bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Wood Ash Cement Mortar Incorporating Green-Synthesized Nano-TiO2
Authors: Ikotun Bolanle Deborah , Raheem Akeem Ayinde
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the findings of an investigation into the influence of green-synthesized nano-TiO2 on the characteristics of wood ash (WA) cement mortar. Mortar specimens were prepared by partial replacement of cement with WA (10% by weight) and addition of 1, 2 and 3% nano-TiO2 by weight of binder; using constant water-to-binder ratio (w/b) for all mixtures. The properties evaluated are setting time of the binder and flexural and compressive strength with water absorption of the mortar. The results indicated that addition of 1 and 2% nano-TiO2 reduced setting times of WA cement paste. Also, the flexural and compressive strength of WA cement mortar were higher with the incorporation of up to 2% nano-TiO2. The water absorption of WA cement mortar was reduced when nano-TiO2 was added with 2% incorporation having the best result. The incorporation of NT in WA cement mortar improved its workability and strength characteristics.
Correction to: Tregs and GvHD prevention by extracorporeal photopheresis: observations from a clinical trial
Authors: Crocchiolo Roberto , Cesana Clara , Girgenti Debora , Bertani Giambattista , Barba Claudia , Liga Giuseppa , Ferri Ursula , Crucitti Lara , Grillo Giovanni , Rossini Silvano , Cairoli Roberto
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Prospective cohort study of voice outcomes following secondary tracheoesophageal puncture in gastric pull-up reconstruction after total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy
Authors: Deane Emily C. , Parhar Harman , Rammage Linda , Hu Amanda , Anderson Donald W.
Published: March 2021

Background

Gastric pull-up is a reconstructive option for circumferential defects after resection of advanced laryngopharyngeal malignancy. Voice loss is expected and vocal rehabilitation remains a challenge. Our study objectives were to investigate the feasibility of secondary tracheoesophageal puncture following gastric pull-up and to analyze voice outcomes.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced laryngopharyngeal malignancies who underwent gastric pull-up and secondary tracheoesophageal puncture between 1988 and 2017 at a tertiary-care academic institution. Objective acoustic measures included fundamental frequency and vocal intensity. Perceptual analysis was performed using voice recordings (“Rainbow Passage”) randomly presented in a blinded fashion to four clinicians using the validated GRBAS scale. Speech intelligibility was assessed in a blinded fashion using a validated 7-point scale. Additionally, the Voice Handicap Index-10 was administered as a validated patient self-reporting tool.

Results

Ten patients (7 male, 3 female) were included, all of whom preferentially used tracheoesophageal puncture for communication. These patients had abnormal median fundamental frequency of 250 (interquartile range (IQR) 214–265) Hz and a limited median vocal intensity of 65.8 (IQR 64.1–68.3) dB. Perceptual analysis (GRBAS) revealed a median ‘moderate’ degree of impairment [grade 2 (IQR 2–3), roughness 2 (IQR 2–3), breathiness 3 (IQR 2–3), asthenia 2 (IQR 1–2), strain 2 (IQR 1–2)] as did median intelligibility scores [median 5 (IQR 4–7)]. Most patients self-reported an abnormal voice handicap-10 [median 26.5 (IQR 22.8–35.0)].

Conclusion

Secondary tracheoesophageal puncture is a safe and feasible option for voice rehabilitation after gastric pull-up. Although analyses demonstrated moderate subjective and objective impairment, tracheoesophageal puncture provided patients with a self-reported means of functional verbal communication and was their preferred method of communication.

Graphical Abstract
Utilizing the simple graph convolutional neural network as a model for simulating influence spread in networks
Authors: Mantzaris Alexander V. , Chiodini Douglas , Ricketson Kyle
Published: March 2021

The ability for people and organizations to connect in the digital age has allowed the growth of networks that cover an increasing proportion of human interactions. The research community investigating networks asks a range of questions such as which participants are most central, and which community label to apply to each member. This paper deals with the question on how to label nodes based on the features (attributes) they contain, and then how to model the changes in the label assignments based on the influence they produce and receive in their networked neighborhood. The methodological approach applies the simple graph convolutional neural network in a novel setting. Primarily that it can be used not only for label classification, but also for modeling the spread of the influence of nodes in the neighborhoods based on the length of the walks considered. This is done by noticing a common feature in the formulations in methods that describe information diffusion which rely upon adjacency matrix powers and that of graph neural networks. Examples are provided to demonstrate the ability for this model to aggregate feature information from nodes based on a parameter regulating the range of node influence which can simulate a process of exchanges in a manner which bypasses computationally intensive stochastic simulations.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Fungal sensing skin
Authors: Adamatzky Andrew , Gandia Antoni , Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: March 2021

Background

A fungal skin is a thin flexible sheet of a living homogeneous mycelium made by a filamentous fungus. The skin could be used in future living architectures of adaptive buildings and as a sensing living skin for soft self-growing/adaptive robots.

Results

In experimental laboratory studies we demonstrate that the fungal skin is capable for recognising mechanical and optical stimulation. The skin reacts differently to loading of a weight, removal of the weight, and switching illumination on and off.

Conclusion

These are the first experimental evidences that fungal materials can be used not only as mechanical ‘skeletons’ in architecture and robotics but also as intelligent skins capable for recognition of external stimuli and sensorial fusion.
The role of leukotriene modifying agent treatment in neuropsychiatric events of elderly asthma patients: a nested case control study
Authors: Kang Sang Oh , Min Kyung Hyun , Kim Hyun Jeong , Kim Tae Hyeok , Kim Woorim , Lee Kyung Eun
Published: March 2021

Background

In March 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration decided that the dangers related to neuropsychiatric events (NPEs) of montelukast, one of the leukotriene modifying agents (LTMAs), should be communicated through ‘boxed warning’. In case of NPEs, the prevalence has been the highest in elderly people. Because the characteristics of the elderly such as old age itself can act as risk factors. Therefore, an investigation on safety of LTMAs related to NPEs in elderly using LTMAs is needed.

Method

A nested case-control study using an elderly sample cohort from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database was used. The asthma cohort included asthma patients newly diagnosed between 2003 and 2013. Within the asthma cohort, the case group was defined as patients who were diagnosed with NPEs. Among patients who had never been diagnosed with NPEs, the control group was selected by matching 1:1 by propensity score. Patients who were prescribed LTMAs for 1 year prior to index date were defined as the exposure group. The logistic regression model was used to measure the effect of LTMAs on NPEs.

Results

We identified 141,165 patients with newly diagnosed asthma, and selected 31,992 patients per each case and control group. Exposure to LTMAs significantly increased the risk of overall NPEs about in comparison with the absence of exposure (crude odds ratio [OR] 1.58, 95% CI 1.50–1.68). After adjusting for confounding factors, the overall NPEs risk increased (adjusted OR, 1.67, 95% CI 1.58–1.78).

Conclusion

This study suggests that elderly asthma patients prescribed LTMAs had a higher risk of NPEs than patients who were not treated with LTMAs. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of the potential risks of LTMAs.
Effect of mindfulness on physical activity in primary healthcare patients: a randomised controlled trial pilot study
Authors: Nymberg Peter , Calling Susanna , Stenman Emelie , Palmér Karolina , Hansson Eva Ekvall , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Zöller Bengt
Published: March 2021

Increased physical activity can have health benefits among inactive individuals. In Sweden, the healthcare system uses physical activity on prescription (PAP) to motivate patients to increase their physical activity level. Mindfulness may further heighten the internal motivation to engage in physical activity. However, previous research has not demonstrated clear evidence of such an association.

Aim

Examine the feasibility of the study design as a preparation for a full-scale study, and examine the differences, between three interventions, in change over time in physical activity levels and in related variables.

Method

Comparison between three different interventions in an ordinary primary health care setting: PAP, mindfulness, and a combination of PAP and mindfulness. Physical activity was measured with self-report and ACTi Graph GT1X activity monitor. Statistical analysis was performed with a mixed-effect model to account for repeated observations and estimate differences both within groups and between groups at 3- and 6-months follow-up.

Results

Between September 2016 and December 2018, a total of 88 participants were randomised into three groups. The total dropout rate was 20.4%, the attendance rate to the mindfulness courses (52% > 6 times) and the web-based mindfulness training (8% > 800 min) was low according to the stated feasibility criteria. Eleven participants were excluded from analysis due to low activity monitor wear time. Neither the activity monitor data nor self-reported physical activity showed any significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion

The study design needs adjustment for the mindfulness intervention design before a fully scaled study can be conducted. A combination of PAP and mindfulness may increase physical activity and self-rated health more than PAP or mindfulness alone.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT02869854. Regional Ethical Review Board in Lund registration number 2016/404.
Creativity in public involvement: supporting authentic collaboration and inclusive research with seldom heard voices
Authors: Broomfield Katherine , Craig Claire , Smith Sarah , Jones Georgina , Judge Simon , Sage Karen
Published: March 2021

Background

The role of public involvement (PI) in healthcare research is growing in importance and it is imperative that researchers continuously reflect on how to promote the inclusion of patients and service users in the design and delivery of research. PI offers a mechanism for end-users to be involved planning, executing, and reporting research. Some patient groups, including people who have communication difficulties, may struggle to engage in the methods traditionally employed to promote PI engagement such as questionnaires and focus groups.

Methods

This article describes a longitudinal case-study of a PI group, consisting of people who have communication difficulties, for a patient-reported outcome development project. Creative methods, informed by the participatory design principles of enacting, seeing and doing, were introduced stepwise into seven PI meetings. Data from video and visual minutes were used to evaluate the impact of the methods, following each group. Feedback, in the form of verbal and visual outputs taken directly from group meeting minutes, along with vignettes evidenced the impact of the methods on the project and group members.

Results

Creative methods enabled the PI group members to successfully contribute in meetings, to interact dynamically and to engage with the aims and processes of the research project. Their involvement facilitated the development of accessible recruitment materials, informed data analysis and supported the dissemination of project outputs. Employing creative methods also enabled both PI group members and the academic team to reflect on their own roles within the research project and the impact that their active involvement in the PI group has had on their personal development and perspectives on research.

Conclusion

The impact of using creative methods in PI for this patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) development project improved collaboration and understanding between PI members and the academic team. The authentic engagement of people who have communication difficulties in PI generated a more accessible project in terms of both process and impact. Creativity has applicability beyond people whose communication is non-verbal; it should be harnessed by research teams to identify and breakdown barriers to involvement to develop outcome tools that reflect the diversity of our populations.
Titanium mesh and pedicled buccal fat pad for the reconstruction of maxillary defect: case report
Authors: Yoon Joo-Hyung , Park Young-Wook , Kim Seong-Gon
Published: March 2021

Background

Pedicled buccal fat pad (PBFP) has been used for the reconstruction of small-sized maxillary defects but cannot be used without hard tissue support on the defect larger than 4 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man had a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxilla. After removal of the posterior maxilla, a complex bone defect (size, 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm) was immediately reconstructed using PBFP combined with a titanium mesh. A pinpoint fistula was found in the left palatal region 1 month after the surgery and was treated with a palatal sliding flap. There were no further complications during the follow-up.

Conclusion

The present technique demonstrated that PBFP combined with a titanium mesh could be used for the reconstruction of complex maxillary defect (size, 5 cm × 4 cm × 3 cm) without additional bone graft.
Gamification and active learning in higher education: is it possible to match digital society, academia and students' interests?
Authors: Murillo-Zamorano Luis R. , López Sánchez José Ángel , Godoy-Caballero Ana Luisa , Bueno Muñoz Carmen
Published: March 2021

This study aims to examine whether it is possible to match digital society, academia and students interests in higher education by testing to what extent the introduction of gamification into active learning setups affects the skills development demanded by the workplace of the digital society of the twenty-first century, the academic achievement standards claimed by the academia, and the satisfaction with the learning process required by the students. Our results provide statistically significant empirical evidence, concluding that the generation of a co-creative and empowered gameful experience that supports students' overall value creation yields to satisfactory active learning setups without any loss of academic achievement, and allowing to develop a series of skills especially relevant for twenty-first century professionals.
Methods of measuring presynaptic function with fluorescence probes
Authors: Jang Yeseul , Kim Sung Rae , Lee Sung Hoon
Published: March 2021

Synaptic vesicles, which are endogenous to neurotransmitters, are involved in exocytosis by active potentials and release neurotransmitters. Synaptic vesicles used in neurotransmitter release are reused via endocytosis to maintain a pool of synaptic vesicles. Synaptic vesicles show different types of exo- and endocytosis depending on animal species, type of nerve cell, and electrical activity. To accurately understand the dynamics of synaptic vesicles, direct observation of synaptic vesicles is required; however, it was difficult to observe synaptic vesicles of size 40–50 nm in living neurons. The exo-and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles was confirmed by labeling the vesicles with a fluorescent agent and measuring the changes in fluorescence intensity. To date, various methods of labeling synaptic vesicles have been proposed, and each method has its own characteristics, strength, and drawbacks. In this study, we introduce methods that can measure presynaptic activity and describe the characteristics of each technique.
Comprehensive Identification of Pathogenic Gene Variants in Patients With Neuroendocrine Disorders
Authors: Vishnopolska Sebastian Alexis , Mercogliano Maria Florencia , Camilletti Maria Andrea , Mortensen Amanda Helen , Braslavsky Debora , Keselman Ana , Bergadá Ignacio , Olivieri Federico , Miranda Lucas , Marino Roxana , Ramírez Pablo , Pérez Garrido Natalia , Patiño Mejia Helen , Ciaccio Marta , Di Palma Maria Isabel , Belgorosky Alicia , Martí Marcelo Adrian , Kitzman Jacob Otto , Camper Sally Ann , Pérez-Millán Maria Ines
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) can present in isolation or with other birth defects. Mutations in multiple genes can cause CH, and the use of a genetic screening panel could establish the prevalence of mutations in known and candidate genes for this disorder. It could also increase the proportion of patients that receive a genetic diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted target panel genetic screening using single-molecule molecular inversion probes sequencing to assess the frequency of mutations in known hypopituitarism genes and new candidates in Argentina. We captured genomic deoxyribonucleic acid from 170 pediatric patients with CH, either alone or with other abnormalities. We performed promoter activation assays to test the functional effects of patient variants in LHX3 and LHX4.

Results

We found variants classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, or with uncertain significance in 15.3% of cases. These variants were identified in known CH causative genes (LHX3, LHX4, GLI2, OTX2, HESX1), in less frequently reported genes (FOXA2, BMP4, FGFR1, PROKR2, PNPLA6) and in new candidate genes (BMP2, HMGA2, HNF1A, NKX2-1).

Conclusion

In this work, we report the prevalence of mutations in known CH genes in Argentina and provide evidence for new candidate genes. We show that CH is a genetically heterogeneous disease with high phenotypic variation and incomplete penetrance, and our results support the need for further gene discovery for CH. Identifying population-specific pathogenic variants will improve the capacity of genetic data to predict eventual clinical outcomes.
William Gaddis’sJ Rand the Many Faces of Junk Bonds
Authors: Frantzen Mikkel Krause
Published: March 2021

This article reads William Gaddis’s 1975 novel J R as a way of probing the relation between finance and fiction in the 1970s, showing that the novel is related to the revolution of the junk bond market in the 1970s and 1980s, as personified by the junk bond king, Michael Milken. While the question of junk bonds may appear to have little purchase on the much bigger story of the economy as a whole, the author argues that junk bonds were integral to the transformation of the finance economy in the direction of an entirely debt-driven one and that a literary work such as Gaddis’s novel may offer an insight, however complex and convoluted, into this particular transformation. The article concludes with some critical remarks on Gaddis’s critique of capitalism.
Supramolecular Thermocells Based on Thermo-Responsiveness of Host–Guest Chemistry
Authors: Zhou Hongyao , Yamada Teppei , Kimizuka Nobuo
Published: March 2021

Molecular machines leverage sub-nanometer level intermolecular forces and host–guest interactions to perform useful work observable at the macroscopic level. The development of molecular machines for the past three decades has resulted in successful applications from molecular switches, chemical sensing, to actuators. However, the application of molecular machines and supramolecular chemistry in energy production is rare and has been highly anticipated. This review introduces the advancement of supramolecular thermocells, initially proposed by our research group, which use thermo-responsive host–guest interaction to regenerate electrochemical energy from low-grade heat sources. The selective transport of a redox species carried by the host molecule from the cooled to the heated electrode creates a concentration gradient of the guest redox species and provides an additional voltage to the thermocell. The key properties of useful host molecules for the supramolecular thermocells are: (1) high selectivity of the host molecule to capture either the oxidized or reduced species as the guest, (2) inhibition of the redox activity after the encapsulation, (3) large entropy change at the release of the guest molecule in response to the temperature changes. Design principles and promising candidates of molecular machines for the future development of supramolecular thermocells are presented here.
Just Dance? Teachers Perspectives on Implementing a Daily Classroom Physical Activity Break
Authors: Janssen Mirka , van den Berg Vera , de Groot Annerose , Singh Amika
Published: March 2021

A regular short physical activity break in the classroom may improve classroom behavior. The current study reports on the results of the implementation of a daily 10-min Just Dance break in the classroom. A total of 31 Dutch primary school teachers agreed to participate in the study. We collected data on the frequency of the use of the Just Dance breaks via an online registration system. Data on the long-term barriers and facilitators of the implementation were collected using two online questionnaires. In addition, we held five interviews with teachers to elucidate data on barriers and facilitators. The results show that none of the teachers maintained the Just Dance breaks on a daily basis, and only 19% (n = 6) of the teachers on a weekly basis (i.e., one to three times a week). According to all participating teachers, a lack of time was the primary barrier to implement Just Dance breaks on a daily basis. Teachers who did not maintain Just Dance breaks on a weekly basis also experienced difficulties in 1) keeping all pupils engaged during the full 10-min Just Dance break or 2) getting the pupils focused again after the Just Dance break. Teachers who maintained the Just Dance breaks on a weekly basis provided several practical recommendations for a more sustainable implementation process. This study shows that the implementation process of daily Just Dance breaks is challenging. We recommend providing teachers with professional support when implementing physical activity breaks in their daily program.
YouTube Searches for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Promote Biased, Low-Quality Videos
Authors: Ward Brittany , Lin Alex , Lin Jasmine , Warren Christopher , Mattern Patrick , Paskhover Boris , Chu Alice
Published: March 2021

Purpose

YouTube is the second most accessed website worldwide and is increasingly used by patients to search for medical knowledge. This study aims to evaluate the bias and overall quality of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) YouTube videos.

Methods

A list of 40 videos was compiled using the terms “ACL tear” and “ACL reconstruction.” The DISCERN criteria, which utilizes a 5-point Likert scale, was used to evaluate the bias and overall quality of each and assign a DISCERN score (DS). The presence of a US board-certified orthopedic surgeon, publisher type, publication date, number of views, and video length were recorded. Additional ACL videos on the websites of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons were rated using DISCERN.

Results

Mean bias DS for “ACL reconstruction” was 1.85 ± 1.57, and that for “ACL tear” was 2.30 ± 1.78. Mean overall quality DS was 2.05 ± 1.19 for “ACL reconstruction” and 2.00 ± 1.12 for “ACL tear.” Unique videos received 25,198,961 total views and were an average of 6.83 ± 7.20 min and 5.61 ± 3.21 yr old. Most videos were posted by hospitals, followed by companies. Fifty-three percent of videos included commentary by US-board certified orthopedic surgeons, and the bias and overall quality DS were significantly higher than the remaining videos (P < 0.05). Videos from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons had a bias DS of 3.00 ± 0.00 and overall DS of 2.00 ± 0.00.

Discussion

The general public does not have access to unbiased, high-quality ACL injury videos, despite an increasing need for access to educational videos. Physicians and professional societies are educated resources who can help increase public access and availability to unbiased, high-quality video medical information online.
Effects of Exercise during Weight Loss Maintenance on Appetite Regulation in Women
Authors: Foright Rebecca , Halliday Tanya M. , Melanson Edward L. , Hild Allison , Legget Kristina T. , Tregellas Jason R. , Cornier Marc-Andre
Published: March 2021

Exercise is accepted as a method to improve weight loss maintenance; however, the mechanisms by which this occurs have yet to be elucidated. In this pilot study, 13 women with obesity underwent a structured weight loss program (goal 8%–10% weight loss) and were then randomized to either a 12-wk diet (n = 7) or an aerobic exercise training (n = 6) intervention aimed at maintaining weight loss. At baseline, post–weight loss, and following the weight loss maintenance interventions, measurements of appetite (hunger and satiety) and appetite-regulating hormones (leptin, ghrelin, peptide tyrosine tyrosine, and glucagon-like peptide 1) were obtained after an overnight fast and for 3 h after a standardized test meal. Ad libitum energy intake was measured at a lunch meal. During the weight loss phase, participants lost 9.1% ± 1.1% of baseline body weight. Participants in both groups maintained weight loss during the 12-wk weight loss maintenance intervention. No differences in fasting leptin (P = 0.68) or in ghrelin (P = 0.30), peptide tyrosine tyrosine (P = 0.93), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (P = 0.98) area under the curve were detected between groups. Similarly, ratings of hunger (P = 0.99) and satiety (P = 0.65) area under the curve after the standardized test meal also did not differ between the groups nor did ad libitum energy intake at lunch. In summary, the 12-wk diet and exercise interventions were equally effective at maintaining weight loss in women, and no differences in measures of appetite regulation and food intake were found.
Heidegger con Foucault. Alétheia, parrhesia y la voluntad de decir la "verdad".
Authors: Camello David
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de nuestra aportación consiste en configurar una perspectiva para conjugar y confrontar, de un modo fructífero y filosóficamente relevante, los trabajos de Heidegger y Foucault. En ese sentido, encontramos complicidades entre ellos en los textos que buscan detenerse de modo explícito en lo que cabe entenderse por “verdad” y por el modo de “decir” que le corresponde. De este modo, nuestro trabajo considera con Heidegger nuestra relación con la palabra, es decir, las implicaciones del desafío a comportarnos y decirnos asumiendo y correspondiendo a que nuestro lenguaje es el lenguaje del ser. Para ello, en esta ocasión, nos centramos en analizar cómo los últimos trabajos de Foucault— singularmente sus cursos editados y publicados dedicados a la parrhesía— pueden ayudarnos a comprender algunas cuestiones que brotan en los textos heideggerianos.
Hacia una filosofía de las cosas heideggeriana.
Authors: Galzacorta Iñigo
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es esbozar algunas de las líneas fundamentales en las que creo que debería adentrarse una filosofía de las cosas de inspiración heideggeriana. A partir del análisis del desarrollo que Heidegger hace en El origen de la obra de arte de las nociones de «mundo» y «tierra» como el horizonte desde el que debemos pensar las cosas, el trabajo trata de hacer frente a algunas objeciones de autores contemporáneos que, como Bruno Latour, han criticado la escasa atención que el pensamiento de Heidegger presta a las cosas que conforman el mundo en que vivimos.
Preliminary remarks on the Iron Age Cypriot imports in Tell Keisan, a Phoenician city in Lower Galilee (Israel)
Authors: Burdajewicz Mariusz
Published: March 2021

Preliminary remarks on the Iron Age Cypriot imports in Tell Keisan, a Phoenician city in Lower Galilee (Israel) The paper deals with one of several scientific topics mirrored in the history of Tell Keisan, specifically the relationships between Israel/Palestine, Cyprus, and Phoenicia, and is based primarily on the hitherto unpublished Cypriot decorated pottery finds from this site. The earliest occurrence of the Iron Age Cypriot imports at Keisan has been recorded in Stratum 8 (10th century BC), while their increased quantities appear in Strata 5 and 4 (c. 8th-7th century BC). The Black-on-Red ware is the most numerous, while the White Painted and Bichrome wares are quite rare. In Stratum 3 (580-380 BC), the number of Cypriot imports drops dramatically. This was probably the result of a rapid change in the political and then economic situation in this region. In 525 BC, Cyprus became part of the fifth Persian satrapy. This must have had a disastrous effect on the economic situation of some of the Cypriot regions and was one of the reasons for the total cessation of Cypriot imports to the Levantine mainland.
Archaeological research as a benefit for the local community
Authors: Radziwiłko Katarzyna , Kutyło Łukasz , Kołodziejczyk Piotr
Published: March 2021

Archaeological research as a benefit for the local community. Southern Jordan in the preliminary socioarchaeological study

Starting an archaeological research is not only the beginning of gathering new scientific data for academic analysis. The role of a scientist is not only to build the ‘tower of knowledge,’ but also to make it beneficial to people. Therefore, archaeological projects should also vastly contribute to the promotion of the heritage of the region and its modern value and to the development of tourism, education and local community activities. Understanding the local community and its view on the historical heritage, as well as on archaeological research seems to be a very important aspect of this type of activity. It will not only allow to identify potential risks and create a plan of regular research, excavations, as well as future maintenance. As a benefit of the sociological study, the future revitalization of the area will occur. This outcome may be an important extension of theoretical and practical principles of global heritage protection and may become a standard solution based on the belief that cultural heritage can be a factor of local community development and prosperity.
Collateralized Networks
Authors: Ghamami Samim , Glasserman Paul , Young H. Peyton
Published: March 2021

This paper studies the spread of losses and defaults in financial networks with two interrelated features: collateral requirements and alternative contract termination rules. When collateral is committed to a firm’s counterparties, a solvent firm may default if it lacks sufficient liquid assets to meet its payment obligations. Collateral requirements can, thus, increase defaults and payment shortfalls. Moreover, one firm may benefit from the failure of another if the failure frees collateral committed by the surviving firm, giving it additional resources to make other payments. Contract termination at default may also improve the ability of other firms to meet their obligations through access to collateral. As a consequence of these features, the timing of payments and collateral liquidation must be carefully specified to establish the existence of payments that clear the network. Using this framework, we show that dedicated collateral may lead to more defaults than pooled collateral, we study the consequences of illiquid collateral for the spread of losses through fire sales, we compare networks with and without selective contract termination, and we analyze the impact of alternative resolution and bankruptcy stay rules that limit the seizure of collateral at default. Under an upper bound on derivatives leverage, full termination reduces payment shortfalls compared with selective termination.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
The Internet of Things and Information Fusion: Who Talks to Who?
Authors: Saghafian Soroush , Tomlin Brian , Biller Stephan
Published: March 2021

Problem definition: Autonomous sensors connected through the internet of things (IoT) are deployed by different firms in the same environment. The sensors measure an important operating-condition state variable, but their measurements are noisy, so estimates are imperfect. Sensors can improve their own estimates by soliciting estimates from other sensors. The choice of which sensors to communicate with (target) is challenging because sensors (1) are constrained in the number of sensors they can target and (2) only have partial knowledge of how other sensors operate—that is, they do not know others’ underlying inference algorithms/models. We study the targeting problem, examine the evolution of interfirm sensor communication patterns, and explore what drives the patterns. Academic/practical relevance: Many industries are increasingly using sensors to drive improvements in key performance metrics (e.g., asset uptime) through better information on operating conditions. Sensors will communicate among themselves to improve estimation. This IoT vision will have a major impact on operations management (OM), and OM scholars need to develop and examine models and frameworks to better understand sensor interactions. Methodology: Analytic modeling combining decision-making, estimation, optimization, and learning is used. Results: We show that when selecting its target(s), each sensor needs to consider both the measurement quality of the other sensors and its level of familiarity with their inference models. We establish that the state of the environment plays a key role in mediating quality and familiarity. When sensor qualities are public, we show that each sensor eventually settles on a constant target set, but this long-run target set is sample-path dependent (i.e., dependent on past states) and varies by sensor. The long-run network, however, can be fully defined at time zero as a random directed graph, and hence, one can probabilistically predict it. This prediction can be made perfect (i.e., the network can be identified in a deterministic way) after observing the state values for a limited number of periods. When sensor qualities are private, our results reveal that sensors may not settle on a constant target set but the subset among which it cycles can still be stochastically predicted. Managerial implications: Our work allows managers to predict (and influence) the set of other firms with which their sensors will form information links. Analogous to a manufacturer mapping its supplier base to help manage supply continuity, our work enables a firm to map its sensor-based-information suppliers to help manage information continuity.
Large abdominal hernia repair with closed incision negative pressure therapy: a case series
Authors: Wang Edward , Archer Leigh , Foster Amanda , Ballal Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Objective:

A major challenge of large abdominal incisional hernia repair is the high rates of wound complications. Closed incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) can offer many treatment advantages in the management of these wounds and has been shown to reduce complications for other postoperative incisions. This study assesses the wound outcomes for hernia repair patients receiving CINPT.

Method:

A six-year retrospective case series of patients who had undergone large abdominal incisional hernia repair wounds treated with CINPT was conducted. Outcomes for patients treated with CINPT were compared with patients who had not received CINPT acting as a control.

Results:

A total of 23 patients were treated with CINPT after hernia repair and compared with 12 patients in the control group. A statistically significant decreased rate of return to theatre (odds ratio: 0.12) was found in this study. Non-significant reductions in wound infection, seroma and wound dehiscence were also seen. No adverse events with CINPT therapy were reported.

Conclusions:

CINPT, when used after large abdominal incisional hernia repair, may help in the prevention of wound complications.
Autologous platelet-rich fibrin: a novel method for tracheoesophageal puncture site closure: a case report
Authors: Pinto Valentina , Morselli Paolo G , Sciarretta Vittorio , Piccin Ottavio
Published: March 2021

Closure of a tracheoesophageal puncture site performed during voice prosthesis implantation may sometimes be required. Besides local techniques, more elaborate procedures, such as closure by means of free microvascular flaps, have been advocated. In this report, we describe a case of local treatment of a hard-to-heal fistula with local application of autologous platelet-rich fibrin matrix in a 77-year-old male patient. At one-week follow-up, the size of the fistula had decreased dramatically but some leakage remained when drinking. After one month, the patient was able to drink and eat normally without any leakage. There was no recurrence of the leakage at two years' follow-up. In summary, local application of platelet-rich fibrin seems to be a simple, safe and effective procedure for tracheoesophageal fistula closure.
Litter Surface Temperature: A Driving Factor Affecting Foraging Activity in Dinoponera lucida (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Curbani Flávio , Zocca Cássio , Ferreira Rodrigo B. , Waichert Cecilia , Sobrinho Tathiana Guerra , Srbek-Araujo Ana Carolina
Published: March 2021

Dinoponera lucida is a poneromorph ant endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The species is classified as endangered in Brazil’s Red List due to its peculiar reproductive biology and high habitat fragmentation. Herein, we characterize D. lucida foraging activity and response to litter surface temperature in a lowland forest remnant in south-eastern Brazil. The mean flow of workers at nest openings was 3.8 ± 0.6 per hour, mean foraging trip was 14.2 ± 2.2 min, and mean foraging distance was 3.8 ± 0.4 m. The time spent per foraging trip and litter surface temperature were positively correlated. Flow of workers at nest openings was higher with mean temperature of litter surface between 21.0 and 27.0 °C. Our results show that D. lucida has a diurnal foraging activity related to habitat temperature. Our data contribute to the knowledge about the ecology of D. lucida and support the hypothesis of optimal food foraging regulated by habitat temperature. In addition, the better understanding of D. lucida activity patterns can assist on conservation planning of this endangered and endemic ant.
The Virtual Killing of Muslims: Digital War Games, Islamophobia, and the Global War on Terror
Authors: Mirrlees Tanner , Ibaid Taha
Published: March 2021

This article argues that digital war games communicate misleading stereotypes about Muslims that prop up patriarchal militarism and Islamophobia in the context of the US-led Global War on Terror. The article's first section establishes the relevance of the study of digital war games to feminist games studies, feminist international relations, and post-colonial feminism. The second section contextualizes the contemporary production and consumption of digital war games with regard to the “military-digital-games complex” and real and simulated military violence against Muslims, focusing especially on the US military deployment of digital war games to train soldiers to kill in real wars across Muslim majority countries. The third section probes “mythical Muslim” stereotypes in ten popular digital war games released between 2001 and 2012:Conflict: Desert Storm(2002),Conflict: Desert Storm 2(2003),SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs(2002),Full Spectrum Warrior(2004),Close Combat: First to Fight(2005),Battlefield 3(2011),Army of Two(2008),Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare(2007),Medal of Honor(2010), andMedal of Honor: Warfighter(2012). These games immerse players in patriarchal fantasies of “militarized masculinity” and place a “mythical Muslim” before their weaponized gaze to be virtually killed in the name of US and global security. The conclusion discusses the stakes of the stereotyping and othering of Muslims by digital war games, and highlights some challenges to Islamophobia in the digital games industry.
‘Together we stand’: coalition-building in the Italian and Spanish feminist movements in times of crisis
Authors: Chironi Daniela , Portos Martín
Published: March 2021

We analyse coalition-building in feminist mobilisations in times of crisis in two similar cases: Spain and Italy. Based on social movement literature, we develop two key arguments. First, in austerity-ridden scenarios, connecting socio-economic grievances and feminist demands is key for the feminist mass mobilisations to follow. Second, anti-austerity struggles must resonate across different dimensions of coalition-building, both within the feminist movements and across feminists and other actors, such as LGBTQ collectives and anti-austerity challengers. The data used throughout the article come from semi-structured interviews with activists in Italian and Spanish feminist grass-roots organisations. Our results suggest that times of neoliberal crisis may present opportunities not only to advance the feminist agenda, but also to foster alliances within the feminist milieus and between feminists and other relevant collective actors. These alliances might well extend beyond the period of greatest hardship.
Simple and efficient registration of 3D point cloud and image data for an indoor mobile mapping system
Authors: Ma Hao , Liu Keke , Liu Jingbin , Qiu Hongyu , Xu Dong , Wang Zemin , Gong Xiaodong , Yang Sheng
Published: March 2021

Registration of 3D lidar point clouds with optical images is critical in the combination of multisource data. Geometric misalignment originally exists in the pose data between lidar point clouds and optical images. To improve the accuracy of the initial pose and the applicability of the integration of 3D points and image data, we develop a simple but efficient registration method. We first extract point features from lidar point clouds and images: point features are extracted from single-frame lidar and point features are extracted from images using a classical Canny operator. The cost map is subsequently built based on Canny image edge detection. The optimization direction is guided by the cost map, where low cost represents the desired direction, and loss function is also considered to improve the robustness of the proposed method. Experiments show positive results.
Characterizing ultrashort laser pulses with second harmonic dispersion scans
Authors: Sytcevich Ivan , Guo Chen , Mikaelsson Sara , Vogelsang Jan , Viotti Anne-Lise , Alonso Benjamín , Romero Rosa , Guerreiro Paulo T. , Sola Íñigo J. , L’Huillier Anne , Crespo Helder , Miranda Miguel , Arnold Cord L.
Published: March 2021

The dispersion scan (d-scan) technique has emerged as a simple-to-implement characterization method for ultrashort laser pulses. D-scan traces are intuitive to interpret and retrieval algorithms that are both fast and robust have been developed to obtain the spectral phase and the temporal pulse profile. Here, we shortly review the second harmonic generation d-scan technique, focusing predominantly on results obtained at the Lund Laser Centre. We describe and compare recent implementations for the characterization of few- and multi-cycle pulses as well as two different approaches for recording d-scan traces in a single shot, thus showing the versatility of the technique.
C + L band polarization rotator-splitter based on a compact S-bend waveguide mode demultiplexer
Authors: Chen Daigao , Liu Min , Zhang Yuguang , Wang Lei , Hu Xiao , Feng Peng , Xiao Xi , Yu Shaohua
Published: March 2021

A novel high-fabrication-tolerance mode demultiplexer (MD) based on an S-bend waveguide is designed, which is used to split TE1 mode and TE0 mode, and convert the TE1 mode to TE0 mode. Based on the MD, a polarization-rotator-splitter (PRS) is demonstrated. The transmission losses of the fabricated PRS are lower than 0.5 dB and 0.6 dB for TE0 mode and TM0 mode, respectively, in the wavelength span of 1520-1630 nm. And the corresponding polarization extinction ratios are larger than 19.5 dB and 17.6 dB, respectively. This MD has the most compact size comparing with other experimentally demonstrated MDs used in PRS.
High-speed silicon Michelson interferometer modulator and streamlined IMDD PAM-4 transmission of Mach-Zehnder modulators for the 2 μm wavelength band
Authors: Cao Wei , Liu Shenghao , Littlejohns Callum G. , Thomson David J. , Nedeljkovic Milos , Zhang Weiwei , Li Ke , Banakar Mehdi , Tran Ying , Yan Xingzhao , Du Han , Ren Zhengqi , Gardes Frederic , Reed Graham T. , Mashanovich Goran Z.
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate high-speed silicon modulators optimized for operating at the wavelength of 2 μm. The Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) carrier-depletion modulator with 2 mm phase shifter has a single-arm modulation efficiency (V
π
 ·L
π
) of 2.89 V·cm at 4 V reverse bias. Using a push-pull configuration it operates at a data rate of 25 Gbit/s OOK with an extinction ratio of 6.25 dB. We also proposed a mathematically-analysed streamlined IMDD PAM-4 scheme and successfully demonstrated a 25 Gbit/s datarate PAM-4 with the same 2 mm modulator. A Michelson interferometer carrier-depletion modulator with 0.5 mm phase shift length has also been shown with modulation efficiency (V
π
 ·L
π
) of 1.36 V·cm at 4 V reverse bias and data rate of 20 Gbit/s OOK. The Michelson interferometer modulator performs similarly to a Mach-Zehnder modulator with twice the phase shifter length.
Wavelength beam-combining of terahertz quantum-cascade laser arrays
Authors: Chen Ji , Jin Yuan , Gao Liang , Reno John L. , Kumar Sushil
Published: March 2021

Wavelength beam-combining of four terahertz (THz) distributed-feedback quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) is demonstrated using low-cost THz components that include a lens carved out of a plastic ball and a mechanically fabricated blazed grating. Single-lobed beams from predominantly single-mode QCLs radiating peak power in the range of

50

−

170

m
W

are overlapped in the far field at frequencies ranging from

3.31

−

3.54

T
H
z

. Collinear propagation with a maximum angular deviation of

0.3
∘

is realized for the four beams. The total power efficiency for the focused and beam-combined radiation is as high as

25
%

. This result could pave the way for future commercialization of beam-combined monolithic THz QCL arrays for multi-spectral THz sensing and spectroscopy at standoff distances.
Slow-light enhanced frequency combs and dissipative Kerr solitons in silicon coupled-ring microresonators in the telecom band
Authors: Marti L. , Vasco J. P. , Savona V.
Published: March 2021

We propose a system of coupled microring resonators for the generation frequency combs and dissipative Kerr solitons in silicon at telecommunication frequencies. By taking advantage of structural slow-light, the effective non-linearity of the material is enhanced, thus relaxing the requirement of ultra-high quality factors that currently poses a major obstacle to the realization of silicon comb devices. We demonstrate a variety of frequency comb solutions characterized by threshold power in the 10-milliwatt range and a small footprint of 0.1 mm2, and study their robustness to structural disorder. The results open the way to the realization of low-power compact comb devices in silicon at the telecom band.