bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Συγκριτική μελέτη των διαφόρων εκδηλώσεων του μηχανισμού της προβλητικής ταυτοποίησης σε διαφορετικές δομές και λειτουργίες ενός συστήματος
Authors: Μενούτης Βασίλειος
Published: April 2024

Ο σκοπός αυτής της διατριβής, που έχει διασαφηνιστεί εξ αρχής, συνίσταται στην έρευνα για την ύπαρξη, την σαφήνεια και την πολλαπλότητα των εκδηλώσεων προβλητικής ταυτοποίησης στο Πολεμικό Ναυτικό. Έχουν ερευνηθεί φαινόμενα, άλλοτε μεμονωμένα π.χ. προσώπων, μικρών ομάδων, επιμέρους δομών του Πολεμικού Ναυτικού και άλλοτε το σύστημα αυτό ως σύνολο π.χ. απόπειρες αυτοκαταστροφής, αυτοκτονίες, φυλακίσεις. Με την ίδια τακτική και την έρευνα-δράση σε σταθερή προτεραιότητα έχουν λάβει χώρα και αφορούν πέντε φάσεις: 1. στη Θεραπευτική Κοινότητα του Ναυτικού Νοσοκομείου Σαλαμίνας, 2. τις Ναυτικές Φυλακές Αυλώνα, 3. τη Σχολή Ναυτικών Δοκίμων, 4. τη Διοίκηση Ναυτικής Εκπαιδεύσεως και 5. τις απόπειρες αυτοκαταστροφής και αυτοκτονίες των στρατευμένων.Έχει διαπιστωθεί η σαφήνεια του πολύπτυχου των ορισμών της, η δε αρνητική προβλητική ταυτοποίηση είναι η πιο συχνή. Υφίστανται, ωστόσο, και η θετική, η υπερβολική και η κακοήθης. Επιπλέον αυτών, έχει καταγραφεί ποικιλία τύπων της, τόσο για την συναισθηματική ένταση και τις αντιδράσεις, όσο και για τον αριθμό προσώπων που αλληλεπιδρούν μεταξύ τους, κατά μικρές, μεσαίες και μεγάλες ομάδες.Μετά συντονισμένη προσπάθεια έχουν διακριθεί κάποιες κατηγορίες σύμφωνα με όλα τα κριτήρια, όπως είναι τα αίτια, ο σκοπός, οι στόχοι, οι διαδικασίες, οι απαντήσεις, τα αποτελέσματα, δηλ. οι έξι τύποι που χαρακτηρίζονται από: α. συνεχές αίτημα υποστήριξης. β. δυσπροσαρμογή στην αλλαγή. γ. ναρκισσιστική έκρηξη – υποτέλεια. δ. άμεση αντίδραση ως προς την ιεραρχία (πρωκτική). ε. ανταγωνισμό ομολόγων – ισοτίμων. στ. έμμεση αντίδραση προς την ιεραρχία (οιδιπόδεια). Ως οι καλύτερες απαντήσεις προτείνονται αντίστοιχα οι έξι ακόλουθες εστίες: α. παροχή μητρομέριμνας. β. αναπτυξιακή αλλαγή και αποχαιρετισμός. γ. ναρκισσιστική ισορροπία. δ. αποδοχή δεοντολογίας. ε. συναγωνισμός – άμιλλα. στ. λύση οιδιπόδειων συγκρούσεων. Ως προς τη συμπεριφορά διακρίνονται η εξωστρεφής και η εσωστρεφής, τόσο ως προς την ακραία, όσο και προς την ήπια – μέτρια μορφή τους. Ιδιαίτερης σημασίας είναι τα 14 στάδια ετοιμότητας και διάθεσης του αναλυτή για την όλη επεξεργασία της προβλητικής ταυτοποίησης. Εντυπωσιακά είναι τα εκφρασμένα σε αριθμούς αποτελέσματα, καθώς και ιδιαίτερα σημαντική η γενική ποιοτική αναβάθμιση των υπηρεσιακών σχέσεων, ύστερα από την επέκταση της κλινικής - ψυχοκοινωνικής παρέμβασης. Αποτέλεσμα όλων αυτών είναι η ίδρυση νέου τμήματος καθαρά κλινικού - ψυχοκοινωνικού χαρακτήρα, που ονομάζεται Γραφείο Προληπτικής Ψυχικής Υγιεινής. Εν κατακλείδι, προκύπτουν συγκεκριμένες προτάσεις βελτιώσεων τόσο για το Πολεμικό Ναυτικό, όσο και για την πολιτεία γενικότερα.
The effect of canal curvature on cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary instruments using different irrigation materials (in vitro study)
Authors: Alsunboli Mohammed Hamoudi , Ihsan Sally Saad Ali , Sabah Duha Qais
Published: April 2024

Background The mechanical qualities of Ni-Ti is crucial because they give the files their flexibility and enable us to prepare curved and double-curved canals with more ease. It happens frequently for instruments to separate during canal preparation, and cyclic fatigue (metal fatigue) is a frequent cause. This study aimed to assess how irrigation affected the two rotary endodontic instruments’ cyclic fatigue resistance. Methods The Edge File and Fanta File rotary endodontic instrument groups were chosen. Each group (n = 42) was split into 3 subgroups (n = 14 each), one receiving NaOH, one Glycine, and one EDTA treatment. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) was determined after each subgroup underwent testing for cyclic fatigue resistance. Results The result appeared different significant between the two group and sub-group with the different materials that used with it with the length of fractures and time that recorded in each group. Conclusion NaOCl, glycine, and EDTA as chemical materials appeared to have considerably varied cycle fatigue resistance for various lengths of fractures and durations, according to the comparison between the two evaluated instruments.
New insight on antioxidants and anti-obesity properties of two seagrasses Thalassia hemprichii and Zostera marina: an integrated molecular docking simulation with in vitro study
Authors: Wagey Billy Theodorus , Gunawan William Ben , Lasabuda Ridwan , Mayulu Nelly , Al Mahira Msy Firyal Nadya , Lailossa Deogifta Graciani , Riswanda Fitra , Berta Elizabeth Levyna , Dewa Putra Mahakarya , Yudisthira Dewangga , Alisaputra Darmawan , Arnamalia Astri , Sabrina Nindy , Taslim Nurpudji Astuti , Hayes Clarin , Nurkolis Fahrul
Published: April 2024

Background The oceans are teeming with a diverse range of marine organisms that offer unique health benefits, such as seagrass which is one of many key marine products that have garnered attention for their potential therapeutic properties. However, until now there have been few successful reports of seagrass’s metabolites profile and biological activity. Therefore, this work aims to profile metabolites or chemical constituents and assess the potential antioxidants and anti-obesity effects of two seagrasses, Thalassia hemprichii and Zostera marina. Methods Once authenticated, T. hemprichii and Z. marina were extracted with two different solvents, polar (ethanol) and nonpolar (hexane). Metabolite profiling was performed using untargeted metabolomic profiling via liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry method analysis, and then antioxidant and anti-obesity capabilities were assessed by molecular docking and in vitro studies on selected receptors. Results A total of 9 and 11 metabolites were observed from T. hemprichii and Z. marina and continued molecular docking. Some of the observed compounds have promising potential as inhibitors of human inducible nitric oxide synthase, reactive oxygen species (ROS) 1 kinase, human pancreatic lipase, and fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) proteins, including luteolin, 6-hydroxy compounds luteolin O-glucoside, luteolin-O-sulphate, Thalassiolin A, Thalassiolin C, kaempferol-7,4′-dimethylether-3-O-sulfate, apigenin, and diosmetin. T. hemprichii ethanol extract (THE) EC50 value shows antioxidant capabilities via ABTS radical scavenging activity of 76.00 μg/mL, a smaller value than standard antioxidant controls (Trolox, 76.54 μg/mL) and followed by EC50 of lipase inhibition activity by THE which has the same pattern (EC50 THE < EC50 Orlistat). Conclusions This concludes that the two seagrasses have promising biological activity as candidates for functional food and/or drugs in combating free radicals and obesity.
Klinika Otolaryngologii Uniwersytetu Jana Kazimierza
Authors: Kierzek Andrzej
Published: April 2024

Otorynolaryngologia jako specjalizacja tworzyła się we Lwowie pod koniec XIX w. oraz w początkach wieku XX w dwóch ośrodkach: w Szpitalu Powszechnym Krajowym oraz w Uniwersytecie Jana Kazimierza. W artykule wspomniano o otorynolaryngologicznych dokonaniach chirurgów Szpitala Powszechnego Krajowego, takich jak: Józef Molendziński, Jan Szeparowicz, Grzegorz Ziembicki, Hilary Schramm i Roman Barącz, oraz o kierowniku Kliniki Chirurgicznej Uniwersytetu Jana Kazimierza – Ludwiku Rydygierze. Działalność Wydziału Lekarskiego w Uniwersytecie Jana Kazimierza zapoczątkowano w 1894 r. Katedra Otolaryngologiczna zaczęła działać w 1908 r. m.in. dzięki prof. Antoniemu Juraszowi sen., światowej sławy laryngologowi z Heidelbergu, oraz prof. Teofilowi Zalewskiemu. Klinikę Otolaryngologiczną Uniwersytetu Jana Kazimierza utworzono 16 maja 1924 r., początkowo przewidziana była na 20 łóżek. W niniejszym artykule zrelacjonowano działalność lekarzy katedry, kliniki oraz polikliniki do roku 1939, zakres wykonywanych operacji, działalność dydaktyczną. Klinika Otolaryngologii we Lwowie tworzyła podwaliny gmachu polskiej laryngologii, dostarczała wyspecjalizowanych lekarzy potrzebnych także w okresie po II wojnie światowej.
Factors that Contributed to the Good Condition of Nicolaus Copernicus’s Teeth
Authors: Mikołajczyk Mateusz
Published: April 2024

Nicolaus Copernicus was not only a world-famous astronomer but a physician as well. He was born on 19th February 1473 in Toruń and died on 24th May 1543 in Frombork. His remains were found in 2005 in Frombork Cathedral. The aim of this work is to identify the reasons for mild tooth loss in the maxilla of 70-year-old Nicolaus Copernicus. This study analyzed the photos of the maxilla with the following teeth (according to the FDI notation): 22, 13, 23, 14, 24, 15, 25, and 26 from Copernicus’s second funeral in 2010. After analysis of the historical texts, it was confirmed that Copernicus had broad knowledge of various subjects, including medicine, which may have influenced his awareness of dental hygiene and healthy lifestyle. His diet and general health condition were also scrutinized. The very good state of the teeth of 70-year-old Nicolaus Copernicus may be connected to his high education and social background, wide knowledge of medicine and oral hygiene, proper dietary and lifestyle habits, and good general health. It is probable that the above-mentioned factors had a major impact on Copernicus’s longevity. This study is the first to find reasons for the good condition of Nicolaus Copernicus’s teeth on the day of his death. The improvement of knowledge about Nicolaus Copernicus’s prevention of dental disease may be important for the good condition and longevity of the current human population.
Konrad Dzięgielewski (1903-1977)
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Rabiza Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Celem pracy była analiza biografii oraz dorobku naukowego Konrada Dzięgielewskiego, poznańskiego okulisty i kierownika Kliniki Okulistycznej Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu w latach 1951-1955. Konrad Dzięgielewski urodził się w 1903 r. w Malborku. Otrzymał tytuł doktora wszechnauk lekarskich na Wydziale Lekarskim Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego w 1931 r. Był członkiem Polskiego Towarzystwa Okulistycznego, kierownikiem poznańskiego oddziału towarzystwa w latach 1951-1956. Został odznaczony m.in. Krzyżem Kawalerskim Orderu Odrodzenia Polski, Medalem Zwycięstwa i Wolności. Napisał kilka prac naukowych.
Witold Juliusz Kapuściński (1910-1988)
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Rabiza Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

Celem pracy była analiza biografii, dorobku naukowego oraz literackiego Witolda Juliusza Kapuścińskiego, profesora okulistyki oraz pisarza. Witold Juliusz Kapuściński urodził się w 1910 r. w Poznaniu w rodzinie z kilkupokoleniową tradycją lekarską. Ukończył Wydział Lekarski Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego w 1933 r. W kolejnych latach zaangażowany był w działalność naukową, społeczną oraz twórczą. Był profesorem zwyczajnym okulistyki Uniwersytetu i Politechniki we Wrocławiu, wiceprzewodniczącym Polskiego Towarzystwa Okulistycznego oraz konsultatem ds. okulistyki na Kubie.
Entidades y competencias para el desarrollo sostenible y el cambio climático en Colombia
Authors: Acosta Páez Estefanía , Senior Sebastián , Muñoz Ávila Lina
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de este capítulo es presentar, de manera detallada, las competencias de cada entidad que permiten la implementación de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible —ODS— y el cumplimiento de los compromisos internacionales en materia de cambio climático adquiridos por Colombia. Para ello, se hará una revisión jurídica e institucional en el marco de las competencias de las principales entidades. Muchas de estas son competencias compartidas en los espacios de coordinación y dirección de estas agendas, y se encuentran concentradas, en gran parte, en el Departamento Nacional de Planeación y el Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible.
Fintech Platforms and Mutual Fund Distribution
Authors: Hong Claire Yurong , Lu Xiaomeng , Pan Jun
Published: April 2024

We document a novel platform effect caused by the emergence of fintech platforms in the intermediation of financial products. In China, platform distributions of mutual funds emerged in 2012 and grew quickly into a formidable presence. Utilizing the staggered entrance of funds onto platforms, we find a marked increase of performance chasing driven by the centralized information flow unique to fintech platforms. This pattern is further confirmed using proprietary data from a top platform. Examining the platform impact on fund managers, we find that incentivized by the amplified performance chasing, fund managers increase risk-taking to enhance their probability of getting onto the top ranking.

This paper was accepted by William Cong, finance.

Funding: X. Lu acknowledges financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72003126].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01966 .
Processos de produção de representações vivenciados por estudantes em contextos de ensino fundamentado em modelagem
Authors: Bicalho Helen , Oliveira Leandro , Justi Rosária
Published: April 2024

Um dos objetivos da Educação em Ciências é que estudantes construam conhecimentos e desenvolvam habilidades que os capacitem a atuar como cidadãos críticos na sociedade. Em relação à Química, aspectos relacionados à compreensão e ao uso de seus três níveis (macroscópico, submicroscópico e simbólico); às transições entre estes três níveis visando uma melhor compreensão de ideias e fenômenos; e à expressão de conhecimentos em diferentes modos de representação são essenciais. Nesse sentido, o envolvimento de estudantes em práticas científicas tem-se mostrado uma abordagem profícua. Visando investigar a utilização de modos de representação por estudantes ao participarem de atividades centradas em uma dessas práticas – a modelagem –, identificamos e analisamos os modos de representação usados por eles, assim como possíveis relações entre a utilização desses modos e aspectos vivenciados em diversas etapas do processo de modelagem. O estudo envolveu 13 estudantes do terceiro ano do Ensino Médio que participaram de um curso extraclasse cujas atividades se baseavam em modelagem. Os dados foram coletados a partir de gravações em áudio e vídeo das aulas, que foram transcritas e analisadas qualitativamente. Os resultados evidenciam que os contextos de modelagem, a natureza das entidades modeladas, os modos de se promover uma instrução coerente com o referencial teórico adotado por quem conduz o ensino e a criatividade dos estudantes são elementos essenciais para que eles possam comunicar suas ideias criando e utilizando representações. A discussão dos resultados visa contribuir tanto para a literatura da área quanto para fomentar ações docentes relacionadas ao tema.
Medição da intensidade sonora utilizando smartphone
Authors: Da Silva Vitor Nunes , Nunes Marcio Gonçalves , De Almeida Pacheco Marco André
Published: April 2024

Os smartphones já fazem parte do contexto escolar de número considerável de escolas e, com a popularização da tecnologia, a disseminação deste tipo de dispositivo tende a ser crescente, mesmo nas camadas de menor poder aquisitivo. Os smartphones possuem diversos sensores, tais como microfone, câmera, giroscópio, bússola, entre outros. Com aplicativos específicos é possível ter acesso direto a esses sensores. A acústica é um tema pouco abordado nos livros didáticos de física (PEREIRA, 2017), mesmo possuindo grande relevância no cotidiano, seja na música, na medicina ou mesmo na exposição à poluição sonora. Neste trabalho apresentamos a possibilidade de utilizar o microfone do smartphone, associado a um aplicativo gratuito capaz de medir o nível de intensidade sonora, para mostrar que a intensidade sonora reduz proporcionalmente com o inverso do quadrado da distância. Durante a pesquisa o realizamos o experimento e observamos um decaimento da intensidade num fator de 1/d2,2, o que nos parece razoável para as aproximações e condições de realização do experimento. O erro sistemático será calculado em momento posterior. Acreditamos que este trabalho contribui para valorização do ensino da acústica, mostrando a viabilidade do uso dos smartphones como ferramenta didática.
Abordagem do campo elétrico com o uso de maquetes táteis visuais.
Authors: De Souza Rafael Oliveira Vargas , Facundo Rian de Souza , Cruz Frederico Alan de Oliveira
Published: April 2024

O maior acesso de estudantes com necessidades educativas especiais e as mudanças sofridas pela sociedade na última década são grandes desafios para as escolas e professores. A maneira como os conteúdos eram abordados supunha que todos os estudantes apresentavam as mesmas condições para a aprendizagem, sem que novos recursos educacionais fossem utilizados durante as aulas. No entanto, em função do atual cenário, sem uma mudança na prática letiva haverá inúmeros insucessos escolares. Com base nessa realidade, neste trabalho, é apresentada uma proposta de abordagem do conceito de campo elétrico com o uso de maquetes tátil-visual para apoiar a aprendizagem de estudantes cego / baixa visão. Ao longo do texto são salientados pontos importantes que justificam o desenvolvimento - a partir de materiais simples e com custo acessível - e o uso desse recurso, seja para atender as demandas sociais de uma educação inclusiva ou como elemento para estabelecer um modelo concreto para qualquer estudante. Além disso, é apresentada pequenas sequências de ações que deverão ser adotadas pelo professor para que os estudantes utilizem corretamente os materiais e assim as possibilidades de aprendizagem sejam maximizadas.
Knowledge and practice of infection control measures among nurses in Jordan
Authors: Al-Quraan Hamza Ali , Hussien Najah , Alloubani Aladeen
Published: April 2024

Background/Aims

Healthcare-associated infections are a global concern, with effective infection control measures being crucial in hospital settings. Nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control measures play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of infection control measures among nurses in Jordan.

Methods

A non-experimental, descriptive cross-sectional design was used in a not-for-profit, specialised cancer centre and two private hospitals in Jordan. A self-reported questionnaire was completed by 267 nurses. The questionnaire was divided into three parts. The first part collected sociodemographic data. The second part consisted of 17 multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge of infection control measures, with a score range of 0–17. The third part comprised 16 questions on a 5-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree; 5=strongly agree), with a higher mean score indicating better self-reported infection control practice. Responses were analysed using standard statistical methods, with a P value of 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results

The majority of the sample were women (65.2%), with a mean age of 26.7±2.1 years. The mean total knowledge score was 13.81 out of 17.00 and the mean practice score was 4.02 out of 5.00. Significant differences were found across groups depending on hospital type (private vs not for profit), area of practice, years of experience, level of education and whether respondents had received specific training.

Conclusions

Level of education, training and specific workplace factors may all affect nurses' knowledge and practice of infection control measures. This study highlights the need for strategic educational and training programmes for nurses to improve patient safety.
The international impact of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and implications for the NHS
Authors: Bojakowski Steve
Published: April 2024

Market access consultant and editorial board member Steve Bojakowski discusses the impact of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and how this may change following new European Union regulations on health technology assessment.
The scar-reducing effect of a novel chitosan gel: an in vivo study
Authors: Kordestani Soheila Salahshoor , Habib Farzaneh Nayeb , Fayyazbakhsh Fateme , Mohammadi Fahimeh Sadat
Published: April 2024

Objective:

Scar tissue formation, as a normal part of wound healing, initiates in the proliferation phase, continues after the remodelling phase, and may cause an unpleasant appearance or disruption in normal functioning. This study investigated the effects of a topical gel on acute wound healing and reducing scars in a rat model.

Method:

ChitoScar (ChitoTech Company, Iran), a commercial scar-reducing gel based on chitosan, was analysed for antibacterial and antiviral activity through a quantitative suspension test. Its cytotoxic effect was investigated, and then irritation and delayed-type hypersensitivity tests were carried out on rabbits through direct application of the gel. Furthermore, the effect of the chitosan-based gel on wound healing and scar tissue formation was studied in rats with an acute wound in two groups: the treatment group (topical application of the chitosan-based gel); and the control group (without treatment). Histopathological examination was carried out based on the inflammatory cells, collagen fibre, keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Results:

Analysis revealed that the chitosan-based gel had no cytotoxicity and caused no erythema, oedema, local or other systemic adverse response. Wound healing occurred earlier in the treatment group, which was a result of a significant increase in re-epithelialisation, angiogenesis, fibroblast population and collagen fibre thickness (p<0.05). In the treatment group, wounds healed completely after 21 days and scars totally disappeared after 28 days, while in the control group, wound healing remained incomplete with distinct scar tissue.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrated the positive effect of the chitosan-based gel on the duration and quality of the wound healing process, as well as minimising the scar tissue formation in this in vivo study.
Use of biosurgery for the treatment of foot ulcers infected with therapy-resistant bacteria: a case report
Authors: Romeyke Tobias
Published: April 2024

Biosurgery (larval therapy) has been used for centuries. However, in recent times, this treatment has been replaced with the use of antibiotics for the treatment of wounds. Due to increasing antibiotic resistance, larval therapy is once again coming to the fore as an effective and efficient treatment. Due to the increasing ageing population, along with an increase in patients with arterial occlusive disease, diabetes and immobility, the number of patients with hard-to-heal wounds will increase. The stressors associated with wounds, such as pain, limited physical functionality, depression and social withdrawal, have a negative impact on patient quality of life. This case report documents the performance of biosurgery in a patient with multimorbidities.
Metal-based nanoparticles: an alternative treatment for biofilm infection in hard-to-heal wounds
Authors: Iungin Olga , Shydlovska Olga , Moshynets Olena , Vasylenko Volodymyr , Sidorenko Marina , Mickevičius Saulius , Potters Geert
Published: April 2024

Metal-based nanoparticles (MNPs) are promoted as effective compounds in the treatment of bacterial infections and as possible alternatives to antibiotics. These MNPs are known to affect a broad spectrum of microorganisms using a multitude of strategies, including the induction of reactive oxygen species and interaction with the inner structures of the bacterial cells. The aim of this review was to summarise the latest studies about the effect of metal-based nanoparticles on pathogenic bacterial biofilm formed in wounds, using the examples of Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as provide an overview of possible clinical applications.
The Lord’s Altar as an Alternative Food Source in Hebrews 13: 9–10
Authors: Martin Michael Wade , Whitlark Jason A.
Published: April 2024

Abstract: In this study, we survey six factors encouraging a eucharistic interpretation of Heb 13:9–10: (1) the broader context of Hebrews and its warning against idolatry; (2) the understanding of βεβαιοῦσθαι τὴν καρδίαν in 13:9 as literal nourishment; (3) the conceptualization of the table of the Lord’s Supper as a θυσιαστήριον in early Christianity; (4) the similar triangulation in 1 Corinthians 10 of the Lord’s Supper and the Levitical altar over against food associated with idols; (5) the story of the wilderness generation’s craving for the foods of Egypt as background; and (6) the social function of the Lord’s Supper as an instrument for addressing hunger in early Christianity. Considered collectively, these factors suggest that Heb 13:9–10 encourages looking to the Lord’s Supper, and not idolatrous, pagan “foods,” for nourishment. The passage highlights through a comparison with Levitical priests the reasons for doing so all the more. In these regards, Heb 13:9–10 recapitulates in brief form the a minore ad maius comparative argument featured at length throughout the speech. Thus, these considerations, in addition to encouraging a eucharistic interpretation of these verses, contribute to the thesis that Hebrews is concerned not with reversion to non-Christian Judaism but, rather, reversion to pagan, imperial culture.
Doing Nothing in San Andreas: Contesting the Value of Play in Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V
Authors: Welsh Timothy
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto franchise continues to receive critical acclaim for its open-world structure that invites emergent forms of play. The live service monetization of Grand Theft Auto V , however, confers a monetary value on in-game items and activities, which fundamentally alters the playspace and recontextualizes discussions of player agency within the attention economy. This essay explores legitimate and illegitimate techniques players developed for earning in-game currency and rebalancing the game’s economy in their favor. In doing so, it reflects on the implication of these practices for our understanding of an implied player role and the significance of transgressive play.
Poetry, Philosophy, and Smart AI
Authors: Norris Christopher
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Here I look at sundry aspects of the current controversy about Generative AI and, in particular, the implications of this new and rapidly evolving technology for poetry, the arts, and human creativity in general. My essay looks at earlier episodes in the history of thought, from Descartes on, that I take to have prefigured this latest debate around 'the human' in relation to its various physical, 'artificial,' or (presumptively) prosthetic means of extension and refinement. I also discuss its bearing on literary-critical issues concerning the formal or structural aspects of poetry, the role (if any) of authorial intent, and the extent to which criticism enters into– and might lay claim to a stake in–what counts as human creativity. A central point of reference is William Empson's 1930 book, Seven Types of Ambiguity, where these issues are raised in a strikingly prescient way through his practice of close-focused textual analysis allied to great philosophical acuity. I conclude that a priori attitudinizing, pro or con, is not much use in this context, but that poets, critics, philosophers, cognitive scientists, and AI researchers need to cooperate in the reexamination of many long-standing but now highly contestable distinctions.
Analysis of the hybrid light field reconstruction and comparison with Richardson-Lucy Light Field Deconvolution
Authors: Eckstein Viktor , Schmid-Schirling Tobias , Carl Daniel , Wallrabe Ulrike
Published: April 2024

Conventional microscopes have a high spatial resolution and a low depth-of-field. Light field microscopes have a high depth-of-field but low spatial resolution. A new hybrid approach uses information from both systems to reconstruct a high-resolution light field [Appl. Opt. 58, A142 (2019)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.58.00A142]. The resolution of the resulting light field is said to be limited only by diffraction and the size of the pixels. In this paper, we evaluate this method. Using simulation data we compare the output of the hybrid reconstruction algorithm with its simulated ground truth. Our analyses reveal that the observed improvement in the light field quality is not a consequence of data fusion or incorporation of information from a conventional camera, but rather the results of an intermediate interpolation step within the light field itself. This suggests that the required information is already inherent to the light field. By employing the Richardson-Lucy Light Field Deconvolution algorithm, we demonstrate that existing algorithms have already utilized this information.
Parameter selection on a multi-exposure fusion method for measuring surfaces with varying reflectivity in microscope fringe projection profilometry
Authors: Du Junlin , Yang Fan , Guo Hong , Zhu Jiangping , Zhou Pei
Published: April 2024

As industrial and scientific advancements continue, the demand for precise measurement of three-dimensional (3D) shapes and surfaces is steadily increasing. However, accurate 3D measurement of certain surfaces, especially those with varying reflectivities, has always been a challenging issue. Multi-exposure fusion methods have shown stable, high-quality measurement results, but the selection of parameters for these methods has largely been based on experience. To address this issue, this paper has improved the multi-exposure fusion method and introduced a guided approach for parameter selection, significantly enhancing the completeness of measurement results. Additionally, a comparative model is developed to experimentally validate the specific impacts of Gaussian window variance, optimal grayscale range, and attenuation factor variance on the integrity of 3D reconstruction. The experimental results demonstrate that under the guidance of the parameter adjustment method proposed in this paper, the multi-exposure fusion for measuring the 3D topography of high-dynamic surfaces improves the restoration coverage from the original 86% (bright areas) and 50% (dark areas) to over 99%. This provides a selection strategy for parameter adjustment guidance in precise measurements based on the multi-exposure method.
Spectral imaging based on custom-made multi-strip filter arrays
Authors: Guo Quan , Wu Dengshan , Yu Weixing
Published: April 2024

Spectral imaging technology based on on-chip spectroscopy can find applications in areas including aerospace, industrial and consumer electronics, and so on. Since each application normally requires a different set and number of spectral bands, the development of customized spectroscopy solutions with more compact size and lower cost becomes quite important. In this paper, we demonstrate a compact, highly customizable imaging spectrometer scheme based on custom-made multi-strip filter arrays, which maintains an average high transmission of ∼85%, narrow bandwidth of ∼30nm, and high optical density of ∼OD2 in the blocking regions across the visible to near-infrared waveband. Spectral imaging experiments are conducted, and the accurate reconstruction of sparse spectral image data is demonstrated as well to prove the validity of the proposed scheme. As a result, the work reported in this paper allows researchers to develop customized spectral imaging equipment in a relatively easy way and also has a great potential to be engineered further for scalable production with a quite low cost.
Modified failproof physics-informed neural network framework for fast and accurate optical fiber transmission link modeling
Authors: Uduagbomen Joshua , Leeson Mark S. , Liu Zheng , Lakshminarayana Subhash , Xu Tianhua
Published: April 2024

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have recently emerged as an important and ground-breaking technique in scientific machine learning for numerous applications including in optical fiber communications. However, the vanilla/baseline version of PINNs is prone to fail under certain conditions because of the nature of the physics-based regularization term in its loss function. The use of this unique regularization technique results in a highly complex non-convex loss landscape when visualized. This leads to failure modes in PINN-based modeling. The baseline PINN works very well as an optical fiber model with relatively simple fiber parameters and for uncomplicated transmission tasks. Yet, it struggles when the modeling task becomes relatively complex, reaching very high error, for example, numerous modeling tasks/scenarios in soliton communication and soliton pulse development in special fibers such as erbium-doped dispersion compensating fibers. We implement two methods to circumvent the limitations caused by the physics-based regularization term to solve this problem, namely, the so-called scaffolding technique for PINN modeling and the progressive block learning PINN modeling strategy to solve the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE), which models pulse propagation in an optical fiber. This helps PINN learn more accurately the dynamics of pulse evolution and increases accuracy by two to three orders of magnitude. We show in addition that this error is not due to the depth or architecture of the neural network but a fundamental issue inherent to PINN by design. The results achieved indicate a considerable reduction in PINN error for complex modeling problems, with accuracy increasing by up to two orders of magnitude.
Planning tools for next-generation DSP-based passive optical networks above 50G [Invited Tutorial]
Authors: Rizzelli Giuseppe , Gaudino Roberto
Published: April 2024

Next-generation optical access networks are evolving towards ultra-high bit rates (above 50 Gbps per wavelength) and extended fiber reach architectures. This trend will likely push the optoelectronics to their limits, thus requiring impairment compensation based on digital signal processing (DSP) techniques in the transceivers. In this paper, which is an invited follow-up of a tutorial given at ECOC 2023, we first present an overview of this evolving scenario and then propose a unified analytical model that is able to predict the performance of these new systems for both direct-detection and coherent transceiver types. We believe that this model can be useful for preliminary scalability studies of new access architectures (as it happens in international standardization bodies). Moreover, when they are deployed, it can be useful as a base for network planning tools, particularly if future transceivers will be, as expected, highly reconfigurable at the DSP level.
Deep learning method for optical fiber curvature measurements based on time series data
Authors: Pamukti Brian , Pradipta Muhammad Fajar Faliasthiunus , Liaw Shien-Kuei , Yang Fu-Liang , Yang Ya-Mei
Published: April 2024

Curvature detection is an essential technique for monitoring landslides, which are frequent and destructive disasters. Existing methods for curvature detection using fiber-optic sensors have limitations such as complex fabrication or large data size. We propose a data processing method for high-accuracy curvature detection that employs deep learning. We experimented using different levels of curvature and compared our method with other methods. Our method achieves 99.82% accuracy for classification and root mean square error of 0.042m−1 for regression with a simpler structure and smaller data size. Our approach demonstrates its potential for landslide detection and integration with communication systems.
Analytical solution for single-pixel ptychography through linear modeling
Authors: Qi Naijie , Veetil Suhas Poyyil , Wu Liqing , Liu Cheng , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: April 2024

Amplitude-modulated single-pixel ptychography (SPP) enables non-interferometric complex-field imaging of objects. However, the conventional iterative and nondeterministic reconstruction methods, based on the ptychography algorithm, pose challenges in fully understanding the role of critical optical parameters. In response, this paper introduces an innovative analytical approach that establishes a theoretical foundation for the uniqueness of SPP reconstruction results. The proposed method conceptualizes SPP as a system of linear equations in the frequency domain, involving both object and modulated illumination. Solving this equation system reveals a determined solution for the complex object, providing an alternative to iterative and nondeterministic techniques. Through a series of simulations, this approach not only validates the uniqueness of SPP reconstruction, but also explores key properties influencing accuracy.
Dynamically manipulating long-wave infrared polarized thermal radiation by a vanadium dioxide metasurface
Authors: Kang Qianlong , Guo Kai , Zhang Xizheng , Wang Wei , Guo Zhongyi
Published: April 2024

Dynamically manipulating the spectra and polarization properties of thermal radiation is the key to counter an infrared polarization imaging system (IPIS) under the different background environments. In this Letter, we propose a phase-change metasurface thermal emitter (PCMTE) composed of vanadium dioxide (VO2) dipole antenna arrays to dynamically manipulate polarized radiation spectra in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) region of 8–14 µm. During the thermally induced and reversible insulator-to-metal transition (IMT) in VO2, by simulating the LWIR images at different polarization angles for the PCMTE and background plates, the PCMTE can realize dynamically tunable LWIR camouflage; then, their degree of linear polarization (DoLP) can be calculated, which can demonstrate that the PCMTE can also achieve dynamically tunable LWIR polarization camouflage at the specific radiation angles and backgrounds. Our proposed PCMTE provides an effective scheme for adaptive IR polarization camouflage.
Spatial–temporal optical vortex pendulum on a curved surface
Authors: Ding Weifeng , Wang Zhaoying
Published: April 2024

Spatial–temporal optical vortices (STOVs) have recently become the focus of newly structured optical fields. In this paper, their propagation on a 2D curved surface named the constant Gaussian curvature surface (CGCS) is studied. Using the matrix optics approach, we provide the analytical solution of the STOV propagation under the paraxial approximation on the CGCS with positive curvature. One method of creating timers is made possible by the spatiotemporal distribution direction of STOV light intensity, which swings like a pendulum throughout the evolution, in contrast to propagation on a flat surface. This swing, however, stops when the curved surface’s curvature radius matches the light’s Rayleigh distance. Besides, the transverse orbital angular momentum of STOV is deduced, and we find that the intrinsic and extrinsic OAM periodically exchange, but the total transverse OAM is always zero during the propagation on CGCS. It aids in controlling the transverse extrinsic orbital angular momentum of STOV in nontrivial space.
Comparing Pr3+ and Nd3+ for deactivating the Er3+: 4I13/2 level in lanthanum titanate glass
Authors: Topper Brian , Neumann Alexander , Wilke Stephen K. , Youngman Randall E. , Alrubkhi Abdulrahman , Weber Richard
Published: April 2024

Erbium lanthanum titanate glasses were prepared by levitation melting for the spectroscopic study of ways to promote the mid-infrared fluorescence. Two series of heavily erbium doped glasses (15 wt%) were prepared with the addition of either Pr3+ or Nd3+ in amounts relative to Er3+ of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2. Both ions quench the lower Er3+ laser level with the Pr3+ doing so more rapidly. Although high co-dopant concentrations result in higher energy transfer, as clearly evidenced in upconversion and downconversion fluorescence measurements, the mid-infrared lifetime also suffers a reduction and, therefore, a balance must be struck in the co-dopant concentration. Lifetime and spectral measurements indicate that, at a fixed relative co-dopant amount, Pr3+ is more effective than Nd3+ at removing the bottleneck of the Er3+ 4I13/2 level. Moreover, consideration of the lifetimes alongside the absorption data of the individual ions indicates that despite the large absorption cross-section of Nd3+ at 808 nm, the concentration needed to yield more absorbed power than utilizing direct 976 nm excitation of Er3+ results in unfavorable lifetimes of the mid-infrared transition. In the end, Pr3+ prevails as the superior co-dopant in terms of the effects on fluorescence lifetimes as well as potential laser system design considerations. In a unique self-doping approach, a reducing melt atmosphere of Ar instead of O2 creates a small fraction of Ti3+. In 5Er2O3-12La2O3-83TiO2 glass, the presence of Ti3+ quenches the 4I13/2 emission about 2.6 times more than the 4I11/2 when lifetimes are compared to an O2 melt environment. As an additional means of increasing the mid-infrared emission, the effect of temperature on the mid- and near- infrared lifetimes of a lightly doped lanthanum titanate composition is investigated between 77-300 K. The mid-infrared lifetime increases by ∼30% while the near-infrared lifetime increases by ∼10%, which suggests in addition to co-doping, active cooling of the gain media will further enhance performance.
Dynamic 3D holographic projection of vectorial images with a multimode fiber
Authors: Zhuang Jinghan , Yu Panpan , Liu Yifan , Wu Yijing , Wang Ziqiang , Li Yinmei , Gong Lei
Published: April 2024

An optical multimode fiber (MMF) is capable of delivering structured light modes or complex images with high flexibility. Here, we present a holographic approach to enable the MMF as a 3D holographic projector with the capability of complete polarization control. By harnessing the strong coupling of the spatial and polarization degrees of freedom of light propagating through MMFs, our approach realizes active control of the output intensity and polarization in 3D space by shaping only the wavefront of the incident light. In this manner, we demonstrate MMF-based holographic projection of vectorial images on multiple planes via a phase-only hologram. Particularly, dynamic projection of polarization-multiplexed grayscale images is presented with an averaged Pearson correlation coefficient of up to 0.91. Our work is expected to benefit fiber-based holographic displays, data transmission, optical imaging, and manipulation.
“Smart cities” and their vulnerability
Authors: Krulík Oldřich , Kolouch Jan , Pačmag Marek
Published: April 2024

In most discussions, “smart cities” are perceived as a largely positive phenomenon that improves the safety but above all the comfort of its inhabitants. The present paper constructively and critically analyses the approach of de facto unregulated development of “smart cities” with emphasis on the risks associated with this phenomenon. Examples from recent years, not only in the context of developments in Ukraine, show that modern, technological solutions, i.e. e-Government tools, can become a target or even a tool of variously motivated attackers (criminal groups, foreign powers). A “smart” city is often potentially more vulnerable than agglomerations managed more traditionally. This paper aims to demonstrate the possible risks through case studies and determine whether there are more comprehensive theoretical approaches to the subject.
Municipal waste management performance: a focus on Slovakia and its LAU-1 districts
Authors: Marišová Eleonóra , Fandel Peter
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we analyse the changes made to the basic EU directive on waste and assess its impact on the waste legislation of EU members. We then examine the Slovak waste strategies/programs that have implemented the EU directive on waste, namely the Waste Prevention Program, the Waste Management Program, and the Envirostrategy 2030. Based on EU waste legislation, the Environmental Strategy 2030 sets the waste treatment aims for Slovakia until 2030. However, it is questionable whether Slovakia will achieve the set goals. Our research indicates that as of 2021, Slovakia’s rate of waste incineration with energy recovery and landfilling rate of municipal waste are below the EU average, while the recycling rate, both for materials and composting and digestion, is higher. In our quantitative analysis, we examine the progress of waste management performance in Slovakia from 2017 to 2021, focusing on the LAU-1 districts. We estimate composite efficiency indicators using the techniques of Data Envelopment Analysis and Malmquist Indices. In accordance with the hierarchy of waste treatment methods, the applied models consider desirable waste operations variables (recycling and incineration with energy recovery) and undesirable waste operation variables (landfilling). Our results reveal significant variations in efficiency across the LAU-1 districts. The average technical efficiency of the 72 districts has improved from 0.714 in 2017 to 0.852 in 2021, indicating that the performance of districts is generally improving and catching up with the best-performing districts. The total performance, as measured by the Malmquist index, has improved by 45.5 %. Districts with access to waste incineration facilities with energy recovery have exhibited higher efficiency scores, benefitting from this advantage.
Hope amid violence: youths’ agency and learning experiences to transform social conflicts in non-democratic settings
Authors: Kishani Farahani Najme
Published: April 2024

Understanding and addressing conflicts underlying direct and indirect violence is necessary to build a just and sustainable peace. This study foregrounds youths’ voices and lived experiences of social conflicts in Iran, an understudied (semi-)authoritarian context in the Middle East. It examines selected youths’ socially constructed understandings of the conflicts and violence affecting their lives, their perceptions of their roles and agency in non-violently addressing those conflicts, and the learning experiences and social pedagogies (inside and outside school) available to them that might have contributed to forming their understandings and agency. The study’s intersectional gender- and social-class-sensitive design enables an understanding of how social-structural, cultural and political dynamics interacted with participating youths’ experiences of social conflicts and their peacebuilding citizenship agency. Findings show that social conflicts that the participating youths were concerned about varied in their differing gender and social class locations. In addition, despite the disconnections between the participating students’ lived experiences of conflicts and their learning opportunities at school, the findings point to spaces of feasibility for schools to enhance students’ opportunities to develop key aspects of peacebuilding agency, even in (semi-)authoritarian settings where citizenship and peace education are absent from the explicit curriculum. Moreover, the research expands the international conceptualisation of peacebuilding agency by showing that young people’s frequent responses to the social conflicts in their lives in (semi-)authoritarian contexts (avoidance, conformity, withdrawal and despair) cannot be simply interpreted as apathy or lack of awareness of the larger structural issues.
Cosatu’s mute response: Waves of social movement unionism in South Africa and its crisis during Covid
Authors: Nkosi Mbuso
Published: April 2024

Cosatu’s failure to be the voice of the working class in times of crisis, such as during Covid-19 and the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, reflects its inability to envision a future beyond the ANC, writes uMBUSO weNKOSI. He argues that as long as organised labour is locked in an alliance with the ruling party it cannot be rooted in community struggles, to the detriment of the social movement unionism of the anti-apartheid struggle.
Who owns this 'country'?
Authors: Piercy Marge
Published: April 2024

A new poem by Marge Piercy.