Azerbaijan Scientific-Research & Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute

Effectively reducing climate change requires marked, global behavior change. However, it is unclear which strategies are most likely to motivate people to change their climate beliefs and behaviors. Here, we tested 11 expert-crowdsourced interventions on four climate mitigation outcomes: beliefs, policy support, information sharing intention, and an effortful tree-planting behavioral task. Across 59,440 participants from 63 countries, the interventions' effectiveness was small, largely limited to nonclimate skeptics, and differed across outcomes: Beliefs were strengthened mostly by decreasing psychological distance (by 2.3%), policy support by writing a letter to a future-generation member (2.6%), information sharing by negative emotion induction (12.1%), and no intervention increased the more effortful behavior-several interventions even reduced tree planting. Last, the effects of each intervention differed depending on people's initial climate beliefs. These findings suggest that the impact of behavioral climate interventions varies across audiences and target behaviors.

Abstract This study develops a theoretical framework to quantify the impacts of technological progress, renewable energy consumption and international trade on carbon emissions (CO 2 ), unlike many other studies that consider variables of interest in an ad hoc manner. The developed framework is then applied to the data from the BRICS countries for 1990–2017 period. The study also takes into consideration the integration, co‐integration, as well as cross‐country interdependence and heterogeneity properties of the panel data, and hence, the obtained results are robust and policy insights are well‐grounded. We estimate that technological progress, renewable energy consumption, and export size contribute to the reduction of the CO 2 emissions, while gross domestic product (GDP) and import size increase the pollution both in the long‐ and short‐run. Our main policy recommendations would be the implementations of the measures, regulations, and establishment of the legislative frameworks that foster the technological enhancements and transition toward sustainable energy.

BACKGROUND: Influenza A(H5N1) continues to cause infections and possesses pandemic potential. METHODS: Data sources were primarily clinical records, published case series, and governmental agency reports. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate the effect of treatment on survival, with adjustment using propensity scores (a composite measure of baseline variables predicting use of treatment). RESULTS: In total, 308 cases were identified from 12 countries: 41 from Azerbaijan, Hong Kong SAR, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Turkey (from clinical records); 175 from Egypt and Indonesia (from various sources); and 92 from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam (from various publications). Overall crude survival was 43.5%; 60% of patients who received ≥1 dose of oseltamivir alone (OS(+)) survived versus 24% of patients who had no evidence of anti-influenza antiviral treatment (OS(-)) (P <.001). Survival rates of OS(+) groups were significantly higher than those of OS(-) groups; benefit persisted with oseltamivir treatment initiation <or=6-8 days after symptom onset. Multivariate modeling showed 49% mortality reduction from oseltamivir treatment. CONCLUSIONS: H5N1 causes high mortality, especially when untreated. Oseltamivir significantly reduces mortality when started up to 6-8 days after symptom onset and appears to benefit all age groups. Prompt diagnosis and early therapeutic intervention should be considered for H5N1 disease.

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of livestock that can cause cutaneous and internal lesions, affecting milk production, hide quality and in some cases death of the infected animal. After an outbreak in neighboring Iran, a working group from the Azerbaijan State Veterinary Control Service was sent to the border rayons (administrative districts) to determine if any cattle in southern Azerbaijan were infected. The Rayonal Veterinary Offices were contacted to look for and report any cases of LSD in their rayons. Animals exhibiting clinical signs consistent with LSD infection were first observed in the rayon of Bilasuvar and more cases were subsequently identified in Jalilabad, Ujar, and Aghdash rayons. Samples were collected from blood, and/or lesions of suspected infected animals and internal organs of cattle that died and were tested at the Republican Veterinary Laboratory in Baku using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). From June to November 2014, 2,762 cattle in Azerbaijan were reported to have clinical signs or gross necropsy lesions consistent with LSD. Of 269 samples tested for LSD virus by real-time PCR, 199 (74%) were positive. A total of 33 cattle died, which was 1.2% of those exhibiting clinical signs of disease. Samples from nodular cutaneous lesions were more frequently positive by PCR and had higher concentrations of virus than blood and pooled internal organ samples. Preventative measures including movement restrictions, vector control and vaccination were put into place to slow the spread of disease. Ongoing surveillance should continue as environmental persistence of the virus may lead to further outbreaks of disease.

Linear programming (LP) is the operations research technique frequently used in the fields of science, economics, business, management science, and engineering. Although it is investigated and applied for more than six decades, and LP models with different level of generalization of information about parameters including models with interval, fuzzy, generalized fuzzy, and random numbers are considered, until now there is no approach to account for reliability of information within the framework of LP. Professor L. Zadeh introduced the concept of a Z-number to describe uncertain information, which is a more generalized notion closely related to reliability. The use of Z-information is more adequate and intuitively meaningful for formalizing information structure of a decision problem. In this paper, we suggest a study of fully Z-number based LP (Z-LP) model to better fit real-world problems within the framework of LP. We propose the method to solve Z-LP problems, which utilize differential evolution optimization and Z-number arithmetic developed by the authors. The suggested model and solution method for Z-LP are illustrated on the basis of a benchmark LP problem, where we conduct comparative analysis, which shows validity of the approach.

This study investigated bank-specific and macroeconomic determinants of bank profitability in Azerbaijan, an oil-dependent economy in transition. A huge drop in oil prices, a significant devaluation of the national currency, and the financial distress were the main motivations of the study. We applied Panel Generalized Method of Moments to the data in the framework of dynamic model of the bank profitability. It was found that bank size, capital, and loans, as well as economic cycle, inflation expectation, and oil prices were positively related to the profitability, whereas deposits, liquidity risk, and exchange rate devaluation were negatively associated with it. We further found that the bank profitability demonstrated moderate persistence and ignoring the country-specific features could lead to bias and poor performance in estimations. The conclusions of this research would aid in setting banking policies towards increasing profitability. This may be supplemented by ensuring strong research departments within the banks tasked with analyzing and forecasting the main macroeconomic indicators. The novel features of the study include utilizing recent economic trends, accounting for country-specific features, and for the first time, examining the effects of the economic cycle on the bank profitability in Azerbaijan. In addition, the study featured proper addressing time series properties of the panel data, and performances of robustness checks for consistency of results.

Abstract 1D kinetic (PIC) and fluid simulations have been performed in order to study boundary conditions and heat flux and viscosity limiting coefficients in the inter‐ELM and ELMy SOLs. Simulated plasma parameters correspond to the JET SOL under different conditions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Meeting the European Union's natural gas demand will require increasing volumes of imports in the foreseeable future. Recognizing the need to ensure uninterrupted and secure supplies of natural gas imports at all times, the European Union (EU) has actively sought to diversify its sources of supply, including obtaining natural gas from Azerbaijan through the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC). In pursuit of this objective, the EU has provided financial support for parts of the Southern Gas Corridor. In this paper, a combination of cost economics and Rational Choice Institutionalism (RCI) framework has been used to explain the policy choice made by the EU to support the SGC. We observe, that the choice of using the SGC as a supply source has been despite the relatively higher cost of delivery of Azeri natural gas into the EU. The motivation for the EU here is characterized by the strategic importance and part of its efforts to diversify sources of supply in the RCI framework. In this context, the EU is delivering energy security services to its member states who in turn have muted their sovereign rights in exchange for a diversity in the source of supply. This is possibly the only study that measures up the economic cost against choices made under RCI in natural gas security literature.

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are at high risk of dying from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The optimal management of AML patients with COVID-19 has not been established. Our multicenter study included 388 adult AML patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between February 2020 and October 2021. The vast majority were receiving or had received AML treatment in the preceding 3 months. COVID-19 was severe in 41.2% and critical in 21.1% of cases. The chemotherapeutic schedule was modified in 174 patients (44.8%), delayed in 68 and permanently discontinued in 106. After a median follow-up of 325 days, 180 patients (46.4%) had died; death was attributed to COVID-19 (43.3%), AML (26.1%) or to a combination of both (26.7%), whereas in 3.9% of cases the reason was unknown. Active disease, older age, and treatment discontinuation were associated with death, whereas AML treatment delay was protective. Seventy-nine patients had a simultaneous AML and COVID-19 diagnosis, with better survival when AML treatment could be delayed (80%; P<0.001). Overall survival in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 between January 2020 and August 2020 was significantly lower than that in patients diagnosed between September 2020 and February 2021 and between March 2021 and September 2021 (39.8% vs. 60% vs. 61.9%, respectively; P=0.006). COVID-19 in AML patients was associated with a high mortality rate and modifications of therapeutic algorithms. The best approach to improve survival was to delay AML treatment, whenever possible.

The silicide hexaboride (B6Si) was irradiated with 60Co at room temperature to study the structural changes and weight kinetics. The B6Si samples were irradiated using a gamma source with a dose rate (D) of 0.27 Gy/s. At adsorption dose range of 9.7, 48.5, 97, 145.5 and 194 kGy. The samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to study the microstructural and composition changes. The XRD results showed the crystalline structure for the sample before and after irradiation (with gamma irradiation dose 9.7, 48.5 and 97 kGy). Amorphization of the sample began at the gamma irradiation dose of 145.5 kGy. Increase in gamma irradiation dose had an inverse effect on the activation energy and had a directly proportional effect on the lattice volume.

The aim of the present paper is to consider the hyperbolic limit of an elliptic hypergeometric sum/integral identity, and associated lattice model of statistical mechanics previously obtained by the second author. The hyperbolic sum/integral identity obtained from this limit, has two important physical applications in the context of the so-called gauge/YBE correspondence. For statistical mechanics, this identity is equivalent to a new solution of the star-triangle relation form of the Yang-Baxter equation, that directly generalises the Faddeev-Volkov models to the case of discrete and continuous spin variables. On the gauge theory side, this identity represents the duality of lens $$ \left({S}_b^3/{\mathrm{\mathbb{Z}}}_r\right) $$ partition functions, for certain three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supersymmetric gauge theories.

Superconformal indices of 3d $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supersymmetric field theories are investigated from the Yang-Baxter equation point of view. Solutions of the star-triangle relation, vertex and IRF Yang-Baxter equations are expressed in terms of the q-special functions associated with these 3d indices. For a two-dimensional monopole-spin system on the square lattice a free energy per spin is explicitly determined. Similar to the partition functions, superconformal indices of 3d theories with the chiral symmetry breaking reduce to Dirac delta functions with the support on chemical potentials of the preserved flavor groups.

Abstract The life cycle and natural diet of Cyrba algerina (Lucas) in the Apsheron Peninsula (Azerbaijan) was determined by sampling at frequent intervals throughout the year. Early‐instar juveniles emerged in late July, grew to about half of adult size by winter, over‐wintered and then, in the spring of the following year, grew to adult size and reached maturity. The primary mating season was in May, after which the number of adults in the population declined sharply. Ten arthropod orders were represented in the prey records from nature. Six of these were insects and four were arachnids. Spiders (order Araneae) were the dominant prey, accounting for 56% of the records. Half of these spiders were from one family, Oecobiidae. In laboratory prey‐choice tests, C. algerina selected spiders in preference to insects and selected oecobiids in preference to other spiders. Video taping under infrared light confirmed that the Azerbaijan C. algerina captures prey in complete darkness.

The article is devoted to the study of the causes of failures of fountain fittings in the process of operation, the measures taken to eliminate failures, increase efficiency and increase the overhaul period. İn order to improve the efficiency of the fountain fittings, the works that can be performed during major and current repairs are investigated. The main purpose of this article is to increase the reliability of the design of the fountain fittings. This article explores the causes of failure that may occur in wellhead christmas trees, their causes and solutions. The general design of x-mas trees is shown. Basically, christmas tree fittings are cross-shaped, three-necked and, depending on the design, for a working pressure of 21, 35, 70, 105, 140 MPa. x-mas trees perform the main and most important work, such as hanging tubing, shutting off the wellhead, providing the necessary pressure on the wellhead, and regulating oil production. As is known, during the operation of oil and gas wells, along with the main product, clay, sand and abrasive particles are removed from the well. Among these impacts, christmas trees are exposed to the corrosive attack of sand flowing with oil, gas and water during operation. It is the cross and the connecting elements of the x-mas tree - closing valves, the cross, the christmas tree, a pair of gates - saddles, the sealing elements that are most susceptible to eating (wear). Due to the fact that these processes occur under high pressure, a number of important requirements are imposed on the design of x-mas trees. İmproving the design of x-mas trees, which is wellhead equipment, is always one of the most important tasks in operation. In order to improve the efficiency of x-mas trees, the works that can be performed during major and current repairs have been studied. The main purpose of this article is to study the improvement of the reliability indicators of the x-mas tree design, increase the overhaul period. Keywords: Christmas tree, stem, valve, globe valve,packing element, shut-off valve, disc - saddle pair.

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) is one of the most important commercial thermoelectric materials. In recent years, the discovery of topologically protected surface states in Bi chalcogenides has paved the way for their application in nanoelectronics. Determination of the fracture toughness plays a crucial role for the potential application of topological insulators in flexible electronics and nanoelectromechanical devices. Using depth-sensing nanoindentation tests, we investigated for the first time the fracture toughness of bulk single crystals of Bi2Te3 topological insulators, grown using the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Our results highlight one of the possible pitfalls of the technology based on topological insulators.

We investigate non-oil sector effects of fiscal policy in Azerbaijan over a long time period in which a recent low oil prices sample is incorporated. To obtain robust empirical findings, we use different test and estimation methods as well as address small-sample bias issues in the extended production function framework. Results show that fiscal policy has a statistically significant positive impact on the non-oil sector both in the long and short run. However, the size of the impact is small compared to the findings of earlier studies due to, we believe, the low oil-price environment and different specifications used. Azerbaijani policymakers should take measures to compensate for the declining share of oil revenues in government revenues. They may consider increasing tax rates, import and export fees, energy and other tariffs as rapid remedies to fill the budget but these measures might hurt economic development. Alternative and less harmful remedies would be optimizing government spending, strongly monitoring ongoing projects, and phasing out social and infrastructure projects, which make lower contributions to growth. Our research opens the way for further investigation of this topic for the oil exporting economies in the future.

The aim of the present study was to compare real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and end-point PCR with respect to their suitability for the analysis of gene expression in samples in which the number of cells is limited; for example, in studies of preimplantation embryonic development and to determine the variability of the real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay. The sensitivity, dynamic range and precision of both PCR systems were compared using a single mouse liver cDNA standard. The real-time system was 100-fold more sensitive than the end-point system and had a dynamic range of more than four orders of magnitude. The linear range for end-point PCR extended for two orders of magnitude using a fixed end-point of 31 cycles. The percentage standard error of the mean based on 30 replicates was 0.14% of the threshold cycle (Ct) value for the real-time system and 6.8% for the end-point fluorescence intensity. The coefficients of variation (CV) for reverse transcription combined with real-time analysis and the complete gene expression protocol consisting of mRNA isolation, reverse transcription and real-time PCR analysis were 0.6% and 1.4% of the Ct values, respectively. The present paper details, for the first time, measurement of the biological variation of individual mammalian oocytes. The CV was 1.8% of the Ct value for expression analysis of six bovine oocytes. The results are discussed in relation to the analysis of gene expression in preimplantation embryo development.

Due to insufficient electricity and soaring diesel costs, solar energy based water pumping system has emerged as a promising alternative to the conventional electricity and diesel based pumping systems used in rural, urban and remote regions to pump water for community water supplies and irrigation. Solar water pump works on electricity generated using photovoltaic (PV) technology. The PV technology converts solar energy into electrical energy to run a DC or AC motor based water pump. This paper presents a comprehensive review of solar energy based water pumping system and technology including its historical background and principle of its functioning, various physical components and classification, parameters, such as environmental conditions and photovoltaic materials that has an effect on the overall performance of the system. Emphasis has been made on induction motor based solar pumping systems and their control methodologies including their advantages as well as disadvantages and future scopes in solar water pumping systems.

On the one hand, economies, particularly developing ones, need to grow. On the other hand, climate change is the most pressing issue globally, and nations should take the necessary measures. Such a complex task requires new theoretical and empirical models to capture this complexity and provide new insights. Our study uses a newly developed theoretical framework that involves renewable energy consumption (REC) and total factor productivity (TFP) alongside traditional factors of CO2 emissions. It provides policymakers with border information compared to traditional models, such as the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC), being limited to income and population. Advanced panel time series methods are also employed, addressing panel data issues while producing not only pooled but also country-specific results. 20 Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI) nations are considered in this study. The results show that REC, TFP, and exports reduce CO2 emissions with elasticities of 0.3, 0.4, and 0.3, respectively. Oppositely, income and imports increase emissions with elasticities of 0.8 and 0.3. Additionally, we show that RECAI countries are commonly affected by global and regional factors. Moreover, we find that shocks can create permanent changes in the levels of the factors but only temporary changes in their growth rates. The main policy implication of the findings is that authorities should implement measures boosting TFP and REC. These factors are driven mainly by technological progress, innovation, and efficiency gains. Thus, they can simultaneously reduce emissions while promoting long-run green economic growth, which addresses the complexity mentioned above to some extent.

Discussions of post-Soviet countries’ policies towards Russia have been largely dominated by two mainstream neorealist approaches on states’ alignment choices – balancing and bandwagoning. While the first pattern entails allying against the primary source of threat, the second one opts for allying with the source of principal danger. By means of a case study, this article argues that the balancing-bandwagoning dichotomy is too simplistic in the case of Azerbaijan, which represents another possible paradigm. The research addresses the following question: what is the foreign policy model undertaken by modern Azerbaijan in its relations with Russia? To do so, it refers not only to the neorealist and neoclassical realist theories but also to the notion of national role conception. The article concludes that since 1993 Azerbaijan has pursued a middle-ground foreign policy orientation – strategic hedging – vis-à-vis Russia. Such a multi-tiered hedging behavior, which encompasses elements of both balancing and bandwagoning, has been driven mainly by national security concerns. Meanwhile, the country’s vast oil and gas resources, as well as its non-bloc geopolitical identity, have determined the somewhat ‘distant-from-Russia’ foreign policy orientation of post-Soviet Azerbaijan.