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In distributed interactive proofs, the nodes of a graph G interact with a powerful but untrustable prover who tries to convince them, in a small number of rounds and through short messages, that G satisfies some property. This series of rounds is followed by a phase of distributed verification, which may be either deterministic or randomized, where nodes exchange messages with their neighbors. The nature of this last verification round defines the two types of interactive protocols. We say that the protocol is of Arthur–Merlin type if the verification round is deterministic. We say that the protocol is of Merlin–Arthur type if, in the verification round, the nodes are allowed to use a fresh set of random bits. In the original model introduced by Kol, Oshman, and Saxena [PODC 2018], the randomness was private in the sense that each node had only access to an individual source of random coins. Crescenzi, Fraigniaud, and Paz [DISC 2019] initiated the study of the impact of shared randomness (the situation where the coin tosses are visible to all nodes) in the distributed interactive model. In this work, we continue that research line by showing that the impact of the two forms of randomness is very different depending on whether we are considering Arthur–Merlin protocols or Merlin–Arthur protocols. While private randomness gives more power to the first type of protocols, shared randomness provides more power to the second. We also show that there exists at most an exponential gap between the certificate size in distributed interactive proofs with respect to distributed verification protocols without any randomness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Study Design.: Retrospective cohort study. Objective.: Although there are several methods available to assess upper limb function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, few methods can evaluate the degree of upper limb functional impairment in activities of daily living. Summary of Background Data.: We devised and evaluated the utility of a new assessment method called the 10 Coins Test, which is based on daily movements. Materials and Methods.: The study included 39 patients who underwent spinal surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and who were followed up for 1 year postoperatively. The mean age was 65.2±11.5 years, with 31 (79.5%) male and 8 (20.5%) female patients. The 10 Coins Test is a simple examination that measures the time it takes to pick up and move 10 coins forward. Patient satisfaction with surgery was evaluated on a 5-point scale. We compared the 10 Coins Test results, patient satisfaction, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) results before and after surgery. Results.: The mean time to perform the 10 Coins Test was 27.4 seconds for the dominant hand and 24.5 seconds for the nondominant hand preoperatively. In the control group, the average time was 14.6 seconds for the dominant hand and 15.0 seconds for the nondominant hand. The cut-off value was 16.2 seconds. There was a significant difference in the 10 Coins Test time and satisfaction for both hands at 1 week postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The JOACMEQ upper limb motor function showed a significant improvement 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively. The 10 Coins Test result was correlated with satisfaction and the JOACMEQ upper limb motor function. Conclusion.: The 10 Coins Test allows for the quantitative evaluation of complex movements. It is convenient and highly useful for assessing upper limb function in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiential learning, at its core, is a self-driven process of acquiring knowledge from past experiences and applying it to new situations. This study delves into this process within the realm of peacekeeping, where the learning experiences of troop-contributing countries are particularly unique. These peacekeepers navigate the dual role of countering armed insurgencies through UN peacekeeping missions abroad while simultaneously addressing domestic security challenges through counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. Although extensive research has examined how COIN experiences shape peacekeeping strategies, the translation of peacekeeping experiential learning to domestic contexts remains to be determined. By focusing on India as a case study, this research illustrates that peacekeepers are open to learning from their peacekeeping experiences. However, the successful application of this learning in domestic settings is determined by more than just their capacity to learn. It is also shaped by the nature of the supportive learning environment that may sometimes create a gap between international peacekeeping and its application to domestic operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review synthesizes 48 academic studies on Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) from 2018 to 2023, employing bibliometric and content analyses to illuminate their complexities and innovation in entrepreneurial finance. It identifies four key themes: (1) regulatory intricacies, market transformation, and strategic implications for emerging ventures; (2) the opportunities and challenges presented, and key factors influencing the success of ICOs; (3) ICOs and entrepreneurial finance; and finally, (4) review of reviews. By examining the intersection of legal frameworks, disruptive potential, and stakeholder challenges, this interdisciplinary perspective captures the essence of ICOs and charts a course for future inquiry. It serves as a pivotal reference for researchers, practitioners, and regulators to understand the multifaceted ICO landscape and its implications for the future of finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two seats of the Paris Jesuits, the professed house and the Clermont college, each had a separate library, both of which owned books on coins as well as a numismatic collection. The discovery of their respective catalogs, annotated with auction results—prices and buyers' names—has enabled an analysis of their contents and fates. The auction catalogs describe around fifteen thousand and thirteen thousand "medals" over just a few pages, but the descriptions are too brief to identify individual items, save for a Roman weight now preserved in the Louvre Museum. The Paris Jesuits owned many more ancient coins than modern ones, and their commercial value was much higher than modern coins. However, in both cases, the value of the coin cabinets was only a fraction of the total value of the libraries themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document "The heart in all its states" published in the journal "Accromath" in winter-spring 2025 explores the history and mathematical properties of the cardioid, a mathematical and physical curve. The article presents methods for tracing a cardioid, including using coins and studying reflected light rays. The author, Yvan Saint-Aubin from the University of Montreal, demonstrates how the caustic in a cup of coffee is a cardioid, using rigorous calculations to prove this relationship. [Extracted from the article]

The physical process in the macroscopic world unfolds along a single time direction, while the evolution of a quantum system is reversible in principle. How to recover a quantum system to its past state is a complex issue of both fundamental and practical interests. In this article, we experimentally demonstrate a novel method for recovering the state in quantum walks (QWs), also known as full-state revival. Moreover, we observe two other important phenomena in QWs, recurrence and periodicity, via simplifying and repeatedly implementing the scheme, respectively. Our experiments show that obtaining these phenomena requires neither any information of the initial state nor full information of the coin operations. Our work sheds new light on quantum state engineering and recovery, and the initialization of quantum devices based on QWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of bilig: Journal of Social Sciences of the Turkish World is the property of bilig: Journal of Social Sciences of the Turkish World and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Initial coin offerings (ICOs) are an alternative financing source for startups. Based on blockchain technology, they allow entrepreneurs to raise funds digitally, ensuring speed and low costs. ICOs increased significantly in number and size until the first quarter of 2018, and then the market declined. Mismanagement and fraud are suspected to be the cause. In this respect, our paper analyzes the literature on ICO benefits and challenges and provides recommendations for sustainable ICO activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study endeavours to discern the pivotal factors contributing to the success of initial coin offerings (ICOs) on a global scale. Through a comprehensive analysis of ICO characteristics, we explore the intricate relationship between these attributes and the ultimate success of ICO projects. Our empirical findings show that projects that have secured presale funding, coupled with comprehensive token sale information, exhibit a markedly increased likelihood of achieving ICO success. We also employ the automated machine learning method to offer valuable insights into the potential determinants of ICO success. Furthermore, we delve into the underlying rationale behind ICO success by employing SHAP values to discern the relative importance of various ICO characteristics and examine the correlations among these attributes. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of ICO dynamics and offers empirical evidence regarding the critical factors that shape the success of ICO projects. Such insights hold significant implications for both industry practitioners and policymakers seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of blockchain‐based fundraising initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The paper describes the discovery of counterfeit coins in Pawłówek from the period between 1070 and 1100. Almost half of the coins were counterfeit and made of copper with various additives. The coins were used for treasure and tax purposes and come from various sources. Investigations using various methods show the diversity of the counterfeits and indicate that they were made by different social groups. [Extracted from the article]

This paper demonstrates that Bar Koseba was not necessarily the only leader of the uprising at its inception; the insurrection's leadership possibly included Jews who had previously served in the Roman army. The theory that there were numerous leaders in the beginning agrees with Dio's description and explains why, unlike Jewish-Christian sources, no Roman author named Bar Koseba occurs in any of the accounts. This interpretation answers further questions regarding the archaeological evidence from the war, such as how the revolt could have lasted so long despite the limited geographical area in which rebel coins were discovered, and why there are hidden complexes in the Galilee but no rebel coins or destruction layers. This is owing to the likely withdrawal of numerous provinces from the uprising once, or in the following months after, Bar Koseba came to power, a theory that fits well with the scrolls discovered in the Judaean Desert that are linked to the conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to address the Bernoulli factory problem of 2 ⁢ p coins by analysing the relationship between the negative binomial distributions and binomial distributions generated on the same chain of coin flips. The proposed algorithm requires fewer conditions on the constructed sequences compared with the existing algorithms. The feasibility of obtaining such 2 ⁢ p -coin based on 횙-coins will be considered as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parrondo's paradox refers to an unexpected effect when some combination of biased quantum walks shows a counterintuitive inversion of the bias direction. To date this effect was studied in the case of one-dimensional discrete-time quantum walks with deterministic sequences of two or more quantum coins and one shift operator. In the present work, we show that Parrondo's paradox may also occur for one coin and two different shift operators which create deterministic periodic or aperiodic sequences. Moreover, we demonstrate how Parrondo's paradox affects the time evolution of the walker-coin quantum entanglement for this kind of quantum walks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coin mixing is an efficient anonymization technology of cryptocurrency used to eliminate the linkability of transaction parties by hiding their addresses in an anonymous set. However, a common weakness with most existing coin mixing schemes is that the amount of mixed coins must be the same for all requests within a mixing cycle, otherwise it is easy for an attacker to restore the linkability of transaction parties. In this paper, we design a stage-payable puzzle solution mechanism, named CoinFA, which reverses the control of the requesting amounts to the users for flexible mixing amounts. In our design, the payee (with an output address) first requests a puzzle from the mixers and the latter are the only ones who know the solution of the puzzle. If the payee solves the puzzle successfully, he can be rewarded with the corresponding Bitcoins. The payer (allowed to have multiple input addresses) then requests the solution by paying in installments. We achieve better security by weakening the rights of the involved third parties, while the hierarchical structure allows our solution to have better efficiency and robustness. We perform a security analysis on CoinFA based on the standard Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) assumption and Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm unforgeability. We also analyze the performance of CoinFA by comparing it with two related schemes, and the results show that our CoinFA scheme has a greater advantage when the mixing amount is relatively small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Erciyes Akademi is the property of Erciyes Universitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Discrete-time quantum walk (DTQW) represents a convenient mathematical framework for describing the motion of a particle on a discrete set of positions when this motion is conditioned by the values of certain internal degrees of freedom, which are usually referred to as the coin of the particle. As such, and owing to the inherent dependence of the position distribution on the coin degrees of freedom, DTQWs naturally emerge as promising candidates for quantum metrology. In this paper, we explore the use of DTQWs as quantum probes in scenarios where the parameter of interest is encoded in the internal degree of freedom of the walker and investigate the role of the topology of the walker's space on the attainable precision. In particular, we start considering the encoding of the parameter by rotations for a walker on the line and evaluate the quantum Fisher information (QFI) and the position Fisher information (FI), explicitly determining the optimal initial state in position space that maximizes the QFI across all encoding schemes. This allows us to understand the role of interference in the position space and to introduce an optimal topology, which maximizes the QFI of the coin parameter and makes the position FI equal to the QFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archaeologiai Értesítő is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archaeologiai Értesítő is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of KLIO: Beiträge zur Alten Geschichte is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We introduce random encounter matching games, where a hidden trait is sometimes unwittingly passed—either private and bad (like counterfeit money), or collective and bad (a disease), or hidden and good (rare coin), or collective and good (information). One optimally expends effort to avoid acquiring bad traits or trying to acquire good ones. The game shifts from strategic complements to substitutes changing from private to collective, or good to bad traits. A unique equilibrium exists in all cases, and coincides for collective bad and private good traits, and collective good and private bad traits. Equilibrium incidence can be a misleading signal of prevalence for bad traits at high prevalence: one cannot infer that counterfeiting is less severe when there is less passed counterfeit money, or prevalence is higher with more infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article concerns one of the most interesting underground hiding complexes found in Galilee, one of three discovered at Horvat Huqoq in Lower Galilee. Much of it was scientifically excavated between 2021 and 2023, and material finds recovered from deep inside its passages show that it was used in multiple periods. In the cavities connected by tunnels, artifacts were discovered from the period of the Jewish revolts against the Romans in 66–136 CE. Various ceramics and coin finds attest to the complex's later use in the Byzantine period. Two chambers and one passage in the complex posed an unexpected research dilemma by yielding finds from the crusader period deep inside them. This article presents a rare hoard of crusader coins discovered in the complex and an interpretation of their possible use during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides the first evidence for understanding the information flow and the microstructure of GameFi market by investigating the multifractal characteristics of return and trading volume from 61 GameFi coins. The empirical results mainly show that: (1) There is a significant cross-correlation between return and trading volume in the GameFi market. Both exhibit multifractal behavior across different time scales. (2) The GameFi market is highly unstable and volatile in the short term, but relatively stable in the long term. (3) The multifractal characteristics of the GameFi market evolve dynamically, with noticeable cyclical fluctuations occurring within a one-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In numerous physical systems, from tossed coins to black holes, the complexity arising from the coexistence of different outcomes limits our ability to make predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collection of the Institute of Archaeology in Iasi holds a lot of Roman denarii, consisting of: 1 AR Q. Antonius Balbus (pierced and "repaired"), 1 AR L. Farsuleius Mensor, 1 AR Vitellius, 1 AR Hadrianus, 1 AR Antoninus Pius, 1 AR Antoninus Pius for Diva Faustina I, 1 AR Commodus, 1 AR Commodus for Crispina, and 1 AR Septimius Severus. These coins were handed out to the Institute by Mrs. Rodica Popovici, which she received from Professor Alexandru Dima, between 1960-1962. He would have acquired the denarii back in his hometown, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, during his childhood and student years. Throughout this paper, we have attempted to prove that these coins are unlikely to represent single finds from the Drobeta site. More likely, the issues were part of a hoard of Roman denarii, also containing Republican coins, which had its main core made up of denarii from the Antonine emperors until the reign of Elagabalus or Severus Alexander. Although we have no other information about this hypothetical hoard, the discovery was made in Drobeta or, quite probably, in the vicinity, before the year 1931. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The payment channel network (PCN) is an effective off-chain scaling solution widely recognized for reducing operational costs on permissionless blockchains. However, it still faces challenges such as lack of flexibility, channel exhaustion, and poor sustainability. Currently, a separate deposit is required for each payment channel, which locks a significant amount of coins for a longer period. This restricts the ability to move locked coins across their channels off-chain. Additionally, unbalanced (unidirectional) transfers can lead to channel exhaustion, rendering the channel unsustainable. To address these issues, we propose a novel off-chain flexible PCN protocol called Flexichain. Unlike existing approaches, Flexichain allows users to deposit coins per user rather than per channel. This provides flexibility to move coins freely between channels without relying on the blockchain or disrupting the off-chain cycle. Flexichain is proven to be secure under the Universal Composability framework and resistant against channel exhaustion attacks. To assess the performance of Flexichain, we conduct experiments on both on-chain and off-chain operations using snapshots of the Lightning Network. We evaluate the on-chain gas costs, success ratio and success amount of off-chain payments under uniform and skewed payment demands, as well as the computational and communication overheads of the off-chain contracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate measurement of the vibrotactile acuities of the human torso is the key to designing effective torso-worn vibrotactile displays for healthcare applications such as navigation aids for visually impaired persons. Although efforts have been made to measure vibrotactile acuities, there remains a lack of systematic studies addressing the spatial, temporal, and intensity-related aspects of vibrotactile sensitivity on the human torso. In this work, a torso-worn vibrotactile belt consisting of two crossed coin motor arrays was designed and a psychophysical study was carried out to measure the spatial, temporal, and intensity-related vibrotactile acuities of a set of human subjects wearing the designed belt. The objective parameters of vibrational intensity and the timing latency of the coin motor were also determined before measuring the vibrotactile acuities. The experimental results indicated that the tested coin motor was able to generate a median number of five and six available just-noticeable differences in intensity and duration, respectively. Among the four parameters of vibrational intensity, the perceived intensity was the most relevant to vibrational displacement. The spatial acuities measured as the degree of two-point spatial thresholds (TPTs) showed less individual difference than the distance TPTs. The results from the current work provide valuable guidance for the design of a comfortable torso-worn vibrotactile display using coin motors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptocurrencies (cryptos) have detrimental environmental effects due to their massive energy consumption. While several green crypto coins have been launched, the mainstream—environmentally unfriendly coins—still lead the market. In this study, we explore if influencer marketing, specifically fear‐of‐missing‐out (FOMO) appeals, can contribute to promoting green crypto coin purchases to encourage sustainable investments. The results of five studies (two lab experiments using neurobiological sensors, two online experiments, and a discrete choice experiment) show that social media postings conveying FOMO appeals decrease (increase) green crypto (normal crypto) coin investments. The results further show that message congruence and emotional value perceptions mediate this effect. Finally, we demonstrate that the observed results hold when adding governance and regulatory crypto support as well as the crypto price path evolution to the choice. The results provide notable theoretical contributions and implications for policymakers concerned with fostering more sustainable consumption behavior in the crypto context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantum entanglement between the coin state and the position in nonlinear quantum walks is investigated. This study reveals that the nonlinearity of the quantum walk has a significant impact on the enhancement of quantum entanglement in an initially separable bipartite system. It is demonstrated that by selecting appropriate nonlinear parameters the initial separable states may turn to be entangled, and even approach to maximal entangled states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Stratum Plus Journal is the property of P.P. Stratum plus and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The free metaplectic transform (FMT), a generalized form of the linear canonical transform (LCT), has proven to be a useful analytical tool in signal processing applications. This paper aims to generalize the FMT to a quaternionic framework involving the two‐dimensional signals. We further study some properties that correspond to those of the standard ones, including linearity, uniform continuity, inversion, and Parseval's identity for this new integral transform, which we coin as the quaternionic free metaplectic transform (QFMT). Furthermore, utilizing the relationship between the general quaternionic Fourier transform and the QFMT, several uncertainty principles (UPs) for the QFMT are established, including the Heisenberg–Weyl UP, Hardy UP, logarithmic UP, Donoho–Stark UP, and entropic UP. We expect that this paper will open up avenues of promising research and applications involving this new transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There exist two types of configurations of marked vertices on a two-dimensional grid, known as the exceptional configurations, which are hard to find by the discrete-time quantum walk algorithms. In this article, we provide a comparative study of the quantum walk algorithm with different coins to search these exceptional configurations on a two-dimensional grid. We further extend the analysis to the hypercube, where only one type of exceptional configurations are present. Our observation, backed by numerical results, is that our recently proposed modified coin operator is the only coin which can search both types of exceptional configurations as well as nonexceptional configurations successfully. As a consequence, we observe that the existence of exceptional configurations are not a quantum phenomenon, rather a mere limitation of some of the coin operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering Roman art as a cumulative process could help resolve a small iconographical problem. Cubiculum N in the burial hypogeum under the Via Dino Compagni in Rome (c. 350–75 ce) features a series of figure scenes referencing the exploits of the mythological hero Hercules. One of these scenes, presently entitled Hercules Slaying an Unknown Enemy, has no direct equivalent in extant Roman art and so has proved difficult to identify. This article suggests that Hercules' battle with Cacus is most likely the incident referred to here. This is because Antonine medallions and coins, and third-century Roman sarcophagi, use imagery associated with the Cacus story that collectively could have contributed to the design of the Unknown Enemy panel. Further, identifying the defeated enemy as Cacus fits in with, and indeed helps to clarify, programmatic themes and associations already established in the other figure scenes in this funerary chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that any Boolean function with approximate rank r can be computed by bounded-error quantum protocols without prior entanglement of complexity O (r log r) . In addition, we show that any Boolean function with approximate rank r and discrepancy δ can be computed by deterministic protocols of complexity O(r), and private coin bounded-error randomized protocols of complexity O ((1 δ) 2 + log r) . Our deterministic upper bound in terms of approximate rank is tight up to constant factors, and the dependence on discrepancy in our randomized upper bound is tight up to taking square-roots. Our results can be used to obtain lower bounds on approximate rank. We also obtain a strengthening of Newman's theorem with respect to approximate rank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesize that the physical characteristics of cash lead to differences in "pain of holding" which influences spending. In one field study (rural India) and two controlled experiments (N = 1710), we tested that hypothesis by endowing people with coins or equivalently valued banknotes and measuring their pain of holding and spending. Holding denomination constant (e.g., $1 coins vs. $1 banknotes), participants reported a greater pain of holding for coins (vs banknotes) which in turn increased spending. These findings were consistent across three incentive‐compatible experiments using a range of contexts (spending/donation), populations (Americans/Indians), and currencies (USD/INR). There was no evidence that coins were spent more than banknotes because of lower perceived purchasing power. Our findings suggest that the pain of holding contributes to under‐saving, which may be especially problematic among vulnerable populations who rely on cash. Conceptually, we shed new insight on the denomination effect (greater spending of smaller than larger denominations) and the pain of paying (the aversive experience of spending money). Practically, we provide recommendations for practitioners who wish to encourage donations, spending, or saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a multi-arm trial with predefined subgroups for each intervention to target, it is often desirable to enrich assignment to an intervention by enrolling more biomarker-positive participants to the intervention. We describe how to implement a biased coin design to achieve desired allocation ratios among interventions and between the number of biomarker-positive and biomarker-negative participants assigned to each intervention. We illustrate the proposed method with the randomization algorithm implemented in the Precision Interventions for Severe and/or Exacerbation-prone Asthma (PrecISE) trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various restricted randomization procedures are available to achieve equal (1:1) allocation in a randomized clinical trial. However, for some procedures, there is a nonnegligible probability of imbalance in the final numbers which may result in an underpowered study. It is important to assess such probability at the study planning stage and make adjustments in the design if needed. In this article, we perform a quantitative assessment of the tradeoff between randomness, balance, and power of restricted randomization designs targeting equal allocation. First, we study the small-sample performance of biased coin designs with known asymptotic properties and identify a design with an excellent balance–randomness tradeoff. Second, we investigate the issue of randomization-induced treatment imbalance and the corresponding risk of an underpowered study. We propose two risk mitigation strategies: increasing the total sample size or fine-tuning the biased coin parameter to obtain the least restrictive randomization procedure that attains the target power with a high, user-defined probability for the given sample size. Additionally, we investigate an approach for finding the most balanced design that satisfies a constraint on the chosen measure of randomness. Our proposed methodology is simple and yet generalizable to more complex settings, such as trials with stratified randomization and multi-arm trials with possibly unequal randomization ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilizing of script elements with textual inscriptions on artifacts, particularly coins, has played a pivotal role in shaping diverse lines and an array of writing styles and letter forms throughout history. This study, grounded in descriptive and exploratory methodologies, seeks to meticulously analyze and scrutinize the visual attributes of coin inscriptions from the Ilkhanid period, which are housed in the prestigious Malek Museum. These artifacts, carefully selected from a vast repository of over 400 specimens, stand out due to their distinctive line features, captivating the attention of scholars and enthusiasts alike with their visual allure and historical significance. Central to the examination of these coins is the prevalent use of Arabic/Persian in Kufic script, often accompanied by phrases in the Mongolian language, occasionally influenced by the Naskh script. Thus, the primary objective of this research is to identify and elucidate various script styles and the unique characteristics of different Kufic lines employed on coins during the Ilkhanid period. Through meticulous analysis, this study uncovers a remarkable diversity among samples of Kufic lines, each exhibiting its own nuances and artistic expressions. Despite sharing commonalities, these lines showcase significant flexibility, offering a rich tapestry for artistic exploration and innovation in letter design. The unique breadth and variety of lines used on the coins of this era is such that each of them visually has significant similarities and differences with each other. The differences are clearly visible both in detail and in general outline. The lines are intermingled with all kinds of geometrical, plants, leaves, flowers and Arabesque motifs, and also some letters end in a decorative shape. Many decorative tendencies that can be seen in the types of kufic scripts have given them a distinctive style. Beyond the immediate scope of this research, its broader aim is to contribute to the enrichment and diversification of contemporary letters and writing practices. By shedding light on the intricate details and historical context of coin inscriptions from the Ilkhanid period, this study lays a foundation for further investigations into the evolution of script and calligraphic traditions. Moreover, it underscores the significance of artifacts housed in institutions like the Malek Museum as invaluable resources for understanding and preserving cultural heritage. In conclusion, this research serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of script elements on artifacts, particularly coins, and their role in shaping diverse writing styles and letter forms. Through meticulous analysis and exploration, it not only enriches our understanding of historical artifacts but also provides a platform for the exploration of innovative perspectives in letter design. Therefore, taking advantage of the diversity of writing and investigating the unlimited visual capabilities of these lines and focusing on their structural features; can help us to achieve different tones in contemporary writing. Ultimately, it is hoped that this study will inspire further inquiry and appreciation for the richness and diversity of script traditions across different cultures and epochs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Metafizika: International Journal of Philosophy & Interdisciplinary Studies is the property of AcademyGate Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Coins are among the most varied and informative historical and archaeological artifacts from the Ilkhanid era, providing not only diverse and valuable insights but also intriguing framing elements that deserve scholarly exploration. The objective of this research is to analyze the evolution of coin frames during the Ilkhanid period, which will facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the visual and artistic culture of that time. The research poses the question: what visual culture is dominant in the framing of Ilkhanid coins? This study is fundamental in its nature and employs a descriptive-historical-analytical methodology. A selection of twenty Ilkhanid coins has been sourced from the Ashmolean, David, and Malek museums, as well as from the personal collection of Komesh in Semnan, for thorough investigation. The results suggest that the samples can be classified into four fundamental categories: central, mixed, bordered, and simple. The frequency of frame usage within the visual culture of Ilkhanid coins is as follows: mixed frames are the most common, with 24 examples, followed by bordered frames with 10, central frames with four, and simple frames with two. Among these types, mixed frames stand out for their abundance and variety of designs, which is evident in their prominent role within the samples. This category can be further delineated into nine shapes in chronological sequence: circle, square, five feathers, sun, six feathers, seven feathers, eight feathers, altar, and three feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grounding on career mobility theory, this scholarship tested a moderated mediated model to examine the relationship between perceived overqualification, occupational instrumentality and career growth. Further, this study examined how occupational instrumentality—acts as a stepping stone towards career growth and will act as a mediator and supervisor support as a moderator. We tested our hypotheses with a diverse sample in Pakistan. Data was collected from 437 employees working in the corporate sector at Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan. Results show a positive and significant relationship between perceived overqualification, occupational instrumentality and career growth. Moreover, occupational instrumentality mediates the relationship between perceived overqualification and career growth. Supervisor support strengthens the direct path between perceived overqualification and occupational instrumentality and indirectly affects career growth via occupational instrumentality. This study contribute to the perceived overqualification literature by identifying perceived overqualification–"the flip side of the coin" and occupational instrumentality play a key role as a stepping stone in individual career growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilizing of script elements with textual inscriptions on artifacts, particularly coins, has played a pivotal role in shaping diverse lines and an array of writing styles and letter forms throughout history. This study, grounded in descriptive and exploratory methodologies, seeks to meticulously analyze and scrutinize the visual attributes of coin inscriptions from the Ilkhanid period, which are housed in the prestigious Malek Museum. These artifacts, carefully selected from a vast repository of over 400 specimens, stand out due to their distinctive line features, captivating the attention of scholars and enthusiasts alike with their visual allure and historical significance. Central to the examination of these coins is the prevalent use of Arabic/Persian in Kufic script, often accompanied by phrases in the Mongolian language, occasionally influenced by the Naskh script. Thus, the primary objective of this research is to identify and elucidate various script styles and the unique characteristics of different Kufic lines employed on coins during the Ilkhanid period. Through meticulous analysis, this study uncovers a remarkable diversity among samples of Kufic lines, each exhibiting its own nuances and artistic expressions. Despite sharing commonalities, these lines showcase significant flexibility, offering a rich tapestry for artistic exploration and innovation in letter design. The unique breadth and variety of lines used on the coins of this era is such that each of them visually has significant similarities and differences with each other. The differences are clearly visible both in detail and in general outline. The lines are intermingled with all kinds of geometrical, plants, leaves, flowers and Arabesque motifs, and also some letters end in a decorative shape. Many decorative tendencies that can be seen in the types of kufic scripts have given them a distinctive style. Beyond the immediate scope of this research, its broader aim is to contribute to the enrichment and diversification of contemporary letters and writing practices. By shedding light on the intricate details and historical context of coin inscriptions from the Ilkhanid period, this study lays a foundation for further investigations into the evolution of script and calligraphic traditions. Moreover, it underscores the significance of artifacts housed in institutions like the Malek Museum as invaluable resources for understanding and preserving cultural heritage. In conclusion, this research serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of script elements on artifacts, particularly coins, and their role in shaping diverse writing styles and letter forms. Through meticulous analysis and exploration, it not only enriches our understanding of historical artifacts but also provides a platform for the exploration of innovative perspectives in letter design. Therefore, taking advantage of the diversity of writing and investigating the unlimited visual capabilities of these lines and focusing on their structural features; can help us to achieve different tones in contemporary writing. Ultimately, it is hoped that this study will inspire further inquiry and appreciation for the richness and diversity of script traditions across different cultures and epochs.

تعد النقود الإسلامية مصدرا تاريخيا وأثرياً لا يقبل الشك في تحديد العلاقة بين الحكام والدول في العصر الإسلامي سواء علاقات تبعية سياسية أو تبعية مذهبية أو استقلال ذاتي تحت جناح الحكام والدول القوية أو استقلال تام، ومن ثم كانت النقود الإسلامية هي الوسيلة التي نتبين من خلالها أبعاد تلك العلاقات بين الحكام والدول خاصة وأن المصادر التاريخية قد أغفلت الحديث عن بعض هذه العلاقات وهو الأمر الذي يتضح من دراسة النقود الإسلامية، وذلك لأن النقود هي الأداة الرئيسية والوسيلة الإعلامية المهمة التي يعلن من خلالها الحاكم خضوعه لحاكم أخر. وسوف أتناول في هذا البحث دراسة النقود التي سكها بنو قرمان والنقود التي تلقي الضوء علي العلاقة بين دولة بنو قرمان والدولة المملوكية، وذلك من خلال النقود وما أوردته المصادر التاريخية المعاصرة من معلومات توضح أبعاد هذه العلاقة.Islamic coins are an indisputable historical and archaeological source for determining the relationships between rulers and states in the Islamic era. These relationships could involve political or religious subordination, autonomous self-governance under the protection of powerful rulers and states, or complete independence. Therefore, Islamic coins are the medium through which we can discern the dimensions of these relationships, especially since historical sources have often overlooked discussing some of these connections. This is evident from the study of Islamic coins, as they are the main tool and significant means of communication through which a ruler declares his submission to another ruler.In this research examines the coins minted by the Karamanids and the coins that shed light on the relationship between the Karamanid Era and the Mamluk Era. This will be done through the analysis of the coins and the information provided by contemporary historical sources that clarify the dimensions of this relationship.