bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil and water conservation in terraced and non‐terraced cultivations: an extensive comparison of 50 vineyards
Authors: Pijl Anton , Wang Wendi , Straffelini Eugenio , Tarolli Paolo
Published: December 2021

Understanding the soil and water conservation (SWC) impact of steep‐slope agricultural practices (e.g. terraces) has arguably never been more relevant than today, in the face of widespread intensifying rainfall conditions. In Italy, a diverse mosaic of terraced and non‐terraced cultivation systems have historically developed from local traditions and more recently from the introduction of machinery. Previous studies suggested that each type of vineyard configuration is characterised by a specific set of soil degradation patterns. However, an extensive analysis of SWC impacts by different vineyard configurations is missing, while this is crucial for providing robust guidelines for future‐proof viticulture. Here, we provide a unique extensive comparison of SWC in 50 vineyards, consisting of 10 sites of 5 distinct practices: slope‐wise cultivation (SC), contour cultivation (CC), contour terracing (CT), broad‐base terracing (BT) and oblique terracing (OT). A big‐data analysis approach of physical erosion modelling based on high‐resolution LiDAR data is performed, while four predefined SWC indicators are systematically analysed and statistically quantified. Regular contour terracing (CT) ranked best across all indicators, reflecting a good combination of flow interception and homogeneous distribution of runoff and sediment under intense rainfall conditions. The least SWC‐effective practices (SC, CC, and OT) were related to vineyards optimised for trafficability by access roads or uninterrupted inter‐row paths, which created high upstream‐downstream connectivity and are thus prone to flow accumulation. The novel large‐scale approach of this study offers a robust comparison of SWC impacts under intense rainstorms, which is becoming increasingly relevant for the sustainable future management of such landscapes.
Rubber, rubber and rubber: How 75 years of successive rubber plantation rotations affect topsoil quality?
Authors: Panklang Phantip , Thoumazeau Alexis , Chiarawipa Rawee , Sdoodee Sayan , Sebag David , Gay Frédéric , Thaler Philippe , Brauman Alain
Published: December 2021

Rubber tree plantations (Hevea brasiliensis) cover large areas in the tropics. In historical producing regions like South Thailand, rubber has been planted by smallholders for three successive rotations lasting a total of 75 years. Despite possible consequences on topsoil, the long‐term impacts of repeated rubber plantations on soil quality remain unknown. This study aims to better understand how various factors linked to long‐term rubber land use and land use change affect topsoil physico‐chemical properties and soil organic carbon (SOC) thermal stability. We focus on the effects of three factors: i. deforestation (change from forest to first rubber plantation); ii. the age of the rubber stand (immature vs. mature); and iii. long‐term rubber cultivation (first, second or third successive rotation) over a chronosequence in farmers plots. Our results show that soil was deeply degraded after deforestation to a rubber plantation. Long‐term rubber cultivation is also detrimental for the soil and has a more negative impact on soil physico‐chemical properties and carbon dynamics, than the age of the rubber stand (e.g., on average, decrease of 50% of SOC content between forest and third rotation). At the third rotation, after 50 years of rubber cultivation, the quality of the 0–10 cm soil layer was very low, with an increase in SOC thermal stability. At this stage, logging practices upset the sustainability of the system. These impacts could be limited by less destructive practices during planting.
Evaluating the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for face and neck rejuvenation: A systematic review
Authors: Austin Grace K. , Struble Sarah L. , Quatela Vito C.
Published: December 2021

Background

Radiofrequency technology has emerged as a treatment for aesthetic rejuvenation.

Objective

To examine radiofrequency for facial and neck rejuvenation, clinical studies were assessed on effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency for acne, acne scars, and facial aging by subjective and objective measures.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed. Eligibility criteria included articles in English, primary literature, clinical or ex vivo studies, use of radiofrequency, and face or neck treatment. Ablative techniques, home‐use devices, combined modalities, and studies unrelated to rejuvenation were excluded. All studies were appraised for quality and biases.

Results

We identified 121 articles. Radiofrequency effectively treated acne by reducing sebum levels and lesion count and improving acne scars. Radiofrequency demonstrated a volumetric reduction in facial fat, and improved skin laxity, elasticity, and global skin aesthetic. Patient satisfaction was higher for those desiring modest rejuvenation. There were histological changes consistent with repair response, neocollagenesis, and neoelastinogenesis. Radiofrequency was safe apart from one patient who developed a neck fistula.

Conclusion

Most studies demonstrated radiofrequency treatment of acne, scars, or facial rhytids had positive subjective improvement ratings. Objective studies demonstrated reduction of acne, decreased scarring, lifting effect, improvement in elasticity and collagen, volumetric fat changes, and wrinkle reduction.
Survival Benefit of Split‐Liver Transplantation for Pediatric and Adult Candidates
Authors: Bowring Mary G. , Massie Allan B. , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Cameron Andrew M. , King Elizabeth A. , Segev Dorry L. , Mogul Douglas B.
Published: December 2021

Patient and graft survival are similar following whole‐liver transplantations (WLTs) versus split‐liver transplantations (SLTs) among pediatric and adult recipients, yet SLTs are rarely used. We sought to determine the survival benefit associated with accepting a splittable graft offer for SLT versus declining and waiting for a subsequent offer using 2010 to 2018 Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) data on 928 pediatric and 1814 adult liver transplantation candidates who were ever offered a splittable graft. We compared eventual mortality, regardless of subsequent transplants, between those patients who accepted versus declined a split liver offer with adjustments for Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease/Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores, diagnosis, and weight among pediatric candidates and matching for MELD score, height, and offer among adult candidates. Among pediatric candidates ≤7 kg, split liver offer acceptance versus decline was associated with a 63% reduction in mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.170.370.80 [P = 0.01]; 93.1% versus 84.0% 1‐year survival after decision). Within 1 year of decline for those ≤7 kg, 6.4% died and 31.1% received a WLT. Among pediatric candidates >7 kg, there was no significant difference associated with acceptance of a split liver offer (aHR, 0.631.071.82 [P = 0.81]; 91.7% versus 94.4% 1‐year survival after decision). Within 1 year of decline for those >7 kg, 1.8% died and 45.8% received a WLT. Among adult candidates, split liver offer acceptance was associated with a 43% reduction in mortality (aHR, 0.390.570.83 [P = 0.005]; 92.2% versus 84.4% 1‐year survival after decision). Within 1 year of decline for adult candidates, 7.9% died and 39.3% received a WLT. Accepting split liver offers for SLT could significantly improve survival for small children and adults on the waiting list.
Adaptive configurational force‐based propagation for brittle and fatigue crack analysis
Authors: Bird Robert , Coombs William M. , Giani Stefano
Published: December 2021

This article presents a ‐adaptive crack propagation method for highly accurate 2D crack propagation paths which requires no a priori knowledge of the tip solution. The propagation method is designed to be simple to implement, only ‐adaptivity is required, with the propagation step size independent of the initial mesh allowing users to obtain high fidelity crack path predictions for domains containing multiple cracks propagating at different rates. The proposed method also includes a crack path derefinement scheme, where elements away from the crack tip are derefined whilst elements close to the crack tip are small so capture the fidelity of the crack path. The result is that the propagation of cracks over an increasingly larger distances has negligible increased computational effort and effect on the propagation path prediction. The linear elastic problem is solved using the hp discontinuous Galerkin symmetric interior penalty finite element method, which is post‐processed to obtain the configurational force at each tip to a user defined accuracy. Several numerical examples are used to demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and capability of the method. Due to the method's high accuracy crack path solutions of benchmark problems that are prolifically used in the literature are challenged.
Fluorescence Sensing Performance of Carbon Dots of Functionalization toward Sunset Yellow
Authors: Xu Jinxia , Sun Jingru , Yan Fanyong , Zhang Hao , Ma Ran , Zang Yueyan , Guan Shan , Wang Xiang
Published: December 2021

Sunset yellow (FCF), a commonly used food additive, can brighten foods, but the improper amount of addition can also cause various diseases. Herein, the fluorescence sensor CDs‐PTD for detecting FCF is synthesized by functionalizing carbon dots (CDs) with 3,4,9,10‐pertetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTD). The prepared CDs‐PTD shows excitation‐independent fluorescence behavior with maximum fluorescence emission at 553 nm under 490 nm excitation and high quantum yields (21.4%). With the presence of FCF, the fluorescence of the sensor is quenched due to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The CDs‐PTD exhibits excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward FCF in the range of 0–180 × 10−6 m with a low detection limit of 106.8 × 10−9 m. In addition, the sensor is applied to the detection of FCF in beverage samples with recoveries ranging from 97% to 106%. And a portable CDs‐PTD/agarose gel reagent strip is prepared for the assessment of FCF content within 15 min. The CDs‐PTD can be an ideal sensor for detecting FCF in food, and provides a new idea for the detection of food additives.
Structure of the human Ccr4‐Not nuclease module using X‐ray crystallography and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy distance measurements
Authors: Zhang Qionglin , Pavanello Lorenzo , Potapov Alexey , Bartlam Mark , Winkler Gerlof Sebastiaan
Published: December 2021

Regulated degradation of mature, cytoplasmic mRNA is a key step in eukaryotic gene regulation. This process is typically initiated by the recruitment of deadenylase enzymes by cis‐acting elements in the 3' untranslated region resulting in the shortening and removal of the 3′ poly(A) tail of the target mRNA. The Ccr4‐Not complex, a major eukaryotic deadenylase, contains two exoribonuclease subunits with selectivity toward poly(A): Caf1 and Ccr4. The Caf1 deadenylase subunit binds the MIF4G domain of the large subunit CNOT1 (Not1) that is the scaffold of the complex. The Ccr4 nuclease is connected to the complex via its leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain, which binds Caf1, whereas the catalytic activity of Ccr4 is provided by its EEP domain. While the relative positions of the MIF4G domain of CNOT1, the Caf1 subunit, and the LRR domain of Ccr4 are clearly defined in current models, the position of the EEP nuclease domain of Ccr4 is ambiguous. Here, we use X‐ray crystallography, the AlphaFold resource of predicted protein structures, and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine and validate the position of the EEP nuclease domain of Ccr4 resulting in an improved model of the human Ccr4‐Not nuclease module.
Slow resistance evolution to neonicotinoids in field populations of wheat aphids revealed by insecticide resistance monitoring in China
Authors: Xu Tianyang , Zhang Shuai , Liu Yi , Ma Lan , Li Xiaoqian , Zhang Yaxin , Fan Yinjun , Song DunLun , Gao Xiwu
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

The wheat aphids, Rhopalosiphum padi and Sitobion miscanthi, are serious agricultural insect pests of many crops. Neonicotinoid insecticides are commonly used as alternatives to organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides for controlling wheat aphids.

RESULTS

Long‐term monitoring of resistance to imidacloprid and acetamiprid in R. padi and S. miscanthi was carried out between 2007 and 2019. For this study, 344 specimens of the two wheat aphids were collected from field populations found in the main wheat production areas in China, from 2007 to 2019. In R. padi, the fluctuation in resistance was 14.7 times for imidacloprid and 1.4 times for acetamiprid; in S. miscanthi, it was 9.7 times for imidacloprid and 6.5 times for acetamiprid.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that both R. padi and S. miscanthi tended to have higher resistance to imidacloprid compared with acetamiprid. However, it is difficult for wheat aphids to develop a high level of neonicotinoid resistance given the pest control practices used in China. These results should be useful for the biorational application and resistance management of neonicotinoid insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Opting out of neighbourhood schools: The role of local education markets in student mobility
Authors: Scandurra Rosario , Zancajo Adrián , Bonal Xavier
Published: December 2021

Open enrolment policies assume that students living in disadvantaged areas can access better schools outside their neighbourhood. However, characteristics of individuals, quality of schooling and neighbourhood characteristics interact in very complex ways to produce heterogeneous patterns of school choice in local educational markets. This article analyses how the geography of educational opportunities, the socioeconomic background of students' families and the characteristics of their residential areas, impact on the travel‐to‐school distance in Barcelona. Based on a unique data set of school and student registers from Barcelona's local education authority, our study shows that distances travelled by students with the same social background vary depending on the characteristics of educational supply and the income of the neighbourhood. While socially advantaged students tend to travel longer distances than their peers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, geographical and educational factors mediate to produce high heterogeneity in mobility patterns. Our findings cast doubt on the supposed virtue of school choice to reduce education inequalities and underline the need to consider the diversity of local microeducation markets in policymaking and planning.
Exploring the impact of depopulation on a country's population geography: Lessons learned from Japan
Authors: Inoue Takashi , Koike Shiro , Yamauchi Masakazu , Ishikawa Yoshitaka
Published: December 2021

The total population of Japan reached its peak in 2008 and has since experienced population decline. This trend has had a profound effect on many of the country's spheres of activity. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively review the existing literature, mainly published since the peak year, through the perspective of the impact of Japan's depopulation on its population geography and to present future research issues based on the obtained findings. Consequently, three new research issues are presented as the lessons learned from the country. First, since the population decline of a country is a very serious problem, population geographers need to devote much more attention to this issue. Second, new analytical methods suitable for examining depopulation need to be developed carefully but actively. Third, population geographers should proactively state policy implications based on research findings associated with population decline. This is a great opportunity to improve the position of the sub‐discipline in the countries whose populations have already started or are about to decline.
Covalent Mixing in the 2D Ferromagnet CrSiTe3 Evidenced by Magnetic X‐Ray Circular Dichroism
Authors: Achinuq Barat , Fujita Ryuji , Xia Wei , Guo Yanfeng , Bencok Peter , van der Laan Gerrit , Hesjedal Thorsten
Published: December 2021

The low‐temperature electronic structure of the van der Waals ferromagnet is investigated. This ferromagnetic semiconductor has a magnetic bulk transition temperature of 33 K, which can reach up to 80 K in single‐ and few‐layer flakes. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) measurements, carried out at the Cr and Te edges in vacuo‐cleaved single crystals, give strong evidence for hybridization‐mediated superexchange between the Cr atoms. The observed chemical shift in the XAS, as well as the comparison of XMCD with the calculated Cr multiplet spectra, confirms a strong covalent bond between the Cr () and Te states. Application of the XMCD sum rules gives a nonvanishing orbital moment, supporting a partial occupation of the states, apart from . Also, the presence of a nonzero XMCD signal at the Te edge confirms a Te spin polarization due to mixing with the Cr bonding states. The results strongly suggest that superexchange, instead of the previously suggested single‐ion anisotropy, is responsible for the low‐temperature ferromagnetic ordering of 2D materials such as and . This demonstrates the interplay between electron correlation and ferromagnetism in insulating 2D materials.
Accounting for unequal cluster sizes in designing cluster randomized trials to detect treatment effect heterogeneity
Authors: Tong Guangyu , Esserman Denise , Li Fan
Published: December 2021

Unequal cluster sizes are common in cluster randomized trials (CRTs). While there are a number of previous investigations studying the impact of unequal cluster sizes on the power for testing the average treatment effect in CRTs, little is known about the impact of unequal cluster sizes on the power for testing the heterogeneous treatment effect (HTE) in CRTs. In this work, we expand the sample size procedures for studying HTE in CRTs to accommodate cluster size variation under the linear mixed model framework. Through analytical derivation and graphical exploration, we show that the sample size for the HTE with an individual‐level effect modifier is less affected by unequal cluster sizes than with a cluster‐level effect modifier. The impact of cluster size variability jointly depends on the mean and coefficient of variation of cluster sizes, covariate intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the conditional outcome ICC. In addition, we demonstrate that the HTE‐motivated analysis of covariance framework can be used for analyzing the average treatment effect, and offer a more efficient sample size procedure for studying the average treatment effect adjusting for the effect modifier. We use simulations to confirm the accuracy of the proposed sample size procedures for both the average treatment effect and HTE in CRTs. Extensions to multivariate effect modifiers are provided and our procedure is illustrated in the context of the Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders trial.
Phase‐Controlled Synthesis and Quasi‐Static Dielectric Resonances in Silver Iron Sulfide (AgFeS2) Nanocrystals
Authors: Lee Soohyung , Hoyer Chad E. , Liao Can , Li Xiaosong , Holmberg Vincent C.
Published: December 2021

Ternary metal‐chalcogenide semiconductor nanocrystals are an attractive class of materials due to their tunable optoelectronic properties that result from a wide range of compositional flexibility and structural diversity. Here, the phase‐controlled synthesis of colloidal silver iron sulfide (AgFeS2) nanocrystals is reported and their resonant light–matter interactions are investigated. The product composition can be shifted selectively from tetragonal to orthorhombic by simply adjusting the coordinating ligand concentration, while keeping the other reaction parameters unchanged. The results show that excess ligands impact precursor reactivity, and consequently the nanocrystal growth rate, thus deterministically dictating the resulting crystal structure. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the strong ultraviolet‐visible extinction peak exhibited by AgFeS2 nanocrystals is a consequence of a quasi‐static dielectric resonance (DR), analogous to the optical response observed in CuFeS2 nanocrystals. Spectroscopic studies and computational calculations confirm that a negative permittivity at ultraviolet/visible frequencies arises due to the electronic structure of these intermediate‐band (IB) semiconductor nanocrystals, resulting in a DR consisting of resonant valence‐band‐to‐intermediate‐band excitations, as opposed to the well‐known localized surface plasmon resonance response typically observed in metallic nanostructures. Overall, these results expand the current library of an underexplored class of IB semiconductors with unique optical properties, and also enrich the understanding of DRs in ternary metal‐iron‐sulfide nanomaterials.
Emerging Phases of Layered Metal Chalcogenides
Authors: Wang Ping , Yang Yang , Pan Er , Liu Fucai , Ajayan Pulickel M. , Zhou Jiadong , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2021

Layered metal chalcogenides, as a “rich” family of 2D materials, have attracted increasing research interest due to the abundant choices of materials with diverse structures and rich electronic characteristics. Although the common metal chalcogenide phases such as 2H and 1T have been intensively studied, many other unusual phases are rarely explored, and some of these show fascinating behaviors including superconductivity, ferroelectrics, ferromagnetism, etc. From this perspective, the unusual phases of metal chalcogenides and their characteristics, as well as potential applications are introduced. First, the unusual phases of metal chalcogenides from different classes, including transition metal dichalcogenides, magnetic element‐based chalcogenides, and metal phosphorus chalcogenides, are discussed, respectively. Meanwhile, their excellent properties of different unusual phases are introduced. Then, the methods for producing the unusual phases are discussed, specifically, the stabilization strategies during the chemical vapor deposition process for the unusual phase growth are discussed, followed by an outlook and discussions on how to prepare the unusual phase metal dichalcogenides in terms of synthetic methodology and potential applications.
Halide Perovskite Nanocrystal‐Enabled Stabilization of Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanosheets
Authors: Lee Hyeokjung , Han Hyowon , Park Chanho , Oh Jin Woo , Kim Hong Hee , Kim Sohee , Koo Min , Choi Won Kook , Park Cheolmin
Published: December 2021

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets exfoliated in the liquid phase are of significant interest owing to their potential for scalable and flexible photoelectronic applications. Although various dispersants such as surfactants, oligomers, and polymers are used to obtain highly exfoliated TMD nanosheets, most of them are electrically insulating and need to be removed; otherwise, the photoelectric properties of the TMD nanosheets degrade. Here, inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) of CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, or I) are presented as non‐destructive dispersants capable of dispersing TMD nanosheets in the liquid phase and enhancing the photodetection properties of the nanosheets, thus eliminating the need to remove the dispersant. MoSe2 nanosheets dispersed in the liquid phase are adsorbed with CsPbCl3 NCs. The CsPbCl3 nanocrystals on MoSe2 efficiently withdraw electrons from the nanosheets, and suppress the dark current of the MoSe2 nanosheets, leading to flexible near‐infrared MoSe2 photodetectors with a high ON/OFF photocurrent ratio and detectivity. Moreover, lanthanide ion‐doped CsPbCl3 NCs enhance the ON/OFF current ratio to >106. Meanwhile, the dispersion stability of the MoSe2 nanosheets exfoliated with the perovskite NCs is sufficiently high.
Multi‐Emission from Single Metal–Organic Frameworks under Single Excitation
Authors: Yin Hua‐Qing , Yin Xue‐Bo
Published: December 2021

Multi‐emission materials have come to prominent attention ascribed to their extended applications other than single‐emission ones. General and robust design strategies of a single matrix with multi‐emission under single excitation are urgently required. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials prepared with organic ligands and metal nodes. The variety of metal nodes and ligands makes MOFs with great superiority as multi‐emission matrices. Guest species encapsulated into the channels or pores of MOFs are the additional emission sites for multi‐emission. In this review, multi‐emission MOFs according to the different excitation sites are summarized and classified. The emission mechanisms are discussed, such as antenna effect, excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and tautomerism for dual‐emission. The factors that affect the emissions are revealed, including ligand–metal energy transfer and host–guest interaction, etc. Multi‐emission MOFs could be predictably designed and prepared, once the emissive factors are controlled rationally in combination with the different multi‐emission mechanisms. Correspondingly, new and practical applications are realized, including but not limited to ratiometric/multi‐target sensing and bioimaging, white light–emitting diodes, and anti‐counterfeiting. The design strategies of multi‐emission MOFs and their extensive applications are reviewed. The results will shed light on other multi‐emission systems to develop the structure‐derived functionality and applications.
High Oxide‐Ion Conductivity in a Hexagonal Perovskite‐Related Oxide Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 with Cation Site Preference and Interstitial Oxide Ions
Authors: Murakami Taito , Shibata Toshiya , Yasui Yuta , Fujii Kotaro , Hester James R. , Yashima Masatomo
Published: December 2021

Solid oxide‐ion conductors are crucial for enabling clean and efficient energy devices such as solid oxide fuel cells. Hexagonal perovskite‐related oxides have been placed at the forefront of high‐performance oxide‐ion conductors, with Ba7Nb4−xMo1+xO20+x/2 (x = 0−0.1) being an archetypal example. Herein, high oxide‐ion conductivity and stability under reducing conditions in Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 are reported by investigating the solid solutions Ba7Ta4–xMo1+xO20+x/2 (x = 0.2−0.7). Neutron diffraction indicates a large number of interstitial oxide ions in Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15, leading to a high level of oxide‐ion conductivity (e.g., 1.08 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 377 °C). The conductivity of Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 is higher than that of Ba7Nb4MoO20 and conventional yttria‐stabilized zirconia. In contrast to Ba7Nb4−xMo1+xO20+x/2 (x = 0−0.1), the oxide‐ion conduction in Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 is dominant even in highly reducing atmospheres (e.g., oxygen partial pressure of 1.6 × 10−24 atm at 909 °C). From structural analyses of the synchrotron X‐ray diffraction data for Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15, contrasting X‐ray scattering powers of Ta5+ and Mo6+ allow identification of the preferential occupation of Mo6+ adjacent to the intrinsically oxygen‐deficient layers, as supported by DFT calculations. The high conductivity and chemical and electrical stability in Ba7Ta3.7Mo1.3O20.15 provide a strategy for the development of solid electrolytes based on hexagonal perovskite‐related oxides.
Less‐Energy Consumed Hydrogen Evolution Coupled with Electrocatalytic Removal of Ethanolamine Pollutant in Saline Water over Ni@Ni3S2/CNT Nano‐Heterostructured Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zhao Bin , Liu Jianwen , Feng Renfei , Wang Lei , Zhang Jiujun , Luo Jing‐Li , Fu Xian‐Zhu
Published: December 2021

Energy crises, environmental pollution, and freshwater deficiency are critical issues on the planet. Electrolytic hydrogen generation from saline water, particularly from salt‐contained hazardous wastewater, is significant to both environment and energy concerns but still challenging due to the high energy cost, severe corrosion, and the absence of competent electrocatalysts. Herein, a novel strategy is proposed for energy‐efficient hydrogen production coupled with electro‐oxidation removal of ethanolamine pollutant in saline water. To achieve this, an active and durable heterostructured electrocatalyst is developed by in situ growing Ni@Ni3S2 core@shell nanoparticles in cross‐linked 3D carbon nanotubes’ (CNTs) network, achieving high dispersibility and metallic property, low packing density, and enriched exposed active sites to facilitate fast electron/mass diffusion. The unique Ni@Ni3S2/CNTs nano‐heterostructures are competent for long‐term stably electro‐oxidizing environmental‐unfriendly ethanolamine at a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 in saline water, which not only suppresses oxygen and chloride evolution reactions but also decreases the energy consumption to boost hydrogen production. Associated with experimental results, density functional theory studies indicate that the collaborative adsorption of electrolyte ions and ethanolamine molecules can synergistically modulate the adsorption/desorption properties of catalytic active centers on Ni@Ni3S2/CNTs surface, leading to long‐term stabilized electrocatalysis for efficient ethanolamine oxidation removal and less‐energy hydrogen simultaneous production in saline water.
Validated green micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for simultaneous determination of simvastatin and sitagliptin phosphate binary mixture in pharmaceutical formulation
Authors: Kamal Miranda F. , Morshedy Samir , Saad Dina A. , Moneeb Marwa S.
Published: December 2021

Diabetics are liable to fatal atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. It is clinically attributed to their imbalanced plasma lipoproteins. Fixed‐dose combination “polypill” of simvastatin (10 mg) and sitagliptin phosphate (100 mg) is mainly indicated for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia. Novel green micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatographic method has been developed for simultaneous determination of simvastatin and sitagliptin phosphate in binary synthetic mixtures and their pharmaceutical formulation. Separation was achieved using a deactivated fused silica capillary (50 cm effective length × 50 μm id) through a background running electrolyte of 100 mM borate buffer (pH 9.1) and 100 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate. Diode array detection was set at 238 and 210 nm for simvastatin and sitagliptin phosphate, respectively. All experimental parameters were closely varied and optimized. Both drugs declared good linearities over the range of 10–100 μg/mL. Proposed study was validated according to International Council for Harmonization guidelines. It was applied to the assay of laboratory‐made binary mixtures and marketed tablets. Electrophoretic assay was compared with a reported spectrophotometric one. Satisfactory t‐test and F‐ratio indicated insignificant differences between both methods. Moreover, it is the first capillary electrophoretic simultaneous assay for simvastatin and sitagliptin phosphate, and fits a linear correlation with the green analytical attributes.
Higher-order kinematical effects in deeply virtual Compton scattering
Authors: Guo Yuxun , Ji Xiangdong , Shiells Kyle
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We study the deeply virtual Compton scattering cross-section in twist-two generalized parton distribution (GPD) approximation, and show that different choices of light-cone vectors and gauges for the final photon polarization will lead to different higher-order kinematical corrections to the cross-section formula. The choice of light-cone vectors affects kinematic corrections at the twist-three level, accounting for the differences between the cross-section formulas in the literature. On the other hand, kinematical corrections from higher-twist GPDs should eliminate the light-cone dependence at twist three. Those light-cone dependencies are studied systematically at JLab 12 GeV and future EIC kinematics. They serve as the intrinsic systematic uncertainties in extracting the Compton form factors through the cross-section formula. More importantly, they are also necessary for understanding cross-section measurements with higher-twist precision and to reconstruct higher-order Compton form factors.
Symmetry-resolved entanglement for excited states and two entangling intervals in AdS3/CFT2
Authors: Weisenberger Konstantin , Zhao Suting , Northe Christian , Meyer René
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We test the proposal of [1] for the holographic computation of the charged moments and the resulting symmetry-resolved entanglement entropy in different excited states, as well as for two entangling intervals. Our holographic computations are performed in U(1) Chern-Simons-Einstein-Hilbert gravity, and are confirmed by independent results in a conformal field theory at large central charge. In particular, we consider two classes of excited states, corresponding to charged and uncharged conical defects in AdS3. In the conformal field theory, these states are generated by the insertion of charged and uncharged heavy operators. We employ the monodromy method to calculate the ensuing four-point function between the heavy operators and the twist fields. For the two-interval case, we derive our results on the AdS and the conformal field theory side, respectively, from the generating function method of [1], as well as the vertex operator algebra. In all cases considered, we find equipartition of entanglement between the different charge sectors. We also clarify an aspect of conformal field theories with a large central charge and $$ \hat{\mathfrak{u}}{(1)}_k $$

u
̂

1

k

Kac-Moody symmetry used in our calculations, namely the factorization of the Hilbert space into a gravitational Virasoro sector with large central charge, and a $$ \hat{\mathfrak{u}}{(1)}_k $$

u
̂

1

k

Kac-Moody sector.
Dark matter and lepton flavour phenomenology in a singlet-doublet scotogenic model
Authors: Sarazin Maud , Bernigaud Jordan , Herrmann Björn
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We study the dark matter phenomenology of scotogenic frameworks through a rather illustrative model extending the Standard Model by scalar and fermionic singlets and doublets. Such a setup is phenomenologically attractive since it provides the radiative generation of neutrino masses, while also including viable candidates for cold dark matter. We employ a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm to explore the associated parameter space in view of numerous constraints stemming from the Higgs mass, the neutrino sector, dark matter, and lepton-flavour violating processes. After a general discussion of the results, we focus on the case of fermionic dark matter, which remains rather uncovered in the literature so far. We discuss the associated phenomenology and show that in this particular case a rather specific mass spectrum is expected with fermion masses just above 1 TeV. Our study may serve as a guideline for future collider studies.
Hypertetrahedral arrangements
Authors: Colarte-Gómez Liena , Costa Laura , Marchesi Simone , Miró-Roig Rosa M. , Salat-Moltó Marti
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a complete hypertetrahedral arrangement $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
in $${\mathbb {P}}^{n}$$

P

n

. We address two basic problems. First, we describe the local freeness of $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
in terms of smaller complete hypertetrahedral arrangements and graph theory properties, specializing the Mustaţă–Schenck criterion. As an application, we obtain that general complete hypertetrahedral arrangements are not locally free. In the second part of this paper, we bound the initial degree of the first syzygy module of the Jacobian ideal of $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
.
Automatische Einkommensteuererstattungen zur Entlastung niedriger Einkommen
Authors: Hauck Tobias , Wallossek Luisa
Published: December 2021

Deutschland ist eines von mehr als 30 Ländern weltweit, in denen Beschäftigte von der Pflicht zur Abgabe einer Steuererklärung befreit sind. Diese optionale Veranlagung befreit vom Aufwand einer Steuererklärung, hat aber individuelle und verteilungspolitische Kosten, weil Nichtveranlagte häufig zu viel Lohnsteuer bezahlen. Dieser Übereinbehalt führt zu beträchtlichen Abweichungen der effektiven Steuerlast vom Steuertarif, vor allem in niedrigen Einkommensbereichen und insbesondere bei Beschäftigten mit Bruttoarbeitslöhnen unterhalb des Grundfreibetrags. Insgesamt zahlen nichtveranlagte Steuerzahler:innen deutlich zu viel Einkommensteuer — allein im Jahr 2014 mindestens 949 Mio. Euro. Eine automatische Erstattung dieses Übereinbehalts würde vor allem geringe Einkommen entlasten.
Die Konjunkturkomponente der Schuldenbremse — Spielräume und Grenzen
Authors: Korioth Stefan , Müller Michael W.
Published: December 2021

Der Beitrag diskutiert den verfassungsrechtlichen Rahmen für eine Reform der Konjunkturkomponente der grundgesetzlichen Schuldenbremse. Diese Komponente ermöglicht es, konjunkturelle Entwicklungen bei der Bestimmung der zulässigen Höhe der Staatsverschuldung zu berücksichtigen. Bei ihrer Ausgestaltung sind vielfältige Abwägungen zur Bestimmung der konjunkturellen Normallage zu treffen, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf, das Ausmaß der Teilzeitarbeit und das Renteneintrittsalter. Diese Entscheidungen sollten von der parlamentarischen Gesetzgebung getroffen werden, die dabei über einen erheblichen Gestaltungsspielraum verfügt.
Gerechtigkeit und Effizienz in der Klimapolitik
Authors: Müller-Salo Johannes , Pritzl Rupert
Published: December 2021

Die Klimapolitik sollte den Anforderungen der Gerechtigkeit ebenso wie denen der Effizienz genügen. Dabei sind die zum Einsatz kommenden Instrumente von zentralem Interesse. Jedoch werden meist lediglich die ambitionierten Klimaziele benannt. Vielmehr ist eine offene klimapolitische Diskussion bezüglich innovativer Wege, der zum Einsatz kommenden Instrumente sowie der entstehenden Kosten notwendig. Hierdurch wird auch die gesellschaftliche Akzeptanz gefördert. Zudem ist der Klimawandel ein weltweites Phänomen, weshalb der Klimaschutz nur durch internationale Kooperationen gelingen kann.
Applaus allein reicht nicht — wie können Pflegeberufe attraktiver werden?
Authors: Mann Dominik , Kuttner Sean-Pascal , Wesirow Julius Georgi , Bachmann Lukas , Körner Anna Marie , Grabbe Yannis , Rothe Laura , Schueler Lisa , Lang Julia , Fuchs Michaela
Published: December 2021

Die Sicherstellung von genügend Altenpfleger:innen stellt eine sehr große Herausforderung dar, die sich in den kommenden Jahren noch verstärken wird. Sowohl die derzeitigen Pflegekräfte in ihren Jobs zu halten als auch mehr Menschen für diesen Beruf zu gewinnen, ist daher unabdingbar für die Gewährleistung der bedarfsgerechten pflegerischen Versorgung. Einen Baustein hierfür stellt das Projekt „CarEducation“ dar, für das die Schüler:innen des Landschulheims Grovesmühle beim diesjährigen YES!-Wettbewerb mit dem „Best Scientific Analysis Award“ ausgezeichnet wurden. Es soll Schüler:innen sachlich über den Beruf informieren, Vorurteile nehmen und die Begeisterung für Pflege im Allgemeinen steigern.
Steuerehrlichkeit und Steuerlotterien
Authors: Krug Philipp , Langenmayr Dominika , Rauhut Niklas , Schmude Finn Ole , Seitz Thea , Strasoldo Douglas , Withoeft Moritz
Published: December 2021

Für die Einnahmenseite der Staatsfinanzen ist nicht die aggregierte rechnerische Steuerschuld ausschlaggebend, sondern das tatsächliche Steueraufkommen. Diese beiden Größen fallen durch die „Steuerlücke“ auseinander, die das Ausmaß an Steuerhinterziehung beschreibt. Insbesondere bei der Umsatzsteuer reduziert mangelnde Steuerehrlichkeit das Steueraufkommen vieler Staaten. Während in Deutschland z. B. die Registrierkassenpflicht und die Kassenbonpflicht als Maßnahmen eingeführt wurden, setzen andere Staaten auch auf Steuerlotterien. Solche Lotterien werden diskutiert und konkrete Ausgestaltungsvorschläge gemacht, die mithilfe moderner Technologien auch einen positiven Effekt auf die Steuermoral haben können. Das zugrundeliegende Konzept wurde von Schüler:innen der Deutschen Berufsschule Hong Kong für den Schülerwettbewerb YES! Young Economic Summit entwickelt.
Überakkumulation oder Investitionslücke?
Authors: Kellermann Kersten , Schlag Carsten-Henning
Published: December 2021

In Volkswirtschaften wie der Schweiz, Deutschland oder den USA liegt das Zinsniveau r derzeit unter der langfristigen Wachstumsrate des Bruttoinlandsprodukts n. Dies wird oftmals als Indiz für Überakkumulation interpretiert, welcher durch eine Erhöhung des schuldenfinanzierten Staatskonsums zu begegnen ist. Empirisch zeigt sich jedoch, dass trotz r < n sowohl die marginale Produktivität des privaten als auch die des öffentlichen Kapitals deutlich über dem Zinsniveau verharren. Finanzpolitisch ergeben sich damit Spielräume für mehr schuldenfinanzierte öffentliche Investitionen. Die Realisierung von Wohlfahrtsgewinnen setzt jedoch unternehmerische Kompetenz im Staatssektor und ein gutes langfristiges Schuldenmanagement voraus.
Natürliche Experimente im Arbeitsmarkt und darüber hinaus
Authors: Jäger Simon , Pischke Jörn-Steffen
Published: December 2021

Der Nobelpreis für Wirtschaftswissenschaften geht 2021 an David Card für seine empirischen Beiträge zur Arbeitsökonomik sowie an Joshua Angrist und Guido Imbens für ihre methodischen Beiträge zur Analyse kausaler Zusammenhänge. Die Analyse kausaler Zusammenhänge in der empirischen Ökonomik wurde durch die von den Preisträgern maßgeblich vorangetriebene Methodik der natürlichen Experimente revolutioniert. Anhand der Wirkung von Mindestlöhnen, Mitbestimmung und der Arbeitslosenversicherung lässt sich illustrieren, wie durch natürliche Experimente neue wissenschaftliche Einsichten erlangt werden, die eine empirische Grundlage für eine evidenzbasierte Politikberatung bilden können.
Iterative regularization for constrained minimization formulations of nonlinear inverse problems
Authors: Kaltenbacher Barbara , Van Huynh Kha
Published: December 2021

In this paper we study the formulation of inverse problems as constrained minimization problems and their iterative solution by gradient or Newton type methods. We carry out a convergence analysis in the sense of regularization methods and discuss applicability to the problem of identifying the spatially varying diffusivity in an elliptic PDE from different sets of observations. Among these is a novel hybrid imaging technology known as impedance acoustic tomography, for which we provide numerical experiments.
New binary self-dual codes of lengths 80, 84 and 96 from composite matrices
Authors: Gildea Joe , Korban Adrian , Roberts Adam Michael
Published: December 2021

In this work, we apply the idea of composite matrices arising from group rings to derive a number of different techniques for constructing self-dual codes over finite commutative Frobenius rings. By applying these techniques over different alphabets, we construct best known singly-even binary self-dual codes of lengths 80, 84 and 96 as well as doubly-even binary self-dual codes of length 96 that were not known in the literature before.
Rising markups and optimal redistributive taxation
Authors: Gürer Eren
Published: December 2021

This study explores the implications of rising markups for optimal Mirrleesian income and profit taxation. Using a stylized model with two individuals, the main forces shaping welfare-optimal policies are analytically characterized. Although a higher profit tax has redistributive benefits, it adversely affects market competition, leading to a greater equilibrium cost-of-living. Rising markups directly contribute to a decline in optimal marginal taxes on labor income. The optimal policy response to higher markups includes increasingly relying on the profit tax to fund redistribution. Declining optimal marginal income taxes assists the redistributive function of the profit tax by contributing to the expansion of the profit tax base. This response alone considerably increases the equilibrium cost-of-living. Nevertheless, a majority of the individuals become better off with the optimal policy. If it is not possible to tax profits optimally, due, for example, to profit shifting, increasing redistribution via income taxes is not optimal; every individual is worse off relative to the scenario with optimal profit taxation.
Gut microbiome in hemodialysis patients treated with calcium acetate or treated with sucroferric oxyhydroxide: a pilot study
Authors: Merino-Ribas Ana , Araujo Ricardo , Bancu Ioana , Graterol Fredzzia , Vergara Andrea , Noguera-Julian Marc , Paredes Roger , Bonal Jordi , Sampaio-Maia Benedita
Published: December 2021

Purpose

It has been proved that the gut microbiome is altered in patients with chronic kidney disease. This contributes to chronic inflammation and increases cardiovascular risk and mortality, especially in those undergoing hemodialysis. Phosphate binders may potentially induce changes in their microbiome. This trial aimed to compare the changes in the gut microbiome of hemodialysis patients treated with calcium acetate to those treated with sucroferric oxyhydroxide.

Methods

Twelve hemodialysis patients were distributed to receive calcium acetate or sucroferric oxyhydroxide for 5 months. Blood samples (for biochemical analysis) and stool samples (for microbiome analysis) were collected at baseline, 4, 12, and 20 weeks after treatment initiation. Fecal DNA was extracted and a 16S rRNA sequencing library was constructed targeting the V3 and V4 hypervariable regions.

Results

Regarding clinical variables and laboratory parameters, no statistically significant differences were observed between calcium acetate or sucroferric oxyhydroxide groups. When analyzing stool samples, we found that all patients were different (p = 0.001) among themselves and these differences were kept along the 20 weeks of treatment. The clustering analysis in microbial profiles grouped the samples of the same patient independently of the treatment followed and the stage of the treatment.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a 5-month treatment with either calcium acetate or sucroferric oxyhydroxide did not modify baseline diversity or baseline bacterial composition in hemodialysis patients, also about the high-variability profiles of the gut microbiome found among these patients.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Individuals Living In Households with Depression: Evidence from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP)
Authors: Dams Judith , Grochtdreis Thomas , König Hans-Helmut
Published: December 2021

Depression contributes to disability more than any other mental disorder and is associated with a reduced health-related quality of life. However, the impact of depression on the social environment is relatively unknown. The current study determined differences in the health-related quality of life between co-living household members of depressed persons and persons in households without depression. Furthermore, factors influencing the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons were evaluated. Using a sample of the German Socio-Economic Panel, health-related quality of life was measured longitudinally with the 12 item Short Form health survey. In addition to descriptive statistics, differences in health-related quality of life and factors influencing the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons were determined by mixed effects beta regressions. Mental health-related quality of life was reduced for co-living household members of depressed persons compared with persons of households without depressed persons. Health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons was lower for women compared to men as well as for widowed persons compared to married persons. Overall, the health-related quality of life of co-living household members of depressed persons was reduced, which might be due to increased stress levels. It is therefore important to focus on support services for people in the social environment of depressed persons.