Early Date Research Articles

Building the Ohio Hopewell Chronology: An Incremental Approach to Historical Reckoning

AbstractOhio Hopewell is an archaeological concept that is known worldwide but that suffers from “a disarray of radiocarbon results” (Lynott 2015:60). Here, we establish a comprehensive dataset of 425 14C dates from Ohio Hopewell sites and apply formal chronometric hygiene criteria to all dates. We then iteratively assess the temporal placement and span of the six most important Ohio Hopewell sites—the Hopewell Mound Group, Liberty, Mound City, Seip, Tremper, and Turner. A staged relaxation of hygiene criteria for our best three categories (Classes 1–3) permits alternate but generally consistent conclusions. As the first large-scale analyses of Ohio Hopewell temporality since the publication of IntCal20 (Reimer et al. 2020), the available data show a ritual complex that begins 90 or more years later than generally has been recognized circa 2010 14C BP, or as Bayesian modeled, AD 90–120. Our analysis reveals site histories of differing spans, more late dates than early dates, and with most Hopewell activity ending across these sites circa 1640 14C BP, or as Bayesian modeled, AD 395–430. An increased consideration of contingency in contemporary temporal reckoning increases the utility of the historical narratives that we as archaeologists can construct.

Effect of early palliative care on caregivers of adult patients with chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of this research was to examine the effects of early palliative care on individuals who provide care for adult patients with chronic diseases. From the earliest date until November 1, 2022, the databases of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database were thoroughly searched using purpose-related keywords. To rate the caliber of randomized control trials and quasi-experimental research, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical evaluation checklist was utilized. A total of 800 patients with chronic disease were included in five studies. This study demonstrated that early palliative care treatments had a similar impact on caregivers' quality of life (QoL) as routine care and delayed palliative care interventions (ES: -0.01, 95%CI: -0.20 to 0.17, Z=0.15, I2:0.0%, P=0.88). As compared to the normal care group, the early care group's caregivers' depression was modestly reduced by the intervention, but this difference was not statistically significant (ES: -0.06, 95%CI: -0.36 to 0.23, Z=0.43, I2:0.0%, P=0.67). Early palliative care reduced caregiver anxiety, however, the difference between the intervention group and the group receiving standard care was not statistically significant (ES: -0.25, 95%CI: -0.64 to 0.15, Z=1.23, I2:0.0%, P=0.22). Caregivers' burdens were reported based on three dimensions demand, stress, and objective. Results found the intervention caused a non-significant decrease in the demand dimension (WMD: -0.48, 95% CI: -1.13 to 0.17, Z=1.44, I2:0.0%, P=0.15) and a significant decrease in the stress dimension (WMD: -0.65, 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.04, Z=2.09, I2:0.0%, P=0.04), in the intervention group compared to the routine care. In contrast, the intervention did not affect the objective dimension (WMD: 0.30, 95%CI: -0.48 to 1.08, Z=0.76, I2:0.0%, P=0.45) in the intervention group than in routine care. Therefore, it is suggested that more interventional studies be conducted in this area in the future.

Обезболивающий и антидизурический эффекты феназопиридина в лечении острого неосложненного цистита: результаты 3-летнего исследования.

Introduction. Currently, there is a renaissance of phenazopyridine in world urology. The aim of this work was to study the analgesic and antidysuric effects of phenazopyridine, as well as to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of phenazopyridine in combination with fosfomycin for the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis in women of working age. Materials and methods. In 2020–2022 a multicenter randomized open study was conducted. This study involved 224 women aged 18 to 60 years with acute uncomplicated cystitis. They were randomized into two groups of 112 people each. In the first group, patients received oral phenazopyridine (Urinalgin F, earlier Fenazalgin) 200 mg 3 times a day for 2 days (total dose 1200 mg) and fosfomycin trometamol (Monural) at a dose of 3 g once. In the 2nd group, women received orally once 3 g of fosfomycin trometamol and drotaverine hydrochloride (No-spa) 80 mg 3 times a day for 2 days. The visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain, the assessment of symptoms of cystitis according to the ACSS scale, urinalysis by microscopy, and bacteriological examination of urine were used. The results were evaluated after 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours, 3 and 6 days. Results. In the 1st group, a strong uroanalgesic and antidysuric effect of phenazopyridine was revealed. According to VAS, the severity of pain decreased from the initial 7.3±0.5 points after 6 hours to 3.7±0.4 points, after 12 hours to 1.6 points, after 24 hours to 0.4 points, and after 48 hours the pain disappeared in all 112 patients. The sum of the characteristic symptoms of cystitis on the ACSS scale from the initial 12.2±0.5 points decreased to 2.1±0.2 points after 3 days, and to 0.27±0.04 points after 6 days. In patients of the 2nd group, for all indicators, a less pronounced symptomatic effect was obtained with relief of pain and dysuria. The combined treatment of cystitis with fosfomycin and phenazopyridine turned out to be more effective than the combination of fosfomycin and drotaverine hydrochloride: in the 1st group, 97.3% of patients recovered, bacteriological efficiency was 96.8%, leukocyturia disappeared at an earlier date, by 30% reduced treatment time. An undesirable effect of phenazopyridine (nausea) was detected in 1 (0.9%) patient. Сonclusion. Phenazopyridine has a pronounced uroanalgesic and antidysuric effect and is an effective and safe agent for the symptomatic treatment of patients with acute uncomplicated cystitis. The combination of the antibiotic fosfomycin and the uroanalgesic phenazopyridine improves the results of the treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis, has a clinical efficacy of 97.3% and a bacteriological efficacy of 96.8%.

Changes and variability in rainfall onset, cessation, and length of rainy season in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa

Rainfall onset dates (ROD), rainfall cessation dates (RCD) and length of rainy season (LRS) are crucial for crop production and food security in Eastern Africa yet scantily documented. This paper seeks to investigate the spatial patterns of these parameters. Data used are Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS v2.0) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) gridded temperature. Threshold of 1 mm for rainy day, 20 mm over 5 days with at least 3 rain days and dry spell not exceeding 7 days in the next 21 days were used to determine RODs. The Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) and Water Balance (WB) criteria were computed to determine RCDs. The differences between ROD and RCD were used in calculating LRS. The results showed early rainfall cessation over more than 30 counties in Kenya lead to shortened rainy season by 10–20 days during MAM season. Similarly, 20–40 days early onset dates are observed in most counties in upper Nile, Unity, and Jonglei states in South Sudan, while 20–40 days delayed rainfall onset was observed in Khartoum and southern parts of Nile state western Darfur, eastern and Aljazeera states in Sudan, most parts of Ethiopia and Eritrea districts during JJA season. Highlands of western and Nyanza region in Kenya, most parts of Uganda observed rainfall onset by March and no sign of cessation before November. Early cessation over northern Uganda districts was behind shortened LRS, furthermore, the early RODs over western and southwestern Uganda districts increased LRS. Prolonged dry conditions over northern Sudan, southeastern parts of South Sudan, northern Kenya, central Somalia, northern Darfour, Kordofan and northern parts of Sudan exacerbated by significant delayed onset and early cessation of rainfall. These findings are important for rain-fed agricultural planning and food security in the IGAD region of Eastern Africa.

Octagonal Layouts: Project Genesis of the Cathedral of Valencia

Octagonal layouts are widely used in medieval architecture. In Spain, the Cathedral of Valencia is an exceptional example because of its compositional arrangement and early date of construction. The study of this cathedral serves not only to propose the regulatory layout and geometric process to develop the transept, the ambulatory, and the dome but allows the empirical establishment of the complex properties and characteristics of the octagon. By surveying the planes with a 3D laser scanner, the graphic procedures used in the original design of the temple were verified, as were the geometric theories pertaining to the figure of the octagon in architecture, set by the golden ratio.

Characteristics of <i>m. Psoas minor</i> and <i>m. Sacrocaudalis (coccygeus)</i> dorsalis lateralis in simultaneous modeling of lateral interbodial spinnylodesis and posterior sacro-iliac joint arthodesis

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous surgical interventions on the spine with the use of high-tech instruments and minimally invasive access techniques allow to eliminate several problems all at once, to activate patients at an early date and to reduce the number of complications. AIM: To evaluate morphological changes to evaluate morphological changes in the m. Psoas minor and m. Sacrocaudalis dorsalis lateralis during simultaneous modeling of lateral interbody fusion and posterior sacroiliac joint arthrodesis MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiments were carried out on 14 outbred dogs; 3 animals formed a control group. The animals underwent consecutive lateral interbody fusion of the lumbar spine and posterior arthrodesis of the sacroiliac joint. The lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint were stabilized with external fixation device. Paraffin sections of muscles were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, according to Van Gieson, and Masson. Biochemical analysis of blood serum was performed during the experiment. RESULTS: The morphological study of the muscles revealed pathohistological features such as an increase in the variety of myosymplast diameters, loss of their profiles polygonality, massive fibers fatty degeneration, endo- and perimysial fibrosis, sclerotization of vessel membranes, obliteration of their lumens. At the end of the experiment, the degree of the small lumbar muscle fibrosis was 161% and of the sacrocaudal dorsal lateral muscle fibrosis was 240% of the control parameters (p 0.05); the rate of the muscle fatty infiltration was 339 and 310% of the normal value, respectively. The sacroiliac-caudal dorsal lateral muscle underwent more marked changes, especially in the early stages of the experiment. A significant increase in the enzymes activity, skeletal muscle damage markers was detected on the 14th day after surgery. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous surgical interventions on the spine should minimize mechanical effects on the paravertebral muscles and use techniques to stimulate their function in the postoperative period, which will reduce the processes of fibrogenesis and fat involution as well as provide an overall shorter rehabilitation period for the target patients.

Evaluating the impact of at-plant termination of a cereal rye cover crop with different corn planting dates on arthropod activity.

Greater cover crop biomass is expected to result in a favorable microhabitat for beneficial arthropods. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) cover crop termination guidelines are based on the cash crop planting date. Therefore, a delay in cash crop planting could result in greater cover crop biomass. However, studies on delays in cash crop planting and greater cover crop biomass have led to a decrease in cash crop yield. Thus, a field study was conducted in eastern Nebraska over two years to evaluate the impact of early and late corn planting dates with at-plant cover crop terminations on pest potential, beneficial arthropod activity, and agronomic parameters. To measure arthropod activity and pests in the system, pitfall traps, and corn injury assessments were performed during the early stages of corn development. A total of 11,054 and 43,078 arthropods were collected in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The results have shown no impact of the corn planting dates with at-plant cover crop termination on arthropods but identified that cereal rye cover crop supports greater Araneae activity while its alternative prey varied when compared to the no-cover treatment. Significant yield penalties were observed when cover crop was used regardless of the corn planting dates. Pest pressure was not significant in any year, however, future research using cereal rye and different cover crop species should be used in this system with an artificial infestation of a pest to be able to evaluate the trade-offs between possible cash crop yield reductions and potential biological control of pests.

Assessing the impacts of COVID-19 vaccination programme’s timing and speed on health benefits, cost-effectiveness, and relative affordability in 27 African countries

BackgroundThe COVID-19 vaccine supply shortage in 2021 constrained roll-out efforts in Africa while populations experienced waves of epidemics. As supply improves, a key question is whether vaccination remains an impactful and cost-effective strategy given changes in the timing of implementation.MethodsWe assessed the impact of vaccination programme timing using an epidemiological and economic model. We fitted an age-specific dynamic transmission model to reported COVID-19 deaths in 27 African countries to approximate existing immunity resulting from infection before substantial vaccine roll-out. We then projected health outcomes (from symptomatic cases to overall disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) averted) for different programme start dates (01 January to 01 December 2021, n = 12) and roll-out rates (slow, medium, fast; 275, 826, and 2066 doses/million population-day, respectively) for viral vector and mRNA vaccines by the end of 2022. Roll-out rates used were derived from observed uptake trajectories in this region. Vaccination programmes were assumed to prioritise those above 60 years before other adults.We collected data on vaccine delivery costs, calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) compared to no vaccine use, and compared these ICERs to GDP per capita. We additionally calculated a relative affordability measure of vaccination programmes to assess potential nonmarginal budget impacts.ResultsVaccination programmes with early start dates yielded the most health benefits and lowest ICERs compared to those with late starts. While producing the most health benefits, fast vaccine roll-out did not always result in the lowest ICERs. The highest marginal effectiveness within vaccination programmes was found among older adults. High country income groups, high proportions of populations over 60 years or non-susceptible at the start of vaccination programmes are associated with low ICERs relative to GDP per capita. Most vaccination programmes with small ICERs relative to GDP per capita were also relatively affordable.ConclusionAlthough ICERs increased significantly as vaccination programmes were delayed, programmes starting late in 2021 may still generate low ICERs and manageable affordability measures. Looking forward, lower vaccine purchasing costs and vaccines with improved efficacies can help increase the economic value of COVID-19 vaccination programmes.

Effect of Antibiotic Therapy on the Sensitivity of Etiological Diagnostic Methods in Patients with Infective Endocarditis after Surgery

Aim. Assessment of impact of the duration of preoperative antimicrobial therapy (AMT) on the sensitivity of microbiological examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of blood/tissues of resected valves in operated patients with infective endocarditis (IE).Materials and methods. 52 operated patients with active IE were included prospectively (Duke criteria, 2015). All patients underwent microbiological examination of blood before admission to the cardiac surgery hospital, as well as parallel simultaneous microbiological examination and PCR of blood/tissues of excised valves, followed by Sanger sequencing. The duration of preoperative treatment was calculated from the first day of AMT according to IE diagnosis to the day of surgery.Results. The causative agent of IE was established in 84.6% (n=44) patients by means of complex etiological diagnosis. A significant decrease in the sensitivity of microbiological examination of venous blood was revealed when performed in the period before and after hospitalization to a surgical hospital (up 44.2% to 17.3%, p<0.05). When comparing microbiological examination of blood/tissues of resected valves and PCR of blood/tissues of resected valves, molecular biological methods demonstrated the greatest sensitivity, with a great advantage when examining the tissues of resected valves (17.3% and 19.2% vs. 38.5% and 75.0%, respectively; p<0.001). The microbiological examination of venous blood performed at an early date before admission to the cardiac surgery hospital was comparable in sensitivity to the PCR blood test performed at a later date after prolonged AMT, and significantly less sensitive in relation to the PCR of resected valve tissues [44.2% and 38.5% (p>0.05) vs. 75.0% (p<0.05)]. In course of AMT 1-28 days, there were comparable results of microbiological examination with PCR blood examination and significantly better results of PCR of resected valve tissues [31.0% and 34.5% and 41.4% (p>0.05) vs 72.4% (p<0.001), respectively], and with AMT ≥ 29 days, microbiological examination of any biological material was negative in all patients, and PCR of blood/tissues of resected valves retained high sensitivity (0% and 0% vs. 34.8% and 78.3%, respectively; p<0.01).Conclusion. Long-term preoperative AMT significantly reduced the sensitivity of microbiological examination of resected valve blood/tissue in operated patients with IE, whereas PCR of resected valve blood/tissue was highly sensitive even with preoperative AMT for more than 29 days.

The image of nursing in the media: A scoping review.

To systematically review the available evidence from research exploring the image of nurses in the media. Nurses have historically faced many challenges and have received media attention for such efforts. However, the image of nursing traditionally conveyed by media has failed to represent the real character and a positive image of the nursing profession. For this scoping literature review, a search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Dialnet to identify studies written in English, Spanish or Portuguese from the earliest date in the databases until February 2022. Four authors were involved in a two-stage screening process. Data were subjected to quantitative content analysis. A decade-by-decade analysis was performed to track the evolution of the research. Sixty studies were included. The analysis shows (1) an increasing interest in analysing the portrayal of nurses and nursing in media over time, especially from 2000 onwards; (2) a prevailing trend of focusing on one form of media when analysing the portrayal of nurses; (3) qualitative designs as the most frequent method for exploring the image of nursing; and (4) a predominantly negative image conveyed by media. There is a notable body of scientific evidence about the image of nurses and nursing portrayed in media. The interest in analysing media depictions of nursing has a long history. The included studies' samples showed heterogeneity, as they were obtained from different media, periods and countries. This scoping review is the first systematic review to provide a comprehensive map of what has been studied thus far regarding media depictions of nursing. It confirms the imperative need for nurses in different settings (academic, assistance or management fields) to maintain a proactive attitude towards addressing images of nursing and ensuring accurate representations.

Chronology of the Eneolithic Sites of the Forest Trans-Urals

Purpose. At the end of the 20th – beginning of the 21st century, a generalization of all radiocarbon dates available at that time for the Eneolithic of the Trans-Urals forest and forest-steppe zone was carried out. Two stages were allocated – early and late, within the second half of the 5th – 4th millennium BC. However, an analysis of the differences be-tween the chronology of sites in the forest and forest-steppe zones was not carried out. The aim of this article is to analyze the presence of radiocarbon dates and chronological positions of Eneolithic sites in the forest zone of the Trans-Urals. Results. In the forest part of the Trans-Urals, more than 50 Eneolithic sites were studied and 55 radiocarbon dates were obtained for 26 of them. Dating of various types of archaeological sites has been carried out: sites and settlements, including peat bogs; the burial-cult site Skvortsovskaya Gora V and the cult object Koksharovsky Hill; burials; animal bones and wood tools; human bones and skulls. The results were obtained both by the traditional method (43 dates), and AMS (12 dates). Conventionally, all sites can be divided into two categories – with several dates and with single dates. Coverage categories: belonging to the early group; objects of late groups and objects that have dates of both early and late groups.Conclusion. Analysis of the presented materials showed the presence of early complexes – the second half of the 5th – the first quarter of the 4th millennium BC (12 objects), and the late ones – the second half of the 4th – the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC (8 objects). It is also necessary to note a number of sites that have both early and late dates (7 objects). Another attempt to establish the Eneolithic sites periodization according to cultural traditions (e.g. ceramic complexes differences) was not successful. Traditional for the Trans-Urals ceramic complexes: with comb simple (linear) and geometric ornamentation, false cord (Lipchinskaya), Sosnovoostrovskaya, Shuvakishskaya and Shapkulskaya, present as in the early and in late complexes.

‘A GROUP OF LATE HELLADIC IIIB1 POTTERY FROM MYCENAE’ REVISITED: THE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE TRENCHES ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPOSIT AND THE POTTERY FROM LEVEL 3 OF THE PREHISTORIC CEMETERY CENTRAL III EXTENSION EAST

In 1952 Sinclair Hood found a large deposit of pottery in front of the Great Poros Wall at Mycenae and published a brief account of its discovery the following year. In 1966 Elizabeth French published a paper discussing the pottery, assigning it an early Late Helladic IIIB1 date. From these accounts, we know that the deposit appeared in four trenches: Prehistoric Cemetery Central (PCC) III, where it sat on a surface of hard tramped earth; PCC IV, where it lay on bedrock; and PCC III Extension East and Area VII, where it rested on white clay plaster floors. But otherwise we learn little about the stratigraphy of these four trenches. Using Hood's unpublished excavation notebook, this paper examines the stratigraphy of the trenches associated with the deposit and uncovers the archaeological history of the area. In doing so, it reveals several omissions in the published accounts, most notably that there was another surface immediately below the white clay plaster floor in PCC III Extension East and a deposit of pottery associated with it. The pottery from this layer, designated Level 3, was mistakenly included by French in her paper. Fifty-four decorated sherds from Level 3 were kept, seven of which were illustrated by French. Most of the sherds come from small stirrup jars; kylikes, including the Zygouries type; Group A deep bowls; and stemmed bowls. The five most popular motifs on the sherds are the flower, whorl-shell, wavy line, parallel chevrons and panelled patterns. The shapes and motifs reflect those in the main pottery deposit and indicate a date of early Late Helladic IIIB1 for the group. The conclusion emphasises the importance of using excavation notebooks in research.

Reconstructing Early Beowulf: Evidence from Andreas for the Ninth-Century Form of the Text

The Old English hagiographical poem Andreas provides an important witness to the form and reception of Beowulf in the early medieval period. As scholarship in recent decades has confirmed, the author of Andreas drew pervasively from Beowulf in composing the hagiographical poem, borrowing phrases and extended passages to imbue the story of St. Andrew with heroic qualities. The present study tabulates the borrowed phraseology found in Andreas to systematically assemble a portrait of Beowulf as it was known to the poet of Andreas, most likely in the ninth century. The image reconstructed reveals that the text of Beowulf at this time had the same shape it possesses today, containing all the major episodes and speeches. The patterns of borrowings also suggest that Beowulf was admired for its heroic ethos and imagery, and was likely memorized verbatim. These findings accord well with an early (eighth-century) date for Beowulf.

Adverse effects following botulinum toxin A injections in children with cerebral palsy.

The study aimed to analyze the adverse events associated with botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The literature search was completed using the Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases from the earliest date possible up to December 2021. Search terms included 'botulinum toxin', 'cerebral palsy', 'spasticity', 'adverse effects', 'side effects', 'undesirable effects', 'complications', 'lower limb', 'upper limb', and 'children' including combinations of index and free-text terms. Fifty-five studies were included in the study. Data on 6333 pediatric patients and more than 14 080 BoNT-A injections were collected. Respiratory symptoms and respiratory tract infections were the most frequently registered adverse events (AEs). Other common AEs included procedural/focal AEs, flu-like symptoms, and asthenia. Sentinel events including four cases of death were reported. AEs were more frequent and severe in high-dose patients; however, the capacity of BoNT-A to spread systemically remains unclear. Since severe adverse events are not common, further research is needed to collect more definitive clinical and homogeneous data to support the findings of the present research and clarify the safety profile of BoNT-A, especially regarding the incidence of respiratory issues and complications in GMFCS IV or V patients.

A rational approach to drug therapy of acute bacterial sinusitis in patients who have had a coronavirus infection

Introduction. In the complex therapy of acute bacterial sinusitis, drugs that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic effects are widely used. The article discusses the effectiveness of the use of a phytopreparation containing standardized myrtol, limonene, cineol and alpha – pinene in the treatment of acute sinusitis in patients who have undergone SARS-CoV-2.Aim. To increase the effectiveness of conservative therapy of acute bacterial sinusitis in people who have undergone a new coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) using a complex phytopreparation.Materials and methods. A simple randomized controlled clinical research study involved 83 patients suffering from acute bacterial sinusitis after a coronavirus infection. Potential, safety and recovery time were evaluated in two groups: a group of patients (n = 41) taking standardized Myrtol limonel, cineol and alpha – pinene (a phytotherapeutic drug), compared with a group (n = 42) taking an antibacterial drug. The severity of clinical manifestations was assessed according to the VAS scale, cognitive functions and memory were carried out using standard psychological tests and an assessment of the quality of life according to SNOT-22.Results and discussion. The use of Respero Myrtol forte, containing standardized Myrtol limonel, cineol and alpha-pinene, in the complex therapy of bacterial sinusitis in people who have undergone a new coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly improved clinical symptoms, cognitive functions and the quality of life. Good drug tolerance, high potential and safety, recovery and improvement of the quality of life at an early date were noted.Conclusions. In the treatment of patients with bacterial sinusitis in people who have undergone a new coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2), Respiro Myrtol forte has shown high antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects, good bioavailability, tolerance and safety.

The Unexpected Discovery of Syngenite on Margarito d’Arezzo’s The Virgin and Child Enthroned, with Scenes of the Nativity and the Lives of the Saints (Probably 1263–4) and Its Possible Use as a Yellow Lake Substrate

The oldest painting in the National Gallery collection, The Virgin and Child Enthroned by Margarito d’Arezzo (NG564), dated to about 1263–4, depicts the Virgin and Child in a mandorla, surrounded by scenes of the Nativity and lives of the saints, set within red and decorative black borders, against a gilded background. The materials and technique were investigated using a combination of non-invasive techniques, such as Fibre Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS) and macro X-ray fluorescence scanning (MA-XRF), and the analysis of a small number of paint samples using energy dispersive X-ray analysis in the scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Attenuated Total Reflectance—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and micro X-ray Diffraction (micro-XRD). The results provided evidence for the use of a number of organic colourants, with both indigo and red lake pigments identified. The finding of an unusual compound, syngenite (K2Ca(SO4)2·H2O), is here postulated as a potential substrate for an organic yellow lake pigment. In addition, reference pigments were prepared to explore this hypothesis. Although documentary evidence confirms that yellow lakes were being produced from an early date, there is very little direct evidence for their use in 13th-century panel paintings.

Cadelling ffraw and the Date of Marwnad Cynddylan

Anachronistic rhymes can indicate that lines of Welsh poetry cannot go back to an early date. This note considers the elegy on the seventh-century Cynddylan. This has been held to be non-contemporary because the word braw 'terror', which never had a final fricative, rhymes with words that originally did have one. It is pointed out that the manuscript reading, ffraw, need not be connected with braw ; instead, it may be the adjective ffraw 'brisk, fervent, mighty', which originally had a nasal fricative (cf. the river name Ffraw, English Frome), or a cognate of Old Irish sráb 'torrent', or a form of Welsh ffrawdd 'passion, violence, annoyance'. A suggested emendation to ffaw 'fame, famous' < Latin fāma is also discussed. All these would have had final fricatives and would have rhymed acceptably.

Integrating Field Data and a Modeling Approach to Inform Optimum Planting Date × Maturity Group for Soybeans under Current and Future Weather Conditions in Kansas

Optimizing planting date by maturity group (PD × MG) is critical to increase productivity and reduce production risks. Understanding the effect of management, not only under current, but also future weather conditions, is even more relevant for developing effective mitigation strategies. This paper provides an analysis of the optimum combinations of soybean PD × MG management in the central-eastern region of Kansas (United States) for both current and future weather conditions. Three geographical clusters illustrating the main environmental and management characteristics were defined within the central-eastern region of Kansas. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator platform was employed to explore PD × MG combinations (PD from mid-April to mid-July; MG from III to VI) comparing current (2011–2021) and future (2042–2052) weather conditions. Overall, early planting dates produce greater yields, but reduce their stability over time (with a 15% increase in yield variation relative to late planting) across the clusters. Late planting dates resulted in a reduction close to 27% for soybean yields relative to those obtained by planting at early dates under current weather conditions. Furthermore, longer maturity groups (IV, V, and VI) resulted in a reduced yield penalty when planting time was delayed under the current weather conditions. However, this combination did not always represent the strategy that maximized yields.

Jāḥiẓian Negotiations: The Image of the Rāfiḍa in Al-Jāḥiẓ’s Corpus

ABSTRACT This article examines how the littérateur and theologian al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 869) portrayed the Imāmī community (Rāfiḍa) in terms of both its theological views and its social practices. In addition to their early date and unique beauty, Jāḥiẓ’s texts are unparalleled records of doctrinal debates and sociological insights. What emerges from his writings on the Rāfiḍa is an image of a community of simple-minded fanatics. On the one hand, the Imāmīs adhere to anthropomorphic and deterministic beliefs and are blind followers of authority. On the other hand, they are passionate believers who strongly stand in solidarity with one another. This, for Jāḥiẓ, explains their coalition with the superficial traditionalists against the rationalist Muʿtazila. The article is a stage in a larger monograph project.

How organizations can use carbon emissions data to achieve carbon neutrality

To help China achieve the "dual carbon" goal at an early date and mitigate global climate change brought about by the greenhouse effect, people are increasingly interested in topics such as carbon neutrality, sustainability, and energy, which has led to apparent changes in many cross-disciplinary disciplines. While upgrading the organization industry, people often neglect to implement measures from the energy side. The study is based on 492 articles retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database between 1900 and 2023, and conducted comprehensive data and visual analysis of keywords such as "carbon neutrality", "carbon emissions", and "carbon footprint". Bibliometrics show that publications have proliferated since 2008 and also involve multiple disciplines, such as management, sustainable development studies, public health, energy, and other related major fields. At the same time, research institutions in China, the United Kingdom, and Singapore have excelled in such disciplines. The authors use big data analysis technology and visualization software to comprehensively analyze the research results in the form of charts from the aspects of literature publication and citation trends, top research institutions, and keyword clustering, which provides research ideas for research organizations to use carbon emission data to achieve carbon neutrality.