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We present a randomized algorithm for generating standard set-valued tableaux by extending the Green-Nijenhuis-Wilf hook walk algorithm. In the case of asymptotically rank two partitions, we use this algorithm to give a fully polynomial almost uniform sampler (FPAUS) for standard set-valued tableaux. This FPAUS is then used to construct a fully polynomial randomized approximation scheme (FPRAS) for counting the number of standard set-valued tableaux for such shapes. We also construct a FPAUS and FPRAS for standard set-valued tableaux when either the size of the partition or the difference between the maximum value and the size of the partition is fixed. Our methods build on the work of Jerrum-Valiant-Vazirani and provide a framework for constructing FPAUS's and FPRAS's for other counting problems in algebraic combinatorics., 20 pages

A watchman path is a path such that a direct line of sight exists between each point in some region and some point along the path. Here, we study the online watchman path problem outside a convex polygon, i.e., in $\mathbb{R}^2\setminus \Omega$, where $\Omega$ is a convex polygon that is not known in advance. We present an algorithm for the exploration of the region outside the polygon. We prove that the presented algorithms guarantees a $\approx 22.77$ competitive ratio compared to the optimal offline watchman path.

BNT162b2 messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine administered during pregnancy was found to produce a strong maternal immunoglobulin (IgG) response which crosses the placenta to the newborn. Our aim was to evaluate maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels at birth, following a COVID-19 booster vaccine during the third trimester.A prospective cohort study including women admitted to delivery ward at least 7 days after their BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) booster vaccination without a prior clinical COVID-19 infection. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies levels were measured in maternal blood upon admission to delivery and in the umbilical blood within 30 min following delivery. The correlation between antibody titers, feto-maternal characteristics, maternal side effects following vaccination, and time interval from vaccination to delivery were analyzed.Between September to November 2021, high antibody levels were measured in all 102 women and 93 neonatal blood samples, at a mean ± standard deviation duration of 7.0 ± 2.9 weeks after the third vaccine. We found positive correlation between maternal and neonatal antibodies (r = 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61 to 0.81, p 0.001), with neonatal titers approximately 1.4 times higher compared to maternal titers. In the multivariable analysis maternal antibody levels dropped by -7.2% (95% CI -12.0 to -2.3%, p = 0.005) for each week that passed since the receipt of the third vaccine dose. In contrary, systemic side effects after the third vaccine were associated with higher maternal antibody levels of 52.0% (95% CI 4.7 to 120.8%, p = 0.028). Also, for each 1 unit increase in maternal body mass index, maternal antibody levels increased by 3.6% (95% CI 0.4 to 6.9%, p = 0.025).BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 booster dose during the third trimester of pregnancy was associated with strong maternal and neonatal responses as reflected by maternal and neonatal SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels measured at birth. These findings support the administration of the COVID-19 booster to pregnant women to restore maternal and neonatal protection during the ongoing pandemic.

The mid-Middle Paleolithic (late Marine Isotope Stage 6 and Marine Isotope Stage 5) is the least documented phase of the Levantine Middle Paleolithic (MP), especially concerning flint provisioning strategies. Our study of raw material exploitation at Nesher Ramla karst sinkhole (central Coastal Plain, Israel) provides an intriguing glimpse into the decision making of mid-Middle Paleolithic hominins. In this study we focused on the identification of the provisioning strategies derived from two horizons (which we dubbed the “Pelvis Horizon” and the “Stones Horizon”) from the upper part of the Nesher Ramla sequence. We applied several analytical measures: a survey of raw material sources, material composition and typo-technological analyses of the archaeological assemblages, mainly using the chaine operatoire approach and a taphonomic-taxonomic analysis of the faunal assemblages. Our study demonstrates that different lithic provisioning strategies were practiced in each horizon. The findings for the Pelvis Horizon are particularly interesting. They offer strong evidence for hunter-gatherers’ personal toolkits associated with the provisioning of individuals strategy. The Stones Horizon, conversely, produced a mixed signal, containing evidence for both intensive in situ knapping and mobile toolkits. The faunal remains echo these differences: Compared to the Stones Horizon, the zooarchaeological assemblage of the Pelvis Horizon presents lower frequencies of bone fracturing, anthropogenic modifications, and burning. Accordingly, during the Pelvis Horizon, the site most likely functioned as an ephemeral hunting station whereas, during the Stones Horizon, it hosted a broader range of activities and longer occupations. These observations shed light on the variability of south Levantine MP mobility patterns, modes of occupation, and site function.

The Levantine Middle Paleolithic period displays significant archaeological variability across a series of cave and open-air sites encompassing ca. 200,000 years. Faunal remains are an important source of knowledge regarding hunting and mobility patterns but have mostly been studied in the deep stratigraphic sequences of the Levantine caves. This research addresses questions of hunting, carcass transport, butchery patterns and use of space as they occurred at the Middle Paleolithic open-air site of Nesher Ramla in central Israel. The site is an eight-meter-thick sequence within a karst sinkhole, dating to MIS6/5. We conducted the first detailed taphonomic and zooarchaeological study at the site, focusing on a sample from Unit III, which is a thin layer with dense lithics and faunal remains, combustion features, manuports, and ochre. Our results reveal an anthropogenic accumulation that is dominated by aurochs, equid, and tortoise remains. The large ungulates’ (aurochs) skeletal-element representation is biased in favor of meat- and fat-rich body parts, coupled with abundant evidence of dismemberment, filleting and marrow extraction. These parts were imported to the sinkhole for processing and consumption. Tortoises are abundant. The lithic assemblages exhibit high frequency of retouched tools and low typological diversity and are characterized by high visibility of personal toolkit components. Coupled with use-wear analysis that suggests low spectrum of activities and massive occurrence of hammerstones, anvils and manuports, these characteristics indicate that the Unit III occupation represents an intensive camp centering on aurochs processing and butchering.

This paper focuses on new findings from Middle Paleolithic Geula Cave, Israel, located in the northern part of Mt. Carmel. The cave, consists of several small chambers that are remnants of a larger cave system, initially excavated between 1958 and 1964. The occupation at the cave was ascribed to Middle Paleolithic modern humans. In 2016, a salvage excavation was conducted in areas of the cave that were not previously explored. Analyses of the new excavation revealed a consistency in lithic technology throughout the new excavation areas, with an emphasis on Levallois production using mainly bidirectional and centripetal core preparation modes. The faunal study identified intensive hyena and porcupine activities in small chambers, probably at the back part of the cave, while fractured bones in association with flint artifacts were found at what appears as the living area in the cave. Luminescence ages indicated that Geula Cave was occupied as early as 175 ka, but that the major occupation was from 120 to 100 ka. The major occupation at Geula chronologically overlaps with the Skhul and Qafzeh Caves thus reinforcing the notion that Homo sapiens dominated the southern Levant during early MIS 5. This study demonstrates the importance of reinvestigating and reevaluating past excavated prehistoric sites and their contents to enhance our understanding of the regional, cultural and biological history.

To compare the rates of schizophrenia among 1st and 2nd generation immigrants from two distinct backgrounds and across sequential periods of immigration.A 30-years retrospective cohort study (187,184 individuals) of 1st and 2nd generation East-African immigrants (EAIs) and former Soviet-Union immigrants (FSUIs) who migrated to Israel between 1980 and 2012. EAIs were further divided according to waves of immigration. Period prevalence was calculated between the years 2002-2012. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between immigration-related factors and prevalence of schizophrenia (Native-Born Israelis serving as reference group).The prevalence of schizophrenia in 1st generation EAIs and FSUIs was 1.8% and 1.2%, respectively, compared to 1.0% among NBIs (p0.001). The prevalence of schizophrenia among 2nd generation EAIs and FSUIs was 1.3% and 0.8%, respectively, compared to 0.6% among NBIs (p0.001). Adjusted odds ratios for developing schizophrenia compared to NBIs were 1.6 (95%CI:1.4-1.8) and 2.1 (95%CI:1.6-2.7), among 1st and 2nd generation EAIs and 1.1 (95%CI:0.9-1.2) and 1.3 (95%CI:1.0-1.8) among 1st and 2nd generation FSUIs respectively. Among EAIs, we observed the highest rate of schizophrenia in the pioneer wave of immigrants with gradual decline across subsequent waves: 2.4%, 1.9% and 1.0% for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd waves of immigration, respectively (p0.001).The increased risk for developing schizophrenia among 2nd generation immigrants and among pioneer groups of immigrants emphasizes the importance of persistent investment in acculturation. Further studies elucidating the impact of country of origin and ethnic density on the risk for developing schizophrenia are warranted.