “Escolasticidio; sobre
olivos y vida”, una instalación que invita a la comunidad universitaria a reflexionar, e incluso, a
tomar parte, siquiera simbólicamente.
Ubicada con carácter indefinido del hall de la Facultad de Educación de Albacete de la UCLM, la
intervención incorpora infografías elaboradas por la organización Scholars Agains the War in
Palestine, impresas y suspendidas del techo de la entrada principal del edificio, y espacialmente
orientadas hacía una pieza de carácter objetual elaborada con libros, tierra, mallazo y un olivo vivo.
El olivo, elemento clave de la economía, la cultura y la resistencia palestina, es también el principal
símbolo del concepto de Sumud -en árabe firmeza, perseverancia- y un lema en Palestina desde la
masacre o Nakba -catástrofe- acontecida en 1948 [desde entonces más de 800.000 olivos han sido
quemados o arrancados por las fuerzas coloniales sionistas]. El olivo que articula esta instalación,
descontextualizado, arrancado de la tierra y sustentado por libros dañados es presentado aquí en
su condición de símbolo pero, sobre todo, a modo de interpelación ética a cualquiera que pase por
su lado, ¿dejaremos morir al olivo?
Aplicación del derecho penal internacional por mecanismos de justicia comunitaria: los principios de imparcialidad e independencia a la luz del principio de complementariedad
Authors: Castro Ramirez Juan David
Published: December 2024

El principio de complementariedad preserva la soberanía y la primacía de la jurisdicción nacional, y garantiza la autodeterminación procesal de los Estados; su respeto reconoce el carácter cultural de los problemas penales, incluso de los más complejos, permitiendo a los distintos Estados encontrar los procedimientos más adecuados y con valor identitario. Las formas tradicionales de resolución de conflictos son una alternativa histórica. No obstante, deben alinearse con requisitos internacionales de protección de los derechos humanos por medio de procesos de hibridación jurídica; este estándar internacional de protección exige que los procedimientos garanticen la imparcialidad y la independencia.
Resale Royalty in Non-Fungible Token Marketplaces: Blessing or Burden for Creators and Platforms?
Authors: Tunc Murat M. , Cavusoglu Hasan , Zheng Zhiqiang (Eric)
Published: December 2024

Resale royalties, first introduced in the 1920s to support artists through a share of future resales, have now adopted by nonfungible token (NFT) marketplaces for digital art trading. Although these royalties are often viewed as beneficial for creators, our research reveals unexpected consequences. Using data from a major NFT marketplace, we find that NFTs with higher royalty rates sell for significantly lower prices and take longer to sell. Surprisingly, creators do not recoup these initial losses through royalty payments within four years. We discover that higher up-front minting costs lead creators to set higher royalty rates. We reveal a delayed gratification effect where creators with higher royalties accept lower up-front prices in hopes of future royalty income. We also find an overconfidence effect where confident creators, measured by their past sales and follower count, are more likely to lower initial prices. Our research contributes to the ongoing debate about royalty enforcement in NFT marketplaces and offers empirical evidence to inform platforms and creators. Platform managers should carefully consider both reducing up-front minting costs and implementing royalty rate limits to improve market liquidity. Creators should be cautious about setting high royalty rates as they may not provide the expected financial benefits.
Pandora’s Problem with Combinatorial Cost
Authors: Berger Ben , Ezra Tomer , Feldman Michal , Fusco Federico
Published: December 2024

Pandora’s problem is a fundamental model in economics that studies optimal search strategies under costly inspection. In this paper, we initiate the study of Pandora’s problem with combinatorial costs, capturing applications where search cost is nonadditive. Weitzman’s celebrated algorithm (1979) demonstrates that for additive costs, the optimal search strategy is nonadaptive and computationally feasible. We inquire to which extent this structural and computational simplicity extends beyond additive costs. Our main result is that the class of submodular cost functions admits an optimal strategy that follows a fixed order, thus preserving the structural simplicity of additive costs. In contrast, for the more general class of subadditive (or even fractionally subadditive) cost functions, the optimal strategy may inevitably determine the search order adaptively. On the computational side, obtaining any approximation to the optimal utility requires superpolynomially many queries to the cost function, even for a strict subclass of submodular cost functions.

Funding: B. Berger and M. Feldman are partially supported by the HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council [Grant 866132] and the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation [Grant 2020788]. T. Ezra is supported by the Harvard University Center of Mathematical Sciences and Applications. F. Fusco is partially supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) by Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca [Project IR0000013-SoBigData.it] and the Future Artificial Intelligence Research project funded by the NextGenerationEU program within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Extended Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (PNRR-PE-AI) scheme [Grant M4C2, investment 1.3, line on Artificial Intelligence]. Additionally, this work was supported by Ministero dell’Università e della Ricerca [Grant ALGADIMAR], the Israel Science Foundation [Grant 317/17], the Amazon Research Award, and the HORIZON EUROPE European Research Council [Grant 788893].
Anaemia of inflammation preceding dyspnoea, dry cough and weight loss in primary pulmonary lymphoma
Authors: Schattner Ami , Rokach Ariel , Vernea Fiona , Spector Maria , Filanovsky Kalman
Published: December 2024

Introduction: There is little information in the literature on the early, sub-clinical stage and laboratory test results in patients with primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the lung, a rare disease. Case description: In a 75-year-old man, an open lung biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of primary pulmonary lymphoma was preceded by almost six months of anaemia of inflammatory disease and monocytosis without any pulmonary symptoms. When he developed a dry cough, increasing dyspnoea and marked weight loss, these changes deepened and became associated with reactive thrombocytosis; markedly increased ferritin and C-reactive protein (positive acute-phase reactants), as well as reduced albumin and transferrin (negative acute-phase reactants). Globulins increased, due to an increase in the alpha1, alpha2 and gamma fractions, and mild hyponatraemia developed due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) secondary to the intrathoracic disease. All these changes were completely reversible following successful treatment and complete remission. Conclusion: The previously unreported detailed laboratory features of early, sub-clinical and advanced primary pulmonary lymphoma are presented. When a potentially susceptible patient develops an unexplained anaemia of inflammatory disease, primary pulmonary lymphoma should be added to the differential diagnosis.
The Application of Concept Map Thinking Combined with Kolcaba’s Comfort Nursing in the Perioperative Care of Patients Undergoing Nasal Deformity Correction
Authors: Deng Yunping , Tian Yu , Guo Chang , Fan Yunping , Guan Jiaoqiong , Wang Yue
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background By addressing patients’ physical, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental comfort needs holistically, Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory raises the standard of care and increases patient satisfaction. This study explored the combined application of these nursing models during the perioperative period for patients undergoing nasal deformity correction surgery.

Methods 92 patients undergoing nasal deformity correction at the Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were randomly divided into two groups: the conventional group (46 patients), which received standard perioperative nursing care, and the experimental group (46 patients), which received concept map thinking nursing combined with Kolcaba’s comfort nursing intervention during the perioperative period. Clinical indicators, including the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ), were compared between the two groups at multiple time points.

Results The experimental group demonstrated significantly shorter operation times (p < 0.001), faster recovery of nasal breathing (p = 0.002), and shorter hospital stays (p < 0.001) compared to the conventional group. Additionally, the experimental group experienced less intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001) and a lower incidence of complications (p = 0.013). At 2 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-surgery, both groups showed decreases in SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores, with the experimental group demonstrating significantly lower scores (p < 0.05). At these same time points, the ROE and GCQ scores increased in both groups, with the experimental group achieving significantly higher scores than the conventional group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The integration of concept map thinking with Kolcaba’s comfort nursing significantly improves the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing nasal deformity correction. Reduced surgical trauma, enhanced psychological health, better sleep, increased comfort, and quicker nasal function recovery are all results of this method.

Clinical Trial Registration China Clinical Trial Registration Center ( https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=191278 ).
Investigating How 'The Writing Revolution' and Task Complexity Can Enhance Secondary TESOL Students’ Expository Writing
Authors: Sophocleous Andry
Published: December 2024

This two-year action research study examines how incorporating ‘The Writing Revolution’ (TWR) strategies and adapting task complexity can improve TESOL students' expository writing in secondary education in Cyprus. A total of eighty-three students (12-17 years old) from various first language (L1) backgrounds and CEFR levels (A1-B2) participated from six lower secondary (LS) and upper secondary (US) state classrooms. The methodology involved spending one-quarter of students' weekly class time on the learning and application of TWR techniques in their L2/EFL writing. Overall, 90-180 activities were completed successfully, and cognitively undemanding and context-embedded writing tasks gave way to more complex and cognitively demanding tasks to suit students’ differing proficiency levels. Qualitative analysis of students’ writing and focus group discussions indicated that writing improved coherence, organization, and complexity. Students expressed feelings of reduced anxiety and improved confidence in English writing. These findings highlight the importance of dedicating time to teaching writing explicitly in L2/FL classrooms and gradually increasing task complexity beginning at the sentence level. This study’s unique contribution demonstrates how TWR strategies can be effectively tailored to L2/FL contexts and offer practical implications for TESOL curriculum developers, researchers, and educators seeking to improve students’ writing confidence in FL and lessen writing anxiety in the classroom.
Beta thalassemia syndromes: New insights
Authors: Dordevic Ana , Mrakovcic-Sutic Ines , Pavlovic Sonja , Ugrin Milena , Roganovic Jelena
Published: December 2024

Beta thalassemia (β-thalassemia) syndromes are a heterogeneous group of inherited hemoglobinopathies caused by molecular defects in the beta-globin gene that lead to the impaired synthesis of beta-globin chains of the hemoglobin. The hallmarks of the disease include ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic hemolytic anemia, and iron overload. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic carriers to severe anemia requiring lifelong blood transfusions with subsequent devastating complications. The management of patients with severe β-thalassemia represents a global health problem, particularly in low-income countries. Until recently, management strategies were limited to regular transfusions and iron chelation therapy, with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation available only for a subset of patients. Better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of β-thalassemia syndromes and associated clinical phenotypes has paved the way for novel therapeutic options, including pharmacologic enhancers of effective erythropoiesis and gene therapy.
Cauda equina syndrome with urinary retention as a postoperative complication of lumbar spine surgery: A case report
Authors: Yang Kai-Wu , Lai Wei-Hong , Huang Da-Wei
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is characterized by a group of symptoms that may be caused by inflammation, spinal cord compression, venous congestion, or ischemia. This syndrome is commonly an indication for surgical intervention but has not been determined as a postoperative complication following surgery for lumbar spine disease.

CASE SUMMARY

To report the case of a 54-year-old male patient who had CES following spinal surgery, with no obvious compression lesions found during re-exploration, suggesting that vascular insufficiency may have contributed to the condition. Furthermore, a series of urodynamic studies on bladder recovery patterns in such complications have also been investigated.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative CES requires urgent imaging and exploration to rule out compression; noncompressive cases, including vascular insufficiency may performed conservative management.
Maternal and fetal death associated with acute pancreatitis during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Li Jin , Zhang Qing-Yan , Zhang Mei-Hong , Jiang Shan-Yun
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy is a rare but serious condition that can lead to high maternal mortality and fetal loss. Instances of pregnancy complicated by severe acute pancreatitis, particularly with subsequent respiratory and cardiac arrest, are rarely reported.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the case of a 35-year-old woman, at 36 + 5 weeks of gestation, who presented with paroxysmal epigastric pain accompanied by low back pain, nausea, and vomiting. According to the clinical symptoms, B-ultrasound imaging and biochemical indicators, the patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and initially managed conservatively. However, 3 hours after admission, the patient experienced respiratory and cardiac arrest, and the fetus died. In this case, the adverse outcomes occurred due to the lack of aggressive fluid resuscitation and an active surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Implementing aggressive fluid resuscitation to sustain tissue perfusion, alongside the proactive evaluation of pharmacological agents that suppress gastric acid secretion and inhibit pancreatic enzyme activity, may be beneficial in mitigating the risk of a severely adverse prognosis. Effective management of acute pancreatitis during pregnancy requires careful timing of surgical intervention, a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits regarding the continuation or termination of pregnancy, and a focus on safeguarding both maternal and fetal health.
Prenatal ultrasonography and genetic analysis of fetal cleidocranial dysplasia: A case report
Authors: Wang Feng , Dai Pei-Feng , Gao Wen-Juan
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an infrequent clinical condition with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. It is characterized by abnormal clavicles, patent sutures and fontanelles, supernumerary teeth, and short stature. Approximately 60%-70% of patients with CCD have mutations in the RUNX family transcription factor 2 gene. However, prenatal diagnosis of CCD is difficult when the family history is unknown.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a rare case of fetal CCD with an unknown family history, confirmed by prenatal ultrasonography and genetic testing at a gestational age of 16 weeks. The genetic reports indicated that the fetus carried pathogenic mutations in the RUNX family transcription factor 2 gene (c.674G>A). After careful consideration, the pregnant woman and her family decided to continue the pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Definitive prenatal diagnosis of CCD should include family history, ultrasound diagnosis, and genetic analysis, especially if family history is unknown.
High-power tunable Tm-doped nested-ring fibre laser emitting from 1940 to 2090 nm
Authors: Švejkar Richard , Buckthorpe Martin P. , Clarkson W. Andrew
Published: December 2024

A novel thulium fibre with a non-uniform core doping profile was used to build a power-scalable CW tunable laser emitting up to 96 W at 1940 nm or 60 W in tunable regime (1940-2090 nm).
Tuneable megawatt-scale sub-15 fs visible pulses via dispersive wave emission pumped by a gain managed fiber amplifier
Authors: Sabbah Mohammed , Mears Robbie , Murphy Leah , Harrington Kerrianne , Stone Jim M. , Birks Tim A. , Travers John C.
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate tuneable sub-15 fs pulses covering 550 nm to 700 nm with up to megawatt peak power by pumping an argon-filled antiresonant hollow-core fiber with 34 fs pulses directly from a compact ytterbium fiber oscillator gain managed nonlinear power amplifier.
Applying a Novel Start-to-End High Power Laser System Simulator to Machine Learning and Optimization
Authors: Hirschman Jack , Abedi Erfan , Wang Minyang , Zhang Hao , Lemons Randy , Carbajo Sergio
Published: December 2024

We present a novel start-to-end simulation framework for complex cascaded laser systems involving CPA and NLO processes and showcase a machine learning surrogate for sum-frequency generation that achieves a 250x speedup over traditional numerical simulation.
Power Scaling of Optical Frequency Comb Sources at λ = 1.4 µm Using Fiber Raman Amplifier
Authors: Nishizawa N. , Ozawa Y. , Kitajima S. , Mukai M. , Tomita H. , Hashiguchi K. , Abe H.
Published: December 2024

Power scaling of spectral peaked and pulsed comb was demonstrated at λ = 1.4 µm using fiber Raman amplifier. Maximum gain up to 43.6 dB and maximum power up to 1.06 W were successfully obtained.
Laser Cavitation Peening Using a Nd:YAG Laser and a Fiber Laser
Authors: Soyama Hitoshi
Published: December 2024

Cavitation is a harmful phenomenon for hydraulic machineries such as pumps and valves etc., as it causes severe erosion by impacts at cavitation bubble collapses. However, the cavitation impacts can be utilized for mechanical surface modification in the same way of shot peening. A peening method using cavitation impact is called as “cavitation peening”, especially cavitation peening using a pulsed laser is named as “laser cavitation peening”. Laser cavitation peening can improve fatigue strength of additively manufactured (AM) metals. However, it takes time to treat, as the repletion frequency of Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is slow such as 10 Hz. In the present paper, laser cavitation peeing using a fiber laser whose maximum frequency was 50 kHz was demonstrated.
Pointing stable low-divergence 100 keV-class electron beam generation from microcapillary target under sub-relativistic laser intensity
Authors: Mori Michiaki , Kotaki Hideyuki , Hayashi Yukio , Kando Masaki , Kondo Kiminori , Kawachi Tetsuya , Barraza-Valdez Ernesto , Tajima Toshiki , Strickland Donna
Published: December 2024

Pointing stable low-divergence 100 keV-class electron beam generation driven by near critical density laser wakefield acceleration was performed. A ~30 mrad low divergence electron beam from a microcapillary hole with energies up to 400 keV was achieved at a maximum laser intensity of 1018 W/cm2. Here, shot-to-shot pointing fluctuations of the electron beam were 1.8 mrad in root-mean-square (rms). The capillary microstructure provides a very stable and low divergence beam and will be a valuable tool for various applications such as radiotherapy.
Scanning dual-comb spectroscopic microscopy for multidimensional optical information acquisition
Authors: Kajiwara Shimpei , Okabe Tomoya , Bekku So , Nakano Shota , Ootani Keishiro , Hase Eiji , Mitsumoto Ryo , Yoshii Kazumichi , Yasui Takeshi , Minamikawa Takeo
Published: December 2024

We developed a scanning dual-comb spectroscopic microscopy (S-DCSM) system to acquire multidimensional optical information of transparent or semi-transparent samples. The system demonstrated the capability to perform spectral imaging of absorbance, optical phase, optical thickness, linear dichroism, and birefringence within the spectral range covered by optical frequency combs (OFCs). The spatial distribution of optical thickness in HeLa cells was measured as 8.19 ± 0.34 μm, aligning with known cellular dimensions. Additionally, the S-DCSM system was applied for the imaging of polarization-dependent optical properties, such as linear dichroism and birefringence in cellophane tape, whose spatial distributions were determined as 0.00464 ± 0.00043 and -0.014 ± 0.072, respectively, at 1560.25 nm. These results demonstrate the system’s versatility in combining spatial imaging with detailed spectral and polarization information, providing a powerful tool for advanced optical characterization. This study marks a significant step forward in multidimensional optical information acquisition, facilitating detailed quantitative analysis in materials science and biological studies.
Covert chaotic encryption scheme based on compressive sensing in a W-band RoF system
Authors: Yu Wenbo , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Guo Zhiruo , Mao Yaya , Chen Shuaidong , Zhong Qing , Tu Bing , Cai Junjie , Chen Qingqing , Song Xiumin , Wang Feng , Sun Tingting
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a covert chaotic encryption (CCE) scheme based on compressive sensing (CS). The chaotic sequences used are generated by a six-dimensional hyper-chaotic D-system, where the y sequence is utilized for a chaotic index sparse block (CISB), the x sequence is used for generating the CS measurement matrix effectively, the w, s, and u sequences are employed for variable-parameter iterative Arnold transformations, and the z sequence is used for dual-random least significant bit (LSB) scrambling and embedding. The combination of these technologies enabled the scheme to achieve multi-domain, multi-dimensional, ultra-high-security encryption for multimedia image data. The scheme allows for the 4 Gb/s W-band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal transmission over 10 m in a radio-over-fiber (RoF) system. When the input optical power (IOP) exceeds 1 dBm, the bit error rate (BER) of the system is lower than the forward error correction (FEC) threshold of 3.8×10−3. When the IOP is 6 dBm, the mean structural similarity index (MSSIM) between the decrypted and original image reaches 0.96, indicating good reconstruction quality. The key space reaches 10160, effectively resisting various attacks. Compared to encryption schemes without CS, the transmission data volume is reduced by 75%. The combination of the CS and W-band RoF system demonstrates great potential for future high-capacity, high-security optical wireless transmission systems.
Optics in 2024
Authors: Zavada John
Published: December 2024

This special issue of Optics & Photonics News highlights exciting peer-reviewed optics research that has emerged over the past year.
Long-term measurements of seasonal snowpacks indicate increases in mid-winter snowmelt and earlier snowpack disappearance in the northeastern U.S.
Authors: Wilson Geoff , Green Mark , Campbell John , Contosta Alix , Lany Nina , Bailey Amey
Published: December 2024

Snowpacks are changing in northeastern North America as the regional climate warms, yet the relative influence of changes in precipitation compared to changes in ablation on snowpacks is poorly understood. We use 56 years of weekly snow water equivalent (SWE) measurements from three locations within a study site which vary in elevation and aspect, paired with adjacent daily climate measurements, to investigate relationships between climate and snowpack onset, maximum, and disappearance. Maximum snowpack size and snowpack duration are shrinking at all sites, at rates ranging from 4.3 days/decade at the coldest site to 9.6 days/decade at the warmest site. The shorter snowpack duration at all sites results from an earlier snowpack disappearance, stemming largely from reduced winter maximum snowpack sizes. Trends in snowpack establishment dates vary, with the south-facing site showing a trend toward later establishment but the two north-facing sites showing no change. The date of the maximum snowpack size varies by aspect and elevation but is not changing at any site. Using a 0° C threshold for frozen vs. liquid precipitation, we only observed a decrease in the proportion of precipitation falling in frozen form at the warmer, south-facing site in the winter period. In contrast, the total weekly snowpack ablation in the winter period has been increasing at least marginally at each site, even at sites which do not show increases in thawing conditions. Ablation increases range from 0.4 cm/decade at the warmest site, to 1.4 and 1.2 cm/decade at the north-facing sites. The south-facing site shows only marginally significant trends in total winter ablation, which we interpret as being limited by the smaller snowpack at this site. Overall, we conclude that rising air temperatures are leading to warmer, more sensitive snowpacks and this change becomes evident before those temperatures lead to changes in precipitation form.
Generalized Wardowski type contractive mappings in b-metric spaces and some fixed point results with applications in optimization problem and modeling biological ecosystem
Authors: Iqbal Maryam , Batool Afshan , Hussain Aftab , Al Sulami Hamed
Published: December 2024

In the realm of b-metric spaces, this study introduces a novel generalized Wardowski-type quasi-contraction, denoted as β-(θ, ϑ). We begin by applying this new contraction to derive standard fixed point results. Subsequently, we establish the existence of a generalized quasi-contraction of the Wardowski type, thereby validating the robustness of our findings. Specifically, we utilize Nadler’s work to model biological ecosystems and apply our results to solve an optimization problem. To illustrate the practical implications and effectiveness of our approach, we provide a comparative analysis between our results and those of Nadler. This comprehensive study underscores the significance and utility of our generalized contraction in both theoretical and applied contexts.
Unveiling the role of DHIS2 in enhancing data quality and accessibility in primary healthcare facilities: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Zerfu Taddese Alemu , Asressie Moges , Begna Zenebu , Habtamu Tigist , Werkneh Netsanet , Nigatu Tariku , Ibido Meskerem Jisso , Genta Addisalem
Published: December 2024

Background

The implementation of DHIS2 in healthcare systems has transformed data management practices worldwide. However, its specific impact on data quality, availability, and performance in Primary Health Unit (PHU) facilities in Ethiopia remains underexplored. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of DHIS2 to enhancing data quality, availability, and performance within PHU facilities in Ethiopia.

Methods

We employed qualitative methods, specifically Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), to gather insights from stakeholders, including healthcare providers and administrators at PHCUs across Ethiopia. Convenience sampling was used for FGDs, while purposive sampling targeted key informants with relevant expertise. Data were systematically analysed thematically, identifying patterns and themes related to DHIS2’s impact on data management within PHUs. This approach offered a comprehensive understanding of the system’s effectiveness and the factors influencing its implementation, highlighting both successes and challenges in integrating DHIS2 into healthcare practices.

Findings

Participants from various regions reported significant enhancements in the timeliness, completeness, accuracy, and accessibility of health data following the implementation of DHIS2. While some concerns were raised regarding variations in reporting intervals, the consensus indicated marked improvements in data management processes. DHIS2 standardized data collection methods, enabling healthcare providers to input and access data in real-time. This advancement fostered greater accountability and transparency within the healthcare system. Additionally, unexpected benefits arose, including increased digital literacy among staff, equipping them with necessary skills for effective data management, and the creation of job opportunities, particularly for youth. Ultimately, DHIS2 emerged as a pivotal tool for enhancing data quality and promoting health service equity across Ethiopia.

Conclusion

DHIS2 has significantly improved data quality and accessibility in Ethiopia, enhancing healthcare management and accountability across facilities. Healthcare providers should continue to leverage its robust features and prioritize ongoing staff training to improve digital literacy and data management skills. Establishing consistent reporting practices and regular audits will further maintain data integrity and foster a culture of accountability within the healthcare system.
Profiling the AI speaker user: Machine learning insights into consumer adoption patterns
Authors: Choi Yunwoo , Lee Changjun
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study is to identify the characteristics of users of AI speakers and predict potential consumers, with the aim of supporting effective advertising and marketing strategies in the fast-evolving media technology landscape. To do so, our analysis employs decision trees, random forests, support vector machines, artificial neural networks, and XGboost, which are typical machine learning techniques for classification and leverages the 2019 Media & Consumer Research survey data from the Korea Broadcasting and Advertising Corporation (N = 3,922). The final XGboost model, which performed the best among the other machine learning models, specifically forecasts individuals aged 45–50 and 60–65, who are active on social networking platforms and have a preference for varied programming content, as the most likely future users. Additionally, the model reveals their distinct lifestyle patterns, such as higher internet usage during weekdays and increased cable TV viewership on weekends, along with a better understanding of 5G technology. This pioneering effort in IoT consumer research employs advanced machine learning to not just predict, but intricately profile potential AI speaker consumers. It elucidates critical factors influencing technology uptake, including media consumption habits, attitudes, values, and leisure activities, providing valuable insights for creating focused and effective advertising and marketing strategies.
Road side unit deployment optimization for the reliability of internet of vehicles based on information transmission model
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hu Guangtong
Published: December 2024

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) makes it possible to transmit information in real time between vehicles, providing a modern approach for autonomous driving, traffic safety, and other applications. Roadside units (RSUs) contribute to the enhancement of IoV’s reliability and transmission efficiency, while mitigating the impact of low IoV penetration. The objective of RSU deployment optimization is to minimize the total cost with the premise of ensuring IoV reliability. We construct a distance-based reliability measure for IoV, which is expressed as the proportion of information transmitted in online mode to the total transmission distance. The distance distribution of the online and offline transmissions is computed using the information transmission model. A bi-objective optimization model is established with the objectives of minimizing the cost of RSU and maximizing the reliability of IoV. Meanwhile, based on variable probabilities of crossover and mutation, a nondomination level-based NSGA-II (NNSGA-II) is designed to improve the solving efficiency. Numerical results show the advantage of the proposed model over the models evaluated with the objective of reducing transmission time can be up to 18% in different traffic scenarios, and NNSGA-II is significantly more computationally efficient.
Optimized radiofrequency shimming using low-heating B1+-mapping in the presence of deep brain stimulation implants: Proof of concept
Authors: Arianpouya Maryam , Yang Benson , Tam Fred , McElcheran Clare E. , Graham Simon J.
Published: December 2024

MRI of patients with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) implants is constrained due to radiofrequency (RF) heating of the implant lead. However, “RF-shimming” parallel transmission (PTX) has the potential to reduce DBS heating during MRI. As part of using PTX in such a “safe mode”, maps of the RF transmission field (B1+) are typically acquired for calibration purposes, with each transmit coil excited individually. These maps often have large zones of low signal intensity distant from the specific coil that is being excited, raising concerns that low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in these zones might negatively impact the ability of the optimized RF shim settings to suppress heating in safe mode. One way to improve SNR would be to increase RF transmission power during B1+ mapping, but this also raises heating concerns especially for coil elements proximal to the implant. Acting with an abundance of caution, it would be useful to investigate methods that permit B1+ mapping with low localized heating while producing high SNR measurements that lead to safe PTX RF shim settings. The present work addresses this issue in proof of concept using electromagnetic simulations and experimental PTX MRI. A two-step optimization algorithm is proposed and examined for a cylindrical phantom with an implanted wire to enable 1) robust B1+ mapping with low localized heating; and 2) robust RF shimming PTX with low localized heating and good B1+ homogeneity over a large imaging volume. Simulation and experimental outcomes were compared with those obtained using an existing simulation-driven workflow for obtaining safe mode RF shim settings, and for quadrature RF transmission using a circularly polarized (CP) birdcage head coil. Experimental results showed that although both existing and proposed safe-mode workflows effectively suppressed localized heating at the wire tip in comparison to the CP coil results, the proposed workflow produced much smaller temperature elevations and much improved signal uniformity. These promising results support continued investigation and refinement of the proposed workflow, involving more realistic scenarios toward ultimate implementations in DBS patients.
Fructose-1,6-diphosphate inhibits viral replication by promoting the lysosomal degradation of HMGB1 and blocking the binding of HMGB1 to the viral genome
Authors: Hu Penghui , Li Huiyi , Ji Zemin , Jing Weijia , Li Zihan , Yu Sujun , Shan Xiao , Cui Yan , Wang Baochen , Dong Hongyuan , Zhou Yanzhao , Wang Zhe , Xiong Hui , Zhang Xiaomei , Li Hui-chieh , Wang Jinrong , Tang Jiuzhou , Wang Ting , Xie Keliang , Liu Yuping , Zhu Haizhen , Yu Qiujing
Published: December 2024

Fructose-1,6-diphosphate (FBP), a key glycolytic metabolite, is recognized for its cytoprotective effects during stress. However, the role of FBP in viral infections is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that virus-infected cells exhibit elevated FBP levels. Exogenous FBP inhibits both RNA and DNA virus infections in vitro and in vivo. Modulating intracellular FBP levels by regulating the expression of the metabolic enzymes FBP1 and PFK1 significantly impacts viral infections. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effects of FBP are not a result of altered viral adhesion or entry and are largely independent of type I interferon-mediated immune responses; rather, they occur through modulation of HMGB1. During viral infections, FBP predominantly reduces the protein levels of HMGB1 by facilitating its lysosomal degradation. Furthermore, FBP interacts with HMGB1 and disrupts the binding of HMGB1 to viral genomes, thereby further inhibiting viral replication. Our findings underscore the potential of FBP as a therapeutic target for controlling viral infections.
Drawing the aporetic1 body: Samuel Beckett’s The Unnamable
Authors: Stavrou Marina
Published: December 2024

Drawing inspiration from Samuel Beckett’s The Unnamable, this essay explores the conceptual and creative energies that shape its creation. By immersing in the text, it seeks to engage both intellect and hand in the process of being moved by this literary work. Adopting a free-associative approach, the aim is to capture, through drawing notations, the aporetic space of the novel – a dynamic field marked by disruption and loss, yet interspersed with moments of fluidity and connection. A pivotal aesthesis shapes this contemplation: When technical proficiency seems elusive, how does one rediscover kinaesthetic intelligence?
Wayfaring in air: Entanglements of disobedient bodies
Authors: Wingham Ivana
Published: December 2024

Disobedience, transgression and instinct are all traits of the wayfaring body. Like the art of wave-piloting in Micronesian stick charts (which are drawings of a kind), both made and read in a particular way, which relies on people’s ability to sense the motion of the waves for navigation. The navigator in this instance can be seen as a disobedient body in search of a way of knowing through drawing, by which such knowledge is a process of wayfaring through mediums, ideas and critical reflection. Navigating through the drawing process reveals known and unknown directions, which relies on observation, critical reading and bodily instinct. The process of work harnesses, at least for a moment, the most disobedient component of the body – the breath as air – that operates and draws. Between life and death, the body asserts its capacity to adapt or resist transformations. Such disobedience emanates from eighteenth-century Italian waxworks of dead bodies and their capacity to look as if alive demonstrating an eerie disobedience of a kind. The act of drawing life to the body is further enhanced by the material reversibility of the wax, a unique material of metamorphosis, that it was made with where the inside and the outside of the body become seamlessly connected, as if the inside flesh is still breathing. Here the question that presents itself is if disobedience (of the body) is a transgression of a kind, or a search for other ways of being and knowing through drawing? By being receptive to the body implicated in the process of drawing, we can tune to sensations of the imperceptible matters of air and find out about the disobedient body in troublesome entanglements. This presents a relational threshold that engages with uncertain, precarious and correlative conditions where disobedience is both an act and a wayfaring process of drawing.
Trail Making Test
Authors: Cavaco Sara , Pinto Cláudia , Gonçalves Alexandra , Gomes Filomena , Pereira Alexandra , Malaquias Cristina
Published: December 2024

O Trail Making Test (TMT) é uma das provas neuropsicológicas mais usadas em todo o mundo, na prática clínica e de investigação. Após a adaptação desta prova à população Portuguesa, foram recolhidos dados normativos numa amostra de 416 sujeitos, dos 21 aos 65 anos, com 4 ou mais anos de escolaridade, sem evidência ou história de alterações neurológicas ou psiquiátricas. Os dados normativos estão apresentados por faixa etária e nível de escolaridade. Testes não paramétricos revelaram que a idade, a escolaridade e o género influenciaram significativamente o desempenho no TMT.
Tecnologia, aprendizagem e mudança organizacional
Authors: Pocinho Ricardo , Santos Eduardo J. R.
Published: December 2024

No mundo moderno, as Organizações procuram libertar-se dos padrões e das teorias de outrora e tentam preparar-se para enfrentar um cenário de clientes exigentes com mercados ágeis e de constante mudanças e incertezas. O tempo é o factor decisivo e isto tudo exige muito das Organizações.
As mudanças no campo da tecnologia para isso contribuem, estão a ocorrer a um ritmo avassalador capaz de alterar até a maneira de pensar, os valores tradicionais e velhos hábitos são repensados, às vezes abandonados em função desta mudança que a sociedade da informação impõe.
Os elementos da organização devem cada vez mais fazer parte do processo, aprender a partilhar o seu conhecimento, a registá-lo de forma que todos dele tenham conhecimento diminuindo assim o tempo necessário a prossecução de determinado fim.
A sociedade está sedenta de informação, hoje o mundo está a voltar os olhos para o conhecimento e a sua gestão.
As organizações devem ser capazes de aprender. E aprendendo irão desenvolver conhecimentos novos e como num circulo vicioso, estes conhecimentos farão com que suijam novos processos, novas aprendizagens, ou seja, haverá uma constante mudança e evolução, além de transformar processos antigos e ultrapassados em processos mais adaptados ao dia-a-dia da organização suportados pela tecnologia.
Intervenções Assistidas por Animais no Contexto da Doença Mental
Authors: Costa Débora Albasini , Ferreira Joaquim A. , Santos Eduardo J. R.
Published: December 2024

A Terapia e as Actividades Assistidas por Animais são uma área que tem suscitado algum interesse por parte de diversos profissionais, nomeadamente no campo da saúde. Diversos programas são desenvolvidos com a intenção de melhorar a qualidade de vida dos sujeitos através dos animais que assumem o ‘papel’ de mediador de todo este processo. No presente artigo serão apresentados alguns estudos nos quais animais domésticos exercem uma influência positiva na saúde dos seus "donos". Foi também alvo de análise, o estudo sobre o desenvolvimento destes programas no contexto da doença mental e os seus efeitos ao nível da saúde dos sujeitos.
Em suma, os animais aparecem como exercendo uma função promotora da componente física, psicológica e social que constituem a saúde do sujeito. Os programas de Terapia e Actividades Assistidas por Animais parecem ter um resultado positivo num processo de reabilitação de sujeitos que sofrem de doença mental. Contudo, esta continua a ser uma área que carece de investigação, em que a metodologia adoptada possibilite retirar conclusões válidas, que possam auxiliar na construção de um protocolo que oriente os programas de Terapia e Actividades Assistidas por Animais.