bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BORS/BJR TRAVELLING FELLOWSHIP: IMAGE-DRIVEN SUBJECT-SPECIFIC SPINE MODELS: DEVELOPING A NOVEL TOOL TO MEASURE IN VIVO LOADING
Authors: Williams David , Ward Michael , Kelly Emily , Shillabeer Dionne , Williams Jenny , Javadi Akbar , Holsgrove Timothy , Meakin Jude , Holt Cathy
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Spinal disorders such as back pain incur a substantial societal and economic burden. Unfortunately, there is lack of understanding and treatment of these disorders are further impeded by the inability to assess spinal forces in vivo. The aim of this project is to address this challenge by developing and testing a novel image-driven approach that will assess the forces in an individual's spine in vivo by incorporating information acquired from multimodal imaging (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biplane X-rays) in a subject-specific model.

Methods

Magnetic resonance and biplane X-ray imaging are used to capture information about the anatomy, tissues, and motion of an individual's spine as they perform a range of everyday activities. This information is then utilised in a subject-specific computational model based on the finite element method to predict the forces in their spine. The project is also utilising novel machine learning algorithms and in vitro, six-axis mechanical testing on human, porcine and bovine samples to develop and test the modelling methods rigorously.

Results & Discussion

MRI sequences have been identified that provide high-quality image data and information on different tissue types which will be used to predict subject-specific disc properties. In-vivo protocols to capture motion analysis, EMG muscle activity, and video X-rays of the spine have been designed with planned data collection of 15 healthy volunteers. Preliminary modelling work has evaluated potential machine learning approaches and quantified the sensitivity of the models developed to material properties.

Conclusion

The development and testing of these image-driven subject-specific spine models will provide a new tool for determining forces in the spine. It will also provide new tools for measuring and modelling spine movement and quantifying the properties of the spinal tissues.

Acknowledgments

Funding from the EPSRC: EP/V036602/1 (Meakin, Holsgrove & Javadi) and EP/V032275/1 (Holt & Williams).

Declaration of Interest

(b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.
Design and implementation of a dual aspheric integrated shaping element for a high-power fiber laser
Authors: Xiong Yupeng , Chen Shiyu , Ma Yanxing , Ou Yang , Lu Wenwen , Dai Yifan , Chen Shanyong , Huang Cheng
Published: November 2023

A dual aspheric integrated beam shaper suitable for a high-power laser situation has been designed and realized. The model for this lens was derived theoretically and the performance was evaluated using a detailed simulation. The ultrasonic vibration assisted cutting and the high-precision grinding and polishing technology were used for the processing. The surface accuracy was less than 200 nm measured with a profiler, and the roughness was smaller than 20 nm with the help of the white light interferometer. Shaping experiments were carried out, which verified that the Gaussian beam has uniform intensity distribution with a uniformity of 85.13% in the near field and converges to a point in the far field, which is exactly as expected. It thus provides an actual selection for high-power laser shaping.
Adaptive bias control of optical IQ modulator with low LFM dither and strong fluctuation resistance
Authors: Liu Zheli , Zhang Mingming , Li Weihao , Hu Zihe , Chen Junda , Zhao Can , Wang Li , Tang Ming
Published: November 2023

An innovative approach has been proposed for adaptive bias control in optical IQ modulators. In contrast to traditional approaches that utilize sine dither, this method employs a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal as the dither, associated with the fractional Fourier Transform (FrFT) to extract the bias point drift. The LFM signal, after undergoing FrFT, transforms into a compressed signal (CS) with energy concentration in the fractional domain. Utilizing this signal for bias point monitoring, the proposed method demonstrates robust bias control even in the presence of substantial interferences, as substantiated by comprehensive simulations and experimental investigations. Remarkably, in a 20-Gbaud 16QAM signal transmission, the proposed approach achieves stable control of the bias point for over 4 hours, even in the presence of voltage fluctuations, while effectively reducing the dither amplitude by half. Furthermore, it maintains a low bit error rate (BER) below 10−5 even under intentional external interference.
Simultaneously enhanced magnomechanical cooling and entanglement assisted by an auxiliary microwave cavity
Authors: Liu Zhi-Qiang , Liu Lei , Meng Zhuang-Zhuang , Tan Lei , Liu Wu-Ming
Published: November 2023

We propose a mechanism to simultaneously enhance quantum cooling and entanglement via coupling an auxiliary microwave cavity to a magnomechanical cavity. The auxiliary cavity acts as a dissipative cold reservoir that can efficiently cool multiple localized modes in the primary system via beam-splitter interactions, which enables us to obtain strong quantum cooling and entanglement. We analyze the stability of the system and determine the optimal parameter regime for cooling and entanglement under the auxiliary-microwave-cavity-assisted (AMCA) scheme. The maximum cooling enhancement rate of the magnon mode can reach 98.53%, which clearly reveals that the magnomechanical cooling is significantly improved in the presence of the AMCA. More importantly, the dual-mode entanglement of the system can also be significantly enhanced by AMCA in the full parameter region, where the initial magnon-phonon entanglement can be maximally enhanced by a factor of about 11. Another important result of the AMCA is that it also increases the robustness of the entanglement against temperature. Our approach provides a promising platform for the experimental realization of entanglement and quantum information processing based on cavity magnomechanics.
Polarization-resolved mode evolution in TMI-limited Yb-doped fiber amplifiers using a novel high-speed Stokes polarimeter
Authors: Möller Friedrich , Palma-Vega Gonzalo , Grimm Florian , Hässner Denny , Kuhn Stefan , Nold Johannes , Haarlammert Nicoletta , Walbaum Till , Schreiber Thomas
Published: November 2023

In this work we have developed a high-speed Stokes polarimeter method based on simultaneous 4-channel imaging with a high-speed camera. Thus, current speed limitations of imaging polarimeters for wavelengths around 1 µm can be overcome, allowing a sub-ms polarization-resolved characterization of transverse mode instability (TMI). Additionally, the Stokes parameters of each individual mode are calculated by a simultaneous 4-beam mode reconstruction algorithm during post-processing and can be analyzed with unprecedented temporal resolution. We demonstrate the measurement capabilities of this polarimeter setup by characterizing TMI of a large-mode-area Yb-doped polarization maintaining (PM) fiber amplifier with 30 kHz video frame rate. Upon thorough characterization, we have found for the first time that at the onset of TMI in a PM fiber, the modal polarization states begin to oscillate on circular and elliptical trajectories at the same frequencies as the modal energy transfer occurs. The ability to measure the modal polarization states with sub-ms temporal resolution is key to developing a fundamental understanding and subsequently possible mitigation strategies of TMI in PM-fiber lasers.
The mechanism of MinD stability modulation by MinE in Min protein dynamics
Authors: Carlquist William C. , Cytrynbaum Eric N.
Published: November 2023

The patterns formed both in vivo and in vitro by the Min protein system have attracted much interest because of the complexity of their dynamic interactions given the apparent simplicity of the component parts. Despite both the experimental and theoretical attention paid to this system, the details of the biochemical interactions of MinD and MinE, the proteins responsible for the patterning, are still unclear. For example, no model consistent with the known biochemistry has yet accounted for the observed dual role of MinE in the membrane stability of MinD. Until now, a statistical comparison of models to the time course of Min protein concentrations on the membrane has not been carried out. Such an approach is a powerful way to test existing and novel models that are difficult to test using a purely experimental approach. Here, we extract time series from previously published fluorescence microscopy time lapse images of in vitro experiments and fit two previously described and one novel mathematical model to the data. We find that the novel model, which we call the Asymmetric Activation with Bridged Stability Model, fits the time-course data best. It is also consistent with known biochemistry and explains the dual MinE role via MinE-dependent membrane stability that transitions under the influence of rising MinE to membrane instability with positive feedback. Our results reveal a more complex network of interactions between MinD and MinE underlying Min-system dynamics than previously considered.
Effects of alloy composition in traditional Japanese shakudo patination
Authors: Benzonelli Agnese , Freestone Ian C. , Martinón-Torres Marcos
Published: November 2023

Japanese craftspeople have dominated the art of patinating copper-alloys since the 15th century, using precise alloy compositions and complicated patination processes in different hot solutions to create a variety of colours on swords fittings such as tsuba. While this complex tradition is increasingly popular in the East, the reasons behind the choices made by craftspeople in the selection of the components of the alloys and are still not fully understood. This paper investigates the effect of different alloying elements (tin, gold, and silver) on the resulting patina. Experimental results are compared with optical and compositional analyses on historical Japanese artefacts, confirming the effects of the different alloying elements on the patina characteristics and colour. The absence of tin and the presence of gold limit the growth of an oxide layer and promote the formation of a thin patina characterised by a smooth appearance without visible grains. Therefore, a limited thickness of the patinas is a key aspect for the production of the desired colour and appearance of the patinas. The first colorimetric analysis on historical Japanese artefacts demonstrates the influence of gold, silver and tin in the final patina colour, validating the observations in the experimental replicas.
Will China-Africa trade increase Africa’s carbon emissions?
Authors: Li Jiu-Jin , Huang Jiemin , Wen Chen , Zhang Shuang
Published: November 2023

In order to explore whether China-Africa exchange will influence on the African environment. This paper selects four paths of China-Africa exchanges and explores the impact of each path on the African environment under the influence of different factors. We found that construction income and Africa’s exports to China will increase Africa’s carbon emissions. Foreign direct investment and China’s exports to Africa will lead to a reduction in carbon emissions in Africa. The resource moderation will reduce the significance of the environmental impact of each path on Africa. Based on the above conclusions, several suggestions are made on the policies and actual operations in the path of China-Africa exchanges.
Burden among informal caregivers of individuals with heart failure: A mixed methods study
Authors: Durante Angela , Younas Ahtisham , Cuoco Angela , Boyne Josiane , Rice Bridgette M. , Juarez-Vela Raul , Zeffiro Valentina , Vellone Ercole
Published: November 2023

Aims

To develop a comprehensive understanding of caregiver burden and its predictors from a dyadic perspective.

Method

A convergent mixed methods design was used. This study was conducted in three European countries, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. A sample of 229 HF patients and caregivers was enrolled between February 2017 and December 2018 from the internal medicine ward, outpatient clinic, and private cardiologist medical office. In total, 184 dyads completed validated scales to measure burden, and 50 caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews to better understand the caregiver experience. The Care Dependency Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and SF-8 Health Survey were used for data collection. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors and qualitative content analysis was performed on qualitative data. The results were merged using joint displays.

Results

Caregiver burden was predicted by the patient’s worse cognitive impairment, lower physical quality of life, and a higher care dependency perceived by the caregivers. The qualitative and mixed analysis demonstrated that caregiver burden has a physical, emotional, and social nature.

Conclusions

Caregiver burden can affect the capability of informal caregivers to support and care for their relatives with heart failure. Developing and evaluating individual and community-based strategies to address caregiver burden and enhance their quality of life are warranted.
Validation of the F-POD—A fully automated cetacean monitoring system
Authors: Ivanchikova Julia , Tregenza Nicholas
Published: November 2023

The F-POD, an echolocation-click logging device, is commonly used for passive acoustic monitoring of cetaceans. This paper presents the first assessment of the error-rate of fully automated analysis by this system, a description of the F-POD hardware, and a description of the KERNO-F v1.0 classifier which identifies click trains. Since 2020, twenty F-POD loggers have been used in the BlackCeTrends project by research teams from Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Türkiye, and Ukraine with the aim of investigating trends of relative abundance in populations of cetaceans of the Black Sea. Acoustic data from this project analysed here comprises 9 billion raw data clicks in total, of which 297 million were classified by KERNO-F as Narrow Band High Frequency (NBHF) clicks (harbour porpoise clicks) and 91 million as dolphin clicks. Such data volumes require a reliable automated system of analysis, which we describe. A total of 16,805 Detection Positive Minutes (DPM) were individually inspected and assessed by a visual check of click train characteristics in each DPM. To assess the overall error rate in each species group we investigated 2,000 DPM classified as having NBHF clicks and 2,000 DPM classified as having dolphin clicks. The fraction of NBHF DPM containing misclassified NBHF trains was less than 0.1% and for dolphins the corresponding error-rate was 0.97%. For both species groups (harbour porpoises and dolphins), these error-rates are acceptable for further study of cetaceans in the Black Sea using the automated classification without further editing of the data. The main sources of errors were 0.17% of boat sonar DPMs misclassified as harbour porpoises, and 0.14% of harbour porpoise DPMs misclassified as dolphins. The potential to estimate the rate at which these sources generate errors makes possible a new predictive approach to overall error estimation.
Auditory rhythm complexity affects cardiac dynamics in perception and synchronization
Authors: Wright Shannon E. , Palmer Caroline
Published: November 2023

Accurate perception and production of auditory rhythms are key for human behaviors such as speech and music. Auditory rhythms in music range in their complexity: complex rhythms (based on non-integer ratios between successive tone durations) are more difficult to perceive and produce than simple rhythms (based on integer ratios). The physiological activity supporting this behavioral difference is not well understood. In a within-subjects design, we addressed how rhythm complexity affects cardiac dynamics during auditory perception and production. Musically trained adults listened to and synchronized with simple and complex auditory rhythms while their cardiac activity was recorded. Participants identified missing tones in the rhythms during the Perception condition and tapped on a keyboard to synchronize with the rhythms in the Synchronization condition. Participants were equally accurate at identifying missing tones in simple and complex rhythms during the Perception condition. Tapping synchronization was less accurate and less precise with complex rhythms than with simple rhythms. Linear cardiac analyses showed a slower mean heart rate and greater heart rate variability during perception than synchronization for both simple and complex rhythms; only nonlinear recurrence quantification analyses reflected cardiac differences between simple and complex auditory rhythms. Nonlinear cardiac dynamics were also more deterministic (predictable) during rhythm perception than synchronization. Individual differences during tapping showed that greater heart rate variability was correlated with poorer synchronization. Overall, these findings suggest that linear measures of musicians’ cardiac activity reflect global task variability while nonlinear measures additionally reflect stimulus rhythm complexity.
Impact of debt, reserves, and political stability on Sri Lanka’s financial crisis
Authors: Saliya Candauda Arachchige
Published: November 2023

This study attempts to explore the impact of external debt ($Debt), foreign reserves ($Reserves), and political stability & absence of violence/terrorism (PS&AVT) on the current financial crisis in Sri Lanka. Using data from 1996 to 2022 obtained from the World Bank (WB) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), a regression analysis is conducted, with a composite variable named "CRISIS," which accounts for interest rate, inflation, currency devaluation adjusted to GDP growth, as the dependent variable. The findings indicate that, collectively, these predictors significantly contribute to explaining the variance in the financial crisis, although their impact is relatively minor. While the direct influence of PS&AVT on the financial crisis is not statistically significant, it indirectly affects the crisis through its considerable impact on debt and reserves. Granger causality tests showed predictive value for $Debt and $Reserve in relation to CRISIS, but the reverse relationship was not significant. Regression analysis using the error term and scatter plots supports the absence of endogeneity issues in the model. These findings suggest that while external debt and foreign reserves are more directly related to financial crises, political stability and the absence of violence/terrorism can influence the crisis indirectly through their effects on debt accumulation and reserve levels. This study represents a pioneering effort in investigating the impact of external debt, foreign reserves, and political stability on the financial crises in Sri Lanka. By utilizing a comprehensive dataset and applying a regression analysis, it sheds light on the complex interactions between these variables and their influence on the country’s financial stability.
Fashioning Iceland’s past in the present: An example of (dis)connections of traditional dress in the Arctic
Authors: Unnsteins Anna Karen , Aspelund Karl , Schram Kristinn
Published: November 2023

While a version of Icelandic heritage is exhibited in modern fashion, the imagery is a recent invention without specific historical context. Yet, centuries-old outfits with accompanying components that form the canon of Icelandic women’s national dress are well-established cultural elements. There are three categories of national dress that are instantly recognizable and have well-defined variations of national dress that figure more than ever in formal events and celebrations. However, these do not seem to be referenced in designers’ efforts to create distinctly Icelandic and Arctic imagery through fashionable clothing. Revealing how this appears and why may provide clues to what prompts similar disconnects in other Arctic communities and small-group cultures in which vivid national dress iconography is separated from fashionable apparel. We reveal this separation through fieldwork and interviews conducted in 2021 and 2022 in Reykjavík and online, a look at historical paths of national dress, an examination of cultural underpinnings and attitudes, and references to Jean Baudrillard’s theory on the evolution of symbols in society. We illustrate the gravitational pull of ritualistic contexts that effectively distance national dress from designed fashion. We follow the development of Iceland’s iconic ‘Lady of the Mountain’ and her dress, observing how their emergence and eventual fusing removed them and their symbolic presence from the day-to-day world of fashionable apparel.
Hearing young children’s musical voices
Authors: Burton Suzanne L.
Published: November 2023

The first virtual International Society for Music Education (ISME) Early Childhood Music Education (ECME) seminar in July 2022, featured a provocative theme, Making Voices Visible in Early Childhood Music. Research papers, poster presentations and the keynote by Pauline Harris led us to consider ways to cast our attention on children’s voices through and about music. By listening deeply and visibly, we can expand our understanding of young children as musickers, leading to improved pedagogy, while providing a compass for further inquiry.
N/nature as an impetus for the creation of a sonic experience for babies
Authors: Tse Natalie Alexandra
Published: November 2023

This article explores the creation of a sonic experience for babies driven by conceptual notions of Nature at large, as well as the natural dispositions of babies. Using the researcher’s background as an experimental musician on the guzheng, parallels are drawn between contemporary music practices (e.g. John Cage; R. Murray Schafer; Toru Takemitsu) that explore Nature as theme, as well as Chinese perspectives (e.g. Book of Rites, Record of Music; Zhuangzi of Nature). Both speak to the diminution of the dualism of self and other such that one’s experiences could be viewed as interconnected within self and the environment, achieving attunement with Nature to be in a state of spontaneity. Babies seem to exist in such a state of attunement with Nature, where the self is in harmony with the other. Such existence allows one to be in a state of constant receiving and responding to sounds through multiple modalities of the body. According to Colwyn Trevarthen’s theory of innate intersubjectivity, this is fundamental to babies’ intersubjective communication, where babies innately seek attunement. Through the observations of four sonic experience sessions created for babies, the conceptual notions of Nature and its application onto the sessions are presented. These were evident through the artistic choices made in the structure, set and props, music explorations and babies’ engagement. Due to the nature of babies where they exist in spontaneity with the environment, it was noted that despite an experience designed especially for sonic functions, babies’ perceptions were multimodal in nature. The experience of sound was not purely auditory. Babies’ innate need to seek attunement, such as companionship through an imitative other was also significant to the experience. This has implications on the affordances of experiences in infant care environments in childcare settings.
Mozambique Public investment in water and sanitation sector and the targets of the SDG6
Authors: Rebelo Manuel Salvador Conceição
Published: November 2023

Many developing countries may not reach targets of providing access to safe water sources and sanitation services for all by 2030. Access to these services is a fundamental requirement for the well-being of individuals and the development of nations. A little over half of Mozambique´s population has access to safe water sources. In contrast, access to sanitation services has not kept pace with the progress made in water access. In this article, based on data from the General State Account of Mozambique, which includes the description of annual investment made by the Government and using the results of the Household Budget Surveys, it is shown that if the average percentage values of public investment of 2009 to 2021 be the same in the following years in the water and sanitation sector it will not reach the goals of sustainable objective number 6 in 2030.
Punic my
c
ms and Greek Μαιουμα(ς): a re-examination
Authors: Schmitz Philip
Published: November 2023

My goal in this study is to persuade the reader that the word mycms is a compound noun with the elements /may/ + /yucmas/. I will endorse the analysis argued by Good that the Punic compound can be explained by reference to the Greek word Μαιουμα(ς), the name of a spring festival. To the cogent objections of critics of the seemingly odd compound implied by this analysis, I offer agreement, but also the further observation that linguistic theory predicts its oddness. Punic mycms provides an example of noun incorporation, a process of deriving lexemes from sentence elements.
New Excavations in the Sanctuary of Ba‘l Ḥammon in Carthage
Authors: Jerbania Imed Ben , Ferjaoui Ahmed , Peña Victoria , Redissi Taoufik , Jendoubi Kaouther , Maddahi Nesrine , Khalfalli Walid
Published: November 2023

Recent excavations, undertaken since 2014 at the sanctuary of Ba‘l Ḥammon in Carthage, have had as their objective the identification of various stratigraphic sequences that testify to changes in the spatial extension and chronological stratification of this precinct. The different categories of material artifacts, including urns and stelae, will be published with precisely dated archaeological contexts for the first time. Our stratigraphic controls will allow for a better understanding of how the sanctuary was used, including how various ritual gestures were carried out within the precinct.
Efficacy and safety of leuprorelin 3-month depot (11.25 mg) for idiopathic central precocious puberty treatment of Chinese girls: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Huang Siqi , Zhang Lina , Gao Chenchen , Ou Hui , Hou Lele , Liu Zulin , Wang Dilong , Xu Yingying , Liang Liyang , Meng Zhe
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3-month leuprorelin acetate (3-month LA, 11.25 mg) for the treatment of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) in Chinese girls.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective study in China on 28 girls with ICPP who received at least one year of 3-month LA treatment. Data from anthropometry, biochemistry, bone age (BA), and pelvic ultrasonography were assessed before and every 6 months during medication.

Results

At CPP diagnosis, the mean chronological age (CA) was 7.8±0.8 years, with bone age advancement (BA–CA) of 1.5±0.8 years. After treatment initiation, growth velocity decreased significantly from 8.5±1.6 cm/year to 5.8±1.1 cm/year at month 12 (p<0.001). GnRH-stimulated peak LH ≤3IU/L, the primary efficacy criterion, was observed in 27 out of 28 (96.4 %) children at month 3. Basal estradiol <20 pg/mL was achieved by all 28 girls (100 %) at month 6 and remained stable at month 12. Basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) decreased from 4.1±3.5 to 1.7±0.9 (p<0.001), and basal LH was also significantly reduced from 3.3±6.5 to 0.7±0.8 (p=0.035) at month 12. The mean predicted adult height (PAH) at treatment initiation was 152.7±5.8 cm, it increased significantly to 157.5±5.5 cm (p=0.007) after one-year treatment. Pubertal development was slowed in most patients, and in some cases, it was even reversed. Only one patient (3.6 %) reported local intolerance.

Conclusions

Three-month leuprorelin acetate is a safe and effective treatment for suppressing the pituitary–gonadal axis and restoring impaired adult height in Chinese girls.
Timolaos oder Freundschaft. Philia und eironeia in Lukians Navigium
Authors: Kaiser Niklas
Published: November 2023

Traditionally, Lucian’s Navigium is regarded as a moralizing dialogue, which criticizes unrealistic aspirations. Lycinus incorporates this criticism by attacking his friends ironically. This essay elaborates that the dialogue also offers a more ethical interpretation that problematizes Lycinus’ moralizing attitude towards his friends. It argues that Timolaus, one of Lycinus’ interlocutors and friends, introduces a discourse about the reciprocal connection between the act of storytelling on the one hand, and friendship on the other. By doing so, aesthetics (stories) and ethics (friendship) appear as complementary. To emphasize this perspective on the dialogue, the modern concept of narrative communities is connected with ancient concepts of friendship. Lycinus’ ironizing voice and behavior can then be seen as antagonistic rather than dominant. Timolaus, however, appears as subtle narrator, who by his own wish tries to make Lycinus aware of the importance of storytelling for friendship.
Modestus at Edessa. Imperial officials in the ecclesiastical histories of Rufinus, Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret
Authors: Whelan Robin
Published: November 2023

This article considers the depictions of imperial officials and their interactions with Christian communities in the genre of ecclesiastical history. It focuses on one particular episode where the emperor Valens ordered his praetorian prefect Domitius Modestus to disperse an assembly of Nicene Christians at the martyrium of Thomas at Edessa. The four fifth-century Nicene ecclesiastical historians Rufinus, Socrates, Sozomen, and Theodoret offer the same basic narrative of the events which led to the prefect’s abandonment of his mission. Yet they construe the causes and implications of his reluctance to persecute in strikingly different ways. These adaptations reveal their differing views of the role of imperial officials in matters concerning the church and, more broadly, of what Christian communities might expect from the imperial state in a Christian empire.
Ein ungebildeter Bischof oder ein unterschätzter Gelehrter? Prämissen, Probleme und Perspektiven einer neuen Edition der Historien des Gregor von Tours
Authors: Schirner Rebekka
Published: November 2023

The Histories of Gregory of Tours are among the most important literary testimonies for the transition period from Late Antiquity to the early Middle Ages. The verdict on the Latin literature and language of the first centuries of the Frankish Empire has often been very negative. Krusch and Levison, who published today’s still authoritative critical edition of the Histories, also assumed that Gregory’s original text could only have been written in poor Merovingian Latin. This paper presents arguments for a new edition of the Histories from different perspectives. Gregory’s testimonies in which he addresses his own linguistic and grammatical deficiencies or the necessity of writing in a simple language, have to be viewed and evaluated within the larger tradition of statements of this kind in (Late) Antiquity. They should, thus, not be read as evidence for the argument that Gregory’s Histories were written in poor and incorrect Latin. An assumption of this kind, however, has influenced Krusch’s and Levison’s evaluation of the manuscripts of Gregory’s Histories and is thus reflected in their reconstructed text, even though quite a few manuscripts offer a much better text. This approach has repeatedly been criticised by different scholars; my paper joins this criticism. In assessing the various manuscripts of Gregory’s Histories, the editors have to make a decision regarding the presumed quality and state of Gregory’s Latin. My paper, therefore, also offers a case-study of Gregory’s stylistic and rhythmic arrangement of his text. The analysis of the so-called prose rhythm provides important evidence in favour of a positive assessment of Gregory’s level of education and thus of his linguistic and grammatical proficiency. This can also be viewed as an argument for a new and appropriate edition.
Efficient removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution by hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide composite microspheres
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Wang Jianlong
Published: November 2023

Effective treatment of uranium-containing wastewater is of great significance to the sustainable development of nuclear power and the protection of ecological environment. In this study, a highly efficient uranium adsorbent, graphene oxide (GO)/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) composite microspheres (nHA@rGO) was synthesized, which could effectively remove uranium from aqueous solution. Under the condition of pH = 3.5, T = 298 K, the maximum adsorption capacity reached 1672.96 mg/g. The results of batch experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of nHA@rGO microspheres was higher than that of nHA microspheres, indicating the enhancement of GO. The adsorption kinetics conformed to the pseudo second-order model. The changes of nHA@rGO microspheres before and after uranium adsorption were analyzed by FT-IR, XPS and XRD. The mechanisms of U(VI) ions adsorption onto nHA@rGO microspheres involved precipitation, surface complexation and ion exchange, in which the hydroxyl and phosphoric acid groups played important roles. The results showed that the prepared nHA@rGO microspheres can be used as an efficient and promising adsorbent for the treatment of uranium-containing wastewater.
Heme iron as potential iron fortifier for food application – characterization by material techniques
Authors: Jarzębski Maciej , Wieruszewski Marek , Kościński Mikołaj , Rogoziński Tomasz , Kobus-Cisowska Joanna , Szablewski Tomasz , Perła-Kaján Joanna , Waszkowiak Katarzyna , Jakubowicz Jarosław
Published: November 2023

The modern food industry requires new analytical methods for high-demand food supplements, personalized diets, or bioactive foods development. One of the main goals of the food industry is to discover new ways of food fortification. This applies to food products or supplements for human and animal diets. In our research, we focused on the solid particles of AproTHEM (dried porcine hemoglobin), which is approved for animal feeding and as a meat product additive, and AproFER 1000 (heme iron polypeptides), which is still being investigated. The study showed the possible application of advanced techniques for the examination of iron-based food additives. We evaluated selected techniques for particle size and morphology examination such as laser diffraction, optical microscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy, and briefly discussed their usefulness compared with other techniques. On the basis of our results, we proposed a path of microscopic analysis for the study of material homogeneity. The structure of heme iron was evaluated by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, and Raman spectroscopy supported with thermal behavior analysis (differential scanning calorimeter). Furthermore, a portable colorimeter was applied for L*a*b* color analysis. Our study proved that for new food product development, particle size analysis as well as typically used advanced materials techniques can be successfully applied.
A monument’s many faces: the meanings of the face in monuments and memorials
Authors: Bellentani Federico
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the significance and meanings of faces within monuments and memorials. The presence of faces in monuments and memorials transcends cultures and spans throughout history. Faces serve as vital components of public statues, conveying the emotions of depicted characters and establishing communicative connections with observers. Moreover, they are employed within memorials to commemorate the deceased. Memorial museums frequently feature corridors adorned with portraits of those who perished in wars, terrorist attacks or natural disasters. The aim of this paper is twofold: firstly, to develop a theoretical and methodological framework for the analysis of faces in monuments and memorials, drawing upon the cultural semiotics of Juri Lotman as well as theories proposed by Algirdas J. Greimas and Umberto Eco. Secondly, to construct a typology that elucidates the various ways faces are utilized within monuments, memorials, and commemorative practices. A historical roadmap of the facial presence in monuments and memorials is then presented. By achieving these aims, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the meanings of faces within monuments and memorials in particular and memory politics in general.
IBILTA Afterword
Authors: Hayward Steven
Published: November 2023

Best Laid Plans by Dr Steven Hayward (Colorado College)
Sustaining Queer Joy and Potentiality
Authors: Copeland Stacey
Published: November 2023

What possibilities and challenges does the podcast form afford for historically marginalized counterculture music communities? As a complex social phenomenon, music is surrounded by a network of fashion, film, radio, social media, and more that shape its significance and understanding. In the study of queer music, these networked media are central to unpacking the experience and production of queer ‘world-making’ in LGBTQ+ music cultures. Podcasts, too, are an increasingly significant part of this intricate cultural network to provide a space for gender and sexuality identity formation and activism against a history of oppression and misrepresentation. This article asks, how might we approach music podcasting as a tool for sustaining ‘queer joy’ and ‘potentiality’ for LGBTQ+ communities? Established in 2011, Homoground is one of the longest-running English-language music podcasts featuring music by queer (LGBTQ & allied) artists. As a podcast working to showcase queer voices and sounds for over a decade, the show also provides a case of study to reflect on what impact the shifting affordances of the podcast form have had on LGBTQ+ music podcasters prior to and following the 2014 podcast boom into the next decade with increasing concern of discoverability, algorithmic biases, and digital content saturation. With Lynn Casper, co-founder of LGBTQ+ music podcast Homoground, this article explores the role of podcasting in music’s queer world-making conversation and the particular evocations of queer joy and potentiality found in the show’s ability to sustain within an increasingly oversaturated podcast landscape.
Roundtable with Arrangers and Performers of the Music of Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Authors: Anatone Richard , Mc Glynn James Denis , Powell Andrew S. , Moukala Alex , McGroove Smooth , Schala Purple
Published: November 2023

In May 2022, the editors of this Special Issue convened a roundtable discussion with Alex Moukala, Smooth McGroove (Max Gleason), and PurpleSchala (Ruby Tuong): three well-known performers of videogame music, whose online recordings of music from Final Fantasy VII have garnered each of them a considerable following. The topics discussed included narrative, musical style and genre, practices of rearrangement, and the online presentation of musical arrangements.
Protein phosphatase 1 regulates core PCP signaling
Authors: Song Song , Cho Bomsoo , Weiner Alexis T , Nissen Silas Boye , Ojeda Naharros Irene , Sanchez Bosch Pablo , Suyama Kaye , Hu Yanhui , He Li , Svinkina Tanya , Udeshi Namrata D , Carr Steven A , Perrimon Norbert , Axelrod Jeffrey D
Published: November 2023

Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling polarizes epithelial cells within the plane of an epithelium. Core PCP signaling components adopt asymmetric subcellular localizations within cells to both polarize and coordinate polarity between cells. Achieving subcellular asymmetry requires additional effectors, including some mediating post‐translational modifications of core components. Identification of such proteins is challenging due to pleiotropy. We used mass spectrometry‐based proximity labeling proteomics to identify such regulators in the Drosophila wing. We identified the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase1, Pp1‐87B, and show that it regulates core protein polarization. Pp1‐87B interacts with the core protein Van Gogh and at least one serine/threonine kinase, Dco/CKIε, that is known to regulate PCP. Pp1‐87B modulates Van Gogh subcellular localization and directs its dephosphorylation in vivo. PNUTS, a Pp1 regulatory subunit, also modulates PCP. While the direct substrate(s) of Pp1‐87B in control of PCP is not known, our data support the model that cycling between phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of one or more core PCP components may regulate acquisition of asymmetry. Finally, our screen serves as a resource for identifying additional regulators of PCP signaling.
Absolute stability of system with nano piezoengine for biomechanics
Authors: SM Afonin
Published: November 2023

The nano piezoengine is used for biomechanics and nano sciences in dosing device, scanning microscopy, nano manipulator, nano pump. For the nano piezoengine with hysteresis in control system its set of equilibrium positions is the segment of line. The frequency method for studying the stability of system is used. By applying Yakubovich criterion for system with the nano piezoengine the absolute stability of system is calculated for biomechanics. The ratio of the piezomodules of the nano piezoengine with transverse, longitudinal, shear piezoelectric effects is proportional the ratio of its tangents of the angle of inclination to the hysteresis.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES OF POWER SYSTEMS AND CORRESPONDING CHANGES OF THEIR DYNAMIC PROPERTIES
Authors:   Institute of Electrodynamics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Beresteiskyi Ave., 56, Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine, Butkevych O.F. , Hurieieva T.M. ,   Institute of Electrodynamics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Beresteiskyi Ave., 56, Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine, Yunieieva N.T. ,   Institute of Electrodynamics National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Beresteiskyi Ave., 56, Kyiv, 03057, Ukraine
Published: November 2023

Study results concerning the changes in the power systems (PS) dynamic properties as a result of the electrical networks' development and a significant increase of the share of distributed sources of generation in the structure of generating capacities of the PS are presented. With the use of three developed PS models which corresponded to successive stages of the PS development, as a result of information processing about electromechanical transient processes, the changes in the spectrum of PS natural frequencies as well the changes of the emergency processes' course were revealed. The obtained results make it possible to predict qualitative changes of dynamic properties of the Interconnected Power System of Ukraine at the stages of its post-war recovery and development. References 10, figures 10, tables 3.
Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Clinical Pathways: A Framework for Evaluation
Authors: Rosen Robert H. , Epee-Bounya Alexandra , Curran Dorothy , Chung Sarita , Hoffmann Robert , Lee Lois K. , Marcus Carolyn , Mateo Camila M. , Miller Jason E. , Nereim Cameron , Silberholz Elizabeth , Shah Snehal N. , Theodoris Christina V. , Wardell Hanna , Winn Ariel S. , Toomey Sara , Finkelstein Jonathan A. , Ward Valerie L. , Starmer Amy ,   BOSTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL RACE, ETHNICITY, AND ANCESTRY IN CLINICAL PATHWAYS WORKING GROUP
Published: November 2023

Clinical algorithms, or “pathways,” promote the delivery of medical care that is consistent and equitable. Race, ethnicity, and/or ancestry terms are sometimes included in these types of guidelines, but it is unclear if this is appropriate for clinical decision-making. At our institution, we developed and applied a structured framework to determine whether race, ethnicity, or ancestry terms identified in our clinical pathways library should be retained, modified, or removed. First, we reviewed all text and associated reference documents for 132 institutionally-developed clinical pathways and identified 8 pathways that included race, ethnicity, or ancestry terms. Five pathways had clear evidence or a change in institutional policy that supported removal of the term. Multispecialty teams conducted additional in-depth evaluation of the 3 remaining pathways (Acute Viral Illness, Hyperbilirubinemia, and Weight Management) by applying the framework. In total, based on these reviews, race, ethnicity, or ancestry terms were removed (n = 6) or modified (n = 2) in all 8 pathways. Application of the framework established several recommended practices, including: (1) define race, ethnicity, and ancestry rigorously; (2) assess the most likely mechanisms underlying epidemiologic associations; (3) consider whether inclusion of the term is likely to mitigate or exacerbate existing inequities; and (4) exercise caution when applying population-level data to individual patient encounters. This process and framework may be useful to other institutional programs and national organizations in evaluating the inclusion of race, ethnicity, and ancestry in clinical guidelines.
‘The communicative Linguistic Landscape: Production formats and designed environments’ Lionel Wee (2021)
Authors: Li Danni
Published: November 2023

The communicative Linguistic Landscape: Production formats and designed environmentsLionel Wee (2021)London and New York: Routledge. Pp. 186ISBN: 9780367701031 (pbk)ISBN: 9780367898205 (hbk)ISBN: 9781003021315 (eBook)
A EXPERIÊNCIA SOCIAL DAS COORDENADORAS PEDAGÓGICAS DA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: SANTOS SANDRO VINICIUS SALES DOS , BARROSO FABIANA PINHEIRO
Published: November 2023

RESUMO: Este texto objetiva analisar o processo de constituição profissional das coordenadoras pedagógicas de creches e pré-escolas, a partir das experiências sociais por elas vividas no contexto da Educação Infantil. O artigo ancora-se conceitualmente nas Pedagogias da Infância e da Educação Infantil (FERNANDES; CAMPOS, 2015; ROCHA, 2001; SILVA, 2008; entre outros), articuladas à sociologia da experiência, formulada por François Dubet (1996). Do ponto de vista metodológico, o material empírico foi produzido por meio de análise documental e entrevistas com seis coordenadoras pedagógicas de Turmalina, cidade situada na porção setentrional do estado de Minas Gerais e, consecutivamente, foi submetido à análise de conteúdo (BARDIN, 1977). As análises desse material permitiram verificar que elas atuam a partir de diferentes lógicas de ação para se constituírem profissionais, o que incide no processo de construção de suas profissionalidades. O estudo evidencia a emergência de um estatuto epistemológico que defina as funções devidas à coordenação pedagógica de creches e pré-escolas, tendo em vista as especificidades sociopolíticas e pedagógicas da Educação Infantil.
Prospecção das condições de trabalho do Samu-192 fluvial em cenários de crise a partir da resiliência no enfrentamento à Covid-19 no Alto Solimões
Authors: Nunes Paula de Castro , Carvalho Paulo Victor Rodrigues de , Arcuri Rodrigo , Bellas Hugo , Bulhões Bárbara , Viana Jaqueline , Jatobá Alessandro
Published: November 2023

RESUMO Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo prospectar as condições de trabalho das equipes de socorro do Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (Samu-192) fluvial das áreas ribeirinhas e costeiras da região do Alto-Solimões, a partir da análise sistêmica das atividades no serviço de embarcações popularmente chamadas de ‘ambulanchas’ durante os picos da Covid-19 no estado do Amazonas, quando o sistema de saúde funcionou sob o estresse provocado pela pandemia. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de um desenho transversal exploratório, baseado em dados qualitativos coletados por meio de entrevistas e observação do funcionamento normal do sistema antes da pandemia. A partir daí modelos de dois cenários foram elaborados mostrando o funcionamento do serviço de ambulanchas ao lidar com a pandemia de Covid-19 e o impacto nas condições de trabalho das equipes de socorro interprofissionais de socorro. Entrevistas remotas com trabalhadores das ambulanchas após a pandemia indicaram que a prospecção das condições de trabalho a partir das instâncias dos modelos corresponderam ao funcionamento real do sistema durante a pandemia de Covid-19.