bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POS and Psychological Empowerment as Moderating Variables on the Effect of Job Insecurity on Employee Performance in Islamic Banks
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Rahmawati Sania , Zakiy Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Abstract. Employee performance in a company is an important component. The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused employees to feel job insecurity due to the rise of layoffs in various sectors. This will indirectly affect the performance of employees in a company so that the performance of the company will decrease. For this reason, perceived organizational support and psychological empowerment are needed to reduce the negative effect of job insecurity on employee performance. This study aims to examine the effect of job insecurity on employee performance with perceived organizational support and psychological empowerment as moderating variables. This study uses descriptive quantitative research methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire via google form and distributed to employees who work at Bank Syariah Indonesia, Bank Muamalat, and Bank Madina Syariah. The questionnaire collected was 252 and analyzed using MRA (Moderate Regression Analysis) to test the hypothesis with the SPSS version 24 application. Research shows that there is a negative influence between job insecurity on employee performance, perceived organizational support could moderate the relationship between job insecurity and employee performance, and psychological empowerment is not able to moderate the effect of job insecurity on employee performance. Keywords: Employee performance; job insecurity; moderating role; perceived organizational support, psychological empowerment
Iron Elbow and Straight-Chain Tool to Reduce Slip on Wood Transportation: An Experimental Study
Authors:   Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency, Yuniawati Yuniawati
Published: March 2024

Abstract. One of the obstacles in transporting wood is the occurrence of slippage. Slippage results in low productivity of timber transport with high production costs and soil damage. The research method is an experimental approach, namely designing, manufacturing and testing the supporting tools in the form of angle iron and straight iron chain. The research objective was to determine the effect of the use of assistive devices on slippage, productivity, wood transport costs and soil damage. The results showed that: 1). Tools from the wheelbarrows of the conveyance wheel from the straight iron chain of the slope class 0-8%, 9-15%, and 16-25% can minimize the occurrence of slippage higher than not using this tool, increase the wood transportation productivity, low transportation production costs, and minimize soil damage; 2). Elbow iron and straight-chain tools are the most efficient and effective. 3). The use of tools in the transportation of wood in slopes 0-8%, 9-15%, and 16-25% is recommended for smooth production. Keywords: Iron elbow, straight chain, productivity, production cost, soil damage
Augmenting Customer Intention to Use Mypertamina Trough Predictors
Authors:   Sultan Sarif Kasim State Islamic University, Riau, Indonesia, Riofita Hendra
Published: March 2024

Abstract. This study is conducted regarding the negative responses toward the plan of Indonesian government to apply MyPertamina. Customer intention to use the application is developed. This study employs and measures the capability of buying functions as the predictor of the customer intention to use, as well as customer trust and customer value to mediate the effect of the buying functions on the customer intention to use. The data processed using SPSS and Amos programs is taken using non probable and snowball sampling technique from subsidized fuel customers at the socialization area of MyPertamina. 167 respondents have participated in 10 days online survey to response the 12 statements provided on quostionnaire. The findings show that all hypotheses are supported significantly. Keywords: Trust, value, buying functions, MyPertamina.
The Effect of Market Orientation, E-Commerce, and Product Innovation on Marketing Performance in MSMEs Culinary Sector
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Riau, Hardilawati Wan Laura , Farhanidhya Nabila , Hinggo Hichmaed Tachta
Published: March 2024

Abstract. The pressure of competition is so tight and market players are increasingly aggressive in seizing market share, causing MSMEs to need to improve their marketing performance. MSMEs actors must build a strong strategy through market orientation, e-commerce, and product innovation.This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of market orientation, e-commerce, and product innovation on marketing performance in the culinary sector MSMEs in Pekanbaru City. This research is a quantitative research with research sampling method that is nonprobability sampling. The sample used was 100 MSMEs in the culinary sector in Pekanbaru City with purposive sampling methods. The results of this study are market orientation variables have a positive and significant effect on marketing performance in the culinary MSMEs sector in Pekanbaru City, e-commerce have a positive but not significant effect on marketing performance in the culinary MSMEs sector in Pekanbaru City, and product innovation variables have a positive and significant effect on marketing performance in the culinary MSMEs sector in Pekanbaru City. Keywords: Market orientation, e-commerce, product innovation, marketing performance, MSMEs
Purchase Intention of Halal Lip Cosmetics on Shopee among Youth Generation: An Investigation using Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Mercu Buana, Hanafiah Ali , Laylatushufa Nazilah , Ahmad Fauziah Sh ,   Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Wibowo Mas Wahyu ,   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Mercu Buana, Nusraningrum Dewi
Published: March 2024

Abstract. As the world's largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia presents its Islamic Economic Landscape in the 2019-2024 Sharia Economic Masterplan, which features halal cosmetics as one of the six highlighted clusters. The leading research shows that Muslim women have expressed concerns regarding cosmetic product compliance with halal standards. This study aims to explore the specific purchase intentions of Indonesian Muslim young women regarding halal lip cosmetics, focusing on their preferences and behavioral intentions on a popular e-commerce platform (Shopee). This research object is Generation Z and Y Muslim women in Indonesia, totaling 210 respondents. This research employs a quantitative data analysis approach using the Smart-PLS 3.2.9 Variance-Based Structural Equation Model. All hypotheses significantly and positively affect the purchase intention of halal lip cosmetics on shopee. The findings indicate that the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variables (Attitude- SubjectiveNorm- Perceived Behavioral Control) can still be applied to examine the behavioral intentions of young Indonesian Muslim women regarding the purchase of halal lip cosmetics. In addition, the extended variables of TPB (E-WOM and Brand Image) emerged as positive predictors of behavioral intention, indicating that further investigation of other variables as potential extensions of TPB is needed. Keywords: E-WOM, brand image, theory of planned behavior, purchase intention, shopee, halal lip cosmetics.
Convergence Rates of Zeroth Order Gradient Descent for Łojasiewicz Functions
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Feng Yasong
Published: March 2024

We prove convergence rates of Zeroth-order Gradient Descent (ZGD) algorithms for Łojasiewicz functions. Our results show that for smooth Łojasiewicz functions with Łojasiewicz exponent larger than 0.5 and smaller than 1, the functions values can converge much faster than the (zeroth-order) gradient descent trajectory. Similar results hold for convex nonsmooth Łojasiewicz functions.

History: Accepted by Antonio Frangioni, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Continuous.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0247 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0247 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Mr. Right or Mr. Best: The Role of Information Under Preference Mismatch in Online Dating
Authors: Shen Hongchuan , Dang Chu (Ivy) , Zhang Xiaoquan (Michael)
Published: March 2024

The rise of two-sided matching platforms such as Uber, Airbnb, Upwork, and Tinder has changed the way we commute, travel, work, and even date. The success of these platforms depends on the role of information: What information and how much information should be provided? In this study, we focus on a defining characteristic of two-sided matching markets—that is, a match depends on the possibly different preferences of the two sides—and argue that the optimal amount of information released depends on the extent to which the preferences of the two sides are mismatched. Specifically, in an empirical context of online dating, we find that when there exists preference mismatch between the two sides, having less match-relevant information about the other side leads to a better matching outcome. Our study provides insights into how the amount of information available to each side affects matching outcomes on two-sided platforms and offers guidance on information design strategies. Additionally, our findings are not confined to dating websites and can be extended to other matching platforms, such as Airbnb and Upwork, where misaligned preferences can exist between the two sides.
Pricing Indefinitely Lived Assets: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Duffy John , Jiang Janet Hua , Xie Huan
Published: March 2024

We study indefinitely lived assets in experimental markets and find that the traded prices of these assets are on average about 40% of the risk-neutral fundamental value. Neither uncertainty about the value of total dividend payments nor horizon uncertainty about the duration of trade can account for this low traded price. An Epstein-Zin recursive preference specification that models the dynamic realization of dividend payments, combined with either probability weighting or subjects’ heterogeneous risk attitudes, can rationalize the low traded prices observed in our indefinitely lived asset market.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: This work was supported by Concordia University and the Bank of Canada.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.03059 .
Content Promotion for Online Content Platforms with the Diffusion Effect
Authors: Lin Yunduan , Wang Mengxin , Zhang Heng , Zhang Renyu , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: March 2024

Problem definition: Content promotion policies are crucial for online content platforms to improve content consumption and user engagement. However, traditional promotion policies generally neglect the diffusion effect within a crowd of users. In this paper, we study the candidate generation and promotion optimization (CGPO) problem for an online content platform, emphasizing the incorporation of the diffusion effect. Methodology/results: We propose a diffusion model that incorporates platform promotion decisions to characterize the adoption process of online content. Based on this diffusion model, we formulate the CGPO problem as a mixed-integer program with nonconvex and nonlinear constraints, which is proved to be NP-hard. Additionally, we investigate methods for estimating the diffusion model parameters using available online platform data and introduce novel double ordinary least squares (D-OLS) estimators. We prove the submodularity of the objective function for the CGPO problem, which enables us to find an efficient [Formula: see text]-approximation greedy solution. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the D-OLS estimators are consistent and have smaller asymptotic variances than traditional ordinary least squares estimators. By utilizing real data from a large-scale video-sharing platform, we show that our diffusion model effectively characterizes the adoption process of online content. Compared with the policy implemented on the platform, our proposed promotion policy increases total adoptions by 49.90%. Managerial implications: Our research highlights the essential role of diffusion in online content and provides actionable insights for online content platforms to optimize their content promotion policies by leveraging our diffusion model.

Funding: R. Zhang is grateful for the financial support from the Hong Kong Research Grants Council General Research Fund [Grants 14502722 and 14504123] and the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72293560/72293565].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0172 .
Branch-and-Price for Prescriptive Contagion Analytics
Authors: Jacquillat Alexandre , Li Michael Lingzhi , Ramé Martin , Wang Kai
Published: March 2024

A new optimization methodology helps allocate vaccines to combat a pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the extraordinary speed of vaccine developments quickly gave rise to a critical operational problem: How to distribute a scarce stockpile of vaccines across communities? In “Branch-and-Price for Prescriptive Contagion Analytics,” A. Jacquillat, M. Li, M. Rame, and K. Wang address this question by presenting a methodology to allocate shared resources across subpopulations governed by contagion dynamics. This problem combines the difficulties of mixed-integer nonconvex optimization and those of optimization with constraints governed by ordinary differential equations. By combining novel column generation, approximate dynamic programming, and branch-and-bound elements, the authors’ methodology can solve large and otherwise-intractable instances, outperforming state-of-the-art benchmarks. From a practical standpoint, their approach can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a vaccination campaign. Ultimately, the results from the paper outline vaccine allocation—beyond vaccine development and vaccine manufacturing—as a critical lever to mitigate the impact of a pandemic on public health.
ENTRE A CRÍTICA E A LEGITIMIDADE EXISTE UM VASTO OCEANO
Authors: Marino Leonardo Freire
Published: March 2024

As discussões atinentes as reformas dos currículos escolares têm sido presenciadas em diversos países. No Brasil, esse movimento produziu um cenário de incertezas, marcado por avanços e retrocessos. É com base nessa realidade, marcada pela disputa em estabelecer aquilo que deveria ser o processo de escolarização, que elaborei este ensaio. Seu objetivo reside em estabelecer uma análise que, simultaneamente, procure apresentar as motivações das reformas curriculares estabelecidas e parte das razões que justificam as críticas destinadas a elas. Com base nessa perspectiva, defendo que a busca em construir novos sentidos para os currículos escolares deve ser percebida como legitima, constituindo uma condição necessária ao funcionamento das escolas. Por essa condição, considero que o momento atual compõe uma oportunidade para intensificarmos as reflexões a respeito do funcionamento das escolas, percebendo os limites do modelo prevalecente e propondo mudanças em suas normativas de funcionamento. Desta forma, sem a pretensão de oferecer soluções definitivas, apresento algumas medidas que considero como fundamentais para a reconstrução dos currículos escolares.
Peningkatan Kompetensi Guru dan Siswa SMAN 1 Kraksaan dan SMAS Taman Madya Kraksaan untuk Menghadapi Olimpiade Sains Kabupaten (OSK) Bidang Matematika dan Informatika di Kabupaten Probolinggo
Authors: Fahim Kistosil , Subiono Subiono , Imron Chairul , Herisman Iis , Soleha Soleha , Mufid Muhammad Syifa’ul
Published: March 2024

Pelatihan guru matematika dan siswa-siswanya di SMAN 1 Kraksaan dan SMAS Taman Madya Kraksaan memberikan pendalaman dan pemahamaan konsep mata pelajaran Matematika, dikhususkan bagaimana seorang guru matematika dan siswanya dapat memecahkan permasalahan/penyelesaian soal-soal OSK bidang matematika dan informatika. Kegiatan pelatihan ini telah disepakati dengan jadwal mengikuti program dari SMAN 1 Kraksaan dan SMAS Taman Madya Kraksaan dengan pelaksanaan secara luring. Hasil dari pelatihan ini: 1) guru-guru dapat mentransfer materi pelatihan pada anak-anak didiknya dan 2) siswa-siswa (sebagai peserta pelatihan) dapat mentransfer materi pelatihan pada teman-teman dan adik kelasnya. Target luaran dari kegiatan ini adalah meningkatnya kemampuan peserta dalam menyelesaikan soal-soal OSK bidang Matematika dan Informatika. Hal ini bisa dilihat dari nilai post-test yang nilainya lebih baik daripada nilai pre-test.
Decision-making on the use of compression hosiery and compression bandaging: a systematic review
Authors: Ferguson Gregor , Baguley Fiona
Published: March 2024

This systematic literature review was carried out by a final-year nursing student in response to clinical experience, and to understand the rationale and evidence around managing venous ulcers. In the student's clinical experience, the two most commonly used treatment methods were forms of compression hosiery and compression bandaging. The CINAHL, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Internurse and MEDLINE databases were searched for literature published over the period 2003–2023. From the resulting five papers, five key themes were identified: types of compression systems used and the rationale for decision-making; clinical effectiveness; the impact on patient experience and quality of life; pain levels following application of compression systems; and cost effectiveness. Conclusion: Management and prevention of venous ulceration is complex. The decisions should be made in partnership with the patient and will be influenced by context. Overall, compression hosiery was identified as the more favourable system.
Nursing care in patients with dependency-related skin injuries in the community: a scoping review
Authors: Maella-Rius Natalia , Torra-Bou Joan-Enric , Martínez-Rodríguez Laura
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Dependency-related skin injuries (DRSI) occur in people who need a high level of support to carry out day-to-day activities. Owing to the ageing population, the number of people at risk of DRSI is increasing. Most wound care is performed by nurses in the community. This scoping review aimed to identify the extent of literature on nursing care for patients with or at risk of developing DRSI living in their own home.

Materials and methods:

A scoping review was conducted.

Results:

A total of 28 studies met the inclusion criteria and four main themes emerged: features of the community setting; wound types, causes and management; prevention strategies around aetiology and holistic care; care management and local wound care.

Conclusion:

Although most wounds occur in and are treated in the community, there is a paucity of research on wounds in this setting. The care of patients with DRSI in the community is complex and prevention according to the individual aetiology of each lesion is the key factor in wound care.
Skeletal Growth Status Agreement in a Group of Thai Children and Adolescents: A Comparative Analysis of Fishman's Skeletal Maturation and Baccetti's Cervical Vertebral Maturation Indices
Authors:   Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand, Upalananda Witsarut , Kanjanaprapas Aree ,   Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand, Thongudomporn Udom ,   Orthodontic Section, Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to determine the agreement of skeletal maturation (SM) assessed by hand-wrist radiographs and cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) assessed by lateral cephalometric radiographs. It also explored the feasibility of using CVM as an alternative to hand-wrist radiographs among Thai children and adolescents. The samples comprised 95 males and 67 females from Thailand, aged 7–17 years. A total of 162 hand-wrist radiographs and lateral cephalometric radiographs were included. Two experienced oral radiologists independently assessed SM (using Fishman’s method) and CVM (using Baccetti’s method); a third referee observer resolved any discrepancies. The correlation and agreement between the methods were evaluated. The results found a substantial agreement (weighted kappa = 0.594) between SM and CVM. The interobserver discrepancy in categorizing SM stages was mostly found at stage 5, while the most common discrepancy for CVM was at stage 6. A significant positive correlation (Spearman’s correlation coefficient = 0.677, P < 0.001) indicated a moderate to strong association between SM and CVM. The substantial agreement and moderate to strong correlation between CVM and SM highlighted the feasibility of using CVM to assess skeletal growth. However, to ensure reliability, it was necessary to precisely evaluate the appearance of the capping of the epiphyseal plate for SM and the distinction between a rectangular and square cervical spine shape at C3 and C4 for CVM differentiation. Keywords: Cervical spine, Hand, Radiographic evaluation, Orthodontics
Circolazione di modelli amministrativi e decentralizzazione istituzionale nella Corona d’Aragona del tardo medioevo: le strutture contabili e finanziarie
Authors: Silvestri Alessandro
Published: March 2024

Questo contributo esamina l’apparato finanziario e contabile della Corona d’Aragona nel tardo medioevo. In particolare, mediante un approccio di tipo comparativo, si discutono, da una parte, la circolazione di modelli amministrativi tra i diversi territori dell’unione politica catalano-aragonese, e dall’altro lato, il processo di decentralizzazione istituzionale che interessò la monarchia, che è qui inteso come il frutto di una strategia programmatica portata avanti dai re d’Aragona.
Margaret Walker and the WPA: Black Feminism, Progressive Government, and the Program Era
Authors: Strand Eric
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Mark McGurl's The Program Era prioritizes the university-based creative writing program for the production of modern literature, but in the 1930s, the Writers' Project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a progressive and antiracist rival. As a federal employee, Margaret Walker synthesized her colleagues' feedback into her classic poem "For My People," which extols Roosevelt's New Deal coalition. Although scholars focus on Walker's years at the University of Iowa, the WPA's folklore studies, directed by Sterling Brown and Benjamin Botkin, inspired the folklore poems of For My People as well as Walker's landmark novel Jubilee . Walker memorialized the Writers' Project in her underappreciated biography Richard Wright, Daemonic Genius , which not only makes a feminist critique of Native Son but also reminds us of the efficacy of government support for literary creativity. In the 1980s, Walker campaigned for Jesse Jackson, writing essays that drew on her skills as a WPA researcher to merge the ethos of the New Deal with that of the Rainbow Coalition. A testament to activist government coupled with national solidarity, her work models a class-conscious multiculturalism relevant for our own time.
Trends in Latin America: Libraries’ Challenges Magnified by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Talavera-Ibarra Ana María
Published: March 2024

Abstract: At the beginning of 2020, our world experienced an unusual turnaround in our daily lives. The appearance of COVID-19 forced all inhabitants to suspend their economic, social, and educational activities and to remain in confinement. Library services were strongly affected, and after an almost total paralysis they restarted their activities “reinventing themselves,” that is, looking for new ways or expanding existing ones, specifically remotely, to provide information to those who required it. This work describes the situation of libraries in Spanish-Portuguese Latin America facing the crisis caused by the pandemic. It gives an overview of the situation in the region and reports on the role of libraries during the current crisis and the near future. It reviews the twenty world trends in the library environment as presented in the “IFLA Trend Report 2021 Update,” comparing them with the reality of Latin America. In order to make a more precise analysis, the twenty trends are grouped into four areas: society, community/users, libraries, and role of librarians. The article concludes with a vision of the future, foreseeing the roles of libraries and librarians in the post-pandemic years.
Desire, Reason, and Intellect in Nicomachean Ethics 6
Authors: Corry Patrick
Published: March 2024

Abstract: This article proposes a via media between intellectualism and nonrationalism on the question of how, according to Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics , a virtuous person determines the goal ( telos ) for action ( praxis ). The author argues that, according to Aristotle, the goal is set neither by discursive reasoning nor by well-formed nonrational desires but, rather, by practical intellect ( nous ), which is a capacity for nondiscursive perception ( aisthēsis ) of a singular action as choiceworthy in itself. He argues that for Aristotle the activity of nous completes and perfects the operation of prudence ( phronēsis ) or excellent practical thinking, and that this operation essentially includes a distinctively intellectual desire, which is required both for the correct perception of final actions and for the movement of the deliberating agent to act.
"The Heart's Residuum": Adorno's Metaphysical Experience in Stevens's "Extracts from Addresses to the Academy of Fine Ideas"
Authors: Kovalenko George
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: Although Wallace Stevens and Theodor W. Adorno respond in distinct ways to the Holocaust, their works have a theoretical affinity. In 1940, Stevens writes a poem that, while it cannot register the unfathomable catastrophe, does speculate about the fate of the imagination in a world turned into an enormous camp through total war. Adorno, who most famously responds in his dictum against poetry after Auschwitz, develops a minimal theory of what he calls metaphysical experience. What for Adorno is the dialectical category of metaphysical experience is for Stevens poetics.
Mapping-varied modulation with labeling optimization for secure transmission in mode-division-multiplexed fiber-optic systems
Authors: Lei Yi , Lu Qi , Chen Bin , Guo Zhongyi
Published: March 2024

To improve the physical-layer security of mode-division multiplexing (MDM) systems, a simple security scheme named mapping-varied modulation (MVM) is proposed in this paper by combining cryptographic and information-theoretic security. Specifically, on top of the information-theoretic security provided by the less-conditioned wiretap channel due to the larger mode-dependent loss induced by fiber-bend tapping, the proposed MVM security method varies the mapping rules of the adopted constellations for the subchannels (one subchannel corresponds to one mode) by using the inherently time-varying random channel state information (CSI) of the MDM fiber, under the assumption that an eavesdropper does not know the exact instantaneous CSI of the legitimate link. To maximize the difference among the binary labels of the constellation points in the same position for each subchannel, a labeling optimization method is proposed as well. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MVM method via bit-error ratio performance and secrecy rate, showing a potential way to improve the security of the MDM link for high-speed data transmission.
Generalized Bloch boundary conditions based on a symmorphic space group and the finite-element implementation in photonic crystal
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Liu Lida , Wang Zhanwen , Jing Yuhao , Chen Yuntian
Published: March 2024

We studied generalized Bloch boundary conditions and their finite element implementation within the theoretical framework of a symmorphic space group. By combining translation symmetry operations with mirror and rotational symmetry operations, we developed a procedure for implementing generalized Bloch boundary conditions in the finite element method (FEM) for periodic photonic structures. First, we lay out the theoretical foundation and numerical implementation of generalized Bloch boundary conditions in FEM. We illustrate the proposed method via 2D/3D periodic photonic structures. Without a loss of generality, we calculate the band structures of 2D/3D photonic crystals using our proposed generalized Bloch boundary conditions and benchmark the results against the conventional Bloch boundary conditions. The comparisons show that band structure and eigenmode yield excellent agreement with the results obtained from conventional Bloch boundary conditions. However, our method has improved the computational efficiency by at least twofold. We further elaborate the comparisons with computation errors, memory efficiency, and computation times, all of which show that our proposed method outperforms the conventional one due to careful consideration of the mirror and rotational symmetry operation, apart from the translation symmetry. In addition, our method can easily be extended to other methods such as FDTD and transfer matrix.
Opto-thermal manipulation with a 3 µm mid-infrared Er:ZBLAN fiber laser
Authors: Mamuti Roukuya , Shimizu Masaya , Fuji Takao , Kudo Tetsuhiro
Published: March 2024

Water has significantly high absorption around 3 µm wavelength region, originated by its fundamental OH vibrational modes. Here, we successfully demonstrate an opto-thermal manipulation of particles utilizing a 3 µm mid-infrared Er:ZBLAN fiber laser (adjustable from 2700 to 2826 nm) that can efficiently elevate the temperature at a laser focus with a low laser power. The 3 µm laser indeed accelerates the formation of the particle assembly by simply irradiating the laser into water. By altering the laser wavelengths, the assembling speed and size, instantaneous particle velocity, particle distribution, trapping stiffness and temperature elevation are evaluated systematically. We propose that the dynamics of particle assembly can be understood through thermo-osmotic slip flows, taking into account the effects of volume heating within the focal cone and point heating at the focus.
Research on the efficient EM modeling method from multilayered anisotropic medium-metal composite targets
Authors: Hua Mengbo , Rao Zhenmin , He Siyuan , Chen Rumeng , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2024

The paper presents a high-frequency modeling approach tailored for the electromagnetic (EM) scattering characteristics from electrically large radar targets coated with multi-layered anisotropic mediums (MLAMs). The approach begins by deriving the plane-wave spectrum expression for the incident EM field within MLAMs. It then employs spectral domain full-wave analysis method (SDFWAM) to obtain an analytical representation of the scattering field, further leveraging saddle point evaluation (SPE) to derive asymptotic solutions in the spatial domain. By integrating principles of physical optics (PO) and the tangent plane approximation, the far-field scattering characteristics of target enveloped in the specified medium are efficiently delineated. Validations against standard structure and the Misty satellite model reveal the method's pronounced alignment with the method of moments – finite element method (MoM-FEM) hybrid numerical algorithm, underscoring its notable computational efficiency. Furthermore, in conjunction with scattering sources decomposition technique, the approach is applied to optimize the radar cross-section (RCS) of the Su-57 aircraft, achieving precise and intelligent RCS control at minimal material cost. In conclusion, this research offers pivotal technological and theoretical foundations for EM scattering prediction, stealth design, and performance assessment in radar target domains.
High performance TM-pass polarizer using multimode Bragg grating waveguide
Authors: Xu ZhengYing , Tu Bin , Liu Hao
Published: March 2024

A novel ultra-broadband TM-pass polarizer with high polarization extinction ratio (PER) and low reflection has been proposed and demonstrated by utilizing multimode Bragg grating waveguide (MBGW) and two tapered waveguides. By optimizing the period of the MBGW, the injected TE0 mode is coupled into the backward TE2 mode and effectively leaked into the cladding. Meanwhile, the injected TM0 mode propagates through the polarizer without any negative impact. The operation bandwidth can be significantly expanded by cascading multiple MBGW structures, each of which operates at a different central Bragg wavelength. The simulation results indicate that the designed polarizer can achieve an insertion loss (IL) below 0.24 dB and a PER above 39 dB simultaneously across a bandwidth of 300 nm (1400 nm∼1700nm), while the reflected signal is below −9.1 dB. The experiment results demonstrate that the fabricated polarizer can realize an IL below 0.56 dB and a PER above 33 dB in a 160 nm bandwidth ranging from 1470 nm to 1630 nm. Due to limitations in the equipment used, measurements for other wavelength ranges are not conducted. With these merits, the proposed device would find significant applications in optical communication systems.
Shining Lights on Limits: Optimizing Luminescent Solar
Concentrators for Solar Windows
Authors: de Bruin Thomas , Van Sark Wilfried
Published: March 2024

The luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can function as an electricity-generating window whose performance is hindered by an inherent trade-off between power conversion efficiency and visible light
transmission. To optimize this trade-off, we use a numerical algorithm to find the power conversion efficiency of 92 luminophores, ensuring an average visible transmission >55% and a color rendering
index >70. Furthermore, we optimize double and triple-stacked LSC configurations and single LSCs with two or three embedded luminophores. All tested LSC configurations are found to be limited to
a power conversion efficiency of around 1% for window-appropriate transparencies.
Specification of distinct cell types in a sensory-adhesive organ important for metamorphosis in tunicate larvae
Authors: Johnson Christopher J. , Razy-Krajka Florian , Zeng Fan , Piekarz Katarzyna M. , Biliya Shweta , Rothbächer Ute , Stolfi Alberto
Published: March 2024

The papillae of tunicate larvae contribute sensory, adhesive, and metamorphosis-regulating functions that are crucial for the biphasic lifestyle of these marine, non-vertebrate chordates. We have identified additional molecular markers for at least 5 distinct cell types in the papillae of the model tunicate Ciona, allowing us to further study the development of these organs. Using tissue-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis and other molecular perturbations, we reveal the roles of key transcription factors and signaling pathways that are important for patterning the papilla territory into a highly organized array of different cell types and shapes. We further test the contributions of different transcription factors and cell types to the production of the adhesive glue that allows for larval attachment during settlement, and to the processes of tail retraction and body rotation during metamorphosis. With this study, we continue working towards connecting gene regulation to cellular functions that control the developmental transition between the motile larva and sessile adult of Ciona.
Polyphosphate kinase regulates LPS structure and polymyxin resistance during starvation in E. coli
Authors: Baijal Kanchi , Abramchuk Iryna , Herrera Carmen M. , Mah Thien-Fah , Trent M. Stephen , Lavallée-Adam Mathieu , Downey Michael
Published: March 2024

Polyphosphates (polyP) are chains of inorganic phosphates that can reach over 1,000 residues in length. InEscherichia coli, polyP is produced by the polyP kinase (PPK) and is thought to play a protective role during the response to cellular stress. However, the molecular pathways impacted by PPK activity and polyP accumulation remain poorly characterized. In this work, we used label-free mass spectrometry to study the response of bacteria that cannot produce polyP (Δppk) during starvation to identify novel pathways regulated by PPK. In response to starvation, we found 92 proteins significantly differentially expressed between wild-type and Δppkmutant cells. Wild-type cells were enriched for proteins related to amino acid biosynthesis and transport, while Δppkmutants were enriched for proteins related to translation and ribosome biogenesis, suggesting that without PPK, cells remain inappropriately primed for growth even in the absence of the required building blocks. From our data set, we were particularly interested in Arn and EptA proteins, which were down-regulated in Δppkmutants compared to wild-type controls, because they play a role in lipid A modifications linked to polymyxin resistance. Using western blotting, we confirm differential expression of these and related proteins in K-12 strains and a uropathogenic isolate, and provide evidence that this mis-regulation in Δppkcells stems from a failure to induce the BasRS two-component system during starvation. We also show that Δppkmutants unable to up-regulate Arn and EptA expression lack the respective L-Ara4N and pEtN modifications on lipid A. In line with this observation, loss ofppkrestores polymyxin sensitivity in resistant strains carrying a constitutively activebasRallele. Overall, we show a new role for PPK in lipid A modification during starvation and provide a rationale for targeting PPK to sensitize bacteria towards polymyxin treatment. We further anticipate that our proteomics work will provide an important resource for researchers interested in the diverse pathways impacted by PPK.
End-to-end deep learning approach to mouse behavior classification from cortex-wide calcium imaging
Authors: Ajioka Takehiro , Nakai Nobuhiro , Yamashita Okito , Takumi Toru
Published: March 2024

Deep learning is a powerful tool for neural decoding, broadly applied to systems neuroscience and clinical studies. Interpretable and transparent models that can explain neural decoding for intended behaviors are crucial to identifying essential features of deep learning decoders in brain activity. In this study, we examine the performance of deep learning to classify mouse behavioral states from mesoscopic cortex-wide calcium imaging data. Our convolutional neural network (CNN)-based end-to-end decoder combined with recurrent neural network (RNN) classifies the behavioral states with high accuracy and robustness to individual differences on temporal scales of sub-seconds. Using the CNN-RNN decoder, we identify that the forelimb and hindlimb areas in the somatosensory cortex significantly contribute to behavioral classification. Our findings imply that the end-to-end approach has the potential to be an interpretable deep learning method with unbiased visualization of critical brain regions.
Bayesian inference is facilitated by modular neural networks with different time scales
Authors: Ichikawa Kohei , Kaneko Kunihiko
Published: March 2024

Various animals, including humans, have been suggested to perform Bayesian inferences to handle noisy, time-varying external information. In performing Bayesian inference by the brain, the prior distribution must be acquired and represented by sampling noisy external inputs. However, the mechanism by which neural activities represent such distributions has not yet been elucidated. Our findings reveal that networks with modular structures, composed of fast and slow modules, are adept at representing this prior distribution, enabling more accurate Bayesian inferences. Specifically, the modular network that consists of a main module connected with input and output layers and a sub-module with slower neural activity connected only with the main module outperformed networks with uniform time scales. Prior information was represented specifically by the slow sub-module, which could integrate observed signals over an appropriate period and represent input means and variances. Accordingly, the neural network could effectively predict the time-varying inputs. Furthermore, by training the time scales of neurons starting from networks with uniform time scales and without modular structure, the above slow-fast modular network structure and the division of roles in which prior knowledge is selectively represented in the slow sub-modules spontaneously emerged. These results explain how the prior distribution for Bayesian inference is represented in the brain, provide insight into the relevance of modular structure with time scale hierarchy to information processing, and elucidate the significance of brain areas with slower time scales.
Feasibility of wastewater-based detection of emergent pandemics through a global network of airports
Authors: Jin Shihui , Dickens Borame L. , Toh Kai Yee , Lye David Chien Boon , Lee Vernon J. , Cook Alex R.
Published: March 2024

Wastewater-based surveillance has been put into practice during the pandemic. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in faeces of infected individuals, and high volume of passengers travelling by air, make it possible to detect virus from aircraft wastewater, lending itself to the potential identification of a novel pathogen prior to clinical diagnosis. In this study, we estimated the likelihood of detecting the virus through aircraft wastewater from the probabilities of air travel, viral shedding, defecation, testing sensitivity, and sampling. We considered various hypothetical scenarios, with diverse sampling proportions of inbound flights, surveillance airports, and sources of outbreaks. Our calculations showed that the probability of detecting SARS-CoV-2 would increase exponentially against time in the early phase of the pandemic, and would be much higher if the 20 major airports in Asia, Europe, and North America cooperated to perform aircraft wastewater surveillance. We also found other contributors to early detection, including high sampling proportion of inbound flight at destination airports, small population size of the epicentre relative to the travel volume, and large volume of outbound travelers to major airports around the globe. We concluded that routine aircraft wastewater monitoring could be a feasible approach for early identification and tracking of an emerging pathogen with high faecal shedding rates, particularly when implemented through a global surveillance network of major airports.
Organization of two kinesins in a two-dimensional microtubule network
Authors: Bergues Jesús M. , Falo Fernando
Published: March 2024

In intracellular active transport, molecular motors are responsible for moving biological cargo along networks of microtubules that serve as scaffolds. Cargo dynamics can be modified by different features of microtubule networks such as geometry, density, orientation modifications. Also, the dynamical behaviour of the molecular motors is determined by the microtubule network and by the individual and/or collective action of the motors. For example, unlike single kinesins, the mechanistic behavior of multiple kinesins varies from one experiment to another. However, the reasons for this experimental variability are unknown. Here we show theoretically how non-radial and quasi-radial microtubule architectures modify the collective behavior of two kinesins attached on a cargo. We found out under which structural conditions transport is most efficient and the most likely way in which kinesins are organized in active transport. In addition, with motor activity, mean intermotor distance and motor organization, we determined the character of the collective interaction of the kinesins during transport. Our results demonstrate that two-dimensional microtubule structures promote branching due to crossovers that alter directionality in cargo movement and may provide insight into the collective organization of the motors. Our article offers a perspective to analyze how the two-dimensional network can modify the cargo-motor dynamics for the case in which multiple motors move in different directions as in the case of kinesin and dynein.
Discovering smart cities’ potential in Kazakhstan: A cluster analysis
Authors: Urdabayev Marat , Kireyeva Anel , Vasa Laszlo , Digel Ivan , Nurgaliyeva Kuralay , Nurbatsin Akan
Published: March 2024

The potential for developing smart cities in Kazakhstan is evaluated using cluster analysis. Built on previous research focused on clustering the regions of Kazakhstan, this study applies the same method to the cities of the country. The analysis uses indicators related to human capital, infrastructure, education, information technology, production, and other factors to assess the potential of each city. The clustering is performed using Single Linkage, Complete Linkage, and Ward’s methods. The results show that Almaty and Astana are the cities with the highest potential for becoming smart cities. Aktobe is identified as a city with distinctive features that may help or hinder its development as a smart city. The remaining cities are clustered into two groups, with one group having the potential to catch up and maintain the trend of developing smart cities, while the other group is less suitable for starting smart city projects and may require more investment per capita. The study highlights the deep regional inequality affecting the potential to successfully develop and manage smart cities in Kazakhstan. The analysis also reveals some limitations and challenges in the data and variables used, including the lack of data for some variables and the difficulties in "translating" some factors and indicators into quantitative variables for clustering. The study concludes that future research should address these challenges and consider clustering inside certain regions to focus on their unique features. The study recommends launching pilot projects in small cities, with the most successful practices then scaled and implemented in the core smart cities and possibly Aktobe, if it manages to use its advantages to compensate for risks. Overall, this study provides insights into the potential of smart city development in Kazakhstan and can inform policymakers in their efforts to support smart city projects in the country.