bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision Making Under Cumulative Prospect Theory: An Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers
Authors: Cui Xiangyu , Jiang Rujun , Shi Yun , Xiao Rufeng , Yan Yifan
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a novel numerical method for solving the problem of decision making under cumulative prospect theory (CPT), where the goal is to maximize utility subject to practical constraints, assuming only finite realizations of the associated distribution are available. Existing methods for CPT optimization rely on particular assumptions that may not hold in practice. To overcome this limitation, we present the first numerical method with a theoretical guarantee for solving CPT optimization using an alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). One of its subproblems involves optimization with the CPT utility subject to a chain constraint, which presents a significant challenge. To address this, we develop two methods for solving this subproblem. The first method uses dynamic programming, whereas the second method is a modified version of the pooling-adjacent-violators algorithm that incorporates the CPT utility function. Moreover, we prove the theoretical convergence of our proposed ADMM method and the two subproblem-solving methods. Finally, we conduct numerical experiments to validate our proposed approach and demonstrate how CPT’s parameters influence investor behavior, using real-world data.

History: Accepted by Antonio Frangioni, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms: Continuous.

Funding: This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 12171100, 71971083, and 72171138], the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai [Grant 22ZR1405100], the Major Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72394360, 72394364], the Program for Innovative Research Team of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics [Grant 2020110930], Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, and the Open Research Fund of Key Laboratory of Advanced Theory and Application in Statistics and Data Science, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0243 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0243 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Data-Driven Clustering and Feature-Based Retail Electricity Pricing with Smart Meters
Authors: Keskin N. Bora , Li Yuexing , Sunar Nur
Published: September 2024

The adoption of smart meters and dynamic pricing programs is rapidly increasing among electric utility companies. In “Data-Driven Clustering and Feature-Based Retail Electricity Pricing with Smart Meters,” Keskin, Li, and Sunar analyze how utility companies should use smart meter data for better pricing decisions. Utility companies typically have access to consumption patterns and high-dimensional features on customer characteristics and exogenous factors. The authors identify that such feature data can exhibit different forms of heterogeneity—over time and over customers. They show that the different forms of feature heterogeneity significantly worsen the best profit performance that can be achieved by a data-driven dynamic pricing policy. The authors also develop a policy based on joint spectral clustering and contextual dynamic pricing and prove that this policy achieves near-optimal profit performance.
Facial venous tumour thrombus from submandibular gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma: an atypical tumour spread in head and neck cancer
Authors: Malik Mariam , Idrees Rana Bilal , Mirza Zeeshan Rashid , Sikandar Sharifa , Nawaz Saba , Khalid Maham , Chaudhary Muhammad Hamid
Published: September 2024

Background: Tumour thrombus of the facial vein is an exceedingly rare complication arising from mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands. Early detection is pivotal for appropriate management, as delays can lead to metastatic disease, worsening the prognosis. Case description: We present a case involving a 76-year-old male with a history of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the right submandibular gland, previously treated with surgical resection and radiotherapy. The patient, a long-term worker in a rubber factory, presented with a painless, firm swelling in the right cheek, persisting for three months. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed distended facial vein with enhancing thrombus confirmed by sonographic correlation demonstrating intralesional vascularity. Cannon ball pulmonary nodules were also noted. Radiological findings led to a core biopsy, confirming tumor thrombosis of the facial vein due to mucoepidermoid carcinoma. However, the patient declined a biopsy of the pulmonary nodules, and has been referred to oncology for further management. Conclusions: This case highlights the critical importance of considering venous tumour thrombus in patients with previous salivary gland malignancies presenting with new or persistent facial swellings. It emphasises the role of advanced imaging techniques in the early identification of this rare entity. Additionally, it stresses the need for healthcare providers to engage in thorough discussions with patients about the potential consequences of forgoing recommended treatments, reinforcing the need for vigilance in monitoring such patients.
Starvation ketoacidosis on the acute medical take: an easily missed complication of the keto diet
Authors: Shaikh Ayesha , Williams David M. , Stephens Jeffrey W. , Edwards Rhodri
Published: September 2024

Starvation ketoacidosis represents one of the three forms of metabolic acidosis caused by the accumulation of ketone bodies within the blood stream. It can be easily missed in patients who present acutely and are found to have an unexplained or profound metabolic acidosis. Here, we present a life-threatening case of severe ketoacidosis in a breast-feeding mother without diabetes who was on a strict ketogenic diet. Although a ketogenic diet has been previously considered to be safe in non-pregnant individuals, its safety in breast-feeding mothers in the post-partum period is less known and may be associated with greater harm. Health professionals and mothers should be aware of the potential risks associated with a strict ketogenic diet when combined with breast-feeding, especially in the earlier stages of the post-partum period. Prompt investigation, diagnosis and immediate management is vital to avoid life-threatening complications. We report a case admitted on the acute medical take with starvation ketoacidosis associated with ketogenic diet and adequate calorie consumption who was breast-feeding at the time of admission.
Preliminary Study on Pulse-Based Snack “Vadai” Reducing Postprandial Glycaemic Response in Healthy Malaysian Adults
Authors: Singh Harvinder Kaur Gilcharan , Xuan Liow Wei , Yi Wong Jin- , Li Lee Ching , Yi Lee Yi , Swee Winnie Chee Siew , Misra Snigdha
Published: September 2024

Snack consumption contributes significantly to daily energy and nutrient intake. Low glycaemic index (GI) and glycaemic load (GL) snacks help modulate postprandial glucose (PPG) rise in prediabetes and diabetes. Masala Vadai (MS) and Medu Vadai (MD) are traditional Indian snacks made from pulses, where their GI and GL values and the effect on PPG remain unexplored. In this randomised cross-over trial, healthy adults (n=13, 19-30 years old, 22.3±2.3 kg/m2) consumed either MS, MD, or glucose solution as reference food (RF) containing 12.5g of available carbohydrate on three occasions with one week apart between each test. Capillary blood was measured at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes to calculate incremental area under the curve (iAUC) and to estimate the GI. The results showed that when compared to RF, MD but not MS had significantly lower iAUC at 30-min (p=0.013) and 45-min (p=0.001). Both snacks had low peak blood glucose (p<0.001) and incremental peak blood glucose (p<0.001), wherein MD exhibited a more delayed effect than MS. However, time to peak blood glucose did not differ between the test foods and RF. MD and MS had low-medium GI (MD=47, MS=63) and low GL (MD=6, MS=8), respectively. In conclusion, MD attenuated PPG significantly more than MS in comparison to glucose solution, offering an advantage of glycaemic control. Even within similar pulse-based snacks, the GI value is important in influencing PPG. These findings will add to the GI compendium for Asian foods and will be useful to healthcare professionals in providing sound nutritional advice.
Efficacy of a Mixture of Palmitoyl ethonalamide, acetyl L Carnitine and Vitamin E as a Nutraceutical in Decreasing the Intensity of Chronic Pain – A Randomized Double Blinded Trial
Authors: Suchitra M.R. , Parthasarathy S.
Published: September 2024

Background: Chronic pain poses a significant challenge to individuals worldwide, prompting a search for innovative therapies beyond traditional methods. This randomized double-blinded trial was carried out in a multi-specialty hospital in South India which explores the potential efficacy of a novel nutraceutical combination—palmitoyl ethanolamide (PEA), acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), and vitamin E—in alleviating chronic pain. Methods: The study involved 51 participants with chronic pain persisting for more than three months, randomly assigned to either the treatment group (Group N) or the control group (Group C).Results: The nutraceutical intervention, known as Myofatige, demonstrated a substantial reduction in pain intensity, as evidenced by a significant decrease in both numerical rating scale (NRS) and Likert satisfaction scores. The VAS scores decreased from 6.76± 0.95 to 3.23± 0.99 in Group N (p value < 0.0001) while it was from 6.5 ±1.02 to 5.88± 1.07 in group C (p = 0.19). The pretreatment Likert scores of Group N decreased from 3.88± 0.65 to2.04 ± 0.84 while in Group C it was from 4.01 ±0.12 to 3.73± 1.00. The inter group difference was statistically significant (p value < 0.0001). Throughout the three-month trial, safety and compliance were meticulously monitored, with just two people in the treatment group experiencing temporary frequent stools. There were no major adverse events reported, which supports the safety profile of the nutraceutical combination.Conclusion: While acknowledging limitations such as a small sample size and a single-centre study, the findings suggest that the nutraceutical combination of PEA, ALC, and vitamin E as Myofatige holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for nociceptive pain. Further research is warranted to explore the specific contributions of each component and potential synergistic effects in a larger and more diverse population.
Development of Value-added Ready-to-serve Beverage Based on Garcinia pedunculata: A Super Fruit
Authors: Islam Jasmin , Vivekanandini Phuritshabam , Sharma Daisy , Sarma Manash Pratim , Rahman Sabrina Sultana
Published: September 2024

Garcinia pedunculata is an indigenous plant and a seasonal fruit of Assam, North-east India with therapeutic potential. The aim of the present study was to develop a value-added RTS beverage to derive optimum commercial benefit to the local growers of Assam. The study was conducted with the following objectives- to develop and standardize RTS beverage from Garcinia pedunculata, to evaluate its organoleptic acceptability, to analyze its nutritional composition and shelf-life stability. Three variations of garcinia RTS beverages were formulated in the study viz., R1, R2 and R3 along with a control (C) and in each variant, different flavours such as chilli powder, jeera powder and ajwain powder were added. Using the standard 9-point hedonic scale, the RTS beverages were evaluated for their acceptability by 30 semi-trained panelists considering their sensory attributes. Also, the nutritional profiles were assessed and shelf-life estimation was done. The results revealed that garcinia RTS (R2 formulation) had maximum sensory attributes which was selected for further analysis and storage study. The TSS and pH value was recorded as 10 and 1.68 respectively which increased during storage. R2 reported a total sugar content of 24.68 g/100 g, Fe- 3.60 mg/100 g, K- 256.56 mg/100 g and vitamin C- 24.65 mg/100 g. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) in R2 was reported to be 161.20 mg GAE/100 g and 312.86 mg CE/100 g respectively. DPPH and FRAP assay recorded the values of 59.31 (%inhibition) and 4.13 µmol Fe (II/g) respectively in R2. The shelf-life studies indicated no visible microbial growth but presence of colony formation was recorded. Thus, RTS beverage prepared from Garcinia pedunculata is highly nutritious and can be commercialized as micronutrient enriched value added drink, thereby making it available throughout the season, which shall further help in sustainable economic status of the local growers.
Consumer Awareness and Contemporary Policy Regulations on Artificial Food Colourant Safety in India
Authors: Rameshbabu Jananipriya , Swaminathan Usha
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this research is to focus on the most practised Artificial Food Colourants (AFCs) creating a demand in the consumer food market and neglecting food safety by the stakeholders, as these AFCs have been proven to be harmful to human health. The problem question that has been addressed here is whether the labeling policy and the consumer awareness of AFC are in tandem with; how the Indian judiciary fared in delivering their judgements towards the prevalence of non-permitted AFCs in the Indian food market to tell them as successful for the healthier consumer food industry. The main objective is to examine the consumers’s awareness on AFC on the International Numbering System for Food Additives (INS) and their mentioning on the label of food products along with the regulatory measures for approvals of AFCs in Europe, USA and India for comparison. It is revealed that consumers’ awareness of INS is not very significant; FSSAI permits only eight AFCs for consumption, nevertheless, other non-permitted AFCs were also found to be used and the Indian government has acted responsibly on various occasions by entering the manufacturing premises to inspect the food, collect samples for testing the adulteration by submitting to the food analyst, thereby curbing such activities and grabbing such offenders to the court. The concept of food safety dimensions in consensus with AFC practices, the health and legal issues associated with AFC consumption, the Indian Government’s policies and the response of the judiciary related to food colourant safety are discussed in this paper. A doctrinal research method is followed by analysing the legal literature such as the regulatory provisions, government policies and noteworthy cases from the Indian judiciary and drawing support from empirical research evidencing the poor knowledge of consumers on AFCs being added in the food. Therefore, a serious policy awareness among consumers with respect to AFCs, being responsible and taking ownership towards one’s own health and their family members by taking steps in questioning the consumer forum and avoiding purchase of such packed food which does not adhere to the labeling standards and being consumer friendly, stringent regulations in labeling standards of food in the USA and Europe due to import nature of their products are the need of the hour.
PROBLEMATIZAÇÕES ENTRE MASCULINIDADES, INFÂNCIAS E CURRÍCULO DE FILMES DE ANIMAÇÃO
Authors: Spartacus Martins Fonseca Thomaz , Ferrari Anderson , Castro Roney Polato de
Published: September 2024

O artigo apresenta parte das discussões de uma pesquisa de doutorado em educação que investiga dois filmes de animação da Disney – Toy Story 3 e O Rei Leão, entendendo-os como artefatos culturais envolvidos na produção de masculinidades e infâncias, a partir da inspiração em referenciais dos estudos de gênero, dos estudos culturais de viés pós-estruturalista e dos estudos foucaultianos. O objetivo deste artigo é problematizar as maquinarias discursivas que atuam na construção de masculinidades nos dois filmes de animação, analisando as pedagogias culturais colocadas em funcionamento nesses artefatos. Assim, coloca-se em discussão o currículo desses filmes, discutindo seus investimentos educativos, à medida que a discursividade neles presente faz circular saberes e valores que atuam na produção e no controle de sujeitos infantis, de seus corpos e de seus gêneros. Tais produtos culturais utilizam estratégias discursivas próprias, articulando narrativas, imagens e sons, para sugerir, insinuar e reiterar normas de gênero e demarcar formas de masculinidade. Problematizando essas estratégias, podemos anunciar algumas das possibilidades de rupturas com os modelos instituídos.
Unraveling autophagy-related pathogenesis in active ulcerative colitis: A bioinformatics approach
Authors: Hao Wen-Rui , Cheng Chun-Yao , Liu Ju-Chi , Cheng Tzu-Hurng
Published: September 2024

In this editorial, we provide commentary on the study by Gong et al . In this original research article, Gong et al employed a bioinformatics approach to investigate the involvement of autophagy in active ulcerative colitis (UC). Through differential gene expression analysis, they identified 58 differentially expressed autophagy-related genes in UC patients compared to healthy controls. Notably, HSPA5, CASP1, SERPINA1, CX3CL1, and BAG3, were found to be upregulated in active UC patients, suggesting their significance as core autophagy-related targets. Enrichment analysis unveiled associations with crucial signaling pathways and diseases such as middle cerebral artery occlusion and glomerulonephritis. Moreover, immune cell infiltration analysis revealed notable differences in immune cell composition between UC patients and healthy controls. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of autophagy in UC pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
Additional comments on foot reflexology treatment for sensorineural hearing loss in infant
Authors: Zhang Yi , Pei Hang , He Bang-Jian
Published: September 2024

Currently, treatment options for infant sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) are limited. This article describes a novel case of SNHL in an infant successfully treated with foot reflexology, along with observed brain activity changes before and after treatment, as indicated by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Hence, this commentary discusses the case and our viewpoints regarding foot reflexology for treating SNHL.
Utilizing an aspheric lens and compound ellipsoidal cavity for a laser uniform illumination system
Authors: Lu Yu , Zhang Xiangxiang , Wu Ruilong
Published: September 2024

To achieve uniform laser illumination of an active imaging system with a small aperture diameter and large field angle, we have developed what we believe to be a novel structure for achieving uniform beam shaping that integrates a laser source, an aspheric lens, and a composite ellipsoidal cavity to enable active laser illumination. Through an aspheric lens, the fundamental mode Gaussian beam is transformed into double Gaussian and flat-top radiation at the target plane. The double Gaussian radiation is further reflected by a complex ellipsoidal cavity, where it is evenly distributed into equal radiation flux. This flux combines with the flat-top radiation, resulting in a uniform distribution at the target plane. The parameters of the complex ellipsoidal cavity are determined using an equalization algorithm. After combining the transmission for flat-top shaping by the aspheric lens and secondary reflection shaping by the composite ellipsoidal cavity, we achieved an aperture measuring 29.7 mm with an aperture angle of 84.0°, at a distance of 2 m from the target plane, with a diameter of 3.6 m, resulting in uniformity reaching 92.7%. RMS and MT/R determine the effectiveness of the compound ellipsoidal cavity design, depending on the maximum reflection angle and transmission angle. MT/R is inversely proportional to the maximum reflection angle, while RMS is directly proportional to the transmission angle. By setting the maximum reflection angle to 32.0° and the transmission angle to 8.0°, we were able to achieve a minimum root-mean-square focusing radius of 108.6 µm along with a minimum effective MT/R ratio of 1.07. The overlap degree between transmission and reflection directly impacts the target plane’s uniformity, adjusted through a defined adjustment factor. Optimizing this factor to 0.9 maximizes the uniformity of the target plane.
Single-stack multilayer infrared mirrors with selectable higher-order interference peaks
Authors: Meisels R. , Kuchar F. , Manara J. , Arduini M. , Schulz U. , Peters J. O. , Gartner T. M. , Mitterer C. , Paris O.
Published: September 2024

A concept for the design of single-stack multilayer mirrors with multiple reflection peaks is presented. Its realization in the infrared is demonstrated by the sputter deposition of TiO2/Al2O3 bilayers on sapphire and HastelloyX substrates and corresponding reflection measurements. Even or odd higher-order interference peaks are selected by adjusting the optical thicknesses of the individual layers. The peak positions are very well reproduced by multiple scattering calculations. With the HastelloyX substrate, a potential application for high temperatures and aggressive atmospheres, e.g., in aircraft turbines, is addressed. A design for matching up to three turbine gas emission bands (CO2, H2O) is proposed.
Calibration verification of an underwater hyperspectral imaging push broom instrument to measure light in absolute units and field demonstration
Authors: Schartmüller Bernhard , McKee David , Berge Jørgen , Johnsen Geir
Published: September 2024

The push broom design of an underwater hyperspectral imaging (UHI) instrument makes it possible to measure angle-resolved spectral radiance L(λ) in a plane. We describe the characterization of a commercial UHI instrument (UHI-4, Ecotone AS, Norway) and the spectral, geometric, and radiometric calibration transfer for measuring L(λ) in absolute units [µWcm−2nm−1sr−1]. We present a low-cost instrument characterization approach that is intended to be easily replicated for other users to perform their own calibration transfer. Cross-calibration with a RAMSES-ARC spectroradiometer (TriOS, Germany) in air and in water shows good linear correlation across the observed spectral range and over four orders of magnitude in dynamic range, with the UHI instrument providing higher sensitivity overall.
Integrated photon pairs source based on counter-propagating spontaneous four wave mixing in a silicon nitride microring resonator
Authors: Rodríguez Becerra G. J. , Durán Gómez J. S. S. , Tavares Ramírez P. M. C. , Ramírez Alarcón R. , Gómez Robles M. , Salas-Montiel R.
Published: September 2024

We report the design of an innovative visible-telecom photon pair source based on counter-propagating spontaneous four wave mixing (CP-SFWM) in a silicon nitride microring resonator. Unlike previous designs, the proposed integrated source achieves automatic phase matching, eliminating the need for dispersion engineering. By employing two lasers at wavelengths of 800 nm and 1550 nm as pumps on opposite ends of the bus waveguides, the resonator generates signal and idler photons at the same wavelengths as the pumps, but propagating in opposite directions. The photon pairs are produced in high-quality factor resonant modes, exhibiting a purity of 1, a brightness of 118.70pairs⋅s−1⋅mW−2, and bandwidths of 157.9 MHz and 79.7 MHz for signal and idler photons, respectively. Our proposal outperforms previous CP-SFWM designs in terms of spectral properties of the photon pairs, emission rate, and scalability, making it an interesting alternative for the implementation of integrated photon pair sources for photonic networks.
Compact and ultra-low-loss hybrid plasmonic waveguide polarization mode converter for efficient TE-to-TM transformation
Authors: Yao Han , Xu Ji , Li Sheng , Cheng Huichao , Pang Ting , Zhang Xinrong , Yue Wenjie , Liu Biying , Liu Ning , Lu Yunqing , Zhang Baifu
Published: September 2024

A compact and ultra-low loss TE-to-TM polarization mode converter based on a hollow hybrid plasmonic waveguide is presented in this work. The incorporation of an air region in the hollow structure results in a refractive index as low as 1, enabling near-lossless mode propagation and conversion. Through the delicate design of multi-functional sections and the optimization of structural dimensions, efficient conversion from the TE mode to the TM mode is achieved. At the operating wavelength of 1550 nm, the converter demonstrates remarkable performance with a mode conversion efficiency of 0.88, a polarization conversion efficiency of 0.92, and an ultra-low insertion loss of 0.012 dB. Additionally, the device boasts a compact size of 8.5 µm while exhibiting excellent performance. This work offers a simple and efficient approach for realizing ultra-low-loss polarization mode conversion, holding promising potential for application in diverse integrated photonic devices.
Age dependence of the average refractive index of the isolated human crystalline lens
Authors: Natarajan Ramya , Maceo Heilman Bianca , Ruggeri Marco , Ho Arthur , Singh Vivek M. , Augusteyn Robert , Parel Jean-Marie , Vaddavalli Pravin K. , Manns Fabrice
Published: September 2024

We measured the average group refractive index (RI) of 120 isolated lenses from 120 human donors (age: 0.03 to 61 years). The average group RI was calculated from a measurement of the optical thickness of the lens using optical coherence tomography and the apparent window shift of the test chamber caused by the lens. The estimated measurement uncertainty was ±0.004. The group RI at 880 nm was converted to phase RI at 589 nm using the dispersion equation of water and protein. From 2 to 61 years, the mean value of the RI was 1.415 ± 0.002 (group index at 880 nm) and 1.406 ± 0.002 (phase index at 589 nm) independent of age (p = 0.774). Two lenses from donors of age 0.33 and 3 months had significantly lower RI (group index: 1.405 and 1.403; phase index: 1.396 and 1.394). From age 2 to 61, the average lens RI is constant with age within the measurement uncertainty (±0.004).
Few-femtosecond soft X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy with tuneable DUV-Vis pump pulses
Authors: Lee Jacob P. , Avni Timur , Alexander Oliver , Maimaris Marios , Ning Haoqing , Bakulin Artem A. , Burden Philippe G. , Moutoulas Evangelos , Georgiadou Dimitra G. , Brahms Christian , Travers John C. , Marangos Jon P. , Ferchaud Clément
Published: September 2024

Achieving few-femtosecond resolution for a pump-probe experiment is crucial to measuring the fastest electron dynamics and for creating superpositions of valence states in quantum systems. However, traditional UV-Vis pump pulses cannot achieve few-fs durations and usually operate at fixed wavelengths. Here, we present, to our knowledge, an unprecedented temporal resolution and pump tuneability for UV-Vis-pumped soft X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy. We have combined few-fs deep-UV to visible tuneable pump pulses from resonant dispersive wave emission in hollow capillary fiber with attosecond soft X-ray probe pulses from high harmonic generation. We achieve sub-5-fs time resolution, sub-fs interferometric stability, and continuous tuneability of the pump pulses from 230 to 700 nm. We demonstrate that the pump can initiate an ultrafast photochemical reaction and that the dynamics at different atomic sites can be resolved simultaneously. These capabilities will allow studies of the fastest electronic dynamics in a large range of photochemical, photobiological and photovoltaic reactions.
Evaluation of Picosecond Laser Electronic Excitation Tagging (PLEET) at Ultraviolet Wavelengths for High Speed Flows
Authors: Chng Tat Loon , Xiao Hongxun
Published: September 2024

Over the past few years, picosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (or PLEET) has emerged as a credible alternative to its femtosecond counterpart (FLEET) for high-speed measurements. The attractiveness of picosecond operation lies with its capacity to produce higher beam energies and at high repetition rates. Given its potentially superior conversion efficiency, the use of upconverted, ultraviolet (UV) light is studied here as a conceivable path forward for improved performance in the picosecond regime. Through various metrics such as the peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), three different excitation wavelengths namely, 266 nm, 355 nm and 532 nm, harmonics of the fundamental 1064 nm light, are carefully examined. The results show that UV excitation indeed produces superior performance relative to the longer wavelengths of 532 nm (and 1064 nm), even after considering the effect of energy conversion efficiency. For a given amount of fundamental (1064 nm) laser energy, 355 nm excitation produces the strongest PLEET signals, while 266 nm excitation generates the longest tagged lines. Most of these findings appear to be qualitatively substantiable using Gaussian-beam-approximation-type arguments, due to a predominantly linear dependence of the PLEET signal on the excitation laser intensity, the latter a feature that is consistent with previous work. These findings pave the way for the use of UV PLEET in high-speed flows, particularly the use of 355 nm light, which transmits well through most optical window material.
Orchestrating time and color: a programmable source of high-dimensional entanglement
Authors: Serino Laura , Ridder Werner , Bhattacharjee Abhinandan , Gil-Lopez Jano , Brecht Benjamin , Silberhorn Christine
Published: September 2024

High-dimensional encodings based on temporal modes (TMs) of photonic quantum states provide the foundations for a highly versatile and efficient quantum information science (QIS) framework. Here, we demonstrate a crucial building block for any QIS applications based on TMs: a programmable source of maximally entangled high-dimensional TM states. Our source is based on a parametric downconversion process driven by a spectrally shaped pump pulse, which facilitates the generation of maximally entangled TM states with a well-defined dimensionality that can be chosen programmatically. We characterize the effective dimensionality of the generated states via measurements of second-order correlation functions and joint spectral intensities, demonstrating the generation of bi-photon TM states with a controlled dimensionality in up to 20 dimensions.
Determinants and facilitators of community coalition diffusion of prevention efforts
Authors: Moore Travis R. , Pachucki Mark C. , Economos Christina D.
Published: September 2024

This study examines how individual characteristics and network features of coalition participation in an intervention predict coalition members’ diffusion of Knowledge and Engagement in childhood obesity prevention. The study involved six communities in the U.S. measured across two to five time points from 2018 to 2021. Each community participated in the Stakeholder-driven Community Diffusion theory-informed intervention, a three-phase intervention that employs group model building and technical assistance with convened stakeholders to build Knowledge, Engagement, and utilize research evidence in community-led, childhood obesity prevention actions. Findings indicate that key individual-level characteristics (e.g., years of experience, gender, eigenvector centrality) and network-level features (e.g., hierarchy, clustering) are associated with higher increases in intervention outcomes of Knowledge and Engagement in childhood obesity prevention. We attend to issues of perceived influence and power in community coalitions, finding that younger, less experienced women who are not well connected to other well-connected coalition members experience smaller increases in intervention outcomes. Our discussion focuses on how individual- and network-level characteristics are associated with coalition support for evidence-based practice adoption and implementation.
How position in the network determines the fate of lexical innovations on Twitter
Authors: Tarrade Louise , Chevrot Jean-Pierre , Magué Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2024

This study analyzes the diffusion of lexical innovations on Twitter to understand how the social network position of adopters impacts their success. Looking at both successful and failed neologisms, we categorize them into "changes" which become established and "buzzes" which decline over time. Using a corpus of 650 million French tweets, we reconstruct user networks and characterize adopters of innovations during different diffusion phases based on prestige, centrality, clustering, and external ties. In the early innovation phase, change and buzz adopters have similar peripheral profiles. During propagation, changes spread to prestigious, central individuals while buzzes do not, which predicts their eventual success or failure. By the establishment phase, changes reach highly central users with closer external ties. The results align with sociolinguistic theories about weak ties for innovation and strong ties for establishment. Additionally, logistic regression models based on early adopter profiles can predict the fate of innovations. This work sheds light on the diffusion dynamics of online lexical innovations and the crucial role of user network factors.
Assessing compliance with national guidelines in diabetes care: A study leveraging data from south Africa’s National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)
Authors: Brennan A. T. , Kileel E. M. , Fox M. P. , George J. A. , Khoza S , Rosen S. , Raal F. , Hibberd P. , Chetty K. , Mlisana K. , Bor J. , Crowther N. J.
Published: September 2024

Diabetes is a major global health issue. We evaluated compliance to laboratory-based management guidelines for diabetes (type 1 and 2), essential for effective treatment and reducing diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. Our study utilized South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) data, focusing on patients from birth to age 80 years who underwent initial diabetes laboratory testing between January 1, 2012-January 1, 2016. Patients were categorized into type 1 (<30 years) or type 2 (≥30–80 years) diabetes based on age at first diabetes test. National diabetes guidelines recommend blood glucose to be checked every three-six months post laboratory-diagnosis. We employed a sharp regression discontinuity design to estimate the effect of a laboratory-diagnosis of diabetes on the likelihood of having a follow-up laboratory test 24 months post-diagnosis. Among patients with type 2 diabetes, the probability of a diabetes follow-up laboratory test within 24 months was 52.4% for patients presenting above the diabetes diagnosis threshold vs 31.1% for those presenting below. Although the likelihood of repeat testing rose with higher HbA1c and glucose levels, at the diagnostic threshold there was no clinically meaningful difference (risk difference: -2.2%, 95% CI: -3.3%, -1.2%). These results were consistent among patients with type 1 diabetes, those living with and without HIV, and healthcare setting. In a national laboratory cohort, diabetes laboratory-diagnosis did not lead to increased monitoring as recommended in national guidelines. Strategies to improve patient education, healthcare provider communication, and healthcare system support are essential to enhance guideline compliance and overall diabetes management.
A mediation analysis evaluating change in self-stigma on diabetes outcomes among people with depression in urban India: A secondary analysis from the INDEPENDENT trial of the collaborative care model
Authors: Halliday Scott , Rao Deepa , Augusto Orvalho , Poongothai Subramani , Sosale Aravind , Sridhar Gumpeny R. , Tandon Nikhil , Sagar Rajesh , Patel Shivani A. , Narayan K. M. Venkat , Johnson Leslie C. M. , Wagenaar Bradley H. , Huh David , Flaherty Brian P. , Chwastiak Lydia A. , Ali Mohammed K. , Mohan Viswanathan ,   INDEPENDENT Study Group
Published: September 2024

Self-stigma–the internalization of negative community attitudes and beliefs about a disease or condition–represents an important barrier to improving patient care outcomes for people living with common mental disorders and diabetes. Integrated behavioral healthcare interventions are recognized as evidence-based approaches to improve access to behavioral healthcare and for improving patient outcomes, including for those with comorbid diabetes, yet their impact on addressing self-stigma remains unclear. Using secondary data from the Integrating Depression and Diabetes Treatment (INDEPENDENT) study–a trial that aimed to improve diabetes outcomes for people with undertreated and comorbid depression in four urban Indian cities via the Collaborative Care Model–we longitudinally analyzed self-stigma scores and evaluated whether change in total self-stigma scores on diabetes outcomes is mediated by depressive symptom severity. Self-stigma scores did not differ longitudinally comparing Collaborative Care Model participants to enhanced standard-of-care participants (mean monthly rate of change in Self-Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness-4 Item scores; B = 0.0087; 95% CI: -0.0018, 0.019, P = .10). Decreases in total self-stigma scores over 12 months predicted diabetes outcomes at 12 months (HbA1c, total effect; B = 0.070 95%CI: 0.0032, 0.14; P < .05), however depressive symptoms did not mediate this relationship (average direct effect; B = 0.064; 95% CI: -0.0043, 0.13, P = .069). Considering the local and plural notions of stigma in India, further research is needed on culturally grounded approaches to measure and address stigma in India, and on the role of integrated care delivery models alongside multi-level stigma reduction interventions.

Trial registration : ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02022111. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02022111.
A multi-level multi-product supply chain network design of vegetables products considering costs of quality: A case study
Authors: Khazaeli Sareh , Kalvandi Ramazan , Sahebi Hadi
Published: September 2024

Effective logistics management is crucial for the distribution of perishable agricultural products to ensure they reach customers in high-quality condition. This research examines an integrated, multi-echelon supply chain for perishable agricultural goods. The supply chain consists of four stages: supply, processing, storage, and customers. This study investigates the quality-related costs associated with product perishability to maximize supply chain profitability. Key factors considered include the network design, location of processing and distribution centers, the ability to process raw products to minimize post-harvest quality degradation, the option to sell the excess produce to a secondary market due to unpredictable yields, and the decision not to fulfill demand from distant customers where significant quality loss and price drops would be involved, instead diverting those products to the aforementioned secondary market. Quantitative methods and linear mathematical programming are employed to model and validate the proposed supply chain using actual data from a real-world case study on vegetable supply chains. The main contribution of this research is the incorporation of quality costs into the objective function, which allows the supply chain to prioritize meeting nearby customers’ demands with minimal quality loss over serving distant customers where high quality loss is unavoidable. Additionally, deploying a faster transportation fleet can significantly improve the overall profitability of the perishable product supply chain.
Health and socioeconomic well-being of women with endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia: Longitudinal insights from Swedish registry data
Authors: Mühlrad Hanna , Olovsson Matts , Linnros Evelina , Haraldson Philip , Bohm-Starke Nina
Published: September 2024

Endometriosis and provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) are prevalent pain conditions among women of reproductive age, significantly impacting their quality of life and psychological well-being. However, comprehensive evidence regarding the lifelong health and socioeconomic outcomes for these individuals remains scarce. Additionally, many prior studies rely on limited and sometimes unrepresentative samples. This study aims to inform on the long-term consequences of these disorders by examining health, fertility, and employment outcomes in a cohort of women diagnosed with endometriosis and/or PVD, tracing their experiences from childhood to their 40s. Leveraging nationwide administrative data from Sweden and employing a matched case-control design, we investigate both similarities and differences between women with these diagnoses and those without. Our findings indicate that women diagnosed with endometriosis and/or PVD demonstrate elevated healthcare utilization patterns, commencing in their early teenage years and progressively increasing over time. Notably, disparities in labor market outcomes emerge in their 20s, showcasing lower labor earnings and a rise in sickness benefit receipt. Moreover, our results show a higher likelihood among these women to experience mental health disorders and concurrent chronic pain diseases, as well as infertility. While the association between endometriosis and infertility is well-documented, this study offers novel insights into a potential similar link between PVD and infertility. Our study informs healthcare professionals and policymakers about the considerable burden of compromised health, adverse psychosocial well-being, and reduced productivity in the labor market faced by young women with these common pain conditions. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered by individuals diagnosed with endometriosis and PVD across their lifespan.
An analysis of the impact of digital technology adoption on the income of high quality farmers in production and operating
Authors: Lei Xiankai , Yang Dongmei
Published: September 2024

Digital technology is shaping our traditional agriculture in unprecedented ways. As a new engine to empower farmers and promote common prosperity in rural areas, the development of the digital economy can help revitalize rural industries, providing strong support for increasing industrial value-added income and farmers’ income levels. Based on 676 pooled cross-section data of high-quality farmers in China Guangdong Province from 2020–2021, the article empirically examines the impact of digital technology adoption on the production and business income of high-quality farmers and explores its mechanism of action, based on theoretical analysis and using the ERM model. It is found that the use of digital technology helps to increase the income of high quality farmers in production and business, but effects vary for different income levels and different types of high quality farmers. In addition, tests of the mechanism of action suggest that the introduction of digital technologies can mitigate the negative impact of market distance on the income of high quality farmers in production and business. After applying variable substitution, model replacement, and propensity score matching (PSM) for robustness checks, the research findings still hold true. Therefore, efforts should be made to speed up the upgrading of rural digital technology and other infrastructure, increase training for high quality farmers to improve their digital literacy through multiple channels, for the better marketing of agricultural products.
Register of male and female Arabic language teachers on YouTube channels: A gender analysis in sociolinguistics
Authors: Anis Muhammad Yunus
Published: September 2024

Language and gender have a strong connection, especially in a social context. This study examines register in Arabic by looking at the language used by male and female teachers who utilize the YouTube media platform to provide basic Arabic tutorials. From these videos, the language characteristics of male and female Arabic language teachers can be observed, in terms of gender. In general, this study investigates the registers of male and female Arabic language teachers. Specifically, it elaborates on the significant differences between the language used by male and female Arabic language teachers based on a register analysis. The research question is thus divided into two: (1) what is the typical character of male teachers and female teachers of Arabic on YouTube channels; (2) how do male and female Arabic teachers use register on YouTube channels. The method used in this research can be divided into three stages. The first stage was the data collection, which was carried out by viewing and observing Arabic language learning videos uploaded onto YouTube channels by male and female teachers. The second stage was the data analysis, which used the model of Miles and Huberman, consisting of data reduction, data display and data conclusion. The final stage was the reporting of the results, using illustrative quotes in the form of descriptions and narratives related to the language registers of male and female teachers in terms of a sociolinguistic study. The gender-based language characteristics can be identified from aspects of gesture, word choice, greeting pronunciation and the mention of personal names. This research contributes to the development of the study of language learning in terms of gender based on an online social media platform.
Design and Implementation of a 3 Degrees of Freedom Robotic Arm Powered by Pneumatic Artificial Muscle
Authors: Kóczi Dávid , Sárosi József
Published: September 2024

The development of a 3-DOF robotic arm powered by pneumatic artificial muscles is represented as an innovative approach in the field of robotics, with the advantages of lightweight and flexible design being combined with the power and control benefits of pneumatic actuation. The design process, challenges, and solutions that were encountered in the development of the robotic arm are outlined in this paper, with an emphasis on its potential applications in industrial and research settings being highlighted. Additionally, the robotic arm’s modular design is enabled to allow easy customization and scalability, making it possible for the arm to be tailored to a wide range of tasks, from precise laboratory work to more robust industrial applications.
Modelling of a Recently Invented Solar Pot
Authors: Rátkai Márton , Kicsiny Richárd , Székely László
Published: September 2024

The subject of the research is a so-called the solar pot which is a new invention protected at the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (utility model, patent number 5489). The pot can be used for heating or cooking (foods, drinks or other fluids). It has a similar structure to a double pipe heat exchanger with an outer jacket and an inner cooking space. Although it has been manufactured, its capabilities have not been tested neither by modelling and simulation nor with experiments and measurements, so these investigations represent a completely new research field. The goal of this work is the mathematical modelling of the pot which allows the prediction of the pot temperature. The modelling and the first simulation results based on it are presented in this paper, based on which conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficiency and applicability of the pot. Future research plan is also presented which includes the construction of an experimental system of the pot and a solar collector, and further modelling of the system and system elements. On the system, measurements will be made under different conditions, allowing the assessment of the pot’s functionality and the validation of the mathematical models.