bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parametric Experiments on Palladio’s 5 by 3 Villas
Authors: Spallone Roberta , Calvano Michele
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates and describes the parametric reconstruction of Palladio’s villas, using his treatise, I Quattro libri dell’architettura, as the primary source. The process starts with an extensive comparison of Palladio’s rooms’ ratios, the compositional rules of the villas’ plans, and the digital creation of parametric architectural elements. Finally, the process of parametric construction on three selected case studies of 5 by 3 villas—Villa Poiana, Villa Zeno, and Villa Thiene in Cicogna—is undertaken. The developed instrument offers an experimental laboratory in which different hypotheses of integration by the authors, or other scholars with reference to the sources, could be tested.
Circadian regulation of innate immunity in animals and humans and implications for human disease
Authors: Poole Joanna , Kitchen Gareth B.
Published: February 2022

Circadian rhythms are 24-h oscillating variations in physiology generated by the core circadian clock. There is now a wide body of evidence showing circadian regulation of the immune system. Innate immune cells contain the molecular circadian clock which drives rhythmic responses, from the magnitude of the inflammatory response to the numbers of circulating immune cells varying throughout the day. This leads to rhythmic presentation of disease clinically, for example the classic presentation of nocturnal asthma or the sudden development of pulmonary oedema from acute myocardial infarction first thing in the morning.
Putting ridesharing to the test: efficient and scalable solutions and the power of dynamic vehicle relocation
Authors: Danassis Panayiotis , Sakota Marija , Filos-Ratsikas Aris , Faltings Boi
Published: February 2022

We study the optimization of large-scale, real-time ridesharing systems and propose a modular design methodology, Component Algorithms for Ridesharing (CAR). We evaluate a diverse set of CARs (14 in total), focusing on the key algorithmic components of ridesharing. We take a multi-objective approach, evaluating 10 metrics related to global efficiency, complexity, passenger, and platform incentives, in settings designed to closely resemble reality in every aspect, focusing on vehicles of capacity two. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest and most comprehensive evaluation to date. We (i) identify CARs that perform well on global, passenger, or platform metrics, (ii) demonstrate that lightweight relocation schemes can significantly improve the Quality of Service by up to $$50\%$$

50
%

, and (iii) highlight a practical, scalable, on-device CAR that works well across all metrics.
An application of interactive fuzzy optimization model for redesigning supply chain for resilience
Authors: Kungwalsong Kanokporn , Mendoza Abraham , Kamath Vasanth , Pazhani Subramanian , Marmolejo-Saucedo Jose Antonio
Published: February 2022

Supply chain disruptions compel professionals all over the world to consider alternate strategies for addressing these issues and remaining profitable in the future. In this study, we considered a four-stage global supply chain and designed the network with the objectives of maximizing profit and minimizing disruption risk. We quantified and modeled disruption risk as a function of the geographic diversification of facilities called supply density (evaluated based on the interstage distance between nodes) to mitigate the risk caused by disruptions. Furthermore, we developed a bi-criteria mixed-integer linear programming model for designing the supply chain in order to maximize profit and supply density. We propose an interactive fuzzy optimization algorithm that generates efficient frontiers by systematically taking decision-maker inputs and solves the bi-criteria model problem in the context of a realistic example. We also conducted disruption analysis using a discrete set of disruption scenarios to determine the advantages of the network design from the bi-criteria model over the traditional profit maximization model. Our study demonstrates that the network design from the bi-criteria model has a 2% higher expected profit and a 2.2% lower profit variance under disruption than the traditional profit maximization solution. We envisage that this model will help firms evaluate the trade-offs between mitigation benefits and mitigation costs.
The traditional agroforestry systems of Sierra del Rosario and Sierra Maestra, Cuba
Authors: Agnoletti Mauro , Pelegrín Yenia Molina , Alvarez Alejandro González
Published: February 2022

Traditional coffee cultivation in Cuba is the result of a complex interaction between different flora species creating agroforestry systems widely spread in mountainous area. The systems, product of local traditional knowledge, are mainly devoted to coffee production but, thanks to the interaction with other species, farmers provide different food products both for self-consumption and to be sold. Furthermore, the adoption of shade trees in order to reach a better quality of the coffee cultivated creates particular microclimate conditions favorable for microorganisms, fauna species and also for spontaneous flora species. According to this it is clear the relationships between traditional knowledge and biodiversity preservation which is fundamental also for improving the surrounding environment, avoiding floods or hydrogeological instability damages, concurring to climate change mitigation and carbon storage. Traditional agroforestry systems are one of the best example of coexistence and coevolution between man and nature, being an historical system adopted by local communities to satisfy their needs in total respect of the surrounding environment. Considering this, the promotion and maintenance of this kind of systems and knowledge related might constitute a valid example to actively preserve biodiversity while respecting human needs for food and livelihood security. These systems are also of particular importance considering the importance of coffee as a beverage served in many countries of the world, but often produced in intensive plantations. This paper shows the high sustainability of coffee production under the shade of trees and support a new concept of food quality contributing to preserve local cultures and environments.
High abundance of a single taxon (amphipods) predicts aquatic macrophyte biodiversity in prairie wetlands
Authors: Larson Danelle M. , DeJong Demey , Anteau Michael J. , Fitzpatrick Megan J. , Keith Breanna , Schilling Emily G. , Thoele Barry
Published: February 2022

Conservation programs often aim to protect the abundance of individual species and biodiversity simultaneously. We quantified relations between amphipod densities and aquatic macrophyte (large plants and algae) diversity to test a hypothesis that biodiversity can support high abundance of a single taxonomic group. Amphipods (Gammarus lacustrisandHyalella azteca) are key forage for waterfowl and are declining in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America. We sampled a large gradient of amphipod densities (0–7050 amphipods/m3) in 49 semi-permanent wetlands, and 50% of the study wetlands had high amphipod densities (> 500 amphipods/m3). Generalized linear models revealedG. lacustrisandH. aztecadensities increased exponentially with macrophyte diversity indices. Further,H. aztecadensities were greatest at moderate levels of submersed vegetation biomass. Community analyses showed both amphipod species were positively associated with diverse macrophyte assemblages and negatively associated with high coverage of cattails (Typhaspp.), a taxon that creates monotypic stands, as well as bladderwort (Utriculariaspp.), a carnivorous plant. Our results indicate that amphipods could be used as an umbrella species for protecting diverse macrophyte communities in semi-permanent and permanent wetlands of North America’s Prairie Pothole Region.
Protocol for characterizing the molar mass distribution and oxidized functionality profiles of aged transformer papers by gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
Authors: Jusner Paul , Bausch Florian , Schiehser Sonja , Schwaiger Elisabeth , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: February 2022

Oil-immersed paper insulation and paper pressboards for structural support are widely used in electrical power transformers. Cellulose thus fulfills an essential task for the smooth power supply of our societies. However, the prevailing temperatures in such equipment, combined with a targeted service life of several decades, pose a serious challenge to the long-term integrity of cellulosic paper insulation. Therefore, numerous studies have been conducted to obtain kinetic data on the degradation processes that contribute to the thermally induced decomposition of cellulose. These studies usually rely on the assessment of the average degree of polymerization by viscosity measurements. In this work, we applied and optimized more advanced methods for the characterization of cellulosic materials based on gel permeation chromatography for the special case of thermally stressed unbleached Kraft paper samples. This allowed studying the molar mass distributions of paper polymers upon exposure to heat, as well as the investigation of changes in their conformation in solution and the observation of thermally induced cross-linking. In combination with group-selective fluorescence labeling, it was possible to track over time the changes in molar mass-dependent profiles of carbonyl and carboxyl groups of authentic Kraft insulator paper samples under thermal stress. In addition, changes of the hemicellulose composition were quantified. We hope that this analytical approach to the in-depth characterization of thermally stressed insulator paper will prove useful for future studies of this important cellulose product, and that our findings will contribute to a better understanding of the thermal decomposition of paper in general.

Graphical abstract
Derivative-free trust region optimization for robust well control under geological uncertainty
Authors: Silva Thiago L. , Bellout Mathias C. , Giuliani Caio , Camponogara Eduardo , Pavlov Alexey
Published: February 2022

A Derivative-Free Trust-Region (DFTR) algorithm is proposed to solve the robust well control optimization problem under geological uncertainty. Derivative-Free (DF) methods are often a practical alternative when gradients are not available or are unreliable due to cost function discontinuities, e.g., caused by enforcement of simulation-based constraints. However, the effectiveness of DF methods for solving realistic cases is heavily dependent on an efficient sampling strategy since cost function calculations often involve time-consuming reservoir simulations. The DFTR algorithm samples the cost function space around an incumbent solution and builds a quadratic polynomial model, valid within a bounded region (the trust-region). A minimization of the quadratic model guides the method in its search for descent. Because of the curvature information provided by the model-based routine, the trust-region approach is able to conduct a more efficient search compared to other sampling methods, e.g., direct-search approaches. DFTR is implemented within FieldOpt, an open-source framework for field development optimization, and is tested in the Olympus benchmark against two other types of methods commonly applied to production optimization: a direct-search (Asynchronous Parallel Pattern Search) and a population-based (Particle Swarm Optimization). Current results show that DFTR has improved performance compared to the model-free approaches. In particular, the method presented improved convergence, being capable to reach solutions with higher NPV requiring comparatively fewer iterations. This feature can be particularly attractive for practitioners who seek ways to improve production strategies while using an ensemble of full-fledged models, where good convergence properties are even more relevant.
Risk management in green building: a review of the current state of research and future directions
Authors: Nguyen Hung Duy , Macchion Laura
Published: February 2022

There has been considerable interest in investigating risk factors in Green Building (GB) projects, with increasing debates in recent years. This study aims to investigate tendencies and identify gaps in the GB risk literature, which can define future research guidelines, with an extensive analysis of the latest contributions. A systematic literature review was conducted by analyzing 64 relevant studies from 2006 to 2020. The results revealed that the GB risk topic is somewhat nascent but growing and almost limited to several countries, including Singapore, the USA, Australia, and China. Notably, this research discovered and classified the main themes of GB risk studies: (1) identify risk factors in implementing GB projects, (2) create risk assessment models for GB projects, (3) study according to specific types of GB risks, and (4) investigate risks in green retrofit projects. Also, a comprehensive list of GB risk factors was provided that could be a helpful reference for industry practitioners and future researchers. Furthermore, this research identified gaps in the current literature, such as inconsistency in identifying GB risk factors, lack of investigation of the relationship between GB risks and project outcomes, and lack of exploring in cross-country or developing countries. Finally, this research suggested future research directions to enrich the literature. Thus, this study contributes a valuable platform for both practitioners and researchers to comprehend the development of the GB risk literature.
Social Participation of German Students with and without a Migration Background
Authors: Hamel Niklas , Schwab Susanne , Wahl Sebastian
Published: February 2022

Social participation is an important factor for students’ socio-emotional/academic development. The literature on the topic discusses four domains in this regard: friendships, interactions, social acceptance, and self-perception of social inclusion. It shows that marginalized groups (e.g., students with behavioral problems/learning deficiencies/physical disabilities) are experience difficulties in those domains. Little, however, is known about the effect of a migration background (one of the most commonly marginalized groups) in this context. Therefore, self-ratings and peer ratings of 818 fourth graders (148 with a migration background, defined by their first learned language not being German) were assessed. The results of the ANOVA indicate that students with a migration background show a decreased level of friendships, interactions, and social acceptance. Gender effects on self-perceived social inclusion were also found. This suggests that social participation is a rather complex concept, which is also impaired for marginalized groups due to social factors like a migration background.
Effectiveness of preoxygenation by conventional face mask versus non-invasive ventilation in morbidly obese patients: measurable by the oxygen-reserve index?
Authors: Bathe Janina , Malik Sadia , Pinnschmidt Hans O. , Zitzmann Amelie , Behem Christoph R. , Trepte Constantin C. , Reuter Daniel A.
Published: February 2022

Preoxygenation is a crucial manoeuvre for patients’ safety, particularly for morbidly obese patients due to their reduced pulmonary reserve and increased risk for difficult airway situations. The oxygen reserve index (ORI™) was recently introduced as a new parameter of multiple wavelength pulse oximetry and has been advocated to allow assessment of hyperoxia [quantified by the resulting arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2)]. This study investigates if ORI can be used to evaluate the impact of two different preoxygenation manoeuvres on the grade of hyperoxia. Two preoxygenation manoeuvres were sequentially evaluated in 41 morbidly obese patients: First, breathing 100% oxygen for 5 min via standard face mask. Second, after achieving a second baseline, 5 min of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with 100% oxygen. The effect of preoxygenation on ORI compared to PaO2 was evaluated and whether differences in the two preoxygenation manoeuvres can be monitored by ORI. Overall correlation of PaO2 and ORI was significant (Spearman-Rho coefficient of correlation 0.818, p < 0.001). However, ORI could not differentiate between the two preoxygenation manoeuvres although the PaO2 values for NIV preoxygenation were significantly higher compared to standard preoxygenation (median 505 mmHg (M1) vs. 550 mmHg (M3); p < 0.0001). In contrast, ORI values did not differ significantly (median 0.39 (M1) vs. 0.38 (M3); p = 0.758). Absolute values of ORI cannot be used to assess effectiveness of a preoxygenation procedure in bariatric patients, mainly because its range of discrimination is considerably lower than the high ranges of PaO2 attained by adequate preoxygenation. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00025023 (retrospectively registered on April 16th, 2021).
Integrated multiple analytes and semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic model of tusamitamab ravtansine, a DM4 anti-CEACAM5 antibody-drug conjugate
Authors: Pouzin Clemence , Gibiansky Leonid , Fagniez Nathalie , Chadjaa Mustapha , Tod Michel , Nguyen Laurent
Published: February 2022

Tusamitamab ravtansine (SAR408701) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), combining a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG1) targeting carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5) and a potent cytotoxic maytansinoid derivative, DM4, inhibiting microtubule assembly. SAR408701 is currently in clinical development for the treatment of advanced solid tumors expressing CEACAM5. It is administered intravenously as a conjugated antibody with an average Drug Antibody Ratio (DAR) of 3.8. During SAR408701 clinical development, four entities were measured in plasma: conjugated antibody (SAR408701), naked antibody (NAB), DM4 and its methylated metabolite (MeDM4), both being active. Average DAR and proportions of individual DAR species were also assessed in a subset of patients. An integrated and semi-mechanistic population pharmacokinetic model describing the time-course of all entities in plasma and DAR measurements has been developed. All DAR moieties were assumed to share the same drug disposition parameters, excepted for clearance which differed for DAR0 (i.e. NAB entity). The conversion of higher DAR to lower DAR resulted in a DAR-dependent ADC deconjugation and was represented as an irreversible first-order process. Each conjugated antibody was assumed to contribute to DM4 formation. All data were fitted simultaneously and the model developed was successful in describing the pharmacokinetic profile of each entity. Such a structural model could be translated to other ADCs and gives insight of mechanistic processes governing ADC disposition. This framework will further be expanded to evaluate covariates impact on SAR408701 pharmacokinetics and its derivatives, and thus can help identifying sources of pharmacokinetic variability and potential efficacy and safety pharmacokinetic drivers.
A mixed-integer programming approach for solving university course timetabling problems
Authors: Rappos Efstratios , Thiémard Eric , Robert Stephan , Hêche Jean-François
Published: February 2022

This article presents a mixed-integer programming model for solving the university timetabling problem which considers the allocation of students to classes and the assignment of rooms and time periods to each class. The model was developed as part of our participation in the International Timetabling Competition 2019 and produced a ranking of second place at the competition. Modeling a timetabling problem as a mixed-integer program is not new. Our contribution rests on a number of innovative features adapted to this problem which allow for a reduction in the number of variables and constraints of the mixed-integer program to manageable levels achieving a reasonable computational performance. The proposed algorithm consists of a first-stage method to obtain an initial feasible solution and a second-stage local search procedure to iteratively improve the solution value, both of which involve the optimization of mixed-integer programming problems.
Characterization of the wave phenomenon of flash-induced chlorophyll fluorescence in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Patil Priyanka Pradeep , Mohammad Aslam Sabit , Vass Imre , Szabó Milán
Published: February 2022

Flash-induced chlorophyll fluorescence relaxation is a powerful tool to monitor the reoxidation reactions of the reduced primary quinone acceptor, QA− by QB and the plastoquinone (PQ) pool, as well as the charge recombination reactions between the donor and acceptor side components of Photosystem II (PSII). Under certain conditions, when the PQ pool is highly reduced (e.g. in microaerobic conditions), a wave phenomenon appears in the fluorescence relaxation kinetics, which reflects the transient reoxidation and re-reduction of QA− by various electron transfer processes, which in cyanobacteria is mediated by NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH-1). The wave phenomenon was also observed and assigned to the operation of type 2 NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH-2) in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under hydrogen-producing conditions, which required a long incubation of algae under sulphur deprivation (Krishna et al. J Exp Bot 70 (21):6321–6336, 2019). However, the conditions that induce the wave remained largely uncharacterized so far in microalgae. In this work, we investigated the wave phenomenon in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under conditions that lead to a decrease of PSII activity by applying hydroxylamine treatment, which impacts the donor side of PSII in combination with a strongly reducing environment of the PQ pool (microaerobic conditions). A similar wave phenomenon could be induced by photoinhibitory conditions (illumination with strong light in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor lincomycin). These results indicate that the fluorescence wave phenomenon is activated in green algae when the PSII activity decreases relative to Photosystem I (PS I) activity and the PQ pool is strongly reduced. Therefore, the fluorescence wave could be used as a sensitive indicator of altered intersystem electron transfer processes, e.g. under stress conditions.
Combination of a Serious Game Application and Direct Contact with Mental Health Patients
Authors: Cangas Adolfo J. , Sánchez-Lozano Irene , Aguilar-Parra José M. , Trigueros Ruben
Published: February 2022

Currently, one of the difficulties associated with patient recovery from severe mental disorders is stigma. Some authors have even identified its effects as a “second illness.” In order to combat these difficulties, various stigma awareness programs have been launched. Furthermore, in recent years, new technologies have also been incorporated, such as in the cases of serious games (educational video games) designed for this purpose. The present study examines the combined effect of a serious game called Stigma-Stop with a stigma awareness program based on direct contact between students and mental health patients. A total of 313 students participated in the study. The individuals were divided into two experimental groups (one which utilized Stigma-Stop and another which did not) and a control group. The results demonstrated that the two interventions were effective in reducing stigma, but the group which featured the serious game obtained a greater improvement on the fear factor. The discussion section addresses the relevance of these results.
Wie verändert sich die Unterrichts- und Schulqualität, die Leistung und die Schülerzusammensetzung nach der Schulinspektionsdiagnose „erheblicher Entwicklungsbedarf“?
Authors: Wenger Marina , Gärtner Holger , Brunner Martin
Published: February 2022

Die Schulinspektion evaluiert Schulen mit dem Ziel der Qualitätssicherung von Unterrichts- und Schulqualität. Dies gilt insbesondere für Schulen, an denen „erheblicher Entwicklungsbedarf“ festgestellt wurde. Diese Schulen bekommen zusätzliche Unterstützung, erfahren aber auch zusätzlichen Druck durch diese Einordnung. Die weitere Entwicklung dieser Schulen ist bisher kaum erforscht. Diese Studie untersucht mit Daten der Schulinspektion, der amtlichen Statistik und Leistungsdaten von 333 Berliner Grundschulen Veränderungen in Indikatoren der Unterrichts- und Schulqualität, der Schulleistung, und der Zusammensetzung der Schülerschaft (SES und Anteil mit nicht-deutscher Herkunftssprache) nach der Diagnose „erheblicher Entwicklungsbedarf“. Die empirischen Analysen zeigten, dass sich bei diesen Schulen die Unterrichts- und Schulqualität nur geringfügig veränderte, sich der Leistungsabstand zu allen anderen Grundschulen nicht statistisch signifikant verringerte, und sich die Zusammensetzung der Schülerschaft hinsichtlich des sozioökonomischen Status (SES) nicht veränderte. Jedoch erhöhte sich der Anteil von Kindern mit nicht-deutscher Herkunftssprache statistisch signifikant.
Computational Techniques Based on Artificial Intelligence for Extracting Optimal Parameters of PEMFCs: Survey and Insights
Authors: Ashraf Hossam , Abdellatif Sameh O. , Elkholy Mahmoud M. , El‑Fergany Attia A.
Published: February 2022

For the sake of precise simulation, and proper controlling of the performance of the proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) generating systems, robust and neat mathematical modelling is crucially needed. Principally, the robustness and precision of modelling strategy depend on the accurate identification of PEMFC’s uncertain parameters. Hence, in the last decade, with the noteworthy computational development, plenty of meta-heuristic algorithms (MHAs) are applied to tackle such problem, which have attained very positive results. Thus, this review paper aims at announcing novel inclusive survey of the most up-to-date MHAs that are utilized for PEMFCs stack’s parameter identifications. More specifically, these MHAs are categorized into swarm-based, nature-based, physics-based and evolutionary-based. In which, more than 350 articles are allocated to attain the same goal and among them only 167 papers are addressed in this effort. Definitely, 15 swarm-based, 7 nature-based, 6 physics-based, 2 evolutionary-based and 4 others-based approaches are touched with comprehensive illustrations. Wherein, an overall summary is undertaken to methodically guide the reader to comprehend the main features of these algorithms. Therefore, the reader can systematically utilize these techniques to investigate PEMFCs’ parameter estimation. In addition, various categories of PEMFC’s models, several assessment criteria and many PEMFC commercial types are also thoroughly covered. In addition to that, 27 models are gathered and summarized in an attractive manner. Eventually, some insights and suggestions are presented in the conclusion for future research and for further room of improvements and investigations.
University Teachers During the First Lockdown Due to SARS-CoV-2 in Italy: Stress, Issues and Perceptions of Misconduct
Authors: Parlangeli Oronzo , Palmitesta Paola , Bracci Margherita , Marchigiani Enrica , Di Pomponio Ileana , Guidi Stefano
Published: February 2022

With the spread of the pandemic and the introduction of measures aimed at its containment, it is necessary to understand in specific national contexts how home quarantine has affected the psychophysical well-being of academics, and their ability to maintain integrity. To this end we constructed an online questionnaire to investigate the levels of stress, well-being, and work-life balance in relationship with living and working conditions. Moreover, the questionnaire was designed to obtain information about the perceived occurrence, increase or decrease of misconduct in research (e.g., research misconduct by colleagues) and professional relationships (e.g., misbehaviors between colleagues, from students and toward students). The questionnaire was administered online by contacting faculty at three universities in Tuscany, Italy, asking them to relate their experience during the first lockdown (March–May 2020). Faculty members were invited to complete the questionnaire by their institutional e-mail account. The final sample consisted of 581 respondents. The results showed that inadequacies of the equipment, and particularly poor internet connection, were significantly correlated with main issues reported, such as relationships with students and research activities. Female teachers primarily suffered from stressful conditions, lacked well-being, and experienced work-life imbalance. Stress levels were related to perceptions of the frequency of misconduct and of an increase in their frequency during the period of home quarantine. Female professors, when compared to their male counterparts, perceived misconduct from students as increased and more frequent in the period of quarantine. Results point to a gender issue that is likely to arise from conditions of domestic activities imbalance and that increases stress and misconduct perception.
Nomenclatural reappraisal of the Macroptilium gracile (Leguminosae) species complex
Authors: Berlingeri Chiara , Crespo Manuel B. , Calles Teodardo
Published: February 2022

The controversy regarding the status of the Macroptilium gracile species complex has been elucidated by the authors of this paper; nevertheless, some nomenclatural issues regarding the naming of the newly established variety have been found. In the present contribution, we discuss some nomenclatural aspects concerning the valid publication of the name Macroptilium gracile var. subcoriaceum (Benth.) Berlingeri, M.B.Crespo & Calles. After considering different nomenclatural evidence, the latter varietal name is to be considered superfluous and therefore, we establish a new combination (i.e., Macroptilium gracile var. longepedunculatum).
Phyllidiidae (Nudibranchia, Heterobranchia, Gastropoda): an integrative taxonomic approach including chemical analyses
Authors: Papu Adelfia , Bogdanov Alexander , Bara Robert , Kehraus Stefan , König Gabriele M. , Yonow Nathalie , Wägele Heike
Published: February 2022

Members of the widely distributed and common nudibranch family Phyllidiidae are often easily spotted in the marine environment because of their conspicuous colours and obvious presence on the reef. They are interesting with regard to their defensive chemical compounds that may lead to new drug discoveries. Despite their abundance, the family is also well known for its taxonomic problems and the difficulties in species identification due to very similarly coloured species and lack of morphological characters. In this study, phyllidiid species were analysed using an integrative approach. Molecular analysis of the mitochondrial genes 16S and CO1 was utilised, running phylogenetic analyses, species delimitation tests, and haplotype network analyses. Additionally, for the first time, external morphological characters were analysed, museum material was re-analysed, and chemical profiles were applied for characterising species. The analyses are based on sequences of 598 specimens collected in Indonesia by the team, with the addition of published sequences available on GenBank. This study comprises 11 species ofPhyllidia, seven species ofPhyllidiopsis, and at least 14 species ofPhyllidiella.Moreover, 11 species belonging to these three genera are probably new to science,Phyllidiopsis pipekiis synonymised withP. krempfi, andPhyllidiella albonigrais resurrected. Some of the external colouration previously used for species identification is shown to not be valid, but alternative characters are provided for most species. Chemical analyses led to species characterisation in a few examples, indicating that these species use particular sponge species as food; however, many species show a broad array of compounds and are therefore characterised more by their composition or profile than by distinct or unique compounds.
Von christlichem Antijudaismus im modernen Antisemitismus
Authors: Töllner Axel
Published: February 2022

Judenfeindschaft wird heute häufig mit dem Begriff Antisemitismus gleichgesetzt. Dies gilt sowohl im allgemeinen Sprachgebrauch als auch in wissenschaftlichen Diskursen. Daneben gibt es jedoch Stimmen, die für eine begriffliche Differenzierung plädieren, weil Ziele und Erscheinungsformen der Judenfeindschaft zu unterschiedlich seien, als dass sie unter einem einzigen Oberbegriff subsummiert werden könnten. Zugleich lässt sich beobachten, dass eine begriffliche Unterscheidung zwischen älterem (religiösem) Antijudaismus und modernem (säkularem) Antisemitismus mitunter auch apologetische Ziele verfolgt.

Der Artikel geht der Frage nach, ob und inwieweit ältere Antijudaismen bis heute relevant sind. Dabei soll anhand ausgewählter Beispiele gezeigt werden, dass sich die Entwicklungen und Transformationen von einer älteren, religiösen (meist christlichen) Judenfeindlichkeit zu einem modernen, säkularen Judenhass nicht in einem linearen Prozess vollzogen haben. Während sich bereits in christlich-spätantiken Texten säkulare antijüdische Stereotype finden, wirken auch in gegenwärtigen, scheinbar säkularen Kontexten christlich geprägte antijüdische Feindbilder und Denkmuster nach. Der Blick auf die Quellen soll verdeutlichen, dass Judenfeindschaft in der Regel ein komplexes System aus Feindbildern und Vorstellungen unterschiedlicher – religiöser und nichtreligiöser – Herkunft ist. Insofern versteht sich der Artikel auch als Plädoyer dafür, traditionellen, christlich geprägten und tradierten antijüdischen Stereotypen mehr Aufmerksamkeit zu widmen.
How the European Union responded to populism and its implications for public sector reforms
Authors: Ongaro Edoardo , Di Mascio Fabrizio , Natalini Alessandro
Published: February 2022

A major shift occurred in the European Union (EU) approach to tackle the apparently unstoppable rise of populist parties across European countries and to preserve the integrity of the EU polity. EU economic governance seems to have shifted from a logic of conditionality to a logic of solidarity underpinned by a pan-European strategic view allowing EU governance to support and enable public sector reforms at the national level. By investigating the case of Italy as an EU member state, we find that the European governance shift occurring in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic was largely mediated by the mutating character of Italian populism. A logic of conditionality which was largely centered around EU governance was largely shifted to a logic of solidarity taking into account political conditions in the member countries.
Strategies deemed important by frontline healthcare providers for their mental wellbeing during first wave of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alabdulla Majid , Wadoo Ovais , Iqbal Yousaf , Chandrappa Nirvana Swamy Kudlur , Chandra Prem , Masoodi Naseer Ahmed , Al-Maslamani Muna A. Rahman S. , Latoo Javed
Published: February 2022

Background

Global research so far has demonstrated a significant psychological impact on frontline healthcare workers and the need to support them. Mitigation strategies are vital to ensure psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers and should take healthcare workers experiences and views into consideration. However, qualitative research on this topic has been limited from the Arab world and we set out to fill this research gap. The objective was to understand participants’ emotional experiences and identify their valued aspects of support, to inform potential mitigation strategies for their psychological wellbeing.

Methods

Content analysis of free-text comments of a web-based survey of healthcare workers associated with the COVID-19 designated hospital and quarantine sites in Qatar, during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic. Extracts and phrases were used to identify potential themes, with relevant quotes gathered within identified themes.

Results

A total of 779 staff members were invited to participate in this study and 286 responded. The results indicate that strategies around infection control practice, personal protective equipment, SARS-CoV-2 testing, workload, financial compensation, religion, psychological support and engaged leadership are deemed important by frontline healthcare workers to maintain their mental wellbeing.

Conclusions

Mitigating factors identified by healthcare workers to protect their psychological wellbeing should inform the organizational strategy. Resources which enhance mental wellbeing should be easily and consistently available to all staff.
Luminol–hydrogen peroxide–horseradish peroxidase chemiluminescence intensification by kosmotrope ammonium sulfate
Authors: Karatani Hajime
Published: February 2022

The kosmotropic effect induced by ammonium sulfate (AS) at concentrations greater than approximately 2.8 M allows the marked intensification of chemiluminescence (CL) arising from a conventional luminol–hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) reaction. Because of the kosmotropic effect, CL is intensified by at least three orders of magnitude than that from the conventional HRP-catalyzed luminol reaction with no AS; the linear relationship between the CL intensity and the HRP concentration is established over the range of 0.3 pM to several tens of pM. The novel CL intensification effect on the HRP-catalyzed luminol CL can be stably and reproducibly induced.

Graphical abstract
Time and Moral Choice in Islamic Jurisprudence
Authors: Farahat Omar
Published: February 2022

Even though the Islamic legal tradition advanced its own set of conceptions of time, modern scholarship on Islamic law has not paid much attention to these conceptions. This paper argues that Islamic jurisprudents understood time in moral terms, not as a neutral container or mere background for action, but as a series of opportunities in which the authority of divine revelation and human moral reasoning are articulated. I suggest that the debates over the manners of compliance with divine commands in time were attempts at reaching some form of balance between the considerations of faithfulness to the demands of divine revelation and the practical imperatives of human temporal lives. This argument is advanced through a study of classical debates among jurists within the two major Sunnī schools of jurisprudence on the specific question of whether divine commands that are devoid of time indications should result in immediate or delayed performance.
The limits of imagination: Securitisation and exceptionalism in the World of Warcraft video game
Authors: Castro Vic
Published: February 2022

Securitisation theory has too often been associated with the liberal state of exception and its problematic baggage. The Copenhagen School's early claims to deconstruct (not reproduce) the national security logic seem overlooked. Using the fantasy video game World of Warcraft as a large-scale thought experiment, this article asks how a distinct security mode is still possible when the normalisation of armed violence exceeds even what Carl Schmitt's political theory can provide for. Following a careful reading of Ole Wæver's formulation of the ‘existential threat’, securitisation asserts that without a certain referent object, the world becomes meaningless. As a tool for reshaping the limits of imagination, securitisation enacts political communities in World of Warcraft by turning upside down common wisdom about normalcy and security. While normal politics are violently conflictual, securitisation fills in the role of international norms and organisation, fostering supranational cooperation and erasing sovereign disputes. Securitisation thus far exceeds its contingent incarnation in the modern concept of security – a conclusion that has consequences for the normative debate on securitisation and for non-Western interpretations of the theory.
Shear-induced modulation on thermal convection over rough plates
Authors: Jin Tian-Cheng , Wu Jian-Zhao , Zhang Yi-Zhao , Liu Yu-Lu , Zhou Quan
Published: February 2022

External modulation on thermal convection has been studied extensively to achieve the control of flow structures and heat-transfer efficiency. In this paper, we carry out direct numerical simulations on Rayleigh–Bénard convection accounting for both the modulation of wall shear and roughness over the Rayleigh number range

$1.0 \times 10^6 \le Ra \le 1.0 \times 10^8$

, the wall shear Reynolds number range

$0 \le Re_w \le 5000$

, the aspect-ratio range

$2 \le \varGamma \le 4{\rm \pi}$

, and the dimensionless roughness height range

$0 \le h \le 0.2$

at fixed Prandtl number

$Pr = 1$

. Under the combined actions of wall shear and roughness, with increasing

$Re_w$

, the heat flux is initially enhanced in the buoyancy-dominant regime, then has an abrupt transition near the critical shear Reynolds number

$Re_{w,cr}$

, and finally enters the purely diffusion regime dominated by shear. Based on the crossover of the kinetic energy production between the buoyancy-dominant and shear-dominant regimes, a physical model is proposed to predict the transitional scaling behaviour between

$Re_{w,cr}$

and

$Ra$

, i.e.

$Re_{w,cr} \sim Ra^{9/14}$

, which agrees well with our numerical results. The reason for the observed heat-transport enhancement in the buoyancy-dominant regime is further explained by the fact that the moving rough plates introduce an external shear to strengthen the large-scale circulation (LSC) in the vertical direction and serve as a conveyor belt to increase the chances of the interaction between the LSC and secondary flows within cavities, which triggers more thermal plumes, efficiently transports the trapped hot (cold) fluids outside cavities.
The double backward-facing step: interaction of multiple separated flow regions
Authors: McQueen Thomas , Burton David , Sheridan John , Thompson Mark C.
Published: February 2022

The backward-facing step is perhaps the quintessential geometry used to study separated flow. Extensive previous research has quantified its detailed flow characteristics. However, often regions of separated flow do not exist in isolation; rather, interaction occurs between multiple regions. This motivated an experimental investigation into the time-averaged and dynamic flow features of a double backward-facing step, covering separations of zero to eight step heights between equal-height steps. Three flow regimes are identified. A single reattachment regime occurs for separations of less than four step heights, perhaps remarkable for the lack of variation in key flow characteristics from a single backward-facing step response. Next, an intermediate regime is identified for a separation of four step heights. In this case, the flow does not yet reattach on the first step, although significant differences in reattachment length, surface pressure on the vertical step faces and turbulence statistics occur. Finally, for greater step separations, a double reattachment regime, with reattachment on both steps, is identified. Downwash, induced by the first recirculation zone, reduces the reattachment length and turbulent fluctuations of the second recirculation zone. The surface pressure on the first-step vertical face is reduced, seemingly a result of an upstream influence due to the low pressure in the second-step recirculation zone. Detailed characterisation of the regimes offers insight into the fundamental interaction of regions of separated flow, revealing aspects of complex dynamics relevant to a broad range of practical scenarios.
Men of Science and Standards: Introducing the Metric System in Nineteenth-Century Brazil
Authors: Hanley Anne G.
Published: February 2022

This article addresses the question of how standards were determined and disseminated in an era before the formation of agreed upon standards or the existence of governing bodies, by examining the case of nineteenth-century Brazil. It argues that the experience in Brazil was similar to that of other nations: individuals engaged in mathematical, scientific, engineering, and statistical organizations created networks of professional societies, intertwined with international diplomacy and domestic legislators, to promote the adoption of the metric system. It analyzes the process from idea to advocacy culminating in national implementation on the eve of the 1875 International Convention of the Meter, to which Brazil was signatory.
Capital Inflows and Property Prices: Ethnicity, Education, and Spillovers
Authors: Chang Yuk-Ying , Dasgupta Sudipto
Published: February 2022

China has experienced significant capital flight over the past two decades. Despite anecdotal evidence that some of this capital has been invested in foreign residential markets, not much is known about its destination and impact. We examine the effects of capital inflows from China on residential property prices and the real economy in the USA and global metropolitan areas. We show that inflows had significant effects on residential property markets and employment in regions that i) have strong ethnic ties to China and ii) are destinations of Chinese students. We document spillovers to geographically adjacent regions without strong Chinese links.
Rapid acclimation in sponges: seasonal variation in the organic content of two intertidal sponge species
Authors: Broadribb Manon , Bell James J. , Rovellini Alberto
Published: February 2022

The ability to acclimate quickly to changing environmental conditions is important for sessile organisms that cannot move to areas with more favourable conditions. Sponges are known to exhibit considerable phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental variability. However, most studies examining differences in sponge morphology have looked at spatial variation in morphological characteristics by comparing sponges at sites with differing environmental conditions. Here we explored the potential of two intertidal sponge species (Halichondria panicea and Hymeniacidon perlevis) to show seasonal acclimation to changing environmental conditions at two sites on the Welsh coast, UK. Both species had a higher proportion of inorganic tissue content in winter months, which correlated with higher levels of wave action and lower temperature, representing either an increase in spicule size/number or a loss of organic material. We also detected rapid decreases in organic content in some months, which corresponded with previously reported reproductive timings for the two species, and likely represent gamete release events. While the increased inorganic content in winter months may be a secondary consequence of reduced food and the sponges having to rely on organic reserves to meet metabolic demand, the higher level of inorganic material in winter likely makes sponges stiffer and stronger, and better able to deal with higher levels of wave action during winter months.