bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Efficiency of Thermoelectric Personal Cooling System Based on Utility Tests
Authors: Dąbrowska Anna , Kobus Monika , Starzak Łukasz , Pękosławski Bartosz
Published: January 2022

Thermoelectric modules can find practical application in clothing with a cooling function. A personal cooling system using Peltier modules integrated with clothing was developed and tested with the participation of a person. A dedicated electronic controller was designed that enabled the power or temperature to be controlled and recorded. In the research, the influence of heat sinks and the method of controlling the operation of the module on the cooling efficiency was assessed. The research was aimed at selecting the operating mode of the controller and choosing the arrangement of modules comparing cooling efficiency. The research showed that by selection of appropriate controlling mode, the electric power used can be reduced while keeping the cooling efficiency at the same level. The location of Peltier modules in places where they can tightly adhere to the body increases their performance.
A Novel Chaos-Based Image Encryption Using Magic Square Scrambling and Octree Diffusing
Authors: Wang Jie , Liu Lingfeng
Published: January 2022

Digital chaotic maps have been widely used in the fields of cryptography owing to their dynamic characteristics, however, some unfavorable security properties arise when they operate on devices with limited precision. Thus, enhancing the properties of chaotic maps are beneficial to the improvement of chaos-based encryption algorithms. In this paper, a scheme to integrate a one-dimensional Logistic map by perturbation parameters with a delayed coupling method and feedback control is proposed and further deepens the randomness by selectively shifting the position of the chaotic sequence. Then, through a number of simulation experiments, the results demonstrate that the two-dimensional chaotic map treated by this mode exhibits better chaotic characteristics, including a larger chaos range and higher complexity. In addition, a new image encryption algorithm is designed based on these modified chaotic sequences, in which magic square theorem is incorporated to exchange pixel positions, and the octree principle is invoked to achieve pixel bit shifting. Several simulation experiments present findings that the image encryption algorithm contains a high level of security, and can compete with other encryption algorithms.
Interpolation and Uniform Interpolation in Quantifier-Free Fragments of Combined First-Order Theories
Authors: Ghilardi Silvio , Gianola Alessandro
Published: January 2022

In this survey, we report our recent work concerning combination results for interpolation and uniform interpolation in the context of quantifier-free fragments of first-order theories. We stress model-theoretic and algebraic aspects connecting this topic with amalgamation, strong amalgamation, and model-completeness. We give sufficient (and, in relevant situations, also necessary) conditions for the transfer of the quantifier-free interpolation property to combined first-order theories; we also investigate the non-disjoint signature case under the assumption that the shared theory is universal Horn. For convex, strong-amalgamating, stably infinite theories over disjoint signatures, we also provide a modular transfer result for the existence of uniform interpolants. Model completions play a key role in the whole paper: They enter into transfer results in the non-disjoint signature case and also represent a semantic counterpart of uniform interpolants.
Pigment Composition of Nine Brown Algae from the Iberian Northwestern Coastline: Influence of the Extraction Solvent
Authors: Garcia-Perez Pascual , Lourenço-Lopes Catarina , Silva Aurora , Pereira Antia , Fraga-Corral Maria , Zhao Chao , Xiao Jianbo , Simal-Gandara Jesus , Prieto Miguel
Published: January 2022

Brown algae are ubiquitously distributed in the NW coastline of the Iberian Peninsula, where they stand as an underexploited resource. In this study, five solvents were applied to the extraction of pigments from nine brown algae, followed by their determination and quantification by HPLC-DAD. A total of 13 compounds were detected: Six were identified as chlorophylls, six were classified as xanthophylls, and one compound was reported as a carotene. Fucoxanthin was reported in all extracts, which is the most prominent pigment of these algae. Among them, L. saccharina and U. pinnatifida present the highest concentration of fucoxanthin (4.5–4.7 mg∙g−1 dry weight). Ethanol and acetone were revealed as the most efficient solvents for the extraction of pigments, showing a maximal value of 11.9 mg of total pigments per gram of dry alga obtained from the ethanolic extracts of H. elongata, followed by the acetonic extracts of L. ochroleuca. Indeed, ethanol was also revealed as the most efficient solvent according to its high extraction yield along all species evaluated. Our results supply insights into the pigment composition of brown algae, opening new perspectives on their commercial exploitation by food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.
Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders from Western Romania
Authors: Grada Sebastian , Mihu Alin Gabriel , Petrescu Cristina , Suciu Oana , Marincu Iosif , Lupu Maria Alina , Olariu Tudor Rares
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives: High rates of infection with Toxoplasma gondii were found in psychiatric patients globally. In this study, we assessed for the first time the prevalence of T. gondii infection in psychiatric patients and healthy individuals with no known psychiatric disorders in Western Romania. Materials and Methods: The presence of specific IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies was evaluated in 308 psychiatric patients and 296 control subjects using a chemiluminescence assay. Results: Overall, the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies was higher in psychiatric patients (67.86%; 209/308), compared with the control group (54.05%; 160/296) (p < 0.001). Our results revealed a significantly higher prevalence of T. gondii antibodies among patients with schizophrenia (69.77%), organic (personality and behaviour) disorders (76.74%), and mental disorders concerning alcohol abuse (84.62%), compared with the control group (p = 0.009, p = 0.005, p = 0.043, respectively). Conclusions: This study provides new and important information on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in Romanian psychiatric patients and may serve for further scientific research regarding the status of T. gondii infection in patients with psychiatric disorders.
Design and Test of a Spoke-like Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Gao Shan , Cao Qiang , Zhou Nannan , Ao Hongrui , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: January 2022

With the development of industry IoT, microprocessors and sensors are widely used for autonomously transferring information to cyber-physics systems. Massive quantities and huge power consumption of the devices result in a severe increment of the chemical batteries, which is highly associated with problems, including environmental pollution, waste of human/financial resources, difficulty in replacement, etc. Driven by this issue, mechanical energy harvesting technology has been widely studied in the last few years as a great potential solution for battery substitution. Therefore, the piezoelectric generator is characterized as an efficient transformer from ambient vibration into electricity. In this paper, a spoke-like piezoelectric energy harvester is designed and fabricated with detailed introductions on the structure, materials, and fabrication. Focusing on improving the output efficiency and broadening the pulse width, on the one hand, the energy harvesting circuit is optimized by adding voltage monitoring and regulator modules. On the other hand, magnetic mass is adopted to employ the magnetic field of repulsive and upper repulsion–lower attraction mode. The spoke-like piezoelectric energy harvester suggests broadening the frequency domain and increasing the output performance, which is prepared for wireless sensors and portable electronics in remote areas and harsh environments.
A qRT-PCR Method Capable of Quantifying Specific Microorganisms Compared to NGS-Based Metagenome Profiling Data
Authors: Jeong Jinuk , Mun Seyoung , Oh Yunseok , Cho Chun-Sung , Yun Kyeongeui , Ahn Yongju , Chung Won-Hyong , Lim Mi Young , Lee Kyung Eun , Hwang Tae Soon , Han Kyudong
Published: January 2022

Metagenome profiling research using next-generation sequencing (NGS), a technique widely used to analyze the diversity and composition of microorganisms living in the human body, especially the gastrointestinal tract, has been actively conducted, and there is a growing interest in the quantitative and diagnostic technology for specific microorganisms. According to recent trends, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is still a considerable technique in detecting and quantifying bacteria associated with the human oral and nasal cavities, due to the analytical cost and time burden of NGS technology. Here, based on NGS metagenome profiling data produced by utilizing 100 gut microbiota samples, we conducted a comparative analysis for the identification and quantification of five bacterial genera (Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, and Roseburia) within same metagenomic DNA samples through qRT-PCR assay in parallel. Genus-specific primers, targeting the particular gene of each genus for qRT-PCR assay, allowed a statistically consistent quantification pattern with the metagenome profiling data. Furthermore, results of bacterial identification through Sanger validation demonstrated the high genus-specificity of each primer set. Therefore, our study suggests that an approach to quantifying specific microorganisms by applying the qRT-PCR method can compensate for the concerns (potential issues) of NGS while also providing efficient benefits to various microbial industries.
Apremilast Improves Endothelial Glycocalyx Integrity, Vascular and Left Ventricular Myocardial Function in Psoriasis
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Pavlidis George , Kadoglou Nikolaos , Makavos George , Katogiannis Konstantinos , Kountouri Aikaterini , Thymis John , Kostelli Gavriella , Kapniari Irini , Theodoropoulos Konstantinos , Parissis John , Katsimbri Pelagia , Papadavid Evangelia , Lambadiari Vaia
Published: January 2022

The phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor apremilast is used for the treatment of psoriasis. We investigated the effects of apremilast on endothelial glycocalyx, vascular and left ventricular (LV) myocardial function in psoriasis. One hundred and fifty psoriatic patients were randomized to apremilast (n = 50), anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (etanercept; n = 50), or cyclosporine (n = 50). At baseline and 4 months post-treatment, we measured: (1) Perfused boundary region (PBR), a marker of glycocalyx integrity, in sublingual microvessels with diameter 5–25 μm using a Sidestream Dark Field camera (GlycoCheck). Increased PBR indicates damaged glycocalyx. Functional microvascular density, an index of microvascular perfusion, was also measured. (2) Pulse wave velocity (PWV-Complior) and (3) LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Compared with baseline, PBR5–25 μm decreased only after apremilast (−12% at 4 months, p < 0.05) whereas no significant changes in PBR5–25 μm were observed after etanercept or cyclosporine treatment. Compared with etanercept and cyclosporine, apremilast resulted in a greater increase of functional microvascular density (+14% versus +1% versus −1%) and in a higher reduction of PWV. Apremilast showed a greater increase of GLS (+13.5% versus +7% versus +2%) than etanercept and cyclosporine (p < 0.05). In conclusion, apremilast restores glycocalyx integrity and confers a greater improvement of vascular and myocardial function compared with etanercept or cyclosporine after 4 months.
Successful Use of Salvage Bacteriophage Therapy for a Recalcitrant MRSA Knee and Hip Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Schoeffel Jonathan , Wang Elizabeth Wenqian , Gill Dustin , Frackler Joseph , Horne Bri’Anna , Manson Theodore , Doub James B.
Published: January 2022

Prosthetic joint infections are a serious complication of joint replacement surgery due to the significant morbidity and financial burden that is associated with conventional treatments. When patients fail the gold standard two-stage revision surgery, very limited, well-defined standardized approaches are available. Herein, we discuss the case of a sixty-four-year-old woman who had a recalcitrant MRSA prosthetic joint infection of her knee and hip that failed repeated conventional surgical and medical treatments. Only after receiving intraoperative and intravenous bacteriophage therapy was the patient able to achieve cure of her prosthetic joint infections, as demonstrated by the lack of clinical recurrence and sterility of intraoperative cultures while off antibiotics. This case reinforces that bacteriophage therapy holds promise in the treatment of prosthetic joint infections and more specifically in complicated cases who have failed conventional surgical and medical interventions.
Lanthanum Promotes Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) Roots Growth by Improving Root Activity, Photosynthesis and Respiration
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Juming
Published: January 2022

Lanthanum (La), one of the most active rare earth elements, promotes the growth of turfgrass roots. In this study, the mechanisms by which La influences bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) growth were evaluated by the analyses of root growth, root activity, cell wall polysaccharide content, respiration intensity, ascorbic acid oxidase (AAO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, the subcellular distribution of mitochondria, transcription in roots, photosynthetic properties, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and chlorophyll content. The application of 0.3 mM La3+ increased root activity, respiration intensity, AAO activity, and the number of mitochondria in the mature cells of bahiagrass roots. La could significantly improve the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll fluorescence of bahiagrass. Differentially expressed genes identified by high-throughput transcriptome sequencing were enriched for GO (Gene Ontology) terms related to energy metabolism and were involved in various KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, TCA (Tricarboxylic Acid) cycle, and sucrose metabolism. These findings indicate that La promotes bahiagrass root growth by improving root activity, photosynthesis, and respiration, which clarifies the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of La and provides a theoretical basis for its use in artificial grassland construction and ecological management projects.
Overexpression of the Panax ginseng CYP703 Alters Cutin Composition of Reproductive Tissues in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Silva Jeniffer , Park Chanwoo , Kim Younghun , Park Nayeon , Sukweenadhi Johan , Yu Junping , Shi Jianxin , Zhang Dabing , Kim Keun Ki , Son Hong-Joo , Park Hyeon Cheal , Hong Chang-Oh , Lee Kwang Min , Kim Yu-Jin
Published: January 2022

Cytochrome P450 (CYP) catalyzes a wide variety of monooxygenation reactions in plant primary and secondary metabolisms. Land plants contain CYP703, belonging to the CYP71 clan, which catalyzes the biochemical pathway of fatty acid hydroxylation, especially in male reproductive tissues. Korean/Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) has been regarded as one of important medicinal plant for a long time, however the molecular mechanism is less known on its development. In this study, we identified and characterized a CYP703A gene in P. ginseng (PgCYP703A4), regarding reproductive development. PgCYP703A4 shared a high-sequence identity (81–83%) with predicted amino acid as CYP703 in Dancus carota, Pistacia vera, and Camellia sinensis as well as 76% of amino acid sequence identity with reported CYP703 in Arabidopsis thaliana and 75% with Oryza sativa. Amino acid alignment and phylogenetic comparison of P. ginseng with higher plants and known A. thaliana members clearly distinguish the CYP703 members, each containing the AATDTS oxygen binding motif and PERH as a clade signature. The expression of PgCYP704B1 was only detected in P. ginseng flower buds, particularly in meiotic cells and the tapetum layer of developing anther, indicating the conserved role on male reproduction with At- and Os- CYP703. To acquire the clue of function, we transformed the PgCYP703A4 in A. thaliana. Independent overexpressing lines (PgCYP703A4ox) increased silique size and seed number, and altered the contents of fatty acids composition of cutin monomer in the siliques. Our results indicate that PgCYP703A4 is involved in fatty acid hydroxylation which affects cutin production and fruit size.
Assessing the Impact of Soil on Species Diversity Estimation Based on UAV Imaging Spectroscopy in a Natural Alpine Steppe
Authors: Xu Cong , Zeng Yuan , Zheng Zhaoju , Zhao Dan , Liu Wenjun , Ma Zonghan , Wu Bingfang
Published: January 2022

Grassland species diversity monitoring is essential to grassland resource protection and utilization. “Spectral variation hypothesis” (SVH) provides a remote sensing method for monitoring grassland species diversity at pixel scale by calculating spectral heterogeneity. However, the pixel spectrum is easily affected by soil and other background factors in natural grassland. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based imaging spectroscopy provides the possibility of soil information removal by virtue of its high spatial and spectral resolution. In this study, UAV-imaging spectroscopy data with a spatial resolution of 0.2 m obtained in two sites of typical alpine steppe within the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve were used to analyze the relationships between four spectral diversity metrics (coefficient of variation based on NDVI (CVNDVI), coefficient of variation based on multiple bands (CVMulti), minimum convex hull volume (CHV) and minimum convex hull area (CHA)) and two species diversity indices (species richness and the Shannon–Wiener index). Meanwhile, two soil removal methods (based on NDVI threshold and the linear spectral unmixing model) were used to investigate the impact of soil on species diversity estimation. The results showed that the Shannon–Wiener index had a better response to spectral diversity than species richness, and CVMulti showed the best correlation with the Shannon–Wiener index between the four spectral diversity metrics after removing soil information using the linear spectral unmixing model. It indicated that the estimation ability of spectral diversity to species diversity was significantly improved after removing the soil information. Our findings demonstrated the applicability of the spectral variation hypothesis in natural grassland, and illustrated the impact of soil on species diversity estimation.
Bovine Rumen Microbiome: Impact of DNA Extraction Methods and Comparison of Non-Invasive Sampling Sites
Authors: Mott Alexander C. , Schneider Dominik , Hünerberg Martin , Hummel Jürgen , Tetens Jens
Published: January 2022

With increasing global demand for animal protein, it is very important to investigate the impact of the bovine rumen microbiome on its functional traits. In order to acquire accurate and reproducible data for this type of study, it is important to understand what factors can affect the results of microbial community analysis, and where biases can occur. This study shows the impact of different DNA extraction methods on microbial community composition. Five DNA extraction methods were used on a ruminal sample. These experiments expose a high level of variability between extraction methods in relation to the microbial communities observed. As direct access to the rumen is required, we also investigated possible alternative sampling sites that could be utilised as non-invasive indicators of the bovine rumen microbiome. Therefore, oral swabs and faecal samples were taken in addition to ruminal samples, and DNA was extracted using a single method, reducing bias, and analysed. This is a small pilot study intending to reinforce the need for a universally used methodology for rumen microbiome analysis. Although alternative sampling points can indicate some of the communities present in the rumen, this must be approached cautiously, as there are limits to the depth of community analysis possible without direct rumen sampling.
Using Adaptive Sensors for Optimised Target Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Akram Junaid , Munawar Hafiz , Kouzani Abbas , Mahmud M
Published: January 2022

Innovation in wireless communications and microtechnology has progressed day by day, and this has resulted in the creation of wireless sensor networks. This technology is utilised in a variety of settings, including battlefield surveillance, home security, and healthcare monitoring, among others. However, since tiny batteries with very little power are used, this technology has power and target monitoring issues. With the development of various architectures and algorithms, considerable research has been done to address these problems. The adaptive learning automata algorithm (ALAA) is a scheduling machine learning method that is utilised in this study. It offers a time-saving scheduling method. As a result, each sensor node in the network has been outfitted with learning automata, allowing them to choose their appropriate state at any given moment. The sensor is in one of two states: active or sleep. Several experiments were conducted to get the findings of the suggested method. Different parameters are utilised in this experiment to verify the consistency of the method for scheduling the sensor node so that it can cover all of the targets while using less power. The experimental findings indicate that the proposed method is an effective approach to schedule sensor nodes to monitor all targets while using less electricity. Finally, we have benchmarked our technique against the LADSC scheduling algorithm. All of the experimental data collected thus far demonstrate that the suggested method has justified the problem description and achieved the project’s aim. Thus, while constructing an actual sensor network, our suggested algorithm may be utilised as a useful technique for scheduling sensor nodes.
A Cylindrical Grip Type of Tactile Device Using Magneto-Responsive Materials Integrated with Surgical Robot Console: Design and Analysis
Authors: Park Yu-Jin , Lee Eun-Sang , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a cylindrical grip type of tactile device that is effectively integrated to a surgical robot console so that a surgeon can easily touch and feel the same stiffness as the operating organs. This is possible since the yield stress (or stiffness) of magnetic-responsive materials can be tuned or controlled by the magnetic field intensity. The proposed tactile device consists of two main parts: a magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) layer and a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) core. The grip shape of the device to be positioned on the handle part of the master of the surgical robot is configured and its operating principle is discussed. Then, a couple of equations to calculate the stiffness from the gripping force and the field-dependent yield stress of MRF are derived and integrated using the finite element analysis (FEA) model. After simulating the stiffness of the proposed tactile device as a function of the magnetic field intensity (or current), the stiffnesses of various human organs, including the liver and heart, are calculated from known data of an elastic modulus. It is demonstrated from comparative data between calculated stiffness from human tissues and simulated stiffness from FEA that the proposed tactile device can generate sufficient stiffness with a low current level to recognize various human organs which are significantly required in the surgical robot system.
Can I Trust This Location Estimate? Reproducibly Benchmarking the Methods of Dynamic Accuracy Estimation of Localization
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Grigorios G. , Kalousis Alexandros
Published: January 2022

Despite the great attention that the research community has paid to the creation of novel indoor positioning methods, a rather limited volume of works has focused on the confidence that Indoor Positioning Systems (IPS) assign to the position estimates that they produce. The concept of estimating, dynamically, the accuracy of the position estimates provided by an IPS has been sporadically studied in the literature of the field. Recently, this concept has started being studied as well in the context of outdoor positioning systems of Internet of Things (IoT) based on Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs). What is problematic is that the consistent comparison of the proposed methods is quasi nonexistent: new methods rarely use previous ones as baselines; often, a small number of evaluation metrics are reported while different metrics are reported among different relevant publications, the use of open data is rare, and the publication of open code is absent. In this work, we present an open-source, reproducible benchmarking framework for evaluating and consistently comparing various methods of Dynamic Accuracy Estimation (DAE). This work reviews the relevant literature, presenting in a consistent terminology commonalities and differences and discussing baselines and evaluation metrics. Moreover, it evaluates multiple methods of DAE using open data, open code, and a rich set of relevant evaluation metrics. This is the first work aiming to establish the state of the art of methods of DAE determination in IPS and in LPWAN positioning systems, through an open, transparent, holistic, reproducible, and consistent evaluation of the methods proposed in the relevant literature.
Load Position Estimation Method for Wearable Devices Based on Difference in Pulse Wave Arrival Time
Authors: Yoshida Kazuki , Murao Kazuya
Published: January 2022

With the increasing use of wearable devices equipped with various sensors, information on human activities, biometrics, and surrounding environments can be obtained via sensor data at any time and place. When such devices are attached to arbitrary body parts and multiple devices are used to capture body-wide movements, it is important to estimate where the devices are attached. In this study, we propose a method that estimates the load positions of wearable devices without requiring the user to perform specific actions. The proposed method estimates the time difference between a heartbeat obtained by an ECG sensor and a pulse wave obtained by a pulse sensor, and it classifies the pulse sensor position from the estimated time difference. Data were collected at 12 body parts from four male subjects and one female subject, and the proposed method was evaluated in both user-dependent and user-independent environments. The average F-value was 1.0 when the number of target body parts was from two to five.
Mathematical Model for the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem Considering the State of Charge of the Batteries
Authors: Cataldo-Díaz Cristian , Linfati Rodrigo , Escobar John Willmer
Published: January 2022

In recent decades, scientific interest has grown in tackling the vehicle routing problem with a sustainable approach (Green VRP). There are numerous studies in the literature addressing environmental problems from the point of view of efficient planning that allows visualizing the benefits associated with the use of the new technologies in electric vehicles. This paper focuses on the electric vehicle routing problem and considers the batteries’ state of charge (SoC). The problem considers a set of customers, where each one has a specific demand and a time window. Deliveries are performed through a homogeneous fleet of electric vehicles with a fixed charging capacity and limited autonomy. In particular, when the vehicle is traveling, it consumes an amount of energy proportional to the distance it travels; therefore, it must visit battery recharging stations to continue and complete its route. The objective is to determine the performed routes with the minimum cost (time), while seeking to visit the recharging stations as many times as possible. In this way, overcharging and deep discharges are avoided by protecting the battery from degradation. In this paper, four models are proposed: the first model requires that the battery be fully charged in the stations; the second model allows partial recharging; the third formulation limits deep discharge; and a fourth formulation adheres to a limitation associated with overcharging and tries to keep the battery in its most comfortable place. The efficiency of the proposed formulations is tested in structured instances of different sizes. The results obtained show the efficiency of the formulations proposed for the electric vehicle routing problem when considering battery degradation.
Transportation Infrastructure or Economic Power? Development of the Automobile Industry in the United States
Authors: Ha Young-Kyou , Woo Su-Han
Published: January 2022

The motive for the Korean automobile industry’s US investment is the easing of trade regulations and managing a stable supply chain by establishing local production. The Korean automobile industry has undergone major changes due to strong trade regulations since the beginning of the Trump administration and the COVID-19 pandemic. This has affected parts production, procurement, and automobile manufacturing and shaken the foundation of the automobile industry supply chain. The purpose of this study is to provide implications for additional investment decisions by analyzing the impact of the US industry and economy on the success of the automobile industry if Korean automobile companies advance into the US. This study conducted panel analysis by collecting 10 years of data to investigate the impact of economic, industrial, and infrastructure factors in each state on the success of the automobile industry. This study reflected the characteristics and investment motivation of the automobile industry. The study findings revealed that an export-oriented industrial area is suitable for strategic investment rather than a region where the economy is simply large or where all industries are developed. In addition, when making investment decisions, it is important to prioritize the internal capabilities of the company rather than external factors.
Analysis of the Water-Energy Nexus Applied to an Insular System: Case Study of Tenerife
Authors: Rodríguez-Urrego Daniella , Cañadillas-Ramallo David , González-Díaz Benjamín , Guerrero-Lemus Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Insular territories face important challenges in achieving effective sustainable development, mainly due to low internal availability of basic resources, which results in a high external dependency. The analysis of the energy–water nexus of islands is a powerful instrument to evaluate the sustainable goals of the region and to identify the key actions to take to fulfill these objectives in future scenarios. The aim of this study is to review the energy–water nexus applied to Tenerife (Canary Islands), considering three scenarios: the base case scenario, corresponding to the current situation, where 1.1% of consumed water is dedicated to energy production and 10.2% of the energy is supplied for water abstraction, depuration, and ocean discharge; and two projections for the year 2050: a maintained trend scenario, and an ecology-aware scenario, where the population growth and the deployment of electrical vehicles are considered. In 2018, the total energy consumed was 1954 ktoe, of which renewable energy made up 2%. In the maintained trend scenario, this amount rises to 2003 ktoe, of which renewable energies represent 29%. However, in the ecology-aware scenario, this amount could be reduced to 1710 ktoe of which 51% of energy is obtained from renewable sources.
Implementation Evaluation and Sustainable Development of China’s Religious Charity Policy
Authors: Shi Xiaojie , Fan Zhenxiao , Gao Jianguo
Published: January 2022

This paper discusses the comprehensiveness of religious policy content, the feasibility of implementation, and factors that affect the impact of policy implementation. Since the reform and opening up in 1978, China’s religious charities have been in a period of organizational reconstruction, and the government exercises legal administration over religious affairs, forming a dual administrative management model: the central and local government and the civil affairs department and religious department, forming the preliminary implementation framework of religious policy. Currently, government policy implementation regarding religious charity activities adopts a "policy-centered, top-down" approach in an attempt to create a clear path toward policy implementation. Using the Smith policy implementation process model, combined with field research in three cities in the Shandong province, this study finds multiple limitations deterring religious charity policy execution, including: (a) government policy texts that are not comprehensive; (b) unclear responsibilities of government departments; and (c) sensitive political and social environments. There is still a long way to ensure the smooth implementation of religious charity policies.
The Effects of Instagram Marketing Activities on Customer-Based Brand Equity in the Coffee Industry
Authors: Park Cho-I , Namkung Young
Published: January 2022

Instagram is used as an effective and visual marketing channel for building brand equity in the minds of consumers. Therefore, this study aims to classify Instagram marketing activities and analyze the associated effects on customer-based brand equity (brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality, brand love, and Instagram re-usage intention) formation through Instagram marketing activities. To this end, data were collected from 358 coffee consumers who had visited any of the five coffee brand Instagram accounts used in this study and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS. The results showed that four sub-dimensions (interaction, entertainment, customization, and trendiness) of Instagram marketing activities affect brand equity (brand awareness, brand image, and perceived quality), which in turn led to attitudinal loyalty (brand love) and behavioral loyalty (Instagram re-usage intention) towards the brand. This research comprehensively illustrates the influences of Instagram marketing activities on customer-based brand equity. The findings of this study will enable coffee brands to more accurately forecast the future purchasing behaviors of their customers through Instagram marketing activities and provide a guide to managing brand equity as well.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Sustainable Chemistry in 2021
Authors:   Sustainable Chemistry Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Smiley Theorem for Spectral Operators Whose Radical Part Is Locally Nilpotent
Authors: Jiang Jianjian , Chen Xiao , Li Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

Generalizing bicommutant theorem to the higher-order commutator case is very useful for representation theory of Lie algebras, which plays an important role in symmetry analysis. In this paper, we mainly prove that for any spectral operator A on a complex Hilbert space whose radical part is locally nilpotent, if a bounded operator B lies in the k-centralizer of every bounded linear operator in the l-centralizer of A, where k and l are two arbitrary positive integers satisfying l⩾k, then B must belong to the von Neumann algebra generated by A and the identity operator. This result generalizes a matrix commutator theorem proved by M. F. Smiley. To this aim, Smiley operators are defined and an example of a non-spectral Smiley operator is given by the unilateral shift, indicating that Smiley-type theorems might also hold for general spectral operators.
Analysis of the Impact of Electrical and Timing Masking on Soft Error Rate Estimation in VLSI Circuits
Authors: Tsoumanis Pelopidas , Paliaroutis Georgios Ioannis , Evmorfopoulos Nestor , Stamoulis George
Published: January 2022

Due to continuous CMOS technology downscaling, Integrated Circuits (ICs) have become more susceptible to radiation-induced hazards such as soft errors. Thus, to design radiation-hardened and reliable ICs, the Soft Error Rate (SER) estimation constitutes an essential procedure. An accurate SER evaluation is provided based on a SPICE-oriented electrical masking analysis, combined with a TCAD characterization process. Furthermore, the proposed work analyzes the effect of a Static Timing Analysis (STA) methodology and the actual interconnection delay on SER evaluation. An analysis of the generated Single Event Multiple Transients (SEMTs) and the circuit operating frequency that are related to the SER estimation is also discussed. Various benchmarks, synthesized utilizing a 45 nm and 15 nm technology, are employed, and the experimental results demonstrate the SER variation as the device node scales down.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Toxics in 2021
Authors:   Toxics Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
A Real Scalar Field Unifying the Early Inflation and the Late Accelerating Expansion of the Universe through a Quadratic Equation of State: The Vacuumon
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: January 2022

In a previous paper we introduced a cosmological model describing the early inflation, the intermediate decelerated expansion, and the late accelerating expansion of the universe in terms of a single barotropic fluid characterized by a quadratic equation of state. We obtained a scalar field representation of this fluid and determined the potential V(ϕ) connecting the inflaton potential in the early universe to the quintessence potential in the late universe. This scalar field has later been called the ‘vacuumon’ by other authors, in the context of the Running Vacuum model. In this paper, we study how the scalar field potential is modified by the presence of other cosmic components such as stiff matter, black-body radiation, baryonic matter, and dark matter. We also determine the mass m and the self-interaction constant λ of the scalar field given by the second and fourth derivatives of the potential at its extrema. We find that its mass is imaginary in the early universe with a modulus of the order of the Planck mass MP=(ℏc/G)1/2=1.22×1019GeV/c2 and real in the late universe with a value of the order of the cosmon mass mΛ=(Λℏ2/c4)1/2=2.08×10−33eV/c2 predicted by string theory. Although our model is able to describe the evolution of the homogeneous background for all times, it cannot account for the spectrum of fluctuations in the early universe. Indeed, by applying the Hamilton–Jacobi formalism to our model of early inflation, we find that the Hubble hierarchy parameters and the spectral indices lead to severe discrepancies with the observations. This suggests that the vacuumon potential is just an effective classical potential that cannot be directly used to compute the fluctuations in the early universe. A fully quantum field theory may be required to achieve that goal. Finally, we discuss the connection between our model based on a quadratic equation of state and the Running Vacuum model which assumes a variation of the cosmological constant with the Hubble parameter.
SARS-CoV2 Vaccination Adverse Events Trend in Italy: A Retrospective Interpretation of the Last Year (December 2020–September 2021)
Authors: Fazio Nicola Di , Delogu Giuseppe , Bertozzi Giuseppe , Fineschi Vittorio , Frati Paola
Published: January 2022

At the end of 2020, a vaccination campaign against COVID-19 was launched. In 2021, legal obligations for health workers, as well as specific regulations for all workers, were introduced. The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was followed by epochal changes in life, school, and work habits in Italy. Therefore, the pharmacovigilance work currently being conducted in Italy by the AIFA concerning the recording and analysing of adverse reactions related to the use of vaccines has proved to be very important. The latest report, including a period of 10 months from December 2020 to September 2021, has allowed us to combine the results received so far, and to compare the safety of all vaccines currently available in Italy. The results of this analysis are highly encouraging and reveal the statistical reliability of the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines currently used in Italy. The dissemination of these findings could increase the public’s awareness of vaccines and their ability to make free and informed choices concerning vaccination. The potential increase in the Italian population’s adherence to the vaccination campaign could ultimately be a decisive factor in achieving herd immunity and the final resolution of the pandemic.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Vehicles in 2021
Authors:   Vehicles Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Wizytacja Adama Kazimierza Czartoryskiego szkoł Wołyńskich i Ukraińskich i jej znaczenie dla Komisji Edukacji Narodowej
Authors: Kula Ewa
Published: January 2022

WIZYTACJA ADAMA KAZIMIERZA CZARTORYSKIEGO SZKÓŁ WOŁYŃSKICH I UKRAIŃSKICH I JEJ ZNACZENIE DLA KOMISJI EDUKACJI NARODOWEJ

Adnotacja. Adam Kazimierz Czartoryski (1734–1823), starosta generalny ziem podolskich, był jednym z ośmiu wybranych przez sejm Rzeczypospolitej w 1773 roku członków Komisji Edukacji Narodowej. W artykule ukazano sylwetkę A. K. Czartoryskiego, z podkreśleniem jego doświadczenia i zasług w dziedzinie oświaty. Głównym zaś celem artykułu jest ukazanie przeprowadzonej przez niego w 1780 roku wizytacji dość rozległego pod względem terytorium i ilości szkół departamentu szkół ukraińskich i podolskich oraz omówienie jej znaczenia dla dalszej działalności Komisji Edukacji Narodowej. Raport powizytacyjny sporządzony przez A. K. Czartoryskiego uznany został za wzorowy, a jego główne punkty zostały włączone do przygotowywanych przez Komisję Ustaw dla Stanu Akademickiego i na szkoły w krajach Rzeczypospolitej przepisanych.

Słowa kluczowe: Adam Kazimierz Czartoryski, Komisja Edukacji Narodowej, wizytacje.
Giuseppe Fontana – architektas ir bajoras: giminės istorija
Authors: Kaladžinskaitė Auksė
Published: January 2022

GIUSEPPE FONTANA: ARCHITECT AND NOBLEMAN:
THE FAMILY HISTORY

This article is dedicated to one of the most notable late baroque architects of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, Giuseppe Fontana (Józef III, 1716 – before 1773). Being of Italian blood, architect Giuseppe Fontana was actually born in Warsaw, the capital of the Commonwealth of Both Nations, leaving a clear footprint in the culture of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Unable to establish himself in Vilnius, he moved close to Vitebsk. His choice to live and work on the north-eastern outskirts of the Commonwealth of Both Nations could have been influenced by his contacts with the influential representatives of the ruling class of Vitebsk voivodeship and also by the finding of a free space, “non-monopolized” by the architects, strategically convenient geographic location and the aggregation of financially capable customers of architecture.
The story of the family of Giuseppe Fontana is outstanding in the general cultural context. After settling in the Commonwealth of Both Nations at the end of the seventeenth century they shaped a peculiar dynasty of architects, which already in the first part of the eighteenth century was fully assimilated and Polonized. The professional career of father Giuseppe Giacomo (Józef II, 1676–1739/41), brothers Giacomo (Jakub, 1710–1773) and Giovanni Canzio (Jan Kanty, 1731–1800) in Warsaw and status in the royal court, professional career of uncle Domenic (Dominik, ca. 1680 – before 1755) in Grodno, all their contacts with influential aristocrats, accumulated family wealth and earned offices aided in reaching significant valuation in society and climbing the social ladder. In 1768, the Fontana family for their merits to the King was granted the status of nobility along with all respective rights, duties and privileges of the estate. The article analyses professional achievements of the Fontana family, their valuation in society and change in social status in the general context of artists and artisans. It shows, how the situation of family members and aspirations to become part of the class of nobility affected personal and professional life of Giuseppe Fontana.

Keywords: Giuseppe Fontana, architect, nobleman, the Fontana family, Warsaw, Grodno, Vilnius, Vitebsk, social status.
Training of personnel in the hotel business in the context of COVID-19 using new technologies: risks and opportunities
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education ", Tarasenko El’vira Vladimirovna ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics",   , Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Miftahova Alisa Aleksandrovna ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Plekhanov Russian University of Economics", Smahtina Marija Dmitrievna ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "Plekhanov Russian University of Economics"
Published: January 2022

This article examines the theoretical aspects and describes the role of personnel and personnel services in the hospitality industry, which is responsible for human resource management in a hotel enterprise. Due to the pandemic that has occurred worldwide, it is only right to come up with innovative ways to an important part of an HR department, such as training and retraining personnel. These innovations should not only be effective, but safe for every person involved.
Effects of electrical discharges and deformation on the electrophysical and mechanical properties of high-pressure polyethylene
Authors:   NLMK Group of Companies, Novolipetsk Steel Company, Lipetsk, Gubanov O. M. , Alymov D. S. ,   Southwest State University, Kursk, Gadalov V. N. ,   Southwest State University, Kursk
Published: January 2022

Studies of the mechanical electrophysical properties of polymers and their modifications under the simultaneous influence of electrical discharges and mechanical force are presented. It is shown that a decrease in the electrophysical characteristics of the studied polymer materials in the presence of a tensile mechanical force leads to the accumulation of bulk charges in them and the formation of submicrocracks. This is indicated by the established relationship between the processes of formation and development of submicrocracks with the accumulation of bulk charge in polymers. These processes in their physical essence are elementary acts of destruction of polymer dielectrics, the development of which is determined by experimental conditions. It was found that when methylphenyltolylamine is introduced into the composition of high-pressure polyethylene, the structure of the resulting polymer modifications changes markedly. Therefore, a change in their dielectric losses and specific volume electrical resistivity should be expected. Indeed, as follows from the experimental data, the introduction of the proposed additive into high-pressure polyethylene in an optimal amount contributes to an increase in their volume resistivity by an order of magnitude and a decrease in dielectric losses. The authors have made an assumption that the detected decrease in the electrical strength of the films of the original and modified high-pressure polyethylene under the simultaneous influence of mechanical load on them is explained by the accelerated accumulation of bulk charges and the growth of microcracks, as a result of which ionization processes are intensively taking place in the developing inhomogeneities of the polymer dielectric. As follows from the results obtained, as the degree of mechanically stressed state of the samples increases, their durability decreases. This indicates that, along with a high electric field, one of the reasons for the appearance of bulk charges and inhomogeneities in the form of microcracks in polymer dielectrics is their mechanically stressed state.