bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusion of sentinel-1 SAR and sentinel-2 MSI data for accurate Urban land use-land cover classification in Gondar City, Ethiopia
Authors: Dagne Shimelis Sishah , Hirpha Hurgesa Hundera , Tekoye Addisu Teshome , Dessie Yeshambel Barko , Endeshaw Adane Addis
Published: November 2023

Effective urban planning and management rely on accurate land cover mapping, which can be achieved through the combination of remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms. This study aimed to explore and demonstrate the potential benefits of integrating Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI satellite imagery for urban land cover classification in Gondar city, Ethiopia. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1A and Multispectral Instrument (MSI) data from Sentinel-2B for the year 2023 were utilized for this research work. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithms were utilized for the classification process. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used for the processing, classification, and validation of the remote sensing data. The findings of the research provided valuable insights into the performance evaluation of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms for image classification using different datasets, namely Sentinel 2B Multispectral Instrument (MSI) and Sentinel 1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. When applied to the Sentinel 2B MSI dataset, both SVM and RF achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 0.69, with a moderate level of agreement indicated by the Kappa score of 0.357. For the Sentinel 1A SAR data, SVM maintained the same OA of 0.69 but showed an improved Kappa score of 0.67, indicating its suitability for SAR image classification. In contrast, RF achieved a slightly lower OA of 0.66 with Sentinel 1A SAR data. However, when the datasets of Sentinel 2B MSI and Sentinel 1A SAR were combined, SVM achieved an impressive OA of 0.91 with a high Kappa score of 0.80, while RF achieved an OA of 0.81 with a Kappa score of 0.809. These findings highlight the potential of fusing satellite data from multiple sources to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of image classification algorithms, making them valuable tools for various applications, including land use mapping and environmental monitoring.
Relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and structural inequalities within the pediatric trauma population
Authors: Georgeades Christina , Collings Amelia T. , Farazi Manzur , Bergner Carisa , Fallat Mary E. , Minneci Peter C. , Speck K. Elizabeth , Van Arendonk Kyle J. , Deans Katherine J. , Falcone Richard A. , Foley David S. , Fraser Jason D. , Gadepalli Samir K. , Keller Martin S. , Kotagal Meera , Landman Matthew P. , Leys Charles M. , Markel Troy A. , Rubalcava Nathan S. , St. Peter Shawn D. , Sato Thomas T. , Flynn-O’Brien Katherine T. ,   the Midwest Pediatric Surgery Consortium (MWPSC)
Published: November 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social, political, and economic life across the world, shining a light on the vulnerability of many communities. The objective of this study was to assess injury patterns before and after implementation of stay-at-home orders (SHOs) between White children and children of color and across varying levels of vulnerability based upon children’s home residence.

Methods

A multi-institutional retrospective study was conducted evaluating patients < 18 years with traumatic injuries. A “Control” cohort from an averaged March-September 2016–2019 time period was compared to patients injured after SHO initiation-September 2020 (“COVID” cohort). Interactions between race/ethnicity or social vulnerability index (SVI), a marker of neighborhood vulnerability and socioeconomic status, and the COVID-19 timeframe with regard to the outcomes of interest were assessed using likelihood ratio Chi-square tests. Differences in injury intent, type, and mechanism were then stratified and explored by race/ethnicity and SVI separately.

Results

A total of 47,385 patients met study inclusion. Significant interactions existed between race/ethnicity and the COVID-19 SHO period for intent (p < 0.001) and mechanism of injury (p < 0.001). There was also significant interaction between SVI and the COVID-19 SHO period for mechanism of injury (p = 0.01). Children of color experienced a significant increase in intentional (COVID 16.4% vs. Control 13.7%, p = 0.03) and firearm (COVID 9.0% vs. Control 5.2%, p < 0.001) injuries, but no change was seen among White children. Children from the most vulnerable neighborhoods suffered an increase in firearm injuries (COVID 11.1% vs. Control 6.1%, p = 0.001) with children from the least vulnerable neighborhoods having no change. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) and bicycle crashes increased for children of color (COVID 2.0% vs. Control 1.1%, p = 0.04 for ATV; COVID 6.7% vs. Control 4.8%, p = 0.02 for bicycle) and White children (COVID 9.6% vs. Control 6.2%, p < 0.001 for ATV; COVID 8.8% vs. Control 5.8%, p < 0.001 for bicycle).

Conclusions

In contrast to White children and children from neighborhoods of lower vulnerability, children of color and children living in higher vulnerability neighborhoods experienced an increase in intentional and firearm-related injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding inequities in trauma burden during times of stress is critical to directing resources and targeting intervention strategies.
An overview of fermentation in the food industry - looking back from a new perspective
Authors: Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Erol Zeki , Rugji Jerina , Taşçı Fulya , Kahraman Hatice Ahu , Toppi Valeria , Musa Laura , Di Giacinto Giacomo , Bahmid Nur Alim , Mehdizadeh Mohammad , Castro-Muñoz Roberto
Published: November 2023

Fermentation is thought to be born in the Fertile Crescent, and since then, almost every culture has integrated fermented foods into their dietary habits. Originally used to preserve foods, fermentation is now applied to improve their physicochemical, sensory, nutritional, and safety attributes. Fermented dairy, alcoholic beverages like wine and beer, fermented vegetables, fruits, and meats are all highly valuable due to their increased storage stability, reduced risk of food poisoning, and enhanced flavor. Over the years, scientific research has associated the consumption of fermented products with improved health status. The fermentation process helps to break down compounds into more easily digestible forms. It also helps to reduce the amount of toxins and pathogens in food. Additionally, fermented foods contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. In today’s world, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and allergies have increased. In this regard, scientific investigations have demonstrated that shifting to a diet that contains fermented foods can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, in the last decade, there has been a growing interest in fermentation technology to valorize food waste into valuable by-products. Fermentation of various food wastes has resulted in the successful production of valuable by-products, including enzymes, pigments, and biofuels.
Assessing the Prevalence of Doping Among Elite Athletes: An Analysis of Results Generated by the Single Sample Count Method Versus the Unrelated Question Method
Authors: Ulrich Rolf , Cléret Léa , Comstock R. Dawn , Kanayama Gen , Simon Perikles , Pope Harrison G.
Published: November 2023

In 2011, a group of researchers investigated the 12-month prevalence of doping at the 13th International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Athletics (WCA) in Daegu, South Korea, and also at the 12th Pan-Arab Games (PAG) in Doha, Qatar. The prevalence of doping at each event was estimated using an established randomized response method, the Unrelated Question Model (UQM). The study, published in 2018, found that the prevalence of past-year doping was at least 30% at WCA and 45% at PAG. At both events, separate data sets were collected in addition to the UQM data using a new method, the single sample count (SSC). Recently, Petróczi et al. have reported 12-month doping prevalence estimates for these two events based on the SSC data. These investigators obtained substantially lower prevalence estimates using the SSC and suggested that the 2018 estimates based on the UQM may have been too high. However, in this communication, we point out several possible shortcomings in the methods of Petróczi et al. and show that their SSC data would be equally compatible with a high 12-month doping prevalence comparable to the UQM estimates published in 2018.
Living in a large family and low daily water consumption substantially expose for human scabies in rural Ethiopia: a matched analysis
Authors: Ayele Agernesh , Adane Metadel , Adane Balew , Berihun Gete , Gebrehiwot Mesfin , Woretaw Lebasie , Berhanu Leykun , Atanaw Getu , Feleke Hailemariam , Moges Mekonnen , Tegegne Eniyew , Azanaw Jember , Malede Asmamaw
Published: November 2023

Background

Scabies has been added to the neglected tropical diseases portfolio for large-scale disease control action since 2017 and is part of the WHO roadmap for NTDs 2021–2030, targeted at ending the neglect to achieve the sustainable development goals. Previous studies have not fitted matched analysis to identify predictors of scabies infestation in Ethiopia. Information is also scarce about predictors of scabies infestation in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of scabies infestation in rural Aneded District, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based matched case–control study involving 183 cases and 549 controls was undertaken from March 1 to May 31, 2021, in rural Aneded District. A two-stage sampling technique with a house-to-house census for the screening of scabies cases was employed. A structured questionnaire with questions on sociodemographics, behavior, water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, and delivery of scabies-specific interventions was used. Pretesting, training of data collectors and supervisors, and supervision were applied to keep the data quality. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of scabies.

Results

Unmarried individuals or those in separated families (adjusted matched odds ratio (AmOR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.30–5.65); those unable to read and write or in illiterate families (AmOR = 5.10; 95% CI 1.81–14.36); those in large families (AmOR = 6.67; 95% CI 2.83–15.73); households that had longer travel times for water collection (AmOR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.08–4.76); those that had low daily water consumption (AmOR = 6.69; 95% CI 2.91–15.37); households that disposed of solid wastes in open fields (AmOR = 5.60; 95% CI 2.53–12.40); and households that did not receive scabies-specific interventions (AmOR = 2.98; 95% CI 1.39–6.39) had increased odds of scabies.

Conclusions

Being unmarried, illiteracy, large family, long travel time for water collection, low daily water consumption, open dumping of solid wastes, and inaccessibility of scabies-specific interventions are predictors of scabies. This information is instrumental for redesigning improved scabies-specific interventions that consider educational status, marital status, family size, water collection time, daily water consumption, solid waste disposal, and equity and optimization in delivering existing interventions in rural Ethiopia.
Safety and immunogenicity of influenza A(H3N2) component vaccine in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Aikawa Nadia Emi , Borba Eduardo Ferreira , Balbi Verena Andrade , Sallum Adriana Maluf Elias , Buscatti Izabel Mantovani , Campos Lucia Maria Arruda , Kozu Kátia Tomie , Garcia Cristiana Couto , Capão Artur Silva Vidal , de Proença Adriana Coracini Tonacio , Leon Elaine Pires , da Silva Duarte Alberto José , Lopes Marta Heloisa , Silva Clovis Artur , Bonfá Eloisa
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Seasonal influenza A (H3N2) virus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the last 50 years in population that is greater than the impact of H1N1. Data assessing immunogenicity and safety of this virus component in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) is lacking in the literature.

Objective

To evaluate short-term immunogenicity and safety of influenza A/Singapore (H3N2) vaccine in JSLE.

Methods

24 consecutive JSLE patients and 29 healthy controls (HC) were vaccinated with influenza A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2)-like virus. Influenza A (H3N2) seroprotection (SP), seroconversion (SC), geometric mean titers (GMT), factor increase in GMT (FI-GMT) titers were assessed before and 4 weeks post-vaccination. Disease activity, therapies and adverse events (AE) were also evaluated.

Results

JSLE patients and controls were comparable in current age [14.5 (10.1–18.3) vs. 14 (9–18.4) years, p = 0.448] and female sex [21 (87.5%) vs. 19 (65.5%), p = 0.108]. Before vaccination, JSLE and HC had comparable SP rates [22 (91.7%) vs. 25 (86.2%), p = 0.678] and GMT titers [102.3 (95% CI 75.0–139.4) vs. 109.6 (95% CI 68.2–176.2), p = 0.231]. At D30, JSLE and HC had similar immune response, since no differences were observed in SP [24 (100%) vs. 28 (96.6%), p = 1.000)], SC [4 (16.7%) vs. 9 (31.0%), p = 0.338), GMT [162.3 (132.9–198.3) vs. 208.1 (150.5–287.8), p = 0.143] and factor increase in GMT [1.6 (1.2–2.1) vs. 1.9 (1.4–2.5), p = 0.574]. SLEDAI-2K scores [2 (0–17) vs. 2 (0–17), p = 0.765] and therapies remained stable throughout the study. Further analysis of possible factors influencing vaccine immune response among JSLE patients demonstrated similar GMT between patients with SLEDAI < 4 compared to SLEDAI ≥ 4 (p = 0.713), as well as between patients with and without current use of prednisone (p = 0.420), azathioprine (p = 1.0), mycophenolate mofetil (p = 0.185), and methotrexate (p = 0.095). No serious AE were reported in both groups and most of them were asymptomatic (58.3% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.958). Local and systemic AE were alike in both groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first study that identified adequate immune protection against H3N2-influenza strain with additional vaccine-induced increment of immune response and an adequate safety profile in JSLE. (www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03540823).
Osteopontin enhances the effect of treadmill training and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Wang Yunhang , Su Hong , Zhong Juan , Zhan Zuxiong , Zhao Qin , Liu Yuan , Li Sen , Wang Haiyan , Yang Ce , Yu Lehua , Tan Botao , Yin Ying
Published: November 2023

In this study, we examined the combined impact of osteopontin (OPN) and treadmill training on mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). OPN was overexpressed by injecting AAV9-SPP1-GFP into the sensorimotor cortex, followed by a left incomplete C5 crush injury two weeks later. Mice (Ex or Ex + OPN group) were trained at 50% maximum running speed for 8 weeks. To analyze the effects, we used biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) for tracing the corticospinal tract (CST) and performed Western blotting and immunohistochemical methods to assess the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We also examined axonal regeneration and conducted behavioral tests to measure functional recovery. The results demonstrated that treadmill training promoted the expression of neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and activated mTOR signaling. OPN amplified the effect of treadmill training on activating mTOR signaling indicated by upregulated phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6). The combination of OPN and exercise further promoted functional recovery and facilitated limited CST axonal regeneration which did not occur with treadmill training and OPN treatment alone. These findings indicate that OPN enhances the effects of treadmill training in the treatment of SCI and offer new therapeutic insights for spinal cord injury.
Hindbrain Adrenergic/Noradrenergic Control of Integrated Endocrine and Autonomic Stress Responses
Authors: Pace Sebastian A , Myers Brent
Published: November 2023

Hindbrain adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei facilitate endocrine and autonomic responses to physical and psychological challenges. Neurons that synthesize adrenaline and noradrenaline target hypothalamic structures to modulate endocrine responses while descending spinal projections regulate sympathetic function. Furthermore, these neurons respond to diverse stress-related metabolic, autonomic, and psychosocial challenges. Accordingly, adrenergic and noradrenergic nuclei are integrative hubs that promote physiological adaptation to maintain homeostasis. However, the precise mechanisms through which adrenaline- and noradrenaline-synthesizing neurons sense interoceptive and exteroceptive cues to coordinate physiological responses have yet to be fully elucidated. Additionally, the regulatory role of these cells in the context of chronic stress has received limited attention. This mini-review consolidates reports from preclinical rodent studies on the organization and function of brainstem adrenaline and noradrenaline cells to provide a framework for how these nuclei coordinate endocrine and autonomic physiology. This includes identification of hindbrain adrenaline- and noradrenaline-producing cell groups and their role in stress responding through neurosecretory and autonomic engagement. Although temporally and mechanistically distinct, the endocrine and autonomic stress axes are complementary and interconnected. Therefore, the interplay between brainstem adrenergic/noradrenergic nuclei and peripheral physiological systems is necessary for integrated stress responses and organismal survival.
Yi Ok 李鈺 and His Iŏn 俚諺 (Folk Vernacular)
Authors: Oh Young Kyun
Published: November 2023

Yi Ok 李鈺 (1760–1815) was a prolific writer who lived in Hanyang (modern Seoul) during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Among the massive pile of writings he left behind, his Iŏn 俚諺 (Folk Vernacular) best reveals his broad and multifaceted linguistic and literary knowledge, which in turn epitomizes the cultural complexity of late Chosŏn. In its three introductory treatises, as well as in the ensuing sixty-six pentasyllabic Sinitic quatrains written in female voices, Yi Ok illustrates why and how he writes poems about how “heaven and earth and the ten thousand things” (ch’ŏnji manmul 天地萬物) speak through him. This article combines a scholarly introduction to Yi Ok's life and oeuvre with a philological translation of his Iŏn that unpacks the complexity of Yi Ok's age to gain a fuller understanding of the last stage of Literary Sinitic (hanmun) literature in traditional Korea.
Compliance e isomorfismo mimético da Lei Anticorrupção nos estados brasileiros
Authors: Da Silva Sander José Couto , Brunozi Júnior Antônio Carlos
Published: November 2023

Este trabalho teve como objetivo discutir a ocorrência do isomorfismo mimético de práticas de compliance, por meio da Lei Anticorrupção, nos estados brasileiros, principalmente considerado a responsabilização administrativa, a compliance público e a exigibilidade de compliance nos contratos com o setor privado. Para tanto, houve a utilização da Teoria Institucional, com a abordagem sociológica e o pressuposto do isomorfismo. Metodologicamente, houve a utilização da pesquisa documental, por meio de documentos que contemplassem ações anticorrupção nos estados brasileiros. As categorias de análises, foram baseadas nos conteúdos de responsabilização e compliance nos contextos de relacionamentos público e privado. Os principais resultados encontrados aludiram a indícios de isomorfismo mimético dos estados em relação à União, e entre os próprios entes subnacionais. Com os resultados, este estudo diferenciou-se dos demais em apresentar o cenário de adoção de práticas de compliance nos estados. As contribuições encontradas foram: teóricas – à similaridade do ambiente institucional brasileiro em adotar normativas; práticas – o esclarecimento de que os estados possuem ações para combater à corrupção.
Blockchain: Um novo patamar de governança digital
Authors: Kugler José Luiz , Soares Otavio
Published: November 2023

Projeto no setor de gás natural mostra como a controladoria baseada em blockchain é uma tecnologia flexível, escalávele precisa
Perspectivas da digitalização da agropecuária
Authors: Delphino Bambini Martha , De Andrade Leite Maria Angélica , De Medeiros Oliveira Stanley Robson , Machado Bonacelli Maria Beatriz
Published: November 2023

Uma análise dos elementos que influenciam a transformação digital do campo, com enfoque no desenvolvimento de um ecossistema de inovação agrícola digital
Giant bladder calculus in a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections
Authors: Silva Holanda Gabriela , Morais Teles Felipe , Athayde Lima Rafael Siqueira , Bezerra Silva Junior Geraldo
Published: November 2023

A giant bladder stone is rare and is usually defined as “giant” if its weight is over 100g. We describe a 43-year-old man who presented with urinary sepsis, hypotension, abdominal pain, and a vesicocutaneous urinary fistula. Laboratory tests showed hemoglobin 6.6 g/dL, leukocytes 22,700/mm³, creatinine 7.29mg/dL (eGFR 8.8mL/min/1.73m2), urea 181 mg/dL, serum pH 6.99 and bicarbonate 6 meq/L. Abdominal tomography showed bilaterally reduced cortical thickness of the kidneys and a bladder stone of 6x6x11 cm. He was treated with antibiotic therapy, dialysis, and open cystolithotomy. Clinical improvement was observed, despite kidney disease persistence, with chronic dialysis therapy.
Characterization of Ta/TaN multi-graded thin film coating synthesized by HiPIMS technique
Authors: Alperen Polat Muhammed , Efeoglu Ihsan , Maleque Md Abdul , Gulten Gokhan , Totik Yasar , Haji Hassan Masjuki , Wahidah Zulkifli Nurin
Published: November 2023

Background The significance of multi-graded thin film coatings finds its devastating relevance in tribological applications due to their unique properties of friction and wear. This research aims to synthesize and characterize the multi-graded Ta/TaN thin film coatings on AISI 52100 steel, employing the high-power impulse magnetron sputtering technique. Methods The investigation includes the microstructure, coating thickness, elemental composition, microhardness, and tribological performance using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), x-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), microhardness tester, and pin-on-disc tester, respectively. Results Based on this systematic study, a noticeable reduction in the coefficient of friction was obtained due to the improved adhesion value exhibited by the multi-graded coating on the substrate. Conclusions The overall findings highlight the potential suitability of the multi-graded Ta/TaN thin film coating within the field of tribological applications.
Available Wireless Sensor Network and Internet of Things testbed facilities: dataset
Authors: Judvaitis Janis , Abolins Valters , Elkenawy Amr , Ozols Kaspars
Published: November 2023

The availability of data is an important aspect of any research as it determines the likelihood of the study’s commencement, completion, and success. The Internet of Things and Wireless Sensor Networks technologies have been attracting a huge amount of researchers for more than two decades, without having a consolidated or unified source that identifies and describes available Internet of Things and Wireless Sensor Network testbed facilities. In this paper, a dataset including 41 distinct testbed facilities is described. These testbed facilities are classified according to their key features such as Device Under Test (DUT) type, mobility, access level, facility count, connection/interaction interfaces, and other criteria. The systematic review process resulting in the gathered data set consisted of three filtering phases applied to relevant articles published between the years 2011 and 2021 as obtained from the Web of Science and SCOPUS databases.
Smartphone Trading Technology, Investor Behavior, and Mutual Fund Performance
Authors: Cen Xiao
Published: November 2023

Using proprietary individual-level trading data around a natural experiment—the release of a smartphone trading app by a large investment advisor—this study investigates how smartphone trading technology affects retail investor behavior and mutual fund performance. App adoption by retail investors leads to an increase in investor attention and trading volume. App adopters’ flows become more sensitive to short-term fund returns and market sentiment, resulting in higher aggregate flow volume among adopters. The funds more exposed to the shock experience a greater decline in abnormal returns, likely attributable to higher fund flow volume and liquidity costs. As a result, both adopters and nonadopters experience a decline in their mutual fund investment returns.

This paper was accepted by Lin William Cong, finance.

Funding: The W. Edwards Deming Center and the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center at Columbia University provided funding to support this research.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02099 .
Parchment Skins and Human Skins: Some Thoughts on the Permeability of Text and Material Environment in Late Antique Jewish Reading Cultures
Authors: Wollenberg Rebecca Scharbach
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Late antique rabbinic Judaism famously left no manuscript traces. Without material evidence regarding early rabbinic practices of reading and writing, scholars have struggled to close the theoretical gap between the physical remnants of epigraphic and ritual writing from Jewish communities in this period and the portraits of reading and writing preserved in medieval manuscripts of late antique rabbinic literature. Yet, Karen Stern has observed that virtually all of the methods adopted to date ultimately privilege rabbinic writings by treating them as the hermeneutical frame through which the material evidence is interpreted. This article asks if we can reverse that hermeneutic hierarchy by (re)reading the literary tradition in light of the insights brought to us by the traces of material writing from the period. As a case study, this article takes the material evidence that visitors to the Dura Europos synagogue engaged with the prepared pictorial texts and architectural spaces of the synagogue in deeply interactive ways – rubbing and touching images and even emending and adding their own words and images to those in the prepared environment. When we reconsider early rabbinic traditions in light of this popular interactive disposition towards text and image, it emerges that many early rabbinic thinkers likewise approached written and pictorial texts as inherently contingent products that invited the continued intervention of other human hands. Moreover, one discovers that many rabbinic texts theorized this interactive relationship as a manifestation of a fundamental continuity and permeability between text and the material world.
Unrolling the Scroll, Revealing God: Esther Scrolls as Symbols and Ritual Objects
Authors: Homrighausen Jonathan
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Like the Torah scroll, the Esther scroll in Jewish life serves as not only a technology of text, but a symbolically charged ritual object for the liturgical theater of Purim ritual. This paper argues that in late antique Purim liturgy, the symbolic act of unrolling the scroll for the megillah reading hints at God's presence in the Book of Esther itself. Three clusters of evidence support this thesis. First, rabbinic texts describing liturgy assign symbolic value to the act of unrolling and rolling up scrolls. Second, the rabbis' choice to call Esther a 'megillah' allows them to midrashically conflate the megillat Esther with heavenly books described in Ezekiel, Malachi, Zechariah, and Jeremiah, thus making Esther into a book of life or book of fate. Third, synagogue liturgy connects the megillah with pivotal moments of writing, reading, and unveiling in the Book of Esther itself. The act of unrolling and reading the Book of Esther at Purim thus ritualizes a deeper metaphor: unrolling the scroll is unveiling God's hidden presence.
Structure as a Clue to Rhetoric: Discourse Analysis of Psalm 89:1–53
Authors: Coleman Robert
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Fresh analysis of familiar texts has the potential to yield intriguing results. Discourse analysis of Psalm 89 serves as a case in point. Since few scholars have analyzed Psalm 89 using discourse analysis, this article aims to fill a gap in the literature on Psalm 89 by closely analyzing the discourse structure of the final form of the Hebrew text. Moreover, based on the discourse analysis, this article draws attention to the movements of the psalm and to the neglected role of Psalm 89:53 in the rhetoric of the final form of the psalm. The structure of the final form of Psalm 89 suggests that YHWH deserves praise despite his apparent violation of the Davidic covenant.
Constraints on Ease of Articulation in the Phonetics of Israeli Hebrew Casual Speech
Authors: Bolozky Shmuel
Published: November 2023

Abstract: In the casual speech register, speakers naturally tend to facilitate ease of articulation, usually through processes of assimilation, reduction and elision, occasionally by insertion of certain vowels or consonantal glides. Such processes of assimilation, reduction or elision usually affect elements perceived to be weak, or minimal, and whose presence is not truly required (phonetically, or semantically), or that are easily recoverable from the context. There are, however, constraints on ease of articulation processes, preventing them from violating certain phonetic restrictions. There are also independent considerations that prevent reduction, elision or assimilation if they may affect significant semantic distinctions that are too essential to ignore. Thus, for instance, there exists a preference for secondary stress assignment resulting in alternating rhythm of stressed and unstressed syllables in connected Hebrew speech; the configuration realigns itself in cases of vowel deletion, or when a "minimal" vowel is inserted to prevent sonority-hierarchy violations, or when a "stress clash" arises, and one of the syllables may need to be destressed to accommodate the alternating stress rhythm. However, another constraint assures that no destressing of the main stress of regular lexical items occur if the word concerned cannot easily be reconstructed from the context. Furthermore, no shifting is allowed in the placement of the main lexical stress, unless it is a function word or a very frequent, easily identified lexical item. A few phonetic constraints will be discussed in some detail, as well as semantic ones reassuring that the processing of meaning will not be negatively affected by phonetic "ease-of-articulation" processes.
Reconstructing highly divergent wavefronts from sparse measurements
Authors: Berlakovich Nikolaus , Csencsics Ernst , Senoner Damian , Schitter Georg
Published: November 2023

The paper presents a concept for the sparse measurement and reconstruction of highly divergent wavefronts enabling measurements at high throughputs and beyond the dynamic range of the wavefront sensor. In the proposed concept, a direct measurement of the wavefront is carried out, where a few segments of the wavefront are measured with Shack–Hartmann sensors (SHSs). In total about 1% of the wavefront is measured and used for the reconstruction of the entire wavefront, which makes the concept suitable for applications where low measurement times are needed. A simulation analysis and an experimental validation of the concept are carried out, and results show that a wavefront with a divergence of 62° can be reconstructed with a root-mean-square error of about 200 nm.
Structured illumination and image enhancement of three-dimensional and moving objects at a distance via incoherent Fourier ptychography
Authors: Divitt Shawn , Park Samuel , Gemar Heath , Judd K. Peter , Dave Harshil , Lin Di , Gardner Dennis F. , Watnik Abbie T.
Published: November 2023

We experimentally apply incoherent Fourier ptychography to enhance the
resolution of recorded images by projecting known, uncorrelated,
random patterns at high speed onto 3D moving and distant objects. We
find that the resolution enhancement factor can be greater than 2,
depending on the projection and camera optics.
Progressive acceleration in the genetic algorithm by intragenerational mutation
Authors: He Wenjing , Li Wenkang , Zuo Haoyi , Zhang Hong , Pang Lin
Published: November 2023

The intragenerational mutation of the genetic algorithm (IMGA) is proposed to actively broaden the searching space during the optimization process. The searching space is aggressively increased by expanding the variation of mutation rates of all individuals within each generation, leading to the reduction of the required number of iterations, improving the convergence speed and the enhancement factor.
Test station to characterize the emission of a LiDAR
Authors: Cunha N. F. , Rodrigues Manuel J. L. F. , Ferreira F. , Viana-Gomes J. , Linhares J. M. M. , Franco S. , Oliveira F. , Soares N. , Vasilevskiy M. I. , Rebouta L.
Published: November 2023

A test station setup devised to measure the emission characteristics and beam propagation parameters of a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system is presented. The main blocks of the station to measure the accessible emission, wavelength peak and FWHM, pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, horizontal and vertical angular resolution, field of view, beam propagation factor M2, beam waist size, waist location, and divergence are described. The performance of this test station was demonstrated using a commercial spinning LiDAR, a Velodyne VLP-16, which successfully enables these measurements for a laser beam with a wavelength of 913 nm.
Analysis of centroiding algorithms for non-diffracting structured and hollow structured laser beams
Authors: Dusek Martin , Roikova Eva , Mergelkuhl Dirk , Gayde Jean-Christophe , Polak Krystof , Sulc Miroslav
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the potential of optical-based systems,
specifically pseudo-non-diffractive beams, as an alternative for
alignment. The study focuses on structured laser beams and hollow
structured laser beams, which exhibit lower divergence and enhanced
detection capabilities. The research objective is to analyze and
compare centroiding algorithms in terms of accuracy and robustness to
noise. The study compares the gamma-corrected and threshold-corrected
center of gravity and correlation template matching. It also
introduces a polarization-based algorithm.
Freeform surfaces that enable high-quality Offner-type imaging spectrometers with holographic grating
Authors: Tan Yilin , Zhu Jun
Published: November 2023

In this paper, the impact of introducing freeform surfaces into the recording and imaging paths of holographic gratings on system performance is quantitatively investigated, and the performance boundaries of various systems are demonstrated. These performance parameters encompass numerical aperture, spectral resolution, spectral band, and slit length, among others. The results indicate that introducing a freeform surface in the recording path can significantly improve performance, surpassing the introduction of a freeform surface in the imaging path. Besides, the performance improvement is several times that brought by an aspherical surface. Therefore, by incorporating a freeform surface in the recording path and using simple spherical elements in the imaging path, a series of high-performance and low-cost imaging spectrometers can be achieved. Additionally, a high-quality imaging spectrometer with holographic grating is introduced, where all surfaces are freeform.
Demonstration of a 700 W × 2 ports single-stage all-fiber nanosecond amplifier seeded by a multi-cavity passively Q-switched laser
Authors: Ning Chaoyu , Zou Shuzhen , Yu Haijuan , He Chaojian , Chen Xuechun , Xu Shuang , Zuo Jiexi , Li Xinyao , Lin Xuechun
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate a single-stage all-fiber nanosecond amplifier with a total average power of greater than 1.4 kW by employing what we believe to be a novel multi-cavity passively Q-switched fiber laser as the seed laser. The multi-cavity seed laser adopts a piece of Yb-doped fiber (YDF) as saturable absorber (SA), and it includes two external cavities resonating at 1030 nm and an internal cavity working at 1064 nm, respectively. Using such a scheme, a stable dual-channel laser output with a total average power of >35 W, a pulse width of 45 ns, and an optical conversion efficiency of 72% operating at 1064 nm is achieved. By power scaling the multi-cavity seed laser, a dual-channel single-stage nanosecond amplifier is obtained with a single-port average power of exceeding 700 W and a pulse energy of about 7.3 mJ. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the highest average power and optical conversion efficiency for passively Q-switched all-fiber laser employing SA fiber, and the highest average power for a single-stage all-fiber nanosecond amplifier.
Synthetic FM triplet for AM-free precision laser stabilization and spectroscopy
Authors: Kedar Dhruv , Yao Zhibin , Ryger Ivan , Hall John L. , Ye Jun
Published: November 2023

The Pound–Drever–Hall (PDH) cavity-locking scheme has found prevalent
uses in precision optical interferometry and laser frequency
stabilization. A form of frequency modulation spectroscopy, PDH enjoys
superior signal-to-noise recovery, large acquisition dynamic range,
wide servo bandwidth, and robust rejection of spurious effects.
However, residual amplitude modulation at the signal frequency, while
significantly suppressed, still presents an important concern for
further advancing the state-of-the-art performances. Here we present a
simplified and improved scheme for PDH using an acousto-optic
modulator to generate digital phase reference sidebands instead of the
traditionally used electro-optic modulator approach. We demonstrate
four key advantages: (1) the carrier and two modulation tones
are individually synthesized and easily reconfigured,
(2) robust and orthogonal control of the modulated optical
field is applied directly to the amplitude and phase quadratures,
(3) modulation synthesis, demodulation, and feedback are
implemented in a self-contained and easily reproducible electronic
unit, and (4) superior active and passive control of residual
amplitude modulation is achieved, especially when the carrier power is
vanishingly low. These distinct merits stimulate new ideas on how we
optimally enact PDH for a wide range of applications.
A feasibility assessment of a traumatic brain injury predictive modelling tool at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center and Duke University Hospital
Authors: O’Leary Paige , Domeracki Alexis , Raymond Julius , Kozhumam Arthi , Macha Victoria , Sakita Francis , Krym Valerie , Riccardo Nickenig Vissoci Joao , Staton Catherine
Published: November 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability globally. TBI, which disproportionately affects low middle-income countries (LMIC), uses significant amounts of health system resources in costly care and management. Innovative solutions are required to address this high burden of TBI. One possible solution is prognostic models which enhance diagnostic ability of physicians, thereby helping to tailor treatments more effectively. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a TBI prognostic model developed in Tanzania for use by Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) healthcare providers and Duke-affiliated healthcare providers using human centered design methodology. Duke participants were included to gain insight from a different context with more established practices to inform the TBI tool implementation strategy at KCMC. To evaluate the feasibility of integrating the TBI tool into potential workflows, co-design interviews were conducted with emergency physicians and nursing staff at KCMC and Duke. Qualitatively, the TBI tool was assessed using human centered design (HCD) techniques. Our research design methods were created using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research which considers overarching characteristics of successful implementation to contribute to theory development and verification of implementation strategies across multiple contexts. Our knowledge translation method was guided using the knowledge-to-action framework. Of the 21 participants interviewed, 12 were associated with Duke Hospital, and 9 from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Emerging from the data were 6 themes that impacted the implementation of the TBI tool: access, barriers, facilitators, use of the TBI tool, outer setting, and inner setting. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the pre-implementation of a sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) data- based TBI prediction tool using human centered design methodology. Findings of this study will aid in determining under what conditions a TBI prognostic model intervention will work at KCMC.
The effect of low-fidelity simulation training on breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy among young lactating mothers in Tanzania: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Kaiza Rogers , Joho Angelina A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is of paramount importance for the survival, growth, and development of neonates. Lack of EBF puts mothers and their babies at high risk of many complications. Mothers may end up having breast engorgement, cracked nipple, mastitis, breast pain, and backache. Babies may acquire postnatal HIV transmission, reduce weight, stunting, poor cognitive and motor development, and increase the risk of diarrhea disease and respiratory infection. Breastfeeding training has been provided immediately after a women’s birth. However, young mothers are still staggering with breastfeeding.

Research aim

We aim to assess the effect of low-fidelity simulation training on breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy among young lactating mothers and we will also assess the impact of simulation on infants’ weight in Tanzania.

Methods

The study will be a health facility-based quasi-experimental design. The study will have four phases: baseline survey, intervention, immediate assessment, and two-month end-line follow-up. The assessment will focus on participants’ breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy. Furthermore, infant weight will also be assessed during baseline and end-line. A total of 261 young lactating mothers who have first baby with their infants aged 0 to 2 months will be included, whereby 87 young lactating mothers will be in an interventional group and 174 will be in the control group. The intervention will have four packages: 1) group lecture education and interactive on the importance of breastfeeding 2) videos, 3) pictures, and 4) simulation in the umbrella LVPS using the wearable Lactation Simulation Model (LSM) and newborn manikins (Global Health Media and Laerdal baby). At the end of the study, all groups will be given education brochures which will be in the Swahili language for easy understanding. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 23. An independent T-test and repeated measures ANOVA will be used in this study to compare the difference between the mean of the 2 groups.

Discussion

This study aims to generate evidence of the effect of simulation on improving breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy. We expect the study findings to inform the stakeholders and policymakers on formulating breastfeeding education and simulation training that will improve women’s breastfeeding knowledge, practice, and self-efficacy and improve infant health.
Automated cell counting for Trypan blue-stained cell cultures using machine learning
Authors: Kuijpers Louis , van Veen Edo , van der Pol Leo A. , Dekker Nynke H.
Published: November 2023

Cell counting is a vital practice in the maintenance and manipulation of cell cultures. It is a crucial aspect of assessing cell viability and determining proliferation rates, which are integral to maintaining the health and functionality of a culture. Additionally, it is critical for establishing the time of infection in bioreactors and monitoring cell culture response to targeted infection over time. However, when cell counting is performed manually, the time involved can become substantial, particularly when multiple cultures need to be handled in parallel. Automated cell counters, which enable significant time reduction, are commercially available but remain relatively expensive. Here, we present a machine learning (ML) model based on YOLOv4 that is able to perform cell counts with a high accuracy (>95%) for Trypan blue-stained insect cells. Images of two distinctly different cell lines, Trichoplusia ni (High FiveTM; Hi5 cells) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9), were used for training, validation, and testing of the model. The ML model yielded F1 scores of 0.97 and 0.96 for alive and dead cells, respectively, which represents a substantially improved performance over that of other cell counters. Furthermore, the ML model is versatile, as an F1 score of 0.96 was also obtained on images of Trypan blue-stained human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells that the model had not been trained on. Our implementation of the ML model comes with a straightforward user interface and can image in batches, which makes it highly suitable for the evaluation of multiple parallel cultures (e.g. in Design of Experiments). Overall, this approach for accurate classification of cells provides a fast, bias-free alternative to manual counting.