bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CERAMIC MORTARIA IMPORTS FROM NORT-WESTERN SYRIA TO NEA PAPHOS (CYPRUS): AN INVESTIGATION OF THE MIDDLE AND LATE ROMAN ECONOMIC REGIONAL BOND
Authors: Nocoń Kamila
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the import of ceramic mortaria from north‑western Syria to Nea Paphos during the Middle and Late Roman periods. It analyses archaeological data to shed light on this trade’s economic and cultural dynamics. Several fragments of ceramic mortaria, which are shallow grinding bowls, have come to light during excavations in Nea Paphos, an important administrative and commercial centre in south‑western Cyprus. By studying the pottery assemblages unearthed during the Paphos Agora Project excavations, this paper aims to provide insight into the nature and significance of the imports of this category of vessels. Drawing on archaeological evidence that highlights the role of mortaria in facilitating economic linkage and cultural exchange between the two regions, this paper proposes a new understanding of the extent of the circulation of mortaria to Nea Paphos from the Ras el Basit, a centre in north‑western Syria, one of the leading actor in the Eastern Mediterranean mortaria market during the Middle and Late Roman periods.
COINS WITH THE IMAGE OF AN AMPHORA FROM THE BLACK SEA REGION: KROMNA
Authors: Awianowicz Bartosz B.
Published: December 2024

The goal of the article, in addition to recalling the first meeting with Professor Ewdoksia Papuci‑Władyka, is to present bronze denominations minted around 330-300 BC in Kromna, Paphlagonia, with an amphora on the reverse (HGC 7, nos 371-373), and their possible connections to the northern Black Sea coast area.
CORINTHIAN AND ATTIC BLACK-FIGURE POTTERY IN THE PERSEPHONEION OF LOCRI EPIZEPHYRI: COMPARING TWO CERAMIC CLASSES
Authors: Giudice Elvia , Giudice Giada
Published: December 2024

In our contribution in honour of Prof. Papuci, we would like to focus our attention on the evidence for Corinthian pottery in the sanctuary dedicated to Persephone at Locri Epizephyri. The first dedications of Corinthian pottery in the sacral area are dated between the end of the 7th and the beginning of the 6th century BC, almost coinciding with the first Attic black‑figure vases, and the first data collected seem to show how the two different classes of pottery complement each other both in cult activity and in the function of anathemata. An emblematic case is that of the Corinthian unguentaria, hundreds of which were deposited in the ‘favissa’, where there is an almost total absence of Attic black‑figure lekythoi; on the contrary, the quantity of Attic kylikes from the mid‑6th century BC is considerable and that of Corinthian cups negligible. The two classes thus seem to have complemented each other within the sanctuary, where they served as ritual instruments or as gifts to the goddess. This category probably included Attic and Corinthian lekanides and pyxides. It is only from Late Corinthian I onwards that Attic pottery seems to have almost completely replaced Corinthian pottery in the sanctuary, for commercial and productivity reasons of the Corinthian Kerameikos itself, where only a few silhouette and linear kotyliskoi are documented.
Exact and Approximate Schemes for Robust Optimization Problems with Decision-Dependent Information Discovery
Authors: Paradiso Rosario , Georghiou Angelos , Dabia Said , Tönissen Denise
Published: December 2024

Uncertain optimization problems with decision-dependent information discovery allow the decision maker to control the timing of information discovery, in contrast to the classic multistage setting where uncertain parameters are revealed sequentially based on a prescribed filtration. This problem class is useful in a wide range of applications; however, its assimilation is partly limited by the lack of efficient solution schemes. In this paper, we study two-stage robust optimization problems with decision-dependent information discovery where uncertainty appears in the objective function. The contributions of the paper are twofold: (i) we develop the first exact algorithm for this class of problems, and (ii) we improve upon the existing K-adaptability approximation by strengthening its formulation using techniques from the integer programming literature. We benchmark our approaches using the decision-dependent information discovery orienteering and shortest path problems. We demonstrate that the exact solution method outperforms at times the K-adaptability approximation; however, the strengthened K-adaptability formulation can provide good-quality solutions in larger instances while significantly outperforming existing approximation schemes even in the decision-independent information discovery setting. We leverage the effectiveness of the proposed solution schemes and the orienteering problem in a case study from Alrijne Hospital in the Netherlands, where we try to improve the collection process of empty medicine delivery crates by cooptimizing sensor placement and routing decisions.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete.

Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support by the Dutch Institute of Advanced Logistics (Dinalog) [grant number 2017-2-131TKI].

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.2023.0290 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0290 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Monitoring and evaluation of social rehabilitation services for people with disabilities: analysis of approaches to indicator development
Authors:   Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University, Horishna Nadiia
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the problem of the lack of standardized approaches to monitoring and evaluation of social and rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, including children and their families, in Ukraine. The importance of their monitoring and evaluation lies in optimizing the use of community resources and ensuring that services meet the needs of their recipients, and indicators serve as a key tool for objectively measuring the effectiveness and quality of service delivery, which allows identifying shortcomings, implementing best practices and improving the level of social and rehabilitation assistance. Social and rehabilitation services are multidimensional and require comprehensive indicators that ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects of service provision. The research methodology involved a desk-based analysis of scientific publications and official documents selected from such scientometric databases as Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The content analysis of the selected sources helped to identify modern approaches to the development of indicators for monitoring and evaluation of social rehabilitation services. It was found that the development of such indicators is based on such theoretical concepts as “community-based rehabilitation”, the concept of quality of life, as well as on human rights documents such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Although existing approaches take into account the complex nature of rehabilitation services, they are not designed to directly monitor and evaluate social and rehabilitation services. This necessitates the development of specialized indicators that would allow assessing the effectiveness of their provision to children with disabilities and their families, their testing, and determining the information base for a specific list of indicators.
The cognitive and pragmatic role of the project method in the professionally oriented teaching of the English language of future preschool teachers
Authors:   SI, Yemelyanova Dariia ,   South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky
Published: December 2024

The integration of Ukrainian education into the global space has led to the demand for foreign language communication. The status of lingua franca (the most common language) in the modern world has been acquired by English. The variable part of the “Regulations of the Basic Component of Preschool Education” outlines the reorientation of preschool education to the inclusion of a foreign language (hereafter IM) and the results of educational activities in this direction. The substantiation of the need for the introduction of early MI training is discussed on the pages of scientific journals by both Ukrainian and foreign scientists. In the works of the researchers, the expediency of preschool foreign language education of children, in particular, English, and its positive impact on the development of a child's intellectual and emotional intelligence have been proven. The purpose of the experimental research work, the results of which are presented in the article, was the implementation of a professionally oriented approach to teaching English to students of the 1st and 2nd year of full-time study in the specialty 012 (Preschool Education) of the Faculty of Preschool Pedagogy and Psychology of the State Institution “South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushinsky” using the project method. The topics of the projects are focused on the practical use of game methods in teaching English to preschoolers. When creating the project, the following Internet sites were used: “Multy Mupsik”, “Fun English”, “Learn English Kids”, which contain fun and interesting video lessons, as well as the video hosting “YouTube”, which has a lot of cartoons in English. Conversations with students, observation of their work on projects showed that they acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in organizing English language lessons using Internet resources: games, cartoons and cards. The implementation of developed projects during pedagogical practice and in future professional activities will give students the opportunity to make English lessons in kindergarten interesting, aimed at the development of the personality of preschoolers, at the activation of speech, which will contribute to their mental, intellectual and social development.
Social initiative of the future social worker: theoretical aspect
Authors:   Dragomanov Ukrainian State University, Maidaniuk Maryna
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to one of the urgent problems of the formation of social initiative among social workers. The article reveals the meaning of the concepts «initiative», «social initiative of the future social worker». We consider the social initiative of the future social worker as an integrative characteristic of the personality of the future specialist in the social sphere, which is manifested in social activity, subjectivity, the ability to make independent choices, socially useful decisions, implement them and take responsibility for the future development of the state. It is noted that in the structure of social initiative it is possible to single out socio-professional, value, operational and activity components. The valuable component involves orientation towards the disclosure and development of the individuality of the future specialist in the activity, its content-resultative and procedural-dynamic characteristics. It was found that the detection of social initiative is determined by the orientation of the system of motives and values of a social work specialist and occurs in direct communication, in the ability to apply various methods of communication, the ability to understand the recipient of social services, predict the results of one's activity, and the ability to forecast it. It is noted that at the stage of professional training, one of the effective means of developing the social initiative of future specialists is the support of their social initiatives related to the possibility of early professional orientation and independent professional activity, self-education. The content of the employee's social initiative consists in determining his essential strengths, interests, values, which are developed and realized in the conditions of professional activity.
Feel the force
Authors: Mountain Julie , Robinson Felicity
Published: December 2024

Gravity and magnetism have the potential to show children how they can physically influence the world around them. Take advantage this September when there is a ‘supermoon’. By Julie Mountain and Felicity Robinson
We've explored…: a market
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

How one rural setting broadened their horizons by visiting market stalls in the city of Cambridge. By Annette Rawstrone
transport: bicycles
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2024

Some ideas for exploring and using bikes at your setting. By Annette Rawstrone
Being flexible
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: December 2024

What are the benefits of flexischooling for children, their families and educators? Nicole Weinstein speaks to some primary schools to find out
HR guru: TRAINED UP
Authors: Edmunds Imogen
Published: December 2024

Imogen Edmunds, managing director of Redwing Solutions, which specialises in HR for early years settings, on training.
OK to kiss?
Authors: Jozwiak Gabriella
Published: December 2024

Our panel discuss if it is appropriate for staff to kiss children. By Gabriella Jozwiak
Cosmic Baby and Crystallography — Decoding the Invisible Inside the Secret of the Universe
Authors: Parui Ramen Kumar
Published: December 2024

Discovery of Bragg’s X-ray diffraction opened a new field “ X-ray Crystallography” and offered us a method of decoding to see the invisible inside of a crystal. Initially it was confined to crystal structure but pioneering works of Dorothy Hodgkin on the structure of Penicillin, Insulin and Vitamin B12 extended this X-ray crystallography applicable to other branches of science such as chemistry, biology, astrophysics ( i.e. neutron star, magnetar ), cosmology i.e. cosmic crystallography, etc. Discovery of cosmic baby allows the astronomers as probe of investigating the possible crystallography in the interior of neutron star, magnetar, pulars as well as cosmic crystallography. In the cosmic crystallography, new idea spacetime as fluid in which magnetic reconnection process produces a “stir “ or “mix” resulting which vortices, a kind of “gravitational whirlpool” appear. Energy release due to this vortices could create black hole, even creation of the universe itself. Cosmic baby offers the astronomers as probes of studying why the crystal formation in space i.e. terrestrial crystal formation ( based on the protein formation experiment in the ISS lab) is more effective in shape and size of the crystal than that of produced in the laboratory located on our earth.
Changes in the Practice of Diplomacy, 2000–2020: Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs
Authors: Fhallúin Deirdre Ní
Published: December 2024

"This article examines the impact of changes to the practice of international diplomacy in the first two decades of the 21st century on Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, as the principal actor in Ireland’s diplomacy and foreign policy. These global changes could be categorised under three headings: actors, issues and systems. Interviews were conducted with serving Irish dip- lomats to obtain \ their insights on, and assessments of, the increased com- plexity and widening scope of Irish diplomacy. It was found that the DFA was strongly influenced during the period 2000–2020 by international trends in the practice of diplomacy, including the proliferation of state and non- state actors conducting international relations, and the blurring of the dis- tinction between foreign and domestic policies. From an operational perspective, developments in information and communications technology and the rise of public diplomacy also had a major impact. A further key development in the Irish case was the significant growth in the size of the department in respect of both the number of missions and the number of staff. Over the twenty-year period under review, the department was required to adapt to both the evolving international context and to major internal organisational change."
The Bandit, the Holy Man, and the Slave in the Early Medieval West
Authors: Burns James Robert
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This paper examines the relationship of banditry with slavery and constructions of sanctity in the early medieval West. Eric Hobsbawm suggested that, across preindustrial societies, bandits were admired and supported as dispensers of justice. Yet this role seems more obviously fulfilled in Late Antiquity by saints. Where we do have bandits who appear to have been championed by the poor, they sometimes appear as failed holy men amid contests over religious authority. Indeed, the conceptual overlap between modern interpretations of the bandit and the holy man echoes their shared association with the wilderness in contemporary hagiography. But this shared association leads to bandits usually appearing as the antithesis of saints rather than their allies in justice. In this light, the holy man emerges as the “anti-bandit”: a crucial aspect of the significance of saints at a time when brigandage threatened the activities of pilgrims and churchmen. Furthermore, that both slavers and fugitive slaves were characterized as brig-ands raises interesting questions about the supposed marginality of bandits. Overall, the early medieval evidence shows that banditry was a more heterogeneous phenomenon than Hobsbawm theorized.
The Jones Ranch: An Early Ranching Family in the Truckee Meadows
Authors: Allen Fay L.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Samuel C. Hamilton was a pioneer Mason Valley, Nevada farmer and Pony Express rider. In April 1860 he was first rider from Sacramento on the initial eastbound run of the Pony Express and approximately 9 days later rode the final leg of the first westbound relay into Sacramento. The author explains the confusion in the newspaper reports surrounding his exploits. Samuel C. Hamilton is buried in Mason Valley at the Yerington Valley View Cemetery.
Samuel C. Hamilton: Mason Valley’s Famous Pony Express Rider
Authors: Ford Jon E.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Historical narrative of the Jones ranching family from their start in the Virginia City/Gold Hill during the Comstock’s glory years to their eventual relocation in the Truckee Meadows with the services of closeby Reno and the transcontinental railroad. Descriptions of family members are combined with comments of the ranch’s growth and changes over the years with mention of crop, livestock operations, and irrigation development. Sources in¬clude county deed and tax records, historical references, and conversations with previous owners of the ranch.
Transforming the Early Modern Archive: The Emmerson Collection at State Library Victoria
Authors: Smith Rosalind , Ross Sarah C. E.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: John Emmerson, QC (1938–2014) was Australia's foremost collector of early modern rare books, and in 2015 his collection of over 5500 items was deposited at State Library Victoria, Melbourne. The Emmerson Collection is now the largest public collection outside the British Library, London, and the Bodleian Library, Oxford, of materials relating to the English Civil War, and provides rich and diverse material for the analysis of printed texts and book history, marginalia, bindings, and the practices and politics of collecting. This article locates the Emmerson Collection in its Australian and international context, and outlines the approaches taken to Emmerson's books in this special issue, arising from the Australian Research Council–funded Linkage Project, Transforming the Early Modern Archive: The Emmerson Collection at State Library Victoria (LP180100704).
Morocco Leather in Early Modern Britain: Towards a Transcultural History of Fine Leather Bookbindings
Authors: Cutter Nat
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Morocco leather, a variety of high-quality leather used extensively in fine British bookbindings across the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, may be the most widespread extant material result of early Maghrebi-British cultural encounter. Integrating historical sources on trade and diplomacy with bindings from the John Emmerson Collection, State Library Victoria, this article presents material towards a new economic and cultural history of morocco leather in English society. It charts imported morocco's rise, incorporation, and decline in favour of locally produced imitations; argues that the muddy terms 'morocco' and 'turkey' used for fine goatskins may be harmonised; and explores how the materiality of books might reveal morocco's contemporary significance.
From Inception to Interface: Ontologies, Data Modelling, and Linked Data for Online Exhibition-Making
Authors: Rodwell Julia , Whitelaw Mitchell
Published: December 2024

Abstract: 'Beyond the Book: A Digital Journey through the Treasures of the Emmerson Collection' is an online exhibition composed of several, interconnected parts: prose, images, photogrammetry, and data. To create the site, we experimented with a new methodology for online exhibition-making: using the cultural heritage ontology the CIDOC CRM, we modelled, created, and published Linked Data related to the Emmerson Collection at State Library Victoria. As well as communicating context within the exhibition, this data encodes it in a versatile and durable form, in a way that can be repurposed and integrated into collection catalogues and other resources. In this article, we discuss the process of experimenting with this method for online exhibition-making as well as the challenges of drawing on data to create an online exhibition from inception to interface.
A Lyrical Cookbook: Gastropoetics in 'Pure Offerings in the Mountains'
Authors: Wang Wandi
Published: December 2024

Article Abstract: This article offers a holistic study of a lyrical cookbook named Pure Offerings in the Mountains ( Shanjia qinggong 山家清供) from the Southern Song period, authored by Lin Hong 林洪 (fl. 1224–1263), a Rivers and Lakes poet ( jianghu shiren 江湖詩人). It cuts across the disciplines of literary history, aesthetics, and material culture to provide a unique perspective on gastronomy in literature. Adopting the concept of "gastropoetics," the article contextualizes Pure Offerings and Lin Hong's approach to writing about food. It not only explores the aesthetics and poetics in gastronomic writings but also examines its autobiographical nature and the lyrical expressions used therein. This in-depth analysis of both gastropoetics and the lyricism found in Pure Offerings reveals how Lin employed distinctive combinations of recipes and poetry to express his views on politics, society, ethics, and literature.
1973: Neo-Apartheid Society and the Sleeping Giant
Authors: weNkosi uMbuso
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: In looking at the 1973 Durban strikes, I argue that the strikes initiated the emergence of neo-apartheid – a renewed interest in apartheid by the white society during a crisis. This crisis was the collapse of an economic system centred on welfare and succeeded by an economic system premised on the principles of individualism and the discipline of the free market. To sustain itself, the reformulated economic system would have to accommodate the socio-economic demands of the Black working class into the modified labour relations; the socio-economic demands were non-racialism and democratisation in the workplace and society. The apartheid state responded by granting concessions such as the 1979 Wiehahn recommendations, and amending the 1956 Labour Relations Act that recognised Black trade unions under government supervision. One of the zeitgeists of this moment was the advancing of alternative ways to understand the society, and among the avant-garde of this spirit was Rick Turner, who was to begin a conversation about the future of society. In focusing on this period, I move contradistinction to the arguments that frame neo-apartheid as emerging after the 1994 democratic settlement; instead, I locate the inception of neo-apartheid in the gains and losses that came as a result of the 1973 strikes.
Laser Transmission Cabin for Free-Space Classical and Quantum Communication Experiments: First Trials
Authors: Anguita Jaime , Pirela Carlos , Seguel Andrés
Published: December 2024

We describe a new laser transmission cabin built at Universidad de los Andes for long-term experiments in the classical and quantum domains. Initial trials with optical vortices and quantum states detection over 1 km are presented.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Non-contact diffuse reflectance spectroscopy using center-illuminated-area-detection modeled by a simple formula for assessing myoglobin
Authors: Piao Daqing , Farahzadi Nafiseh , Sharma Anuj , Pfeiffer Morgan , Mafi Gretchen , Ramanathan Ranjith
Published: December 2024

A convenience that is desirable in diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
(DRS) is to recover the spectral absorption by direct model inversion
to facilitate decomposition of spectrally significant chromophores.
Attaining such convenience that requires a simple forward model has
been challenging in non-contact DRS, for assessing myoglobin forms,
which is important to the evaluation of discoloration of meat. This
work demonstrates that non-contact DRS configured in a
center-illuminated-area-detection (CIAD) geometry [Appl. Opt.
61, 9143 (2022) APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.468342] may be
modeled by an exceptionally simple formula. This simple forward model
for DRS in the CIAD geometry on a homogeneous medium has been examined
by using Monte Carlo simulations, over a radius of the area of CIAD
ranging from 1.5 to 10 mm, for the absorption coefficient to
vary five orders of magnitude over , and the reduced scattering
coefficient to vary two orders of magnitude over while limited to one scattering phase
function. When compared to a previous cumbersome model for the same
geometry, the simple model markedly outperforms at high absorption, e.g., . The simplicity of this model
facilitates that, with a priori
knowledge of the spectral scattering, analytical operation could
directly recover the spectral absorption to subsequently use linear
inversion to resolve the chromophore proportions. Non-contact DRS in
the CIAD geometry of in diameter using this simple forward
model has been applied to seven longissimus
lumborum steaks over 6 days of retail display. The
progressive changes of myoglobin, including the decrease of
oxymyoglobin and increase of metmyoglobin, over 6 days
estimated by the simple model of non-contact DRS in CIAD are
consistent with those assessed concurrently by a contact DRS using
3 mm source-detector separation [Meat Muscle Biol.
5, 1 (2022)10.22175/mmb.12562].
Programmable photonic latch memory
Authors: Ashtiani Farshid
Published: December 2024

Significant advancements in integrated photonics have enabled high-speed and energy efficient systems for various applications, from data communications and high-performance computing to medical diagnosis, sensing, and ranging. However, data storage in these systems has been dominated by electronic memories that in addition to signal conversion between optical and electrical domains, necessitates conversion between analog to digital domains and electrical data movement between processor and memory that reduce the speed and energy efficiency. To date, scalable optical memory with optical control has remained an open problem. Here, we report an integrated photonic set-reset latch as a fundamental optical static memory unit based on universal optical logic gates. As a proof of concept, experimental implementation of the universal logic gates and realistic simulation of the latch are demonstrated on a programmable silicon photonic platform. Optical set, reset, and complementary outputs, scalability to a large number of memory units via the independent latch supply light, and compatibility with wavelength division multiplexing scheme and different photonic platforms enable more efficient and lower latency optical processing systems.
Deep-learning-assisted identification of sub-diffraction nanodomains in LiNbO3 crystals
Authors: Lv Mingxin , Xu Xiaoyi , Chen Pengcheng , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2024

LiNbO3 domain structures have been widely applied in nonlinear beam shaping, quantum light generation, and nonvolatile ferroelectric memory. The recent developments in nanoscale domain engineering techniques make it possible to fabricate sub-diffracted nanodomains in LiNbO3 crystal for high-speed modulation and high-capacity storage. However, it still lacks a feasible and efficient way to characterize these nanoscale domains. In this work, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a deep-learning-assisted identification of sub-diffraction LiNbO3 nanodomain lines. In the experiment, we record the second-harmonic (SH) images of nanodomain lines by using a confocal microscope. The domain linewidths range from 200 nm to 600 nm, which are beyond the spatial resolution of the used microscope (∼800 nm). After training a neural network with 1568 SH images, it is capable of recognizing different nanodomain lines at an accuracy of 81.25%. Our approach leverages the exceptional recognition capability of the neural network, which provides an efficient method to identify sub-diffraction nanodomains from diffraction-limited images.
Fourfold truncated double-nested antiresonant hollow-core fiber with ultralow loss and ultrahigh mode purity
Authors: Gao Shoufei , Chen Hao , Sun Yizhi , Xiong Yifan , Yang Zijie , Zhao Rui , Ding Wei , Wang Yingying
Published: December 2024

Hollow-core fibers (HCFs) are inherently multimode, making it crucial to filter out higher-order modes (HOMs) within the shortest possible fiber length for applications such as high-speed coherent communications and fiber-optic gyroscopes. However, current HCF designs face the challenges of simultaneously achieving ultralow fundamental mode (FM) loss and ultrahigh HOM suppression. In this study, we present a fourfold truncated double-nested antiresonant nodeless hollow-core fiber (4T-DNANF) structure that addresses this challenge. Our 4T-DNANF enables greater control over phase matching between core modes and air modes in the cladding, allowing for minimized FM loss and substantially increased HOM loss. Experimentally, we fabricated several HCFs: one with an FM loss of 0.1 dB/km and an HOM loss of 430 dB/km, and another achieving an FM loss of 0.13 dB/km with a HOM loss of 6500 dB/km, yielding a higher-order mode extinction ratio of 5×104—the highest reported to date.
Vector atom interferometry in a blue-detuned guiding optical potential
Authors: Liang Changwen , Wang Qufei , Zhang huankai , Liu Bokun , Yang Jun , Yan Shuhua , ma xiaoxiao , Zhu Lingxiao
Published: December 2024

We propose and demonstrate a novel scheme for vector atom interferometry, using slender light pulses that nests around a blue-detuned guiding optical potential (BDGOP). The cold atoms could be uniformly transported through guiding optical potential and interacted coherently by slender light pulses. We analyze the coherence of cold atoms in BDGOP using Ramsey interference. In comparison to free-falling atom interferometry, the rapid exponential decay of fringe contrast is changed to slower linear decay when subjected to a tilting angle. The contrast could be enhanced approximately fourfold by BDGOP. Our work paves the way for multi-axis inertial vector measurements based on BDGOP.
Evaluation of anxiety level and the factors Affecting Anxiety in health care workers in Shahid Dr. Gholipour Hospital, Bukan, Iran during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Maghsoodi Esmaiel , Hasanpour Edris , Soleimani Farzaneh , Aghal Moosa , Mollarahimi Keyvan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The rapid and dangerous spread of Covid-19 has caused psychological problems, especially anxiety among health care workers. Due to the lack of accurate information on the prevalence of anxiety and the factors affecting it among health care workers, especially in developing countries, this study aimed to investigate the level of anxiety and the effective factors in health care workers in Shahid Dr. Gholipour Hospital in Bukan, Iran in Covid-19 pandemic.

Methodology

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out through census sampling among health care workers of the hospital. Totally, 358 participants entered the study. Data gathering tool consisted of a demographical information tool and Spielberger’s Anxiety scale. To determine the effective variables on hidden and obvious anxiety use liner regression. significant predictors variable of anxiety was determined by logistic regression.

Findings

Means score for obvious anxiety was 47.005 (5.4) CI: 46.47–47.54 and for hidden anxiety was 42.790 (4.88) CI: 42.43–43.29. Factors affecting participants’ obvious anxiety based on the Unadjusted model were Work experience, Age group, Marital status and History of anxiety disorders and gender. In the Adjusted model, the age group and the anxiety history are considered as effective variables. One of the effective factors on hidden anxiety is the effect of gender variable in both Adjusted and Unadjusted models. Based on logistic regression test, job variables, age groups, marital status (are predicted variables of obvious anxiety. In hidden anxiety, marital status was introduced as a predictor variable.

Conclusion

The majority of personnel experienced a high level of anxiety during the pandemic. Psychological examination and interventions are essential for the health care workers.
When most fMRI connectivity cannot be detected: Insights from time course reliability
Authors: Koten Jan Willem , Manner Hans , Pernet Cyril , Schüppen Andre , Szücs Dénes , Wood Guilherme , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: December 2024

The level of correlation between two phenomena is limited by the accuracy at which these phenomena are measured. Despite numerous group reliability studies, the strength of the fMRI connectivity that can be detected given the within-subject time course reliability remains elusive. Moreover, it is unclear how within-subject time course reliability limits the robust detection of connectivity on the group level. We estimated connectivity from a working memory task. The grand mean connectivity of the connectome equaled r = 0.41 (95% CI 0.31–0.50) for the test run and r = 0.40 (95% CI 0.29–0.49) for the retest run. The mean connectivity decreased to r = 0.09 (95% CI 0.03–0.16) when test-retest reliability and auto-correlations of single time courses were considered, indicating that less than a quarter of connectivity is detectable. The square root of the detectable connectivity r = 0.09 suggests that only 0.81% of the connectivity is explained by working memory-related time course fluctuations. Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST)-based analysis revealed that within-subject time course reliability markedly affects the significance levels at which paths can be detected at the group level. This was in particular the case when samples were small or connectome coordinates were randomly selected. With a sample of 50 individuals, the connectome of a test session was completely reproduced in a retest session at P < 2.54e-6 despite the fact that almost no connectivity was explained by the cognitive experiment. Within-subject time course reliability can offer valuable insights on the detectable connectivity and should be assessed more frequently.
Prognostic nutritional index and naples prognostic score as biomarkers for the prognosis of incisional wound healing after thoracolumbar tuberculosis surgery
Authors: Xiong Tuotuo , Qin Wanyuan , Zhang Ye , Chen Yuxing , Ou Yunsheng
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical predictive value of prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and naples prognostic score (NPS) as biomarkers for the prognosis of incisional wound healing in patients who underwent thoracolumbar tuberculosis surgery through the posterior approach.

Methods

From January 2019 to October 2021, a total of 124 patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis who underwent posterior approach debridement and internal fixation were included in this study. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, including PNI and NPS. They were divided into poor wound healing (PWH) and non-PWH groups according to whether PWH developed after the operation. And according to the receiver operating characteristic curve, patients were divided into two groups through the threshold value. Risk factors were found using logistic regression analysis.

Results

The unfavorable outcome group had lower hemoglobin, serum albumin, Pre-albumin, PNI, and higher estimated blood loss, instrumented segments, neutrophil count, and NPS (P < 0.05). Both PNI and NPS were strongly correlated with PWH (r = 0.373, P < 0.05; r = −0.306, P < 0.05, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of PNI for predicting unfavorable outcomes was 0.764 (95% CI 0.662–0.865, P < 0.001), which was similar to NPS (0.808, 95% CI: 0.719–0.897, P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that PNI, NPS, the neutrophil count, the level of serum albumin, and the number of instrumented segments were independent risk factors for PWH.

Conclusion

Both PNI and NPS might be novel independent biomarkers and predictors of poor outcomes in incisional wound healing after STB surgery.
Comparative analysis of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke hospitalization rates in end-stage kidney disease and kidney transplant patients with and without atrial fibrillation
Authors: Canova Tyler , Issa Rochell , Baxter Patrick , Didier Alexander J. , Nahhas Alicia , Li Meng-Hao , Thomas Ian , Koizumi Naoru , Eltahawy Ehab , Ekwenna Obi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and kidney transplant (KTx) recipients presents challenges in stroke risk management. This study aimed to compare hospitalization rates for ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events in ESKD and KTx patients with and without AF.

Methods

Using the National Inpatient Sample (2005–2019), retrospective analysis was conducted on hospitalizations for ESKD and KTx patients with and without AF. Baseline characteristics and hospitalization rates for five cerebral ischemic conditions and one hemorrhagic condition were compared. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were employed for analysis.

Results

Among ESKD patients, those with AF exhibited significantly higher hospitalization rates for ischemic stroke, including 1)Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis, embolism, occlusion (0.11% vs. 0.08%,p<0.001), 2)Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis, embolism, and unspecified occlusion (1.93% vs. 1.51%, p<0.001), 3)Artery occlusion resulting in cerebral ischemia (1.37% vs. 0.93%,p<0.001), 4)Cerebral artery occlusion resulting in cerebral ischemia (0.48% vs. 0.42%,p<0.001), while experiencing lower rates of intraoperative and postprocedural cerebrovascular infarction (0.88% vs. 0.97%,p<0.001) compared to those without AF. Conversely, KTx patients with AF showed increased hospitalizations for hemorrhagic stroke, particularly nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage (0.79% vs. 0.56%,p<0.001), compared to those without AF. However, they did not exhibit significant differences in hospitalization rates for most ischemic conditions, except for cerebral infarction due to thrombosis, embolism, and unspecific occlusion (1.62% vs. 1.11%,p<0.001) and artery occlusion resulting in cerebral ischemia (0.84% vs. 0.52%,p<0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings reveal patterns in hospitalization rates between ESKD and KTx patients with AF compared to those without AF, with ESKD patients with AF exhibiting higher rates of ischemic stroke compared to ESKD patients without AF and KTx patients with AF showing increased hospitalizations for hemorrhagic stroke compared to those without AF. These findings demonstrate the impact of AF on hospitalization rates for ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events in both ESKD and KTx patients.
Optimizing load scheduling and data distribution in heterogeneous cloud environments using fuzzy-logic based two-level framework
Authors: Cheng Bei , Li Dongmei , Zhu Xiaojun
Published: December 2024

Cloud environment handles heterogeneous services, data, and users collaborating on different technologies and resource scheduling strategies. Despite its heterogeneity, the optimality in load scheduling and data distribution is paused due to unattended requests for a prolonged time. This article addresses the aforementioned issue using a Two-level Scheduling and Distribution Framework (TSDF) using Fuzzy Logic (FL). This framework houses different fuzzification processes for load balancing and data distribution across different resource providers. First, the fuzzification between regular and paused requests is performed that prevents prolonged delays. In this process, a temporary resource allocation for such requests is performed at the end of fuzzification resulting in maximum waiting time. This is the first level optimality determining feature from which the second level’s scheduling occurs. In this level, the maximum low and high delay exhibiting distributions are combined for joint resource allocations. The scheduling is completely time-based for which the cumulative response delay is the optimal factor. Therefore, the minimum time-varying requests observed in the second level are fuzzified for further resource allocations. Such allocations follow the distribution completed intervals improving its distribution (13.07%) and reducing the wait time (7.8%).
What motivates start-up entrepreneurs? Exploring the role of human values in success
Authors: Curtin Eamon , Coelho Gabriel Lins de Holanda , Hanel Paul H. P.
Published: December 2024

This study explores how entrepreneurs perceive success, the influence of their values on this perception, and the association between values and success. We surveyed 96 Irish entrepreneurs to capture their definitions of success, their own values, their perceptions of a successful entrepreneur’s values, and various success metrics. We coded the qualitative responses regarding what success means to them using Schwartz’s (1992) model of human values. We found different and partly conflicting interpretations of success, suggesting that entrepreneurial success is multidimensional. While many participants interpreted success as related to achievement and power, others interpreted it as related to universalism and benevolence, going beyond past research that defined entrepreneurial success as primarily based on self-enhancement motives. Further, entrepreneurs in our sample valued conformity, tradition, and security less than the average person in Ireland, but stimulation and self-direction more. Interestingly, entrepreneurs’ values were unrelated to the understanding of success and the actual success of entrepreneurs, as measured by turnover and the number of staff. This is an encouraging finding because it suggests that people can become successful entrepreneurs independently of their values. Together, our findings provide new insights into how entrepreneurs conceptualize success, revealing both self-enhancing and self-transcending perspectives.
Dynamic characteristics and fatigue life analysis of the gyration platform of roadheader
Authors: Gao Shan , Tian Zhen , Liu Wei , Zhao Lijuan , Ge Yang , Sun Quan
Published: December 2024

In order to investigate the dynamic characteristics and fatigue life of the roadheader’s gyration platform during the cutting process, the calculation of the cutting head load was achieved based on the force and its transformation of cutting pick, and the transient loads in the two lateral swing directions of the roadheader were calculated. Subsequently, the simulated load was applied to the multi-body model of the cutting section, and dynamic simulations were conducted. Critical information, including stress and strain distribution, as well as the maximum stress on the gyration platform, was extracted from these simulations. The study reveals that during the left-to-right cutting of the rock, the gyration platform experiences significant stress, with the high dynamic stress focus primarily concentrated at the bolt holes connected to the rotary bearings. Deformation was predominantly observed on both sides of the lifting cylinder and the rear portion of the gyration platform. Furthermore, both the maximum stress and deformation of the gyration platform exhibit a noticeable increasing trend with the escalation of swing speed. The correlation established indicates that elevated swing speeds lead to heightened dynamic stress on the gyration platform, consequently causing a noteworthy decrease in its fatigue life. To ensure the reliability of the gyration platform, it is crucial to judiciously select the swing speed based on the hardness of the rock, especially when cutting in different swing directions. The research results have important reference value for improving the structure and performance of the gyration platform.
FBLN1 regulates ferroptosis in acute respiratory distress syndrome by reducing free ferrous iron by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad pathway
Authors: Yuan Yaping , Wang Youbo , Yan Yufeng , Kim Edward , Bai Jin , Zhao Yang , Ma Qinyun , Gu Wenchao , Song Haihan
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) / acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious medical disease characterized by pulmonary dysfunction and inflammation. This study aims to determine the main molecular modules linked to ARDS and investigate the role of Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) in regulating ferroptosis in ARDS.

Methods

Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was employed on the GSE263867 dataset to find key modules associated with ALI. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were analyzed. MLE-12 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce ferroptosis. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the effects of FBLN1 and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β) overexpression on cell viability, oxidative stress markers, and ferroptosis-related proteins.

Results

WGCNA identified the turquoise module as significantly negatively correlated with ARDS. Five key overlapping genes (GRIA1, OGN, COL14A1, FBLN1, and COL6A3) were significantly downregulated in ARDS samples. LPS treatment induced ferroptosis in MLE-12 cells, indicated by increased malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), and ferrous iron (Fe2⁺) levels, and decreased cell viability and glutathione (GSH) levels. FBLN1 overexpression partially reversed these effects. Additionally, FBLN1 inhibited the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, as shown by decreased TGF-β and p-Smad protein levels. TGF-β overexpression exacerbated LPS-induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis, reducing cell viability and GSH levels. FBLN1 overexpression counteracted this effect, suggesting antagonistic roles for FBLN1 and TGF-β in regulating ferroptosis.

Conclusion

This study highlights FBLN1 as a critical regulator of ferroptosis in ARDS. Targeting the TGF-β/Smad pathway to modulate FBLN1 expression offers a potential therapeutic strategy to alleviate oxidative stress and mitigate pulmonary injury in inflammatory lung diseases.