Systematic Sources Research Articles

Reporting social inequalities in health dashboards: data source mapping of 14 European countries

Abstract Background Monitoring health inequalities is an essential public health task. This includes reporting social inequalities using data dashboards to inform citizens and policy-makers. To date, there is a dearth of evidence on the extent of health inequality reporting and which equity dimensions are being reported in European countries. The aim of the study is to systematically map data sources and identify the equity dimensions reported in national and subnational data sources in 14 European countries. Methods Study design is a cross-sectional data source mapping in 14 European countries (Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain). We will conduct a survey among more than 400 collaborators of the EU-funded Joint Action to Prevent NCDs (JAPreventNCD) to identify existing population health dashboards at national and subnational levels. On a second stage, we will carry out a structured content audit to identify inequality dimensions and health indicators in each dashboard. The dashboard content audit will be done in duplicate by native speakers using keyword search and annotated navigation. Inequality dimensions will be categorised using PROGRESS-plus categories. We will pre-register the protocol in OSF prior to data collection and analysis. Data analysis will use a modified version of the template developed by the World Health Organization. Data analyses will be conducted in R. Work is under development but given the resources committed to JAPreventNCD, results will be ready by November 2024. Key messages • Reporting social inequalities using data dashboards to inform citizens and policy-makers is an essential public health task. • Systematic data source mapping can be a reliable, efficient method to monitor the routine reporting of health inequalities.

Presentation and Optimal Management of Anterior and Central Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of conservative treatment versus surgical debridement versus debridement followed by vascularized tissue coverage to provide evidence-based guidance on the management of osteoradionecrosis of the anterior and central skull base. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Systematic review and data sources including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were accessed using PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed on treatment type and resolution of osteoradionecrosis. A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. Patients were categorized into conservative medical treatment versus surgical treatment. Conservative treatment included patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antibiotics, pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate, or a combination of the three. Eight out of 197 patients treated with conservative therapy had resolution of symptoms (4.1%) while 135 of 188 patients treated with surgical intervention had resolution of symptoms (71.8%). Of these, 104 patients (91.2%) in the vascularized tissue group experienced resolution of symptoms. Surgery was superior to medical treatment alone in the resolution of skull base osteoradionecrosis. Vascularized surgical treatment fared significantly better when compared with both surgical debridement only and/or medical treatment. Our findings suggest that surgical treatment should be considered earlier in patients with skull base osteoradionecrosis to prevent severe or fatal sequelae. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

TeV Analysis of a Source-rich Region with the HAWC Observatory: Is HESS J1809-193 a Potential Hadronic PeVatron?

HESS J1809-193 is an unidentified TeV source, first detected by the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.) collaboration. The emission originates in a source-rich region that includes several supernova remnants (SNRs) and pulsars including SNR G11.1+0.1, SNR G11.0-0.0, and the young radio pulsar PSR J1809-1917. Originally classified as a pulsar wind nebula candidate, recent studies show the peak of the TeV region overlapping with a system of molecular clouds. This resulted in the revision of the original leptonic scenario to look for alternate hadronic scenarios. Marked as a potential PeVatron candidate, this region has been studied extensively by H.E.S.S. due to its emission extending up to several tens of TeV. In this work, we use 2398 days of data from the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory to carry out a systematic source search of the HESS J1809-193 region. We were able to resolve emission detected as an extended component (modelled as a symmetric Gaussian with a 1σ radius of 0.°21) with no clear cutoff at high energies and emitting photons up to 210 TeV. We model the multiwavelength observations for the region around HESS J1809-193 using a time-dependent leptonic model and a lepto-hadronic model. Our model indicates that both scenarios could explain the observed data within the region of HESS J1809-193.

Source characterization of the 20th May 2024 MD 4.4 Campi Flegrei caldera earthquake through a joint source-propagation probabilistic inversion

On May 20th, 2024, an earthquake of magnitude MD 4.4 nucleated at shallow depth (2.6 km) in the Campi Flegrei caldera (Southern Italy), a densely populated area where an increase in seismic activity has been observed since 2019 attributable to an on-going unrest episode. While the magnitude was moderate, the event produced a strong ground shaking with an observed maximum peak ground acceleration of 3.58 m s-2, and several buildings were damaged. Here, we characterize the earthquake source using a probabilistic joint source-propagation spectral inversion in the Fourier space. We estimate a moment magnitude Mw = 3.70 ± 0.13 and a corner frequency fc = 1.11 ± 0.19 Hz. Assuming a circular rupture model, we estimate a source radius r = 400 ± 70 m and a stress drop Δσ = 3.2 ± 2.2 MPa. The estimated stress drop suggests that future earthquakes in the hypocentral region, considering a possible rupture length of 3 km suggested by previous studies, can have magnitude increased by 1.2 ± 0.3 units with respect to May 20th event. A systematic source characterization of the recent seismicity in the caldera would hep in estimating the expected ground motions from future large-magnitude events.

A new methodology for experimental analysis of single-cavity bubble’s nucleation, growth and detachment in saturated HFE-7100

The study of single bubble nucleation, growth and detachment processes has being carried out with remarkable relevance in the last fifty years. The complexity of the associated phenomena are still a challenge for the researchers in the field, yielding a lot of works trying to explain the enrolled mechanisms. These studies include experimental, numerical and even theoretical approaches. In particular but not exclusively for numerical approaches, it is of essential importance having a solid and detailed experimental description of the full event. It is in this context that this work emerges, proposing a methodology for characterizing the single bubble nucleation, growth and detachment process. This methodology is based in the determination of a “typical bubble” that represents the whole phenomena, providing the reconstruction of a main bubble life-cycle with its uncertainty (both in space and time). This reconstruction allows the determination of several important characteristics, such as bubble volume, apparent contact angle, dry radius, and the forces acting on the bubble. This work analyzes a set of bubbles growing from a cavity of 91μm diameter, under saturated conditions at 0,583 bar and superheating of 25,8 °C. All the outputs were obtained considering a carefully uncertainty determination and propagation from both systematic and random sources, which are not negligible as it is demonstrated in this work. The importance of considering a sufficient number of bubbles to characterize the phenomenon was also addressed, considering an analysis of uncertainties for different set of bubbles. The methodology was also confronted to previous approaches reported elsewhere, that ensured its performance, robustness, and validation.

Estimating Systematic Source, Site, and Path Effects in Nonergodic Ground-Motion Models: Insights from the Turkish Ground-Motion Database

Estimating Systematic Source, Site, and Path Effects in Nonergodic Ground-Motion Models: Insights from the Turkish Ground-Motion Database

Productivity, Place, and Plants

Abstract Why do cities differ so much in productivity? A long literature has sought out systematic sources, such as inherent productivity advantages, market access, agglomeration forces, or sorting. We document that up to three-quarters of the measured regional productivity dispersion is spurious, reflecting the “luck of the draw” of finite counts of idiosyncratically heterogeneous plants that happen to operate in a given location. The patterns are even more pronounced for new plants, hold for alternative productivity measures, and broadly extend to European countries. This large role for individual plants suggests a smaller role for places in driving regional differences.

A Systematic Review of Structured Exercises and Music Therapy on the Functional Status of Stroke Survivors

Background: Stroke, a leading cause of disability worldwide, often leaves survivors grappling with functional impairments that significantly impact their daily lives. Enhancing the functional status of stroke survivors is not only a personal achievement but also a critical public health concern. Aim: A systematic review of literature was conducted to identify the various forms of structured exercises and music therapy used in enhancing the functional status of stroke survivors, and the various outcome measures used in measuring the functional status of the stroke survivors. Design: A systematic review Data Sources: A systematic literature search was performed for publications using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase, CINAHL, ISI, and ScienceDirect Databases. Eligibility Criteria: The review included published studies which reported use of structured exercises and Music therapy in enhancing the functional status of stroke survivors aged 18 years and above, and published in English between June 2012 and June 2022. Data Extraction: The titles and abstracts of articles were screened and studies that did not meet the eligibility criteria were excluded. Full texts of eligible studies were further scrutinized. The results were interpreted and reported with respect to their level of evidence, design, sample size, duration, quality appraisal and risk of bias. Result: A total of 2,427 studies were identified through initial search of the databases. Additional 8 records were identified through other sources making it a total of 2,435 records. 2,350 duplicate studies were removed after screening. The remaining 85 full-text articles were screened for eligibility criteria and further reduced to 26. Of these 26 studies, 17 were Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), 7 quasi-experimental studies, 1 case series, and 1 case study. Hand function exercise (23.0%) was the most used form of structured exercise while music-supported therapy (29.1%) was the most used music therapy intervention. Motor function (41.6%) was the most investigated construct of functional status. The most used outcome measures were Box and Blocks Test (BBT) (10.4%) and 9 Hole Pegboard Test (9HPT) (10.4%) which were used for measuring motor function of the stroke survivors. Conclusion: Various forms of structured exercises and music therapy were found to improve the functional status of stroke survivors. Also, various outcome measures for measuring the functional status of the stroke survivors were reported as well. Clinicians and researchers should choose the appropriate outcome measures for the right constructs in the course of their practice and research programmes.

Modelling the impact of bias in fecal immunochemical testing on long-term outcomes of colorectal cancer screening

BackgroundAs the impact of unmanaged bias (i.e. systematic source of inaccuracy) in fecal immunochemical test (FIT) analytical performance on long-term colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes is unknown, we assessed the impact bias in FIT performance in an ongoing FIT-based CRC screening program. MethodsThis study consisted of two parts: cross-sectional observational data analysis to estimate change in short-term outcomes and microsimulation modelling to estimate change in long-term outcomes assuming different levels of bias by assuming 15 % lower up to 15 % higher Hemoglobin detected in the stool compared to observed. Two scenarios were considered: bias occurring 1) one-time only, due to the occasional bias associated with the FIT kits used in 2020 and 2) consistently due to a constant bias associated with the FIT kits used from 2020 onwards. ResultsWith a hypothetical bias of −15 % to +15 %, we observed a positivity rate ranging from 6.7 % to 7.8 %, and a detection rate for CRC between 0.65 % and 0.68 %. Single biases in FIT performance resulted in less than 0.1 % change in long-term CRC screening outcomes, while consistent biases resulted in a much larger change (up to 1.4 % in CRC cases and CRC-related deaths and up to 2.07 % in total costs). Detecting lower Hemoglobin concentrations resulted in a relatively larger change on long-term CRC outcomes in comparison to positive bias. ConclusionsBecause of the substantial impact of consistent FIT bias, it is important to set evidence-based acceptance criteria of bias on long-term CRC screening outcomes and in particular, the introduction of an asymmetrical or upward shifted tolerance interval for FIT bias.

Spectral decomposition of ground motions in New Zealand using the generalized inversion technique

SUMMARY To gain new insights into ground-motion phenomena in New Zealand (NZ), we apply the non-parametric generalized inversion technique (GIT) in the Fourier domain to isolate the systematic source, path, and site effects from 20 813 seismograms, recorded by 693 sensors at 439 unique locations, from 1200 shallow crustal events (Mw > 3) during the period 2000–2021. From the inverted source spectra, we derive Brune's stress parameter, ∆σ, which is found to follow a lognormal distribution with a log10 standard deviation of 0.36 or equivalently 0.83 in natural log unit. ∆σ slightly increases with focal depth and is practically independent of earthquake size (i.e. self-similar), but displays a statistically significant spatial clustering. Based on the inverted attenuation, a trilinear geometric-spreading function, and a distance-dependent quality-factor Q(f) model are found to well describe the attenuation in NZ; though a single $Q( f )$ model is also obtained for the whole distance range: $Q( f ) = 149.1{f}^{0.62}$. Using the site response decomposed from GIT, we find that the soil classification scheme specified in NZ seismic code, NZS1170.5, has a limited capability in discerning the site-specific frequency-dependent amplification functions in comparison to a non-parametric clustering with the same number of discrete classes. The potential use of the spatial variation in source parameters from this GIT analysis in region-specific physics-based simulations is discussed.

Wall shear stress measurement using a zero-displacement floating-element balance

The floating-element (FE) principle, introduced nearly a century ago, remains one of the most versatile direct wall shear stress measurement methods. Yet, its intrinsic sources of systematic error, associated with the flow-exposed gap, off-axis load sensitivity, and calibration, have thus far limited its widespread application. In combination with the lack of standard designs and testing procedures, measurement reliability still hinges heavily on individual judgement and expertise. This paper presents a framework to curb these limitations, whereby the design and operation of a FE balance are leveraged by an analytical model that attempts to capture the behaviour and predict the relative contribution of the systematic sources of error. The design is based on a parallel-shift linkage and a zero-displacement force-feedback system. The FE has a surface area of 200×200\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$200\ imes 200\\,$$\\end{document} mm, and measurement sensitivity is adjustable depending on the surface condition and the Reynolds number. It is thus suitable for application in a wide range of low-speed, boundary-layer wind tunnels, small or large scale. Measurements of the skin friction coefficient over a smooth wall show a remarkable agreement with oil-film interferometry, especially for Reθ>1.3×104\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\rm Re}_{\ heta } > 1.3 \ imes 10^4$$\\end{document}. The discrepancy relative to the empirical Coles–Fernholz relation (κ=0.39\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\kappa = 0.39$$\\end{document} and C=4.352\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$C = 4.352$$\\end{document}) is within 0.5\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$0.5\\,$$\\end{document}%, and the level of uncertainty is below 1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$1\\,$$\\end{document}% for a confidence interval of 95\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$95\\,$$\\end{document}%.

Beyond rating accuracy: Unpacking frame-of-reference assessor training effectiveness

AbstractEvidence from previous research suggests that frame-of-reference (FOR) training is effective at improving assessor ratings in many organizational settings. Yet no research has presented a thorough examination of systematic sources of variance (assessor-related effects, evaluation settings, and measurement design features) that might influence training effectiveness. Using a factorial ANOVA and variance components analyses on a database of four studies of frame-of-reference assessor training, we found that (a) training is most effective at identifying low levels of performance and (b) the setting of the training makes little difference with respect to training effectiveness. We also show evidence of the importance of rater training as a key determinant of the quality of performance ratings in general. Implications for FOR training theory and practice are discussed.

Alternative Approach to Tilt-to-Length Coupling Estimation for Laser Ranging Interferometers in Future Gravity Missions

Tilt-to-length coupling, a non-constant systematic error source caused by satellite attitude variations, has been observed in the laser ranging signals of the GRACE Follow-On mission. This error can be corrected by certain calibration maneuvers performed regularly in orbit. In this paper, we introduce an alternative approach to tilt-to-length coupling estimation for a laser ranging interferometer in future gravity missions, using the ranging signals without any specific calibration maneuvers, which allows daily estimation. An analytical model of laser ranging signals is derived. The tilt-to-length estimation is performed under different conditions using the least squares method as well as the simulated data. The pointing angle noise is found to be the most significant limiting factor. When the pointing angle noise is below 0.3μrad/Hz1/2, the RMS of the estimation error is below 4 nm, much better than the tilt-to-length error of GRACE Follow-On. In the case of low pointing angle noise, the estimation error of an under 1.5 m offset between the center of mass and the interferometer reference point is not obviously different from the case with only a 0.5 mm offset, which provides installation flexibility for the laser ranging interferometer.

Provenance of the Upper Carboniferous Yanghugou Formation in the Western Margin of the Ordos Basin, China: Constraints on Paleogeography and Basin Development

The Carboniferous Yanghugou Formation in the western margin of the Ordos Basin exhibits significant potential for oil and gas exploration. However, due to the influence of complex tectonic activities, there are substantial variations in stratigraphic thickness and depositional environments across the formation. The lack of a systematic source–sink comparative study has resulted in an unclear understanding of sediment sources and paleogeographic patterns, impacting the exploration for hydrocarbon accumulations. We conducted a comprehensive study of the source–sink system characteristics and paleogeography in the research area through field outcrop observations and drilling core sampling. By utilizing detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry, paleocurrent directions, lithofacies types, and sedimentary features, we delve into the understanding of the source–sink systems. Four major source–sink regions in the research area were identified: the Alxa, Yinshan, Alxa–Yinshan mixed and Qilian source–sink regions. The Alxa source–sink region formed a transitional delta-barrier-island sedimentary system. The northern part of the Yinshan source–sink region developed a transitional tidal-controlled delta-tidal-flat sedimentary system, while the southern deep-water area developed a shallow marine to semi-deep marine shelf sedimentary systems. The sediments of Alxa–Yinshan mixed source–sink region were deposited in a transitional tidal-controlled delta-tidal-flat barrier-island system. The Qilian source–sink region is characterized by small tidal-controlled delta-barrier-island system. From the analysis of the source–sink systems, it is inferred that the Alxa Block and the North China Craton had already merged before deposition of the late Carboniferous Yanghugou Formation. The delta sand bodies in the Alxa–Yinshan mixed source–sink region have the highest compositional and structural maturity, the best reservoir performance, and the great exploration potential.

Predicting the scaling relations between the dark matter halo mass and observables from generalised profiles I: Kinematic tracers

Abstract We investigate the relationship between a dark matter halo’s mass profile and measures of the velocity dispersion of kinematic tracers within its gravitational potential. By predicting the scaling relation of the halo mass with the aperture velocity dispersion, $M_\mathrm{vir} - \unicode{x03C3}_\mathrm{ap}$ , we present the expected form and dependence of this halo mass tracer on physical parameters within our analytic halo model: parameterised by the halo’s negative inner logarithmic density slope, $\unicode{x03B1}$ , its concentration parameter, c, and its velocity anisotropy parameter, $\unicode{x03B2}$ . For these idealised halos, we obtain a general solution to the Jeans equation, which is projected over the line of sight and averaged within an aperture to form the corresponding aperture velocity dispersion profile. Through dimensional analysis, the $M_\mathrm{vir} - \unicode{x03C3}_\mathrm{ap}$ scaling relation is devised explicitly in terms of analytical bounds for these aperture velocity dispersion profiles: allowing constraints to be placed on this relation for motivated parameter choices. We predict the $M_{200} - \unicode{x03C3}_\mathrm{ap}$ and $M_{500} - \unicode{x03C3}_\mathrm{ap}$ scaling relations, each with an uncertainty of $60.5\%$ and $56.2\%$ , respectively. These halo mass estimates are found to be weakly sensitive to the halo’s concentration and mass scale, and most sensitive to the size of the aperture radius in which the aperture velocity dispersion is measured, the maximum value for the halo’s inner slope, and the minimum and maximum values of the velocity anisotropy. Our results show that a halo’s structural and kinematic profiles impose only a minor uncertainty in estimating its mass. Consequently, spectroscopic surveys aimed at constraining the halo mass using kinematic tracers can focus on characterising other, more complex sources of uncertainty and observational systematics.

PlatoSim: an end-to-end PLATO camera simulator for modelling high-precision space-based photometry

Context. PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars (PLATO) is the ESA M3 space mission dedicated to detect and characterise transiting exoplanets including information from the asteroseismic properties of their stellar hosts. The uninterrupted and high-precision photometry provided by space-borne instruments such as PLATO require long preparatory phases. An exhaustive list of tests are paramount to design a mission that meets the performance requirements and, as such, simulations are an indispensable tool in the mission preparation. Aims. To accommodate PLATO’s need of versatile simulations prior to mission launch that at the same time describe innovative yet complex multi-telescope design accurately, in this work we present the end-to-end PLATO simulator specifically developed for that purpose, namely PlatoSim. We show, step-by-step, the algorithms embedded into the software architecture of PlatoSim that allow the user to simulate photometric time series of charge-coupled device (CCD) images and light curves in accordance to the expected observations of PLATO. Methods. In the context of the PLATO payload, a general formalism of modelling, end-to-end, incoming photons from the sky to the final measurement in digital units is discussed. According to the light path through the instrument, we present an overview of the stellar field and sky background, the short- and long-term barycentric pixel displacement of the stellar sources, the cameras and their optics, the modelling of the CCDs and their electronics, and all main random and systematic noise sources. Results. We show the strong predictive power of PlatoSim through its diverse applicability and contribution to numerous working groups within the PLATO mission consortium. This involves the ongoing mechanical integration and alignment, performance studies of the payload, the pipeline development, and assessments of the scientific goals. Conclusions. PlatoSim is a state-of-the-art simulator that is able to produce the expected photometric observations of PLATO to a high level of accuracy. We demonstrate that PlatoSim is a key software tool for the PLATO mission in the preparatory phases until mission launch and prospectively beyond.

КАЗАХСКИЕ СТУДЕНТЫ Г. КАЗАНИ ВТОРОЙ ПОЛОВИНЫ XIX В.: ДЕЛОПРОИЗВОДСТВЕННАЯ ДОКУМЕНТАЦИЯ И ИСТОЧНИКОВЕДЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ

Today it is necessary to conduct research that systematizes historical documents and reconstructs the history of education and the fate of Kazakh students in higher educational institutions of the Russian Empire. Based on this, the purpose of my article is to analyze the office documentation of Kazakh students of the Imperial Kazan University and Veterinary Institute. For the scientific analysis of office documentation of Kazakh students of the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries. a systematic approach and source study synthesis were used, which allows us to see the integrity of historical sources and opens up opportunities for expanding social research, involving in the field of studying socio-cultural changes in the Kazakh steppe of the second half of the 19th century. Additional materials. The type of documents we studied is varied: petitions for admission to students of a certain faculty, graduates of higher educational institutions, metric certificates, information about health status; certificates of completion of gymnasiums; certificate of scholarship amount, educational programs, commission protocols on passing state exams, etc. The source analysis of the office documentation of Kazakh students in Kazan turned out to be perspective, because it reveals not only little-studied aspects of the life of Kazakh students in the second half of the 19th - early 20th centuries, but also identified Kazakh families where Kazakh families where the importance of gaining knowledge and educating their children in educational institutions has become a pattern. And accordingly, from the second half of the 19th century, Kazan became one of the centers of formation of the Kazakh intellectual elite.

21-cm Epoch of reionisation power spectrum with closure phase using the Murchison Widefield Array

Abstract The radio interferometric closure phases can be a valuable tool for studying cosmological HI from the early Universe. Closure phases have the advantage of being immune to element-based gains and associated calibration errors. Thus, calibration and errors therein, which are often sources of systematics limiting standard visibility-based approaches, can be avoided altogether in closure phase analysis. In this work, we present the first results of the closure phase power spectrum of HI 21-cm fluctuations using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), with $\sim12$ h of MWA phase II observations centred around redshift, $z\approx 6.79$ , during the Epoch of Reionisation. On analysing three redundant classes of baselines – 14, 24, and 28 m equilateral triads, our estimates of the $2\sigma$ (95% confidence interval) 21-cm power spectra are $\lesssim(184)^2 pseudo\,\mathrm{mK}^2$ at ${k}_{||} = 0.36 pseudo\ h \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$ in the EoR1 field for the 14 m baseline triads, and $\lesssim(188)^2 pseudo\,\mathrm{mK}^2$ at $k_{||} = 0.18 \,pseudo\ h \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$ in the EoR0 field for the 24 m baseline triads. The ‘pseudo’ units denote that the length scale and brightness temperature should be interpreted as close approximations. Our best estimates are still 3-4 orders high compared to the fiducial 21-cm power spectrum; however, our approach provides promising estimates of the power spectra even with a small amount of data. These data-limited estimates can be further improved if more datasets are included into the analysis. The evidence for excess noise has a possible origin in baseline-dependent systematics in the MWA data that will require careful baseline-based strategies to mitigate, even in standard visibility-based approaches.

A Monte Carlo Fuel Assembly Model Validation Adopting Post Irradiation Experiment Dataset

Abstract Within an energy system where nuclear reactors will likely play a critical role, it is fundamental to have access to accurate and reliable computational tools that can predict the plants' behavior under different operating conditions; compared to other energy sources, models and analysis methods for nuclear systems should be able to provide, among other things, detailed information on reactor criticality and fuel evolution. Thanks to the advancements in computational hardware, using three-dimensional codes to obtain a local description of the reactor core has now become feasible, not only for what concerns deterministic codes but also for Monte Carlo (MC) based codes. Those computational methods must be compared with experimental measurements to assess their reliability. For this reason, the 3D Monte Carlo code serpent is currently being validated for light water reactor fuel cycle simulations. This work will compare the isotopic concentrations measured in a Post-Irradiation Experiment (PIE) and the results of the Monte Carlo routine, examining the Takahama-3 fuel assembly test case. Since key information related to the history of the plant under consideration is available, it was possible to follow the depletion cycles of two fuel rods (SF95 and SF97) placed in two separate assemblies. From literature reports, more than 35 nuclide species have been measured at different axial locations by destructive analysis following several radiochemical techniques. A sensitivity analysis, aiming to evaluate the impact of design features on the results, was carried out investigat-ing the cross section libraries, the simulation time Discretization and the imposition of an axial time-varying temperature. During the process, systematic sources of geometry-related errors were analyzed as well. Over-all, the model showed good agreement with the experimental data under an acceptable error threshold. The sensitivity studies also showed how the prediction capability could be increased up to +6%, adopting a realistic temperature mesh for the fuel instead of a uniform temperature approach. Finally, this analysis will focus more deeply on the Antimony-125 evolution, whose concentration is the one with the worst agreement to the experimental dataset not only for this work but also for other benchmarks available in the literature: results will show how the prediction error for this nuclide is systematic for all considered codes, and look for possible causes.

CONTRIBUTION OF ACEHNESE SCHOLARS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF QURANIC EXEGESIS IN INDONESIA: A STUDY OF TENGKU MUHAMMAD HASBI ASH-SHIDDIEQY AND HIS WORK "TAFSIR AN-NUUR"

This article aims to discuss Tengku Muhammad Hasbi ash-Shiddieqy, a modern scholar from the Aceh region of Indonesia, and his significant work in the field of tafsir, titled "Tafsir an-Nuur". Hasbi is known as a proficient personality in various areas of Islamic sciences. In Indonesia, his competence in Islamic fields such as fiqh, uṣul al-fiqh, tafsir, and hadith has established Tengku Muhammad Hasbi Ash-Shiddieqy as a respected figure in society. Consequently, due to his areas of expertise, he is recognized as a prolific scholar who has authored academic works such as books and articles. Tafsir an-Nuur is a four-volume tafsir book that covers the interpretation of the Quranic verses from QS. al-Fātiḥa to QS. al-Nās, divided into 30-volume. In this tafsir, Quranic verses are explained succinctly, without delving into excessive detail, focusing on elucidating the fundamental meaning of the verses. Therefore, Tafsir an-Nuur falls into the category of concise (ijmālī) tafsir. This tafsir was written in Indonesian to facilitate easier understanding of the Quran's content for Indonesians. Methodologically, this article is a study that uses source research and qualitative research methods. This article primarily aims to delve into Hasbi's biography and works. Additionally, it discusses the background of the composition of Tafsir an-Nuur, its systematic approach, sources, methods, and related topics. In this context, readers are expected to gain a better understanding of Hasbi and Tafsir an-Nuur, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive grasp of the development of tafsir studies in Indonesia.