bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Formation of Ḥaredism—Perspectives on Religion, Social Disciplining and Secularization in Modern Judaism
Authors: Sorotzkin David
Published: February 2022

This article proposes a reassessment of the development of Ḥaredism, that is, the application of strict, maximalist, commandment-oriented Judaism to increasingly large lay publics, in light of confessionalization processes in Europe. Whereas historiographical and sociological convention locates the sources of Ḥaredism within the development of 19th century orthodox Jewish responses to the Jewish Enlightenment (Haskalah), Reform, and secular Zionism, this article argues that Ḥaredi structures and practices preceded these movements, and, in some cases, influenced their development. The basis for the priority of Ḥaredi identities to Jewish secular identities is rooted in the social disciplining and religious engineering of Jewish societies in the early modern era, until just before the Haskalah, and beyond. This disciplining was predicated on the imposition of religious, social, and ascetic education systems on growing segments of the population. Ḥaredism as a concept and as a phenomenon emerged in 16th century Safed (Ottoman Palestine); there, previous Jewish ascetic patterns were reworked, reorganized and structured under the aegis of the print era, and became a basis for mass, super-regional education. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Ḥaredi religiosity steadily percolated through European Jewish societies by means of works of personal ethic and conduct that were written, printed, and reprinted many times, in Hebrew and Yiddish, through works that enumerate the commandments, and through popular works that make the Jewish halakhic code, Shulḥan Arukh, accessible to the masses by abridging or reworking it. Starting in the early 19th century, with the mediation of the Ḥasidic and Lithuanian religious movements, this process massively penetrated broad strata of society.
Decolonizing Qurʾanic Studies
Authors: Lumbard Joseph
Published: February 2022

The legacy of colonialism continues to influence the analysis of the Qurʾan in the Euro-American academy. While Muslim lands are no longer directly colonized, intellectual colonialism continues to prevail in the privileging of Eurocentric systems of knowledge production to the detriment and even exclusion of modes of analysis that developed in the Islamic world for over a thousand years. This form of intellectual hegemony often results in a multifaceted epistemological reductionism that denies efficacy to the analytical tools developed by the classical Islamic tradition. The presumed intellectual superiority of Euro-American analytical modes has become a constitutive and persistent feature of Qurʾanic Studies, influencing all aspects of the field. Its persistence prevents some scholars from encountering, let alone employing, the analytical tools of the classical Islamic tradition and presents obstacles to a broader discourse in the international community of Qurʾanic Studies scholars. Acknowledging the obstacles to which the coloniality of knowledge has given rise in Qurʾanic Studies can help us to develop more inclusive approaches in which multiple modes of analysis are incorporated and scholars from variegated intellectual backgrounds can engage in a more effective dialogue.
The Religions Zionist Sector at Bay
Authors: Hermann Tamar
Published: February 2022

In the last decades Religious Zionism moved from the margins to the center of Israeli society and politics. Members of this sector (RZS) are located today in top positions in Israeli politics, businesses, and among professional elites, academia, and the military, gaining growing influence over the national decision-making processes and policies. No wonder, then, that public opinion polls indicate that the members of the RZS are the most satisfied and optimistic in Israel today. The fact that the RZS is positioned mostly on one side of the political spectrum (Right), the tight interrelations within this sector and its widening periphery have further increased its national impact. It is argued here that this is a critical development in Israeli politics as this sector’s members, and in particular those voting for the RZS parties, show relatively low commitment to core democratic values together with a clear preference for the Jewish aspect over the democratic aspect of the state of Israel. Furthermore, whereas in the past the RZS was politically represented by one main party (with some splinter groups coming and going), in the 2021 elections two parties (Yamina and the Religious Zionist Party (RZP)) collided head-on. For the first time each of these parties, the first more modernist and the second more fundamentalist, claimed to be the only authentic representative of this sector. The competition between them intensified when the election results showed that each of the two had gained the same number of seats in the Knesset, with the leader of Yamina unexpectedly becoming the new Israeli prime minister. It is argued here that the future balance of power between these two parties and their respective constituencies will determine the future of the RZS as a whole—whether it will establish itself as a pivotal actor in Israeli politics or remain at the margins.
A Reminder of an Important Clinical Lesson: Hypoxaemia in a Pleural Effusion
Authors: Aujayeb Avinash
Published: February 2022

A 75-year-old male presented with a large pleural effusion and significant hypoxaemia. The hypoxaemia persisted after large-volume pleural drainage, and this prompted further investigations. A CT scan yielded a pleural malignancy and a large pulmonary embolus, which was responsible for the hypoxaemia. We revisit the mechanisms behind dyspnoea and hypoxaemia in pleural effusions, and underly the need to investigate further should hypoxaemia persist after adequate drainage.
CDSFusion: Dense Semantic SLAM for Indoor Environment Using CPU Computing
Authors: Wang Sheng , Gou Guohua , Sui Haigang , Zhou Yufeng , Zhang Hao , Li Jiajie
Published: February 2022

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) require the ability to robustly perceive surrounding scenes for autonomous navigation. The semantic reconstruction of the scene is a truly functional understanding of the environment. However, high-performance computing is generally not available on most UAVs, so a lightweight real-time semantic reconstruction method is necessary. Existing methods rely on GPU, and it is difficult to achieve real-time semantic reconstruction on CPU. To solve the problem, an indoor dense semantic Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) method using CPU computing is proposed in this paper, named CDSFusion. The CDSFusion is the first system integrating RGBD-based Visual-Inertial Odometry (VIO), semantic segmentation and 3D reconstruction in real-time on a CPU. In our VIO method, the depth information is introduced to improve the accuracy of pose estimation, and FAST features are used for faster tracking. In our semantic reconstruction method, the PSPNet (Pyramid Scene Parsing Network) pre-trained model is optimized to provide the semantic information in real-time on the CPU, and the semantic point clouds are fused using Voxblox. The experimental results demonstrate that camera tracking is accelerated without loss of accuracy in our VIO, and a 3D semantic map is reconstructed in real-time, which is comparable to one generated by the GPU-dependent method.
Asymptotic Modeling of Three-Dimensional Radar Backscattering from Oil Slicks on Sea Surfaces
Authors: Pinel Nicolas , Bourlier Christophe , Sergievskaya Irina , Longépé Nicolas , Hajduch Guillaume
Published: February 2022

This paper presents new results of a simulation of radar backscatter from oil slick areas on a real three-dimensional sea surface, based on a physical hydrodynamic model of surface wave damping in the presence of oil films, the local equilibrium model (MLB). To solve this problem, the modelling was carried out by using the first-order small-slope approximation (SSA1) model. It presents the advantage of having a very good compromise between rapidity and accuracy of the calculation. The choice of the model is justified by solving the two-dimensional problem with several asymptotic methods and further comparing the results with a rigorous numerical method, based on the Method of Moments (MoM). Two approaches called “thin-layer” (TL) and “classical” were used to deal with the double layer (air/oil/sea) problem. The TL approach assumes that this double-layer problem can be seen locally as a Fabry–Pérot interferometer, which implies that the Kirchhoff-tangent plane approximation (KA) is valid. The classical approach consists in neglecting the presence of the oil layer for dealing with electromagnetic backscattering, which is valid for very thin oil films compared to the electromagnetic (EM) wavelength. It is shown that these two approaches have rather complementary validity domains: The TL approach is always valid for small observation angles, which makes it suitable for near nadir sensors such as altimeters, whereas the classical approach is valid for moderate observation angles, which makes it suitable for most satellite applications. The 3D modelling results are compared with C-band and X-band measured data (CSK experiment and OOW NOFO experiment) in VV polarization. The calculation takes into account that the oil film on the sea surface is mainly in an emulsion state. The results highlighted the relevance of the MLB hydrodynamic model, as well as the SSA1 EM model combined wit the classical approach, for quantifying NRCS in seas contaminated with marine oil or surfactants. The agreement is indeed very good in the X-band range.
Monitoring Spatio-Temporal Dynamics in the Eastern Plain Lakes of China Using Long-Term MODIS UNWI Index
Authors: Zhang Lifu , Wang Sa , Cen Yi , Huang Changping , Zhang Hongming , Sun Xuejian , Tong Qingxi
Published: February 2022

Monitoring the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Eastern Plain Lake (EPL) is vital to the local environment and economy. However, due to the limitations and efficiency of traditional image formats in storing and processing large amounts of images and optimal threshold adjustments are often necessary for water/non-water separation based on traditional multi-band/spectral water indexes over large areas and in the long-term, previous studies have either been on a short period or mainly focused on water inundation dynamics of several lakes. To address these issues, a multi-dimensional dataset (MDD) storage format was used to efficiently organize more than ~7000 time series composite MODIS images. Furthermore, a universal normalized water index (UNWI) was developed based on full-spectrum information to simplify optimal threshold adjustments. Consequently, the present study analyzed the patterns of spatio-temporal water dynamic patterns and potential driving factors of inundation changes at large lakes (>5 km2) in the EPL during 2000–2020 through MDD and UNWI. In terms of annual inundation patterns, the numbers of lakes that experienced significant (p < 0.05) decreases (17 lakes) and increases (43 lakes) were highest for Class IV lakes among six geographical classes. Variation in intra-annual inundation in Classes I and II is correlated with consumption of chemical fertilizers (CCF), while precipitation accounted for the most change in lake area in Class III. This spatio-temporal analysis of lakes provides a necessary foundation for the sustainable development and continuous investigations of the EPL.
FY3E GNOS II GNSS Reflectometry: Mission Review and First Results
Authors: Yang Guanglin , Bai Weihua , Wang Jinsong , Hu Xiuqing , Zhang Peng , Sun Yueqiang , Xu Na , Zhai Xiaochun , Xiao Xianjun , Xia Junming , Huang Feixiong , Yin Cong , Du Qifei , Wang Xianyi , Cai Yuerong , Meng Xiangguang , Tan Guangyuan , Hu Peng , Liu Congliang
Published: February 2022

FengYun-3E (FY3E), launched on 5 July 2021, is one of China’s polar-orbiting meteorological satellite series. The GNOS II onboard FY3E is an operational GNSS remote sensor that for the first time combines GNSS radio occultation (GNSS RO) and GNSS reflectometry (GNSS-R). It has eight reflection channels that can track eight specular points at the same time, receiving reflected signals from multiple GNSS systems, including GPS, BeiDou and Galileo. The basic GNSS-R output generated by GNOS II is a 122 × 20 non-uniform delay-Doppler map whose high resolution portion captures more information near the specular point. This paper introduces the GNSS-R aspect of the FengYun-3E GNOS II, including the instrument, power calibration and wind speed retrieval algorithm. Preliminary validation results for its first four months of data are also presented. After preliminary quality control, the overall wind speed error is less than 2 m/s at wind speeds below 20 m/s for data from both GPS satellites and BeiDou satellites when compared to the ECMWF reanalysis winds.
Active Fire Detection from Landsat-8 Imagery Using Deep Multiple Kernel Learning
Authors: Rostami Amirhossein , Shah-Hosseini Reza , Asgari Shabnam , Zarei Arastou , Aghdami-Nia Mohammad , Homayouni Saeid
Published: February 2022

Active fires are devastating natural disasters that cause socio-economical damage across the globe. The detection and mapping of these disasters require efficient tools, scientific methods, and reliable observations. Satellite images have been widely used for active fire detection (AFD) during the past years due to their nearly global coverage. However, accurate AFD and mapping in satellite imagery is still a challenging task in the remote sensing community, which mainly uses traditional methods. Deep learning (DL) methods have recently yielded outstanding results in remote sensing applications. Nevertheless, less attention has been given to them for AFD in satellite imagery. This study presented a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) “MultiScale-Net” for AFD in Landsat-8 datasets at the pixel level. The proposed network had two main characteristics: (1) several convolution kernels with multiple sizes, and (2) dilated convolution layers (DCLs) with various dilation rates. Moreover, this paper suggested an innovative Active Fire Index (AFI) for AFD. AFI was added to the network inputs consisting of the SWIR2, SWIR1, and Blue bands to improve the performance of the MultiScale-Net. In an ablation analysis, three different scenarios were designed for multi-size kernels, dilation rates, and input variables individually, resulting in 27 distinct models. The quantitative results indicated that the model with AFI-SWIR2-SWIR1-Blue as the input variables, using multiple kernels of sizes 3 × 3, 5 × 5, and 7 × 7 simultaneously, and a dilation rate of 2, achieved the highest F1-score and IoU of 91.62% and 84.54%, respectively. Stacking AFI with the three Landsat-8 bands led to fewer false negative (FN) pixels. Furthermore, our qualitative assessment revealed that these models could detect single fire pixels detached from the large fire zones by taking advantage of multi-size kernels. Overall, the MultiScale-Net met expectations in detecting fires of varying sizes and shapes over challenging test samples.
Models for Supporting Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Design
Authors: Musolino Giuseppe , Rindone Corrado , Vitetta Antonino
Published: February 2022

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is the new approach in transportation systems that allows users to use different transport services as a single option, by using digital platforms and with integrated design. In MaaS many actors can be identified: MaaS operators, MaaS companies, MaaS users, citizens, system manager/planner. In order to be able to design the system in an integrated way, it is necessary to identify comprehensive methodologies that make it possible to reach sustainability targets in a context where the decisions to be taken are shared between several operators and affect users and citizens. In this paper, the methods to be adopted for the design of an integrated transport service system have been studied. The main aim of this paper concerns the specification of transport system models for estimating the effects of decision-makers’ actions on MaaS. The consolidated design methodologies of transport networks have been extended in the context of the MaaS. The paper reports a methodology that can be used and describes the main models to be used, which derive from consolidated specifications in the field of transport systems engineering. The methodologies have to be integrated into Intelligent and Communication Technology systems to build the Intelligent Transport System in the MaaS environment.
Existential Meaning-Making Coping in Iran: A Qualitative Study among Patients with Cancer
Authors: Ahmadi Fereshteh , Khodayarifard Mohammad , Rabbani Mohammad , Zandi Saeid , Sabzevari Mona
Published: February 2022

This article is written on the basis of a study on meaning-making coping in Iran. The study is a part of an international project in 10 countries with different religious and cultural backgrounds. This article aims to discuss the secular existential meaning-making coping methods employed by Iranian cancer patients. Interviews were conducted with 27 participants with various kinds of cancer. Nine secular existential meaning-making coping strategies emerged from the analyses of the qualitative interviews. These coping methods are as follows: Ignoring the illness, Distraction, Altruism, Encounter with others, Nature, Discourse of the self, Visualization, Positive solitude, and Positive thinking and transformational orientation. It seems that, using these strategies, our sample of Iranian cancer patients/survivors have been denying/ignoring their illness, and/or empowering themselves. We discuss the results, considering the potential influence of cultural elements, including Iranian Islam, Persian mysticism, and Persian literature, on the selection of the coping strategies. The study contributes to our understanding of coping via elucidating how seriously ill individuals in Iran try to manage the challenges caused by a health crisis.
Insights from Density Functional Theory on the Feasibility of Modified Reactive Dyes as Dye Sensitizers in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Dindorkar Shreyas S. , Yadav Anshul
Published: February 2022

Recently, reactive dyes have attracted a lot of attention for dye-sensitized solar cell applications. This study endeavors to design dye sensitizers with enhanced efficiency for photovoltaic cells by modifying the reactive blue 5 (RB 5) and reactive brown 10 (RB 10) dyes. Three different strategies were used to design the sensitizers, and their efficiency was compared using the density functional theory (DFT). The optimized geometry, bang gap values, the density of states, electrostatic potential surface analysis, and theoretical FT-IR absorption spectra of the sensitizers were obtained. In the first strategy, functional groups (electron-donating (C2H5), electron-withdrawing (–NO2) groups) were anchored onto dye molecules, and their effect on the charge transport properties was evaluated using the DFT analysis. The latter two designs were based on a donor-π-acceptor strategy. The second design consisted of intramolecular donor-acceptor regions separated by a benzodithiophene-based π-spacer. In the third strategy, an external acceptor unit was attached to the dye molecules through the benzodithiophene-based π-spacer. The electron-donating strengths of donor moieties in the donor-π-acceptor systems were studied using B3LYP/6-31G level DFT calculations. The quantum chemical analysis of the three designs revealed that the anchoring of functional groups (–NO2 and C2H5) on the dye molecules showed no impact on the charge transport properties. The introduction of a benzodithiophene-based π-spacer improved the conjugation of the dye sensitizers, which enhanced the electron transport properties. The electron transport properties further improved when an external acceptor unit was attached to the dye molecule containing a π-spacer. It was thus concluded that attaching an external acceptor unit to the donor dye molecule containing a π-spacer produced desired results for both of the dyes.
Thirty-Year Anniversary of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3: Reconciling the Spin Gap in a Spin-Liquid Candidate
Authors: Pustogow Andrej
Published: February 2022

In 1991 the layered organic compound κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3 with a triangular lattice was synthesized for the first time. Although, originally, the focus was on the superconducting properties under pressure, this frustrated Mott insulator has been the most promising quantum-spin-liquid candidate for almost two decades, widely believed to host gapless spin excitations down to T→0. The recent observation of a spin gap rules out a gapless spin liquid with itinerant spinons and puts severe constraints on the magnetic ground state. This review evaluates magnetic, thermal transport, and structural anomalies around T⋆=6 K. The opening of a spin gap yields a rapid drop of spin susceptibility, NMR Knight shift, spin-lattice relaxation rate, and μ-SR spin fluctuation rate, but is often concealed by impurity spins. The concomitant structural transition at T⋆ manifests in thermal expansion, THz phonons and 63Cu NQR relaxation. Based on the field dependence of T⋆, a critical field of 30–60 T is estimated for the underlying spin-singlet state. Overall, the physical properties are remarkably similar to those of spin-Peierls compounds. Thus, a strong case is made that the ‘6K anomaly’ in κ-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu2(CN)3 is the transition to a valence-bond-solid state and it is suggested that such a scenario is rather the rule than the exception in materials with strong magnetic frustration.
Challenges in the Integration of Quality and Innovation Management Systems
Authors: Lopes Ana , Polónia Daniel , Gradim Adriana , Cunha Jorge
Published: February 2022

Seeking to reduce the number of inconsistencies in their processes, many organisations choose to implement the ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard. Their aim is to improve operational performance while, at the same time, they cope with increased pressures from the market to present innovative products and solutions and from the stakeholders to implement new organizational methods. This work intends to investigate how organisations can leverage ISO 9001:2015 in implementing the ISO 56002:2019 innovation management standard, given that both standards have a high degree of compatibility with each other. For that purpose, meetings were held with senior managers and quality managers of three Portuguese SMEs to discuss the existing potential challenges and gaps in the integration of both management systems. The results point to the existence of a significant set of practices in the field of quality that can support and facilitate the formalization of integrated management systems. Nevertheless, generalization of the results should be avoided, and more research is needed, since the integration of management systems is often conditioned by cost and time related issues. Furthermore, it is disputable whether a company can simultaneously reach a high level of efficiency (brought about by implementing a quality management system) and a high level of innovation (made possible by the implementation of an innovation management system) thus jeopardizing the implementation of an integrated management system.
Explorative Multiple-Case Research on the Scrap-Based Steel Slag Value Chain: Opportunities for Circular Economy
Authors: Falsafi Mohammadtaghi , Fornasiero Rosanna
Published: February 2022

This paper analyses the scrap-based steel slag from the electric arc furnace and secondary metallurgy and proposes a framework for valorising its value chain. Toward this aim, the role of slag features, technological advancements for the treatment of slag, applications, legislation, and their value chain in the circular economy and industrial symbiosis opportunities are discussed within the proposed framework. By interviewing a group of Italian steelmakers, accounting for around 30% of Italian scrap-based steel volume, we analyse various value chain key factors, namely, technology, legislation, production volume, and economic aspects. Consequently, we assess the as-is situation of the sector and elaborate on the challenges and expectations for the future in terms of collaboration frameworks. The results show how vertical (by internal treatment) and horizontal integrations (by collaborating with other potential industries) support decisions on material flow and facilitate circularity in sharing this kind of material. The most influential enabler in a vertical integration is the economic aspect, while in the horizontal integration the enablers are the market and technology. We also address the importance of raw-material self-sufficiency through analysing closed-loop supply chains and collaborative supply-chain networks.
Development of Novel Hybrid Models for Prediction of Drought- and Stress-Tolerance Indices in Teosinte Introgressed Maize Lines Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Kumar Amarjeet , Singh Vijay Kumar , Saran Bhagwat , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Singh Vinay Pratap , Adhikari Sneha , Joshi Anjali , Singh Narendra Kumar , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) is a staple food crop in the world. Drought is one of the most common abiotic challenges that maize faces when it comes to growth, development, and production. Further knowledge of drought tolerance could aid with maize production. However, there has been less study focused on investigating in depth the drought tolerance of inbred maize lines using artificial intelligence techniques. In this study, multi-layer perceptron (MLP), support vector machine (SVM), genetic algorithm-based multi-layer perceptron (MLP-GA), and genetic algorithm-based support vector machine (SVM-GA) hybrid artificial intelligence algorithms were used for the prediction of drought tolerance and stress tolerance indices in teosinte maize lines. Correspondingly, the gamma test technique was applied to determine efficient input and output vectors. The potential of the developed models was evaluated based on statistical indices and graphical representations. The results of the gamma test based on the least value of gamma and standard error indices show that days of anthesis (DOA), days of silking (DOS), yield index (YI), and gross yield per plant (GYP) information vector arrangements were determined to be an efficient information vector combination for the drought-tolerance index (DTI) as well as the stress-tolerance index (STI). The MLP, SVM, MLP-GA, and SVM-GA algorithms’ results were compared based on statistical indices and visual interpretations that have satisfactorily predict the drought-tolerance index and stress-tolerance index in maize crops. The genetic algorithm-based hybrid models (MLP-GA and SVM-GA) were found to better predict the drought-tolerance index and stress-tolerance index in maize crops. Similarly, the SVM-GA model was found to have the highest potential to forecast the DTI and STI in maize crops, compared to the MLP, SVM, and MLP-GA models.
Disclosure of Information in Risk Reporting in the Context of the Sustainable Development Concept
Authors: Bogataya Irina , Evstafyeva Elena , Lavrov Denis , Korsakova Ekaterina , Mukhanova Natalya , Solyannikova Svetlana
Published: February 2022

In the context of the global financial crisis and pandemic, issues related to risk management are of paramount importance, which requires the creation of an effective risk management system and disclosure of information regarding risks in the reporting of commercial organizations, focused on the information needs of stakeholders. This article is aimed at studying the existing practice of disclosing information regarding risks in the financial and non-financial statements of Russian companies. The study is based on the analysis of the current practice of disclosure of information regarding risks in Russia and abroad. Using the analysis of risk disclosure in 210 Russian commercial organizations, the study was aimed, foremost, at identifying factors influencing the format and quality of risk disclosure in financial and non-financial reporting, and secondly, at summarizing the practices of risk disclosure in integrated reporting in Russian organizations and the benefits of using integrated reporting. In this sense, the article contributes to the existing literature as an innovative study that determines the directions of development of the methodology for disclosing information regarding risks in integrated reporting in order to improve its quality and information content in accordance with the Concept of value Creation by the organization in combination with the Concept of Sustainable Development. For stakeholders, this study emphasizes the fact that, in the context of the risk disclosure format used, the quality of this information depends on a number of factors (organizational, technological, legal, cultural, economic). The study could be useful for managers and decision makers whose aim is to implement the Concept of Sustainable Development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
ESMA-OPF: Enhanced Slime Mould Algorithm for Solving Optimal Power Flow Problem
Authors: Farhat Mohamed , Kamel Salah , Atallah Ahmed M. , Hassan Mohamed H. , Agwa Ahmed M.
Published: February 2022

In this work, an enhanced slime mould algorithm (ESMA) based on neighborhood dimension learning (NDL) search strategy is proposed for solving the optimal power flow (OPF) problem. Before using the proposed ESMA for solving the OPF problem, its validity is verified by an experiment using 23 benchmark functions and compared with the original SMA, and three other recent optimization algorithms. Consequently, the ESMA is used to solve a modified power flow model including both conventional energy, represented by thermal power generators (TPGs), and renewable energy represented by wind power generators (WPGs) and solar photovoltaic generators (SPGs). Despite the important role of WPGs and SPGs in reducing CO2 emissions, they represent a big challenge for the OPF problem due to their intermittent output powers. To forecast the intermittent output powers from SPGs and WPGs, Lognormal and Weibull probability density functions (PDFs) are used, respectively. The objective function of the OPF has two extra costs, penalty cost and reserve cost. The penalty cost is added to formulate the underestimation of the produced power from the WPGs and SPGs, while the reserve cost is added to formulate the case of overestimation. Moreover, to decrease CO2 emissions from TPGs, a direct carbon tax is added to the objective function in some cases. The uncertainty of load demand represents also another challenge for the OPF that must be taken into consideration while solving it. In this study, the uncertainty of load demand is represented by the normal PDF. Simulation results of ESMA for solving the OPF are compared with the results of the conventional SMA and two further optimization methods. The simulation results obtained in this research show that ESMA is more effective in finding the optimal solution of the OPF problem with regard to minimizing the total power cost and the convergence of solution.
Microstructural Analysis of the Reactivity Parameters of Calcined Clays
Authors: Ramadji Christian , Messan Adamah , Sore Seick Omar , Prud’homme Elodie , Nshimiyimana Philbert
Published: February 2022

Four (04) different types of clays from Burkina Faso were studied for their potential applications in the production of calcined clays as substitution materials for Portland cement. The study aimed at analyzing the factors affecting their reactivity. The untreated clays were subjected to various tests to highlight the intrinsic properties that can influence their reactivity. After the treatment by calcination, the clays were subjected to various pozzolanicity tests and microstructural analysis in order to evaluate their influence on the microstructure of the cement paste. The results showed that the reactivity of calcined clays is strongly related to the intrinsic properties of the raw clays, such as the content and the structure of kaolinite: disordered kaolinite reacts better than ordered kaolinite. After the calcination, the reactivity depends on the amorphous phase (amorphous content) of the clays, which influences the strength activity index. This study established a correlation between different parameters to easily identify the main properties of calcined clays that can influence their pozzolanic reactivity. All the results showed that the kaolinite content is a determining factor in the reactivity of clays before calcination. However, the study showed that the amorphous content of kaolinite is the determining parameter of the reactivity of calcined clays, as calcination can lead to the recrystallization of kaolinite.
The Bridge at the End of the World: Linking Expat’s Pandemic Fatigue, Travel FOMO, Destination Crisis Marketing, and Vaxication for “Greatest of All Trips”
Authors: Zaman Umer , Barnes Stuart J. , Abbasi Saba , Anjam Mahwish , Aktan Murat , Khwaja Muddasar Ghani
Published: February 2022

The rebirth of global tourism with a massive rebound is anticipated due to an emerging touristic behavior coined as vaxication (i.e., post-vaccination travel). Despite the ongoing fatigue triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers’ fear of missing out (FOMO), and destination crisis marketing (DCM) can further accelerate travelers’ momentum towards vaxication. To address this critical knowledge gap in COVID-19 tourism, the present study aimed to examine the effect of pandemic fatigue on vaxication intention for the greatest of all trips (GOAT) under the moderating influence of travel FOMO and destination crisis marketing. Drawing on data of international expatriates in the United Arab Emirates (N = 356) and using covariance-based structural equation modeling with Mplus, the findings provide new evidence supporting a positive impact of international expat’s pandemic fatigue on vaxication intention for GOAT. Interestingly, this relationship is significantly reinforced by the international expat’s travel FOMO as well as tourism destinations switching gears from ‘managing crisis’ to ‘marketing crisis’. Based on prominent theories (i.e., theory of planned behavior, cognitive load theory, and protection motivation theory) and newly developed scales (i.e., travel FOMO and destination crisis marketing), the study implications are directed towards an outpacing trajectory of global tourism return prompted by pandemic fatigue, travel FOMO, destination crisis marketing, and vaxication intention for the greatest of all trips.
Characterization of Microstructure of Crept Nb and Ta-Rich γ-TiAl Alloys by Automated Crystal Orientation Mapping and Electron Back Scatter Diffraction
Authors: Singh Vajinder , Mondal Chandan , Sarkar Rajdeep , Roy Satabdi , Omprakash Chiptalluri Mohan , Ghosal Partha
Published: February 2022

Understanding of the creep behavior Nb and Ta-rich γ-TiAl alloys plays a crucial role towards realization of their potential applications. The present article reports the evolution of microstructural features in the crept γ-TiAl-based Ti-5Al-8Nb-2Cr-0.2B and Ti-45Al-8Ta-0.2C-0.2B-0.2C alloys. Structural characterizations have been carried out using automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM) along with precession electron diffraction (PED) in a transmission electron microscope, in conjunction with electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Creep behavior of the fourth generation γ-TiAl-based alloys has been comparatively investigated under constant load tensile creep tests performed in the temperature range from 800–850 °C and applied stresses range of 125–200 MPa. It has been demonstrated that the ACOM with PED technique has accurate and reliable diffraction pattern recognition and higher spatial resolution, and supplements effectively the conventional EBSD technique for characterization of complex microstructural features evolved during creep of multiphase (γ + α2 + β)-based TiAl alloys. The results show that the Nb and Ta additions have distinctly different effects on the microstructural instability and phase transformation during the creep deformation. The formation of the Ta-rich intermetallic phase (Ti4Al3Ta, the so-called τ phase) has been detected preferentially along the colony and the γ-α2 interphase boundaries in the Ta-rich alloy, whilst its isomorph, Ti4Al3Nb intermetallic, has hardly been detected in the Nb-rich alloy. Implications of τ-phase formation and related microstructural instabilities have been discussed with respect to the creep behavior of the two alloys.
Inference for Kumaraswamy Distribution under Generalized Progressive Hybrid Censoring
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhou Ying , Lio Yuhlong , Tripathi Yogesh Mani
Published: February 2022

In this paper, generalized progressive hybrid censoring is discussed, while a scheme is designed to provide a flexible and symmetrical scenario to collect failure information in the whole life cycle of units. When the lifetime of units follows Kumaraswamy distribution, inference is investigated under classical and Bayesian approaches. The maximum likelihood estimates and associated existence and uniqueness properties are established and the confidence intervals for unknown parameters are provided by using a large sample size based on asymptotic theory. Moreover, the Bayes estimates along with highest probability density credible intervals are also developed through the Monte-Carlo Markov Chain sampling technique to approximate the associated posteriors. Simulation studies and a real-life example are presented for illustration purposes.
Zearalenone Induces Apoptosis and Autophagy in a Spermatogonia Cell Line
Authors: Lee Ran , Kim Dong-Wook , Lee Won-Young , Park Hyun-Jung
Published: February 2022

Zearalenone (ZEN), a widely known mycotoxin, is mainly produced by various Fusarium species, and it is a potent estrogenic metabolite that affects reproductive health in livestock and humans. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of toxicity and cell damage induced by ZEN in GC-1 spermatogonia (spg) cells were evaluated. Our results showed that cell viability decreased and apoptosis increased in a dose-dependent manner when GC-1 spg cells were exposed to ZEN. In addition, the key proteins involved in apoptosis, cleaved caspase-3 and -8, BAD, BAX, and phosphorylation of p53 and ERK1/2, were significantly increased in ZEN-exposed GC-1 spg cells for 24 h, and cytochrome c was released from mitochondria by ZEN. Interestingly, ZEN also triggered autophagy in GC-1 spg cells. The expression levels of the autophagy-related genes Atg5, Atg3, Beclin 1, LC3, Ulk1, Bnip 3, and p62 were significantly higher in ZEN-treated GC-1 spg cells, and the protein levels of both LC3A/B and Atg12 were remarkably increased in a dose-dependent manner in ZEN-exposed GC-1 spg cells compared to the control. In addition, immunostaining results showed that ZEN-treated groups showed a remarkable increase in LC 3A/B positive puncta as compared to the control in a dose-dependent manner based on confocal microscopy analysis in GC-1 spg cells. Our findings suggest that ZEN has toxic effects on tGC-1 spg cells and induces both apoptosis and autophagy.
Observables in Quantum Mechanics and the Importance of Self-Adjointness
Authors: Jurić Tajron
Published: February 2022

We are focused on the idea that observables in quantum physics are a bit more then just hermitian operators and that this is, in general, a “tricky business”. The origin of this idea comes from the fact that there is a subtle difference between symmetric, hermitian, and self-adjoint operators which are of immense importance in formulating Quantum Mechanics. The theory of self-adjoint extensions is presented through several physical examples and some emphasis is given on the physical implications and applications.
Tiebout Sorting, Zoning, and Property Tax Rates
Authors: Bourassa Steven C. , Wu Wen-Chieh
Published: February 2022

This paper examines certain implications from the literature on Tiebout’s model of local government service provision, particularly Hamilton’s extension of the model to include local control of land use and property taxation. Our empirical analysis focused on the use of fiscal zoning to lower property tax rates, a topic that has not been addressed in the extensive literature on Tiebout’s model. Using data for over 100 municipalities in the Miami, Florida, metropolitan area, we specified property tax rates as a function of fiscal zoning measures, other municipal characteristics, and tax mimicking. We conclude that single-family zoning is by far the most important variable explaining municipal property tax rates.
A Multi-Center, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase III Clinical Trial Evaluating the Impact of BCG Re-Vaccination on the Incidence and Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infections among Symptomatic Healthcare Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland—First Results
Authors: Czajka Hanna , Zapolnik Paweł , Krzych Łukasz , Kmiecik Wojciech , Stopyra Lidia , Nowakowska Anna , Jackowska Teresa , Darmochwał-Kolarz Dorota , Szymański Henryk , Radziewicz-Winnicki Igor , Mazur Artur
Published: February 2022

Tuberculosis vaccines (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, BCG) were introduced 100 years ago and are still recommended by the World Health Organization to prevent the disease. Studies have shown that BCG vaccination can stimulate non-specific immune responses and reduce the incidence of certain diseases. At the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it was hypothesised that the incidence of COVID-19 was lower in countries with BCG prevention. In an attempt to verify this thesis, we conducted a multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on a group of 695 health care workers aged 25 years and over in Poland. All participants in the study had a tuberculin test, after which those who were negative were randomised (1:1) and received either the BCG- or placebo vaccine. From then on, these people were subjected to three months of observation for the occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms. The statistical analysis did not reveal any significant correlation between the frequency of incidents suspected of COVID-19 and BCG-10 vaccination, the result of the tuberculin test and the number of scars. The only statistically significant feature was the type of medical profession—nurses became infected more often than doctors or other medical workers (p = 0.02). The results differ from similar trials in other countries. Perhaps this is due to the lack of an unvaccinated control group. The impact of BCG vaccination on the course of COVID-19 requires further research.
Intensity and Dynamics of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses after BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination: Implications for Public Health Vaccination Strategies
Authors: Speletas Matthaios , Voulgaridi Ioanna , Sarrou Styliani , Dadouli Aikaterini , Mouchtouri Varvara A. , Nikoulis Dimitrios J. , Tsakona Maria , Kyritsi Maria A. , Peristeri Athanasia-Marina , Avakian Ioanna , Nasika Asimina , Fragkou Paraskevi C. , Moschopoulos Charalampos D. , Zoubouneli Stamatia , Onoufriadis Ilias , Anagnostopoulos Lemonia , Matziri Alexia , Papadamou Georgia , Theodoridou Aikaterini , Tsiodras Sotirios , Hadjichristodoulou Christos
Published: February 2022

The aim of our study was to investigate the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccination according to the age and medical status of vaccinated individuals. A total of 511 individuals were enrolled (median age: 54.0 years, range: 19–105); 509 of these individuals (99.6%) received two doses of BNT162b2 at an interval of 21 days. IgG and IgA responses were evaluated on days 21, 42, 90, and 180 after the first dose with chemiluminescent microparticle and ELISA assays. The cell-mediated immune responses were assessed by an automated interferon-gamma release assay. We demonstrated positive antibody responses after vaccination for the majority of enrolled participants, although waning of IgG and IgA titers was also observed over time. We further observed that the intensity of humoral responses was positively correlated with increased age and prior COVID-19 infection (either before or after the first vaccination). Moreover, we found that only a medical history of autoimmune disease could affect the intensity of IgA and IgG responses (3 weeks after the primary and secondary immunization, respectively), while development of systemic adverse reactions after the second vaccination dose was significantly associated with the height of IgG responses. Finally, we identified a clear correlation between humoral and cellular responses, suggesting that the study of cellular responses is not required as a routine laboratory test after vaccination. Our results provide useful information about the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination with significant implications for public health vaccination strategies.
The Safety of mRNA-1273, BNT162b2 and JNJ-78436735 COVID-19 Vaccines: Safety Monitoring for Adverse Events Using Real-World Data
Authors: Sa Soonok , Lee Chae Won , Shim Sung Ryul , Yoo Hyounggyoon , Choi Jinwha , Kim Ju Hee , Lee Kiwon , Hong Myunghee , Han Hyun Wook
Published: February 2022

Two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (mRNA-1273, Moderna; and BNT162b2, Pfizer-BioNTech) and one viral vector vaccine (JNJ-78436735, Janssen/Johnson and Johnson) are authorized in the US to hinder COVID-19 infections. We analyzed severe and common adverse events in response to COVID-19 vaccines using real-world, Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System (VAERS) data. From 14 December 2020 to 30 September 2021, 481,172 (50.7 ± 17.5 years, males 27.89%, 12.35 per 100,000 people) individuals reported adverse events (AEs). The median time to severe AEs was 2 days after injection. The risk of severe AEs following the one viral vector vaccine (OR = 1.044, 95% CI = 1.005–1.086) was significantly higher than that after the two mRNA vaccines, and the risk among males (OR = 1.374, 95% CI = 1.342–1.406) was higher than among females, except for anaphylaxis. For common AEs, however, the risk to males (OR = 0.621, 95% CI = 0.612–0.63) was lower than to females. In conclusion, we provided medical insight and clinical guidance about vaccine types by characterizing AEs using real-world data. In particular, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safer than viral vector vaccines with regard to coagulation disorders, whereas inflammation-related AEs are lower in the viral vaccine. The risk–benefit ratio of vaccines should be carefully considered, and close monitoring and management of severe AEs is needed.
Detection of Anti-Neospora caninum Antibodies on Dairy Cattle Farms in Southern Italy
Authors: Manca Raffaella , Ciccarese Giuseppina , Scaltrito Domenico , Chirizzi Daniela
Published: February 2022

Neosporosis is recognized as one of the major causes of bovine abortion worldwide. Canids are the main definitive host for this parasite and the presence of dogs in the farm is an important factor for the Neospora caninum infection in bovines. Since, in the province of Lecce, located in the Apulia region of Southern Italy, there are no studies showing the presence of the infection in farm animals, the objective was to perform a serological evaluation for anti-N. caninum antibodiesin serum from 706 dairy cattle and 21 farm dogs located in 40 farms uniformlydistributed over the territory.The presence of N. caninum infection was confirmed in 90.0% (36/40) of the 40 farms examined. The results obtained on all serum samples by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ID Screen®Neospora caninum competition ELISA kit) for anti-N. caninum antibodies showed a seropositivity rate of 21.1% (149/706) among dairy cows, with a statistically significant higher percentage of positive subjects in the animals over two years old and a positivity rate of 42.9% (9/21) in tested dogs. The obtained data confirmed the presence of neosporosis even in the Lecce area, where it could therefore represent an important cause of abortion and economic losses.