bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel Server Systems with Cancel-on-Completion Redundancy
Authors: Stolyar Alexander L.
Published: August 2022

We consider a parallel server system with so-called cancel-on-completion redundancy. There are n servers and multiple job classes j. An arriving class j job consists of dj components placed on a randomly selected subset of servers; the job service is complete as soon as kj components out of dj (with [Formula: see text]) complete their service, at which point the unfinished service of all remaining [Formula: see text] components is canceled. The system is in general non-work-conserving in the sense that the average amount of new workload added to the system by an arriving class j job is not defined a priori—it depends on the system state at the time of arrival. This poses the main challenge for the system analysis. For the system with a fixed number of servers n, our main results include: the stability properties; the property that the stationary distributions of the relative server workloads remain tight uniformly in the system load. We also consider the mean-field asymptotic regime when [Formula: see text] while each job class arrival rate per server remains constant. The main question we address here is: under which conditions the steady-state asymptotic independence (SSAI) of server workloads holds and, in particular, when the SSAI for the full range of loads (SSAI-FRL) holds. (Informally, SSAI-FRL means that SSAI holds for any system load less than one.) We obtain sufficient conditions for SSAI and SSAI-FRL. In particular, we prove that SSAI-FRL holds in the important special case when job components of each class j are independent and identically distributed with an increasing-hazard-rate distribution.
Society and consumption
Authors: Warde Alan
Published: August 2022

This article discusses themes identified as aims and objectives of Consumption and Society, reflecting on connections between the journal’s two titular concepts. It contrasts two distinct definitions and understandings of consumption, as purchase via market exchange and as the use of goods and services. It argues that the latter provides a more suitable and comprehensive object for social scientific study. Briefly reviewing the legacy of the cultural turn, the article outlines socio-cultural approaches emphasising symbolic, material and practical culture, and identifies some common failings. It considers the role of consumption in domination and social hierarchy in the context of escalating material inequality. Revisiting the relation between consumption and economic production, it commends some recent advances in the analysis of commodification while proposing a more encompassing ‘modes of provision’ framework. In association with an extended concept of social embeddedness, this offers an avenue for understanding macro-social change and the effects of current and historic inequalities. The concept of ‘controversy’ is introduced to understand normative and institutional contexts of mobilisation for change arising from contestation over consumption. The article concludes with remarks about theory and the difference that definitions make, the value of the concept of social embeddedness, and the analytic space beyond culture and markets.
From addressing to redressing consumption: how the System of Provision approach helps
Authors: Fine Ben , Bayliss Kate
Published: August 2022

Critics of consumption studies contend that it has become conceived as a broad catch-all for too diverse a range of phenomena, forcing these categorically into questionable commonalities around the consumer/consumed without regard to conceptual clarity and distinctions. The System of Provision (SoP) approach can only wrongly be considered as guilty of this fault. Since first devised some 30 years ago to address the study of consumption, its scope has broadened to cover a range of sectors including consumer durables, food, clothing, housing, transport, water and health. But the approach does not apply the idea of consumption to everything willy-nilly, being designed to address the concern that the drivers of consumption are irreducibly contextual. In contrast to other consumption perspectives, for the SoP approach, the complexity and specificity of what is being consumed is the starting point for its analytical framework. Informed by insights from across the social sciences, the approach draws on a theoretically informed but inductive framework, open to different research methods. The approach incorporates the structures, relations, processes and agencies underpinning the chain of activities linking production to consumption, inevitably engaging with features of contemporary capitalism, such as neoliberalism underpinned by financialisation. With attention to material cultures, the SoP approach differentiates meanings of consumption across diverse applications. While engaging grand narratives, the SoP approach is attuned to the contextual specificity of what is consumed, where, when and by whom. Thus, the approach has wide-ranging applicability precisely because it incorporates differentiation in the social construction and construal of the consumed and the consumer.
Why consumption, why society, why now? Consumption studies and societal challenges
Authors: Evans David M.
Published: August 2022

This article considers what it might mean to think about the concepts of consumption and society in tandem at this point in time. The study of consumption has arguably been reinvigorated and sustained by the many and varied ways in which consumption has been linked to societal challenges. I suggest that some of the tensions that result from this association recall longer-standing problematics within the broader development of consumption studies. These include the relationships between production and consumption, the question of embeddedness, competing disciplinary perspectives, and matters of definition and analytic distinctiveness. These issues are considered through reference to my own experiences of researching and engaging practically with the normative and contested aspects of consumption. To conclude, I suggest that the journal Consumption and Society represents a welcome opportunity to consider some of the ‘big issues’ confronting consumption studies in the context of renewed interest in consumption and the evolving contours of consumer society.
Changing eating practices after midlife: ageing and food consumption in the French Gazel cohort
Authors: Plessz Marie , Gojard Séverine , Zins Marie
Published: August 2022

Understanding not only differences in consumption but differences in how consumption changes presents a theoretical and empirical challenge. In this article, we draw on theories of practice, a life-course perspective and approaches in terms of tastes or dispositions to examine how food consumption changed after midlife in a large cohort of French adults aged from 50 to 75 years. We have been able to present a bird’s eye view of these practices, thanks to multiple correspondence analysis and a micro-level analysis of how individuals changed their food consumption as they aged, thanks to regression models. The first step summarised food consumption data into three modes of engagement with eating, related to prescriptions from the food market (eating as convenience), nutrition (health) and French cuisine (tradition). The second allowed us to examine how modes of engagement with eating were associated with individual characteristics (being a woman, having higher education), ageing and characteristics of participants’ living arrangements (living with children and/or a partner). In conclusion, the sociology of consumption may benefit from taking stock of both dispositional and contextual perspectives on the differences and dynamics of practice. Developing adequate methods, as we do here, is a promising way forward.
Secure key distribution based on hybrid chaos synchronization between semiconductor lasers subject to dual injections
Authors: Liu Shiqin , Jiang Ning , Zhang Yiqun , Wang Chao , Zhao Anke , Qiu Kun , Zhang Qianwu
Published: August 2022

We propose and numerically demonstrate a novel secure key distribution (SKD) scheme by using dynamically synchronized semiconductor lasers (SLs) subject to common dual injections from two mutually coupled SLs. The performance of hybrid chaos synchronization, complexity of chaotic signals, chaos-based key distribution, and the privacy of SKD scheme are systematically discussed. It is shown that high-quality hybrid chaos synchronization of zero lag and lead lag can be both achieved between two local lasers under different injection delay conditions, whereas low cross correlations are observed among the driving lasers and the local lasers. By randomly perturbing the injection delays with four independent random sequences, the outputs of local SLs can be dynamically synchronized. Extracting the outputs in the synchronization time slots of zero lag and lead lag, synchronous entropy sources are obtained and used to generate keys with high consistency at local ends of Alice and Bob, which are robust to the parameter mismatches of local lasers to some extent. Moreover, large BER is calculated in two types of typical illegal attacks, which demonstrates the security of the proposed scheme. This work proposed a high-level secure key distribution solution to one-time pad communication.
Enhanced spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) using in situ ultrasonic virtual tunable optical waveguides
Authors: Karimi Yasin , Yang Hang , Liu Junze , Park B. hyle , Chamanzar Maysamreza
Published: August 2022

A conventional optical lens can enhance lateral resolution in optical coherence tomography (OCT) by focusing the input light onto the sample. However, the typical Gaussian beam profile of such a lens will impose a tradeoff between the depth of focus (DOF) and the lateral resolution. The lateral resolution is often compromised to achieve a mm-scale DOF. We have experimentally shown that using a cascade system of an ultrasonic virtual tunable optical waveguide (UVTOW) and a short focal-length lens can provide a large DOF without severely compromising the lateral resolution compared to an external lens with the same effective focal length. In addition, leveraging the reconfigurability of UVTOW, we show that the focal length of the cascade system can be tuned without the need for mechanical translation of the optical lens. We compare the performance of the cascade system with a conventional optical lens to demonstrate enhanced DOF without compromising the lateral resolution as well as reconfigurability of UVTOW for OCT imaging.
Channel characteristics estimation based on a secure optical transmission system with deep neural networks
Authors: Wu Kun , Wang Hongxiang , Ji Yuefeng
Published: August 2022

Optical transmission security has attracted much attention. In recent years, many secure optical transmission systems based on channel characteristics are proposed. However, there are many drawbacks with these systems, such as separated plaintext and key transmission, low key generation rate (KGR), insecurity when the eavesdropper has acquired the lengths of the local fibers utilized by legal parties. To solve the above problems, we propose a novel secure optical transmission system based on neural networks (NNs), which are employed to estimate channel characteristics. By training NNs locally and transmitting pseudo-keys, the proposed system can transmit the plaintext together with key, transforming the key dynamically. Moreover, since the channel characteristics for legal parties and eavesdropper are not completely identical, the NNs trained by legal parties and eavesdropper are inconsistent. Even though the eavesdropper has attained the lengths of local fibers wielded by legal parties, the NN model trained by the legal parties is still unavailable to illegal eavesdropper. The final key is generated by the trained NN and pseudo-key, so the keys generated by legal parties and eavesdropper are dissimilar. The simulation results prove the feasibility of the proposed system with the transmission distance of 100 km and the bit rate of 100 Gbps. Meanwhile, if plaintext and key have equivalent code length, the KGR of 50 Gbps for legal parties and the key disagreement rate (KDR) of 50% for illegal eavesdropper will be realized.
Random misalignment and anisotropic deformation of the nested cladding elements in hollow-core anti-resonant fibers
Authors: Petry Michael , Amezcua-Correa Rodrigo , Habib Md. Selim
Published: August 2022

Hollow-core anti-resonant fibers (HC-ARFs) are en route to compete with and surpass the transmission performance of standard single-mode fibers (SSMFs). Recently, nested cladding elements emerged as a key enabler in reaching ultra-low transmission losses over a wide bandwidth. However, implementing nested geometry features poses a great challenge even in the current state-of-the-art fiber fabrication technology, often leading to structural imperfections, which ultimately worsen overall fiber performance. This article provides insights into the impact of fabrication-based perturbations of the cladding elements on the transmission performance and identifies areas of highest susceptibility. The impact of random outer and nested cladding tube misalignments as well as their anisotropic deformation on the propagation loss is analyzed based on observations of experimentally fabricated fibers. A dominance of the deformation effect over the misalignment effect is observed, with higher-order modes (HOMs) being affected one order of magnitude stronger than the fundamental mode (FM). The impact on propagation loss by structural perturbations is highly wavelength dependent, ranging from negligibly small values up to loss increases of 65% and 850% for FM and HOM propagation, respectively. The investigations are directly linked to fabrication metrics and therefore pave the way for assessing, predicting, and improving the transmission quality of fabricated hollow-core fibers.
Design and manufacture of an all-polymeric integrated multimode interferometer for visible photonics
Authors: Gordo Fernando J. , Tátá Joana , Borme Jérôme , Geday Morten A. , Caño-García Manuel , Nieder Jana B.
Published: August 2022

This work demonstrates an integrated multimode interferometer (MMI) based on a fully polymeric platform and optimized for visible range operation. The dimensions of a 2×2 MMI are first calculated analytically and simulated using finite elements method. The devices are manufactured using two layers of negative tone photoresists. The top layer is patterned by e-beam lithography demonstrating the adaptability of this material, naturally designed to respond to UV radiation. Fabrication tolerance was smaller than 100 nm. Devices were optically characterized with a 635 nm input source and the best performance for a 3 dB power splitter was found at an interferometric cavity dimension of 10.5 × 190.68 µm. Other interferometric lengths were characterized to establish a process design kit that allows future use of this platform in more complex photonic integrated circuits architectures.
Weighted multi-scale denoising via adaptive multi-channel fusion for compressed ultrafast photography
Authors: Jin Chengzhi , Qi Dalong , Yao Jiali , He Yilin , Ding Pengpeng , Guo Zihan , Huang Zhengqi , He Yu , Yao Yunhua , Wang Zhiyong , Sun Zhenrong , Zhang Shian
Published: August 2022

Being capable of passively capturing transient scenes occurring in picoseconds and even shorter time with an extremely large sequence depth in a snapshot, compressed ultrafast photography (CUP) has aroused tremendous attention in ultrafast optical imaging. However, the high compression ratio induced by large sequence depth brings the problem of low image quality in image reconstruction, preventing CUP from observing transient scenes with fine spatial information. To overcome these restrictions, we propose an efficient image reconstruction algorithm with multi-scale (MS) weighted denoising based on the plug-and-play (PnP) based alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) framework for multi-channel coupled CUP (MC-CUP), named the MCMS-PnP algorithm. By removing non-Gaussian distributed noise using weighted MS denoising during each iteration of the ADMM, and adaptively adjusting the weights via sufficiently exploiting the coupling information among different acquisition channels collected by MC-CUP, a synergistic combination of hardware and algorithm can be realized to significantly improve the quality of image reconstruction. Both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed adaptive MCMS-PnP algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy and quality of reconstructed images in MC-CUP, and extend the detectable range of CUP to transient scenes with fine structures.
Design of multilayer planar film structures for near-perfect absorption in the visible to near-infrared
Authors: Cai Haoyuan , Wang Mengwei , Wu Zhuohui , Wang Xiaoping , Liu Jing
Published: August 2022

In this work, a near-perfect broadband absorber, consisting of Fe, MgF2, Fe, TiO2 and MgF2 planar film, is proposed and investigated through simulations and experiments. The Fe material is first applied in the multilayer film structure, and it is proved to be more favorable for achieving broadband absorption. MgF2 and TiO2 are chosen as anti-reflection coatings to decrease unwanted reflections. The proposed absorber is optimized by employing a hybrid numerical method combining the transfer matrix method (TMM) and the genetic algorithm (GA). Under normal incidence conditions, the average absorption of the absorber is 97.6% in the range of 400 to 1400 nm. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and phase analysis reveal that the anti-reflection property and the Fabry-Perot resonance result in broadband absorption performance. Furthermore, when an additional Fe-MgF2 layer is inserted on the bottom Fe layer, an average absorption of 97.9% in the range of 400 to 2000 nm can be achieved. Our approach could be of vital significance for numerous applications involving solar energy.
Single NV centers array preparation and static magnetic field detection
Authors: Zhang Zong-Da , Yin Si-Yu , Wang Li-Cheng , Wang Ying-De , Li Yun-Fei , Tian Zhen-Nan , Chen Qi-Dai
Published: August 2022

To solve the problem of static magnetic field detection accuracy and consistency, we prepared an array of single NV centers for static magnetic field vector and gradient detection using the femtosecond laser direct writing method. The prepared single NV centers are characterized by fewer impurity defects and good stress uniformity, with an average spatial positioning error of only 0.2 µm. This array of single NV centers can achieve high accuracy magnetic field vector and gradient measurement with GBZ≈-0.047 µT/µm in the Z-axis. This result provides a new idea for large-range, high-precision magnetic field vector and gradient measurements.
Using the generation of Brunel harmonics by elliptically polarized laser pulses for high-resolution detecting lower-frequency radiation
Authors: Silaev A. A. , Romanov A. A. , Vvedenskii N. V.
Published: August 2022

We propose to use the generation of even Brunel harmonics (BHs) by optical laser pulses for high-resolution gas-biased coherent detection of lower-frequency radiation in terahertz and mid-infrared ranges. BHs arise due to the acceleration of electrons liberated in the tunneling ionization process, and BHs pulses are much shorter than the laser ones. The latter makes it possible to significantly increase the temporal resolution of sampling detection compared to the use of cubic response of bound electrons generating the second harmonic of the gating pulse. However, as we show by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation for the helium atom, for an intense linearly polarized laser pulse, the atomic response contains a broadband noise signal that interferes with BHs and allows the detection of very high electric fields only. We show that the nature of this noise is related to the population of the Rydberg states of the atom, which can be effectively suppressed by using elliptical polarization of the gating pulse.
Performance evaluation of tunnel junction-based N-polar AlGaN deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xiao Shudan , Yu Huabin , Jia Hongfeng , Memon Muhammad Hunain , Wang Rui , Zhang Haochen , Sun Haiding
Published: August 2022

In this study, an N-polar AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diode (LED) incorporating a tunnel junction (TJ) as the p-side contact layer, named the N-TJ-LED, was proposed. Compared with regular N-polar LEDs (N-LEDs) with a p-GaN contact layer, the N-TJ-LEDs exhibited 50% enhanced internal quantum efficiency, 2.7 times higher light output power at an injection current of 40 mA, and dramatically reduced turn-on voltage. In addition, it was found that the N-TJ-LED can still maintain outstanding device performance at a low p-type doping level in the electron blocking layer and p-AlGaN current injection layer, significantly outperforming the regular N-LED. All these performance enhancements are derived from the higher electron and hole concentration in the active region of the N-TJ-LED, thanks to the TJ-facilitated efficient hole injection and effective electron blocking in the device. The results demonstrated in this work provide an effective strategy for the future experimental optimization of N-polar AlGaN-based DUV LEDs.
Total absorption and coherent perfect absorption in metal–dielectric–metal resonators integrated into a slab waveguide
Authors: Bezus Evgeni A. , Bykov Dmitry A. , Doskolovich Leonid L.
Published: August 2022

We propose and investigate integrated metal–dielectric–metal (MDM) resonators operating with semi-guided waves (guided modes of dielectric slab waveguides). The MDM resonators are constituted by two metal strips “buried” in the waveguide core layer and separated by a dielectric waveguide segment. We theoretically prove and numerically demonstrate that by a proper choice of the mode incidence geometry, the widths of the metal strips, and the distance between them, it is possible to achieve either total absorption of the incident wave or coherent perfect absorption (in the case of symmetric incidence of two modes on the structure). The proposed planar MDM resonators may find application as absorbers or filters in integrated optical circuits.
Extremely large nondegenerate nonlinear index and phase shift in epsilon-near-zero materials [Invited]
Authors: Benis Sepehr , Munera Natalia , Faryadras Sanaz , Van Stryland Eric W. , Hagan David J.
Published: August 2022

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials have emerged as viable platforms for strong nonlinear optical (NLO) interactions. The NLO phase shift in materials exhibiting an ENZ condition is extremely large; however, direct experimental measurements of the magnitude and time dynamics of this phenomenon, particularly nondegenerate NLO phase shifts, have so far been lacking. Here, we directly measure the NLO phase shift of an Indium-Tin-Oxide (ITO) thin film using three different techniques. By characterizing the excitation-induced, time-resolved beam deflection (BD) of a probe beam, we measure the nondegenerate NLO effects, allowing a separate determination of the effects of excitation and probe wavelengths on the NLO phase shift as they are varied across the ENZ region. These experiments reveal that having the probe pulse centered at ENZ greatly contributes to this enhancement; however, the NLO phase shift is less sensitive to the excitation wavelength, which only slightly enhances the nonlinearity for obliquely incident TM-polarized light. We also find that the spectral shift of the probe pulse induced by the excitation follows both the magnitude and time dynamics of the NLO phase shift measured via the BD experiments. We observe large, ultrafast cross-phase modulation in agreement with a redistribution of carriers in the conduction band. Finally, using the Z-scan method, we measure the degenerate nonlinear refraction at ENZ near normal incidence. The results of all three measurements agree, revealing a gigantic sub-picosecond NLO phase shift in ITO. At its largest, we consistently measure an effective induced index change greater than the linear index.
Centre of pressure parameters for the assessment of biomechanical risk in fatiguing frequency-dependent lifting activities
Authors: D’Anna Carmen , Varrecchia Tiwana , Ranavolo Alberto , De Nunzio Alessandro Marco , Falla Deborah , Draicchio Francesco , Conforto Silvia
Published: August 2022

Lifting tasks, among manual material handling activities, are those mainly associated with low back pain. In recent years, several instrumental-based tools were developed to quantitatively assess the biomechanical risk during lifting activities. In this study, parameters related to balance and extracted from the Centre of Pressure (CoP) data series are studied in fatiguing frequency-dependent lifting activities to: i) explore the possibility of classifying people with LBP and asymptomatic people during the execution of task; ii) examine the assessment of the risk levels associated with repetitive lifting activities, iii) enhance current understanding of postural control strategies during lifting tasks. Data were recorded from 14 asymptomatic participants and 7 participants with low back pain. The participants performed lifting tasks in three different lifting conditions (with increasing lifting frequency and risk levels) and kinetic and surface electromyography (sEMG) data were acquired. Kinetic data were used to calculated the CoP and parameters extracted from the latter show a discriminant capacity for the groups and the risk levels. Furthermore, sEMG parameters show a trend compatible with myoelectric manifestations of muscular fatigue. Correlation results between sEMG and CoP velocity parameters revealed a positive correlation between amplitude sEMG parameters and CoP velocity in both groups and a negative correlation between frequency sEMG parameters and CoP velocity. The current findings suggest that it is possible to quantitatively assess the risk level when monitoring fatiguing lifting tasks by using CoP parameters as well as identify different motor strategies between people with and without LBP.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices [KAP] toward COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in the New York Metropolitan Area and California Bay Area
Authors: Mark Erica , Udod Galina , Skinner Jayne , Jones Marieke
Published: August 2022

Objective

The 2019 novel coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic has necessitated the implementation of public health initiatives [PHI] to slow viral spread. We evaluated the effectiveness of PHI through a survey of COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes and practices [KAP].

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted primarily during stay-at-home orders in New York and San Francisco. A volunteer sample of 675 U.S. participants completed a KAP questionnaire after electronic distribution.

Results

Participants had good knowledge and practices, but poor attitudes. Predictors of higher knowledge scores included white ethnicity, non-essential worker status, and healthcare worker status. Correlates with positive attitude included male gender, residence in California, higher annual income, and not utilizing radio or social media. Higher practice scores were predicted by female gender, non-essential and healthcare worker status, and information source.

Conclusions

Differences in KAP were found among demographic variables. Determining what factors and sources of information drive reception of public health information can guide targeted intervention and advance equitable health education.
Tremor, finger and hand dexterity and force steadiness, do not change after mental fatigue in healthy humans
Authors: Budini Francesco , Labanca Luciana , Scholz Michael , Macaluso Andrea
Published: August 2022

The effects of mental fatigue have been studied in relation to specific percentages of maximal aerobic or anaerobic efforts, maximal voluntary contractions or the performance of sport specific skills. However, its effects on tremor, dexterity and force steadiness have been only marginally explored. The present work aimed at filling this gap. In twenty-nine young individuals, measurement of postural, kinetic and isometric tremor, pinch force steadiness and finger and hand dexterity were performed before and after either 100 min of mental fatigue or control tasks. During the interventions blood pressure, oxygen saturation and heart rate and perceived effort in continuing the task were recorded every 10 minutes. Tremor was analysed in both time (standard deviation) and frequency domain (position, amplitude and area of the dominant peak) of the acceleration signal. Finger dexterity was assessed by Purdue pegboard test and hand dexterity in terms of contact time in a buzz wire exercise. Force steadiness was quantified as coefficient of variation of the force signal. Postural, kinetic and isometric tremors, force steadiness and dexterity were not affected. Higher oxygen saturation values and higher variability of heart rate and blood pressure were found in the intervention group during the mental fatigue protocol (p < .001). The results provide no evidence that mental fatigue affects the neuromuscular parameters that influence postural, kinetic or isometric tremor, force steadiness and dexterity when measured in single-task conditions. Increased variability in heart rate may suggest that the volunteers in the intervention group altered their alert/stress state. Therefore, it is possible that the alterations that are commonly observed during mental fatigue, and that could have affected tremor, steadiness and dexterity only last for the duration of the cognitive task and are not detectable anymore soon after the mental task is terminated.
History of fecal transplantation; camel feces contains limited amounts of Bacillus subtilis spores and likely has no traditional role in the treatment of dysentery
Authors: Koopman Nienke , van Leeuwen Pim , Brul Stanley , Seppen Jurgen
Published: August 2022

Introduction

A widely cited story on the origins of fecal transplantation suggests that German soldiers in North Africa used camel feces containing Bacillus subtilis to treat dysentery in World War 2. We investigated if this story is accurate and if there is sufficient Bacillus subtilis in camel feces to be potentially therapeutic.

Methods and results

A literature analysis shows that all references to the story are based on a single review paper that mentions the use of camel feces in passing and only provides indirect evidence for this claim. An extensive literature search failed to find independent evidence that camel feces has traditionally been used in the treatment of dysentery in North Africa. With 16S sequence analysis we did not detect Bacillus subtilis in feces from two different Egyptian camels. Using a more sensitive culture-based assay we could detect low amounts of Bacillus subtilis spores in these fecal samples, with comparable concentrations to those present in human feces and soil.

Conclusions

Because we could not find evidence for the use of camel feces in the treatment of diarrhea and because we show that only low amounts of Bacillus subtilis spores are present in camel feces, we conclude that the use of camel feces should no longer be mentioned in the context of origins of fecal transplantation.
Detection and persistence of environmental DNA (eDNA) of the different developmental stages of a vector mosquito, Culex pipiens pallens
Authors: Sakata Masayuki K. , Sato Megumi , Sato Marcello Otake , Watanabe Tomoe , Mitsuishi Honami , Hikitsuchi Tomoyuki , Kobayashi Jun , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: August 2022

Preventing mosquito-borne infectious diseases requires that vector mosquitoes are monitored and controlled. Targeting immature mosquitoes (eggs, larvae, and pupae), which have less mobility than adults, is an effective management approach. However, conducting these surveys is often difficult due to the limitations of morphological classification and survey costs. The application of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis can solve these issues because it allows easy estimation of species distribution and morphology-independent species identification. Although a few previous studies have reported mosquito eDNA detection, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the dynamics related to the persistence of immature mosquito eDNA. We used Culex pipiens pallens, a vector of West Nile fever, as a model species. First, we developed a species-specific detection assay and confirmed its specificity using in silico and in vitro tests. Next, we conducted laboratory experiments using breeding tanks. Water samples were collected at each developmental stage. In addition, water samples were collected daily until the seventh day after emergence from the pupae. We quantified eDNA using real-time PCR with the developed assay to investigate the dynamics of mosquito eDNA. The specificity of the developed assay was confirmed by in silico and in vitro tests. Mosquito eDNA was detected at all developmental stages and detected up to seven days after emergence of pupae. In particular, high concentrations of eDNA were detected immediately after hatching from eggs and after emergence from pupae. Highly frequent positive eDNA signals were continuously detected between egg hatching and pupa hatching. Mosquito eDNA was detected immediately after the eggs were introduced, and eDNA-positive detections continued until pupae emergence, suggesting that eDNA analysis is useful for monitoring mosquito larvae. In the future, monitoring immature mosquitoes using eDNA analysis will contribute to prevent mosquito-borne infectious diseases.
Natal origin of Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis determined by SIMS oxygen isotope analysis of otoliths
Authors: Hane Yulina , Ushikubo Takayuki , Yokoyama Yusuke , Miyairi Yosuke , Kimura Shingo
Published: August 2022

Accurate understanding of changing population dynamics associated with climate change is critical for managing highly migratory fish species. However, long-term data on population dynamics and the resulting recruitment variability is still lacking for many species, making it difficult to predict and integrate the effects of ocean warming into management schemes. In this study, high-resolution stable oxygen isotope (δ18O) analysis was performed on the otoliths of adult Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to determine the natal origin of an individual fish. The core δ18Ootolith corresponding to the larval stage greatly varied among the individuals, indicating that the larvae experienced a wide range of thermal environments. The non-hierarchical cluster analysis performed on the core δ18Ootolith grouped fish into those with higher δ18Ootolith (lower temperature) and those with lower δ18Ootolith (higher temperature), most likely representing relative temperature difference experienced between fish born in the Sea of Japan and in the Nansei Islands area. The Nansei Islands area cluster showed more variability in the early otolith growth indicating a longer spawning season, which is consistent with the observed longer spawning duration in this area. The absolute temperature estimates based on the SIMS-measured core δ18Ootolith were significantly higher than those expected from sea surface temperature data, suggesting the effects of matrix-related bias on the temperature offsets. The relative temperature difference, however, matched well with the known spawning temperature range of the two spawning grounds. The recruitment contribution from each spawning ground (all year-classes pooled, n = 51) was 45% in the Sea of Japan and 55% in the Nansei Islands area. Overall, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of SIMS δ18Ootolith analysis for investigating the natal origin of fish and its potential application in fish population dynamics studies.
Cumulative effects of piscivorous colonial waterbirds on juvenile salmonids: A multi predator-prey species evaluation
Authors: Evans Allen F. , Payton Quinn , Hostetter Nathan J. , Collis Ken , Cramer Bradley M. , Roby Daniel D.
Published: August 2022

We investigated the cumulative effects of predation by piscivorous colonial waterbirds on the survival of multiple salmonid (Oncorhynchusspp.) populations listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) and determined what proportion of all sources of fish mortality (1 –survival) were due to birds in the Columbia River basin, USA. Anadromous juvenile salmonids (smolts) were exposed to predation by Caspian terns (Hydroprogne caspia), double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum), California gulls (Larus californicus), and ring-billed gulls (L.delawarensis), birds known to consume both live and dead fish. Avian consumption and survival probabilities (proportion of available fish consumed or alive) were estimated for steelhead trout (O.mykiss), yearling Chinook salmon (O.tshawytscha), sub-yearling Chinook salmon, and sockeye salmon (O.nerka) during out-migration from the lower Snake River to the Pacific Ocean during an 11-year study period (2008–2018). Results indicated that probabilities of avian consumption varied greatly across salmonid populations, bird species, colony location, river reach, and year. Cumulative consumption probabilities (consumption by birds from all colonies combined) were consistently the highest for steelhead, with annual estimates ranging from 0.22 (95% credible interval = 0.20–0.26) to 0.51 (0.43–0.60) of available smolts. The cumulative effects of avian consumption were significantly lower for yearling and sub-yearling Chinook salmon, with consumption probabilities ranging annually from 0.04 (0.02–0.07) to 0.10 (0.07–0.15) and from 0.06 (0.3–0.09) to 0.15 (0.10–0.23), respectively. Avian consumption probabilities for sockeye salmon smolts was generally higher than for Chinook salmon smolts, but lower than for steelhead smolts, ranging annually from 0.08 (0.03–0.22) to 0.25 (0.14–0.44). Although annual consumption probabilities for birds from certain colonies were more than 0.20 of available smolts, probabilities from other colonies were less than 0.01 of available smolts, indicating that not all colonies of birds posed a substantial risk to smolt mortality. Consumption probabilities were lowest for small colonies and for colonies located a considerable distance from the Snake and Columbia rivers. Total mortality attributed to avian consumption was relatively small for Chinook salmon (less than 10%) but was the single greatest source of mortality for steelhead (greater than 50%) in all years evaluated. Results suggest that the potential benefits to salmonid populations of managing birds to reduce smolt mortality would vary widely depending on the salmonid population, the species of bird, and the size and location of the breeding colony.
Strategic design research: Co-designing organizational transformation from within
Authors: Olander Sissel , Nedergaard Nicky
Published: August 2022

In this article, we discuss and argue for the value of working with strategic design in organizational settings through inventive research practices rooted in co-design and design anthropology. More specifically, we propose a process of collaborative experimentation staged as a series of events that establish relations between everyday organizational perspectives and practices and organizational strategic documents. We base our analytical discussions and reflections on a research project carried out in the organizational setting of a labour union. We describe how a programme–experiment informed design research approach, driven by and reliant on collaborative explorations, provides a scaffold for unlocking organizational strategic management visions and goals in interaction with transformational perspectives on organizational practices. We frame our approach as a research strategy of working ‘from within’ the organizational setting, which focuses on staging dialogues between the experimental and the managerial. Such a disposition, we argue, offers important alternatives to management literatures’ current approaches to strategic design research.
Customer acquisition activities of web stores
Authors: Lendvai Edina , Tóth Gábor
Published: August 2022

Based on the domestic and international market trends of the last decades, it can be stated that the number and turnover of web stores, internet commerce is growing dynamically from year to year. The aim of our research is to explore the effective, proven customer acquisition methods of modern web stores. As part of this, the subject of our literature research was to explore the popular advertising platforms for web stores and their basic marketing principles and their optimal structure based on them. In our professional research, on the one hand, we explored through structured interviews what methods and communication are considered effective by the three webshops competing and selling in the different markets based on their experiences. On the other hand, we examined the shopping habits and preferences of consumers in the form of a questionnaire. The information obtained in this way can be crucial in planning the marketing strategy for any existing or new web store. We have found that one of the most important attributes in acquiring customers is reliability. From the beginning, you should strive for positive customer reviews as well as regular value creation proficiency must be demonstrated through content production, with which the business can build a committed community.
Census of birdlife in Vigur Island, Westfjords, Iceland.
Authors: Milesi-Gaches David , Lhériau Alexandre
Published: August 2022

Known for its exceptional biodiversity, Vigur Island (Westfjords, Iceland) welcomes several bird colonies each year. This 2 km long, 400 m wide island also hosts an eiderdown farm and touristic visits from late June to September. Hence, the aim of the 2021 summer research campaign was to estimate the population of different bird species, and to establish their abundance in order to create a valuable database that could be used for further research and monitoring. The bird census was conducted both on land and sea, as far as permitted, with the use of binoculars. We focused on the main bird species found on the island: black guillemots, Northern fulmars, great cormorants, both Herring and Lesser black-backed gulls, Eurasian oystercatchers, and Arctic terns. Atlantic puffins were very common on the island, but no count was made for this species. The Arctic tern population was estimated by dividing the land into square units and subsequently counting nests using the line-over-line method. More precisely, the Arctic tern colony population was estimated using a transect line method (20 x 30m units). Due to the hatching of the eggs, the survey had to be stopped and only covered 60% of the colony area. Other species were counted by two observers following the coast of the island 5 times, with a maximum of two days apart. Gulls were counted together to avoid likely misidentifications. Potential differences among observers were addressed through a Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for all bird species. The results show that in summer 2021, Vigur potentially hosted 1092±246 black guillemots, 28±8 oystercatchers, 19±8 cormorants, 120±34 fulmars, and 58±20 gulls. We counted 440 occupied Arctic tern nests, leading to an estimation of 880 breeding adults. The guillemot population has increased up to threefold over previous or local estimates (Náttrufristofnun Islands, 2021b). Comparison for the other species was impossible, as no counts were previously conducted. This report also details difficulties and specificities linked to the island and its unique configuration. Consequently, this report constitutes a baseline to monitor bird populations in Vigur. Then, we recommend regularly updating the data, to adopt appropriate conservation and tourism strategies.
Combatting COVID-19: Artificial Intelligence Technologies & Challenges
Authors: Patel Nikhil , Trivedi Sandeep , Chatterjee Jyotir Moy
Published: August 2022

AI works proficiently to emulate human intellect. It may also play an important role in understanding and recommending the creation of a COVID-19 vaccine. This outcome-driven technology is utilized for effective screening, assessing, forecasting, and tracking of present and potential future patients. Traditional network designs are unable to cope calmly with the impact of COVID-19 due to massive network data traffic and resource optimization requirements. As indicated by the growing amount of restorative clinical data, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to successfully boost the upper limit of the medical and health network. We discuss the primary uses of artificial intelligence technology in the process of suppressing the coronavirus from three main perspectives: prediction, symptom detection, and development, based on an extensive literature study. Furthermore, the advancement of next-generation network (NGN) technologies based on machine learning (ML) has given limitless opportunities for the formation of novel medical approaches. We have also discussed the challenges related to AI technologies in combatting COVID-19. The devastating epidemic of the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) has highlighted the importance of accurate prediction mathematical models. We have also discussed different mathematical models, their predictive capabilities, drawbacks, and practical validity.
The local matters: Working with teachers to rethink the poverty and achievement gap discourse
Authors: Emery Carl , Dawes Louisa , Raffo Carlo
Published: August 2022

This paper is concerned with the current achievement gap policy agenda and associated material and discursive power that shape teachers’ work in schools with high child poverty rates. More specifically, it explores how a university/school research collaboration – Local Matters – can disturb such forms of subjectivation by enabling educators to resist such policy agendas/discourses by drawing on locally contextualized knowledge and place-based evidence. Based on fieldwork undertaken over the past three years at over forty schools with eighty-four teachers across five Local Authority regions in Northern England, we provide a critical discourse analysis of a series of semi structured interviews and focus group activities of those who participated in the project. Based on an interdiscursive and linguistic analysis of the data we show how educators wrestle with the tensions between attempting to enact a social justice, collaborative and a democratic pedagogic approach and dealing with policy requirements that focus on the achievement gap problem and associated ‘what works’ discourse solution. Through the enactment of the program we show how educators, in collaboration with activist researchers, can develop forms of principled resistance that shake up and unsettle dominant forms of child poverty practice and discourses in schools.