bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of three model output statistics approaches for the bias correction of simulated soil moisture
Authors: Yang Yang , Turner Richard , Carey‐Smith Trevor , Uddstrom Michael
Published: December 2020

Errors in the physics schemes and parameters of a land surface model can lead to large errors/bias in simulated soil moisture. In addition, large bias in simulated soil moisture may be caused by soil lateral water flow that is not described in a land surface model. In the present study, three model output statistics (MOS) approaches (a linear regression based MOS, a rescaling based MOS and a cumulative distribution function matching based MOS) are proposed to correct these biases and errors at stations that have soil moisture observations. Results show that the biases/errors in simulated soil moisture were significantly corrected by the three MOS approaches. The best performance was obtained for the linear regression MOS model consisting of four separate linear regression MOS models for different seasons throughout the year (MOS‐SN). However, for the linear regression MOS and the rescaling MOS, a few months' data may also be used for MOS correction when the same seasonal period is used for both model fitting and prediction. With respect to goodness of fit and performance, the linear regression MOS model is better than the rescaling MOS model, and the MOS‐SN is slightly better than the nonlinear cumulative distribution function matching approach. For sites where soil moisture observations are much shorter, or more intermittent, than meteorological observations, the linear regression MOS approaches can be used to reconstruct missing historic soil moisture data. All MOS approaches can also be used to correct the errors/bias in forecast soil moisture from weather or climate models at sites with soil moisture observations.
Weak solutions of the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system with external currents
Authors: Weber Jörg
Published: December 2020

The time evolution of a collisionless plasma is modeled by the relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system which couples the Vlasov equation (the transport equation) with the Maxwell equations of electrodynamics. We consider the case that the plasma consists of N particle species, the particles are located in a bounded container
, and are subject to boundary conditions on ∂Ω. Furthermore, there are external currents, typically in the exterior of the container, that may serve as a control of the plasma if adjusted suitably. We do not impose perfect conductor boundary conditions for the electromagnetic fields but consider the fields as functions on whole space
and model objects, that are placed in space, via given matrix‐valued functions ε (the permittivity) and μ (the permeability). A weak solution concept is introduced and existence of global‐in‐time solutions is proved, as well as the redundancy of the divergence part of the Maxwell equations in this weak solution concept.
Interindividual Differences in Human In Vitro Intestinal Microbial Conversion of Green Tea (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐Gallate and Consequences for Activation of Nrf2 Mediated Gene Expression
Authors: Liu Chen , Vervoort Jacques , van den Elzen Joris , Beekmann Karsten , Baccaro Marta , de Haan Laura , Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M.
Published: December 2020

Scope

An in vitro faecal incubation model combined with reporter gene assay based testing strategy is developed to characterize interindividual differences in the gut microbial conversion of (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG) and its consequences for potential activation of Nrf2‐mediated gene expression.

Method & Results

Anaerobic human faecal incubations are performed to characterize the microbial metabolism of EGCG including interindividual variability. EGCG derived intestinal microbial metabolite patterns show substantial interindividual differences that are correlated to relative microbial abundances determined by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results obtained show the time‐dependent formation of gallic acid, pyrogallol, phenylpropane‐2‐ols, phenyl‐γ‐valerolactones, and 5‐(3′,5′‐dihydroxyphenyl)valeric acid as the major metabolites, with substantial interindividual differences. The activity of the formed metabolites in the activation of EpRE‐mediated gene expression is tested by EpRE‐LUX reporter gene assay. In contrast to EGCG, at low micromolar concentrations, especially gallic acid, pyrogallol, and catechol induce significant activity in the EpRE‐LUX assay.

Conclusions

Given these results and taking the level of formation into account, it is concluded that especially gallic acid and pyrogallol contribute to the EpRE‐mediated beneficial effects of EGCG. The interindividual differences in the formation may result in interindividual differences in the beneficial effects of EGCG and green tea consumption.
One‐minute whole‐brain magnetization transfer ratio imaging with intrinsic B1‐correction
Authors: Afshari Roya , Santini Francesco , Heule Rahel , Meyer Craig H. , Pfeuffer Josef , Bieri Oliver
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) histograms are used widely for the assessment of diffuse pathological changes in the brain. For broad clinical application, MTR scans should not only be fast, but confounding factors should also be minimized for high reproducibility. To this end, a 1‐minute whole‐brain spiral MTR method with intrinsic B1‐field correction is introduced.

Methods

A spiral multislice spoiled gradient‐echo sequence with adaptable magnetization‐transfer saturation pulses (angle β) is proposed. After a low‐resolution single‐shot spiral readout and a dummy preparation period, high‐resolution images are acquired using an interleaved spiral readout. For whole‐brain MTR imaging, 50 interleaved slices with three different magnetization‐transfer contrasts (β = 0°, 350°, and 550°) together with an intrinsic B1‐field map are recorded in 58.5 seconds on a clinical 3T system. From the three contrasts, two sets of MTR images are derived and used for subsequent B1 correction, assuming a linear dependency on β. For validation, a binary spin bath model is used.

Results

For the proposed B1‐correction scheme, numerical simulations indicate for brain tissue a decrease of about a factor of 10 for the B1‐related bias on MTR. As a result, following B1 correction, MTR differences in gray and white matter become markedly accentuated, and the reproducibility of MTR histograms from scan–rescan experiments is improved. Furthermore, B1‐corrected MTR histograms show a lower variability for age‐matched normal‐appearing brain tissue.

Conclusion

From its speed and offering intrinsic B1 correction, the proposed method shows excellent prospects for clinical studies that explore magnetization‐transfer effects based on MTR histogram analysis.
Asymptomatic pleural thickening with effusion as the only manifestation of IgG4‐related disease
Authors: Kolekar Shailesh , Fjaellegaard Katrine , Petersen Jesper Koefod , Olsen Karen Ege , Clementsen Paul Frost , Bodtger Uffe
Published: December 2020

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related disease is a systemic fibroinflammatory disorder that can affect almost any tissue. Isolated IgG4 pleural disease is a rare manifestation and, when present, is usually described in patients presenting with dyspnoea. We present a case of asymptomatic isolated IgG4 pleural effusion and highlight that IgG4‐related disease should be remembered as a differential diagnosis in patients with pleural effusion and pleural thickening, even if asymptomatic and without any other organ involvement.
Greener and Additive‐Free Ring Opening of Epoxides by All‐in‐One Choline Systems
Authors: Shahiri‐Haghayegh Mehran , Azizi Najmedin , Heidarzadeh Fatemeh
Published: December 2020

Adaptation of all‐in‐one ionic systems with ionic liquids (ILs) serving as solvent, reactant, and catalyst is an innovative approach in the organic synthesis. Mild and bio clean choline based ILs as all‐in‐one systems (solvent, reagent, and catalyst) were developed via a simple metathesis approach and were applied on the ring‐opening reaction of epoxides. Sustained transformation of various epoxides using choline cyanide, azide, and hydroxide ILs delivered a neat, efficient and convenient protocol for the synthesis of β‐substituted alcohols in moderate to high yields (64‐97 %) with excellent activity and selectivity as confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic data.
Towards Point of Care Diagnostics: Visual Detection of Meningitis Pathogens Directly from Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Kovtunov Evgeny A. , Shkodenko Liubov A. , Goncharova Ekaterina A. , Nedorezova Daria D. , Sidorenko Sergey V. , Koshel Elena I. , Kolpashchikov Dmitry M.
Published: December 2020

Rapid and cost‐efficient methods for diagnostics of infectious diseases can expedite prescription of adequate treatment, thus shortening the patients’ recovery and reducing adverse side effects. In this study, we developed a procedure for visual detection of bacterial pathogens Gram‐negative Neisseria meningitidis and Gram‐positive Streptococcus pneumoniae directly from human samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The assay uses hybridization probes that can efficiently recognize folded single‐stranded DNA analytes due to their split design. The assay includes the following stages: PCR amplification of N. meningitidis and S. pneumoniae targeted sequences; λ exonuclease treatment of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons, and detection of the amplicons by hybridization probes with visual signal output. The assay requires 2.0 h with hands‐on time of about 40 min, and a regular PCR thermal cycler. It detects down to 10 bacteria in 2 μL of cerebrospinal fluid. The assay works for both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria and does not require optimization of PCR conditions. This development creates a basis for the point‐of‐care diagnostics of bacterial meningitis with visual signal output.
Sulfuration‐Triggered Radical Cyclization of o‐Cyanoarylacrylamides to 3‐Thiomethylated Quinoline‐2,4‐dione
Authors: Yin Zizhen , Yu Yingjie , Li Chunxiang , Mei Haibo , Zhu Kai , Han Jianlin
Published: December 2020

A radical cascade sulfuration/cyclization of o‐cyanoarylacrylamides with dicumyl peroxide as an oxidant and thiols as coupling partners has been developed. This reaction was conducted under simple conditions and showed wide substrate scope, affording the corresponding products in good chemical yields. This work provides a new and efficient strategy for the preparation of 3‐thiomethylated quinoline‐2,4‐diones.
3,4‐Dinitrofurazan: Structural Nonequivalence of ortho‐Nitro Groups as a Key Feature of the Crystal Structure and Density
Authors: Suponitsky Kyrill Y. , Smol'yakov Alexander F. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Khakhalev Artem V. , Gidaspov Alexander A. , Sheremetev Aleksei B.
Published: December 2020

Being a liquid at room temperature, the crystalline form of 3,4‐dinitrofurazan (DNF) has long been the subject of theoretical predictions. Its detonation performance in the solid state was calculated based on very high crystal density (1.89–2.02 g/cm3) predicted by different theoretical schemes. Using zone melting technique, we were able to grow a DNF single crystal of suitable quality for X‐ray diffraction study. The experimental density was found to be 1.917 g/cm3 at 100 K, which corresponds to 1.85 g/cm3 at room temperature, that is lower than erlier predictions. We found that the ortho‐nitro groups of DNF are not equivalent and behave differently upon the crystal structure formation, which was not taken into account in the theoretical estimates carried out earlier. It has now been shown that using the ΔOED‐based densification approach, this “ortho‐effect” can be clarified and quantified. The observed effect is probably characteristic of all polynitro compounds, where nitro groups are brought together, and should be kept in mind when constructing high density materials.
Pyrazole‐Enaminones as Promising Prototypes for the Development of Analgesic Drugs
Authors: Moraes Paulo A. , Brum Evelyne S. , Brusco Indiara , Marangoni Mário A. , Lobo Marcio M. , Camargo Adriano F. , Nogara Pablo A. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Martins Marcos A. P. , Da Rocha João Batista T. , Oliveira Sara M. , Zanatta Nilo
Published: December 2020

This study reports the chemo‐ and regioselective synthesis, at good yields, of (E)‐4‐(amino)‐1,1,1‐trifluoro‐5‐(4,5‐alkyl‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pent‐3‐en‐2‐ones (pyrazole‐enaminones), from the ofN‐alkylation reaction of trifluoromethyl pyrazoles with 5‐bromo enaminones. The obtained compounds were tested as potential analgesics in a screening test involving mice. Three of these compounds significantly reduced the spontaneous nociception induced by the application of capsaicin, which is an algogenic substance. Compound5 gpresented satisfactory antinociceptive activity compared to celecoxib, a drug used as a positive control, without promoting locomotor changes in the mice. Moreover, molecular modeling simulations showed that compound5 ginteracts with the cyclooxygenase enzyme at the same binding site as celecoxib. Together, our data suggest that compound5 gis a promising prototype for the development of new analgesic drugs.
Comparison of Starch Characteristics from Pigmented and Non‐Pigmented Sorghum Cultivars before and after Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Jaiswal Vivek , Rawat Kauslesh Pan Singh , Gupta Arijit Dutta , Bhadauria Vivek , Chavan Uttam , Kalita Dipankar , Singh Harinder
Published: December 2020

Starch is extracted from the seeds of a pigmented (Phule Rohini) and a non‐pigmented (Phule Maldandi) Indian sorghum cultivar using same wet milling method for both cultivars. This study is focused on investigation of the effect of the pigment on starch characteristics. Isolated starches differing in color are irradiated with an electron beam dose of 5 kGy and compared by measuring physicochemical, structural, pasting, and digestibility properties. Amylose content increases after irradiation and the increase is greater in the case of Phule Maldandi starch. The pigmented starch shows higher carboxyl content after irradiation which may be due to higher amylopectin content. Granular morphology remains constant after irradiation. Irradiation causes a decrease in swelling power and an increase in pasting viscosity of both starches. Color content of red sorghum starch is not changed significantly after irradiation. The increase in pasting viscosity and solubility of non‐pigmented starch is more drastic in nonpigmented starch than in pigmented starch after irradiation. Resistant starch decreases after irradiation which indicates opening up of granular structure or hydrolytic action of irradiation. Pigmented starch can have potential applications in custard powder and bakery products.
A wavelet‐based approach for describing the mechanical behaviour of cellular beams
Authors: Rajana Komal , Alonso‐Rodríguez Andrés , Tsavdaridis Konstantinos Daniel
Published: December 2020

This paper describes how a wavelet model comprised of a linear combination of sine terms is capable of representing the cross‐section inertia variation along the length of cellular beams. This allows the efficient computation of deflections of cellular beams when these are deployed as a part of steel‐concrete composite flooring systems. This method does not involve purely statistical approaches or piece‐wise integration of moment‐curvature relationships that lead to cumbersome matrix approaches and complicate the assessment of deflections. Despite its simplicity, the proposed approach is found to be reliable as it successfully predicts displacements obtained through finite element model representations of more than 260 cases with errors smaller than ±5 %. Furthermore, the proposed analytical description of cross‐section inertia along the beam length is defined by only three parameters that can be inferred through linear expressions considering the geometrical characteristics of a perforated beam, namely, the ratio of flange to web thickness, the second moment of inertia of the steel beam and the ratio between beam length and depth, making it easy for widespread application by practitioners.
An evaluation of the optimality of frequent verification for vertically integrated systems
Authors: Kulkarni Aditya U. , Salado Alejandro , Xu Peng , Wernz Christian
Published: December 2020

Verification activities, such as inspection, testing, analysis, and demonstration, improve one's confidence in the system meeting the system requirements during the development process. Frequent verification is often advocated as a strategy that minimizes costs of rework over the entire design process, where frequent verification involves verifying after any change in the design. However, this strategy is yet to be validated. In this paper, we develop a belief‐based model of verification in systems design to determine the conditions under which frequent verification is an optimal strategy for a vertically integrated organization. Our model uses belief distributions to capture the organization's dynamic confidence in the system design meeting a requirement of interest during the development process. It also captures the organization's dynamic confidence in the correctness of its development activities (or design process) as a function of past verification activities and current system maturity. The analysis of our model shows that frequent verification is a cost‐minimizing strategy for any level of belief in satisfying the requirement only when the organization has high confidence in the correctness of its design activities and the expected cost to rework a faulty design is greater than the costs to set up the verification activities throughout the development process. Otherwise, strategies with infrequent verification are superior. Our work contributes to the growing body of literature on the theoretical foundations of systems engineering and engineering design and seeks to provide practitioners with a means to determine optimal verification strategies.
Quantification of hydraulic redistribution in maize roots using neutron radiography
Authors: Hayat Faisal , Zarebanadkouki Mohsen , Ahmed Mutez Ali , Buecherl Thomas , Carminati Andrea
Published: December 2020

Plants redistribute water from wet to dry soil layers through their roots, in the process called hydraulic redistribution. Although the relevance and occurrence of this process are well accepted, resolving the spatial distribution of hydraulic redistribution remains challenging. Here, we show how to use neutron radiography to quantify the rate of water efflux from the roots to the soil. Maize (Zea mays L.) plants were grown in a sandy substrate 40 cm deep. Deuterated water (D2O) was injected in the bottom wet compartment, and its transport through the roots to the top dry soil was imaged using neutron radiography. A diffusion–convection model was used to simulate the transport of D2O in soil and root and inversely estimate the convective fluxes. Overnight, D2O appeared in nodal and lateral roots in the top compartment. By inverse modeling, we estimated an efflux from lateral roots into the dry soil equal to jr = 2.35 × 10−7 cm−1. A significant fraction of the redistributed water flew toward the tips of nodal roots (3.85 × 10−8 cm3 s−1 per root) to sustain their growth. The efflux from nodal roots depended on the roots’ length and growth rate. In summary, neutron imaging was successfully used to quantify hydraulic redistribution. A numerical model was needed to differentiate the effects of diffusion and convection. The highly resolved images showed the spatial heterogeneity of hydraulic redistribution.
Biofiltration for treatment of recent emerging contaminants in water: Current and future perspectives
Authors: Thuptimdang Pumis , Siripattanakul‐Ratpukdi Sumana , Ratpukdi Thunyalux , Youngwilai Atcharaporn , Khan Eakalak
Published: December 2020

This review article discusses the current state of knowledge on water treatment and reuse by biofiltration systems focusing on biologically enhanced activated carbon (BAC) process. First, the applications of BAC in water treatment systems are overviewed, and then, the mechanisms for both biofilm formation and contaminant treatment are discussed along with the operational parameters influencing the performance of BAC process. Since contaminant removal by BAC is governed by adsorption and biodegradation, both processes are reviewed in relation to the treatment mechanisms. Information on removal of recent emerging contaminants including nitrogenous and unregulated disinfection by‐products (DBPs) and their precursors, poly‐ and perfluorofluoroalkyl substances, nanoparticles, and plasticizers and microplastics by BAC is given along with suggestions for treatment improvements and future research. The uniqueness of this review includes insights on relevant biofilm aspects and the coverage on the abilities of BAC for treatment of recent and less common emerging contaminants especially unregulated DBPs and their precursors, nanoparticles, and plasticizers and microplastics. For future BAC studies, recommendations are proposed on exploring the biofilm development on media and recent emerging contaminants as co‐contaminants, as well as developing novel supporting materials such as biochar.

Practitioner points

The amount and the physiology and physical structure of biofilm affect the treatment efficiency of biological activated carbon.

Biological activated carbon is capable of removing a majority of nitrogenous and unregulated disinfection by‐products.

Whether and how biological activated carbon is impacted by and/or can remove nanoparticles, and plasticizers and microplastics remain largely unknown.

Future work on biological activated carbon should focus on biofilm evolution and control, and novel support materials.
Vorgehen
Authors: Reuter Britta
Published: December 2020

Das Ziel der Arbeit ist, unter Nutzung der Technikfolgenabschätzung (TFA) als theoretischem Fundament, einen wissenschaftlichen Beitrag zur Untersuchung der Öffnung des öffentlichen Einkaufs im Unterschwellenbereich zu leisten. Entlang von insgesamt 11 Kapiteln kommt ein Methodenmix bestehend aus Literaturauswertung, Online-Befragung, Portalanalyse und vergleichender Analyse internationaler Best Practices zum Einsatz. Da es sich um ein Nischenthema an der Schnittstelle zwischen Verwaltungsinformatik, Wirtschaftsinformatik, Public Management und Vergaberecht handelt, wird einerseits auf bestehende Informationen im Rahmen der Literaturauswertung und Best Practices zurückgegriffen, andererseits werden auch neue Daten in Form der Online-Befragung und Portalanalyse erzeugt.
Risikowahrnehmung und Informationsverhalten von Meinungsführenden im Lebensmittelbereich
Authors: Lindemann Ann-Kathrin , Jungnickel Katrin , Böl Gaby-Fleur
Published: December 2020

Meinungsführer*innen sind Personen, die in ihrem sozialen Umfeld die Meinungen, Einstellungen oder das Verhalten von anderen Personen beeinflussen können. Sie können insbesondere in sozialen Netzwerken im Internet auch größere Zielgruppen erreichen und stellen deshalb eine zentrale Zielgruppe für die Risikokommunikation dar. Eine wichtige Voraussetzung für eine gelungene Risikokommunikation ist eine genaue Kenntnis der Risikowahrnehmung der entsprechenden Zielgruppe, um diese bei der Entwicklung von Kommunikationsmaßnahmen berücksichtigen zu können. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde deshalb untersucht, inwieweit es einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Risikowahrnehmung von Lebensmittelthemen und themenspezifischer Meinungsführerschaft gibt. Hierzu wurde eine repräsentative Telefonbefragung der Bevölkerung in Deutschland durchgeführt (n = 1001). Demnach weisen Meinungsführer*innen bei einigen Themen eine etwas höhere Risikowahrnehmung gegenüber Lebensmittelrisiken auf als Nicht-Meinungsführer. Sie sind zudem an diesen Themen deutlich stärker interessiert und greifen häufiger über bestimmte Medien auf Informationen zu Lebensmittelthemen zu. Meinungsführer*innen sind zudem häufiger in sozialen Medien aktiv und können so im dortigen Stimmengewirr durch ihr spezielles Wissen und ihre Einschätzungen eine wertvolle Orientierung für ihr soziales und digitales Umfeld bieten.
Technological and nutritional aspects of milk chocolate enriched with grape pomace products
Authors: Bolenz Siegfried , Glöde Laura
Published: December 2020

The French paradox is the observation of low heart disease death rates despite high intake of cholesterol and saturated fat, possibly related to the consumption of red wine containing polyphenols. Those are also found in pomace and affect health as radical catchers inhibiting cancer, inflammations and arteriosclerosis. European cocoa regulation allows incorporating up to 40% of added foodstuffs into chocolate, so grape pomace can be used. Cocoa itself is known as a very good source of phenolic compounds, and consequently dark chocolate is considered to have similar health benefits as red wine. Milk chocolates contain only little fat-free cocoa dry matter; therefore, grape pomace is considered most beneficial here. Entire pomace or flour from seeds have been tested to evaluate technical aspects as well as the impact on chocolate properties like particle size distribution, flow properties, total phenol content, antioxidative capacity and sensory perception. Initial trials revealed that additional drying and also pre-grinding was necessary before pomace can be used as an ingredient. Various samples were produced by the coarse conching process, which uses a ball mill for size reduction below 30 µm. A difficulty arises when some tough particles slip through without being properly ground; D99-values can be used to better control this issue. Grape pomace contains almost as many polyphenols as cocoa liquor, so it can serve as a substitute. Its content and thus quality depends on gentle drying. Finally, adding, e.g., just 3.5% was able to significantly increase the polyphenol contents of milk chocolate.
Long-term follow-up of intraocular pressure and pressure-lowering medication in patients following Excimer laser trabeculotomy
Authors: Deubel C. , Böhringer D. , Anton A. , Reinhard T. , Lübke J.
Published: December 2020

Background

Excimer laser trabeculotomy (ELT) is a minimally invasive procedure to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) via a photo-ablative laser that is applied to the trabecular meshwork. With this procedure, it is possible to improve the outflow of the aqueous humor. Until now, a limited number of studies examining mostly relatively small sample sizes with midterm follow-up exist. We therefore present the analysis of a large ELT cohort in a long-term follow-up.

Methods

We recorded data from 580 patients who underwent ELT or combined ELT with cataract surgery at our institution from November 2000 until March 2011. A total of 512 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEX), and ocular hypertension (OHT) were included in the analysis. At every follow-up examination, the usage of IOP-lowering medication and the IOP were recorded. Failure criteria were defined as the need for another surgical glaucoma procedure, when the IOP was not 21 mmHg or less and a reduction of 20% from the baseline was not achieved with (qualified success) or without (absolute success) additional medication. Statistical analysis was done using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression.

Results

Four hundred twenty-eight patients underwent combined cataract and ELT surgery, and 84 underwent solitary ELT surgery. After a median follow-up time of 656 days, 87% (combined surgery) and 66% (ELT) of the patients did not have to undergo another IOP-lowering intervention; 47/31% were classified as a qualified success and 31/11% as a complete success. The IOP-lowering medication, however, could not be significantly reduced within that time period.

Conclusion

Especially when combined with cataract surgery, ELT is a feasible minimally invasive procedure to lower the IOP on a mid- to long-term basis. Over the long term, however, IOP-lowering medication could not be reduced.
Learning within sustainable educational innovation: An analysis of teachers’ perceptions and leadership practice
Authors: Fix G. M. , Rikkerink M. , Ritzen H. T. M. , Pieters J. M. , Kuiper W. A. J. M.
Published: December 2020

Innovative initiatives in education often have problems with their sustainability. The present study focuses on three educational innovations that have proved to be sustainable over time. We used a qualitative research approach to study and identify essential features of sustainable educational innovation. Two theoretical frameworks were used to guide the study: the integrated model for sustainable innovation (IMSI) and self-determination theory (SDT). Both frameworks take a different perspective upon learning; IMSI presents learning at the individual level, the team level and the organizational level to be the heart of sustainable innovation, and SDT presents how learning can be improved. The research question focused upon how the SDT concepts of autonomy, competence and relatedness were perceived within sustainable innovation, expressed by the IMSI framework, by teachers and school leaders. Based on our findings we demonstrate that the framework of IMSI and SDT can effectively be applied as a frame of analysis to identify essential features of sustainability in educational innovations and we discuss how concepts of SDT deepen the knowledge of sustainable educational innovation.
A Liouville theorem for Lévy generators
Authors: Kühn Franziska
Published: December 2020

Under mild assumptions, we establish a Liouville theorem for the “Laplace” equation $$Au=0$$

A
u
=
0

associated with the infinitesimal generator A of a Lévy process: If u is a weak solution to $$Au=0$$

A
u
=
0

which is at most of (suitable) polynomial growth, then u is a polynomial. As a by-product, we obtain new regularity estimates for semigroups associated with Lévy processes.
ISA, a High Sensitivity Accelerometer in the Interplanetary Space
Authors: Santoli Francesco , Fiorenza Emiliano , Lefevre Carlo , Lucchesi David Massimo , Lucente Marco , Magnafico Carmelo , Morbidini Alfredo , Peron Roberto , Iafolla Valerio
Published: December 2020

ISA (Italian Spring Accelerometer) is a high sensitivity accelerometer flying, as scientific payload, on-board one of the two spacecraft (the Mercury Planetary Orbiter) of BepiColombo, the first ESA mission to Mercury. The first commissioning phase (performed in the period November 2018 - August 2019) allowed to verify the functionality of the instrument itself as well as of the related data handling and archiving system. Moreover, the acceleration measurements gathered in this time frame allow to envisage the potentiality of such an instrument as a high-accuracy monitor of the spacecraft mechanical environment.
The Mind of the Hungry Agent: Hunger, Affect and Appetite
Authors: Ombrato Michele Davide , Phillips Edgar
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to provide an account of how hunger motivates us to seek food and eat. It seems that the way that it feels to be hungry must play some role in it fulfilling this function. We propose that hunger is best viewed as a complex state involving both affective (viz., hedonic) and somatic constituents, as well as, crucially, changes in the way in which the hungry agent’s attention is deployed. We argue that in order to capture the distinctive way in which hunger motivates we need to articulate the relations amongst such components. The resulting account explains how hunger as an aversive affective reaction to a state of need motivates us specifically to eat and not to just to rid ourselves of the unpleasant sensations associated to it. We suggest, however, that there is more than this to the overall affective experience of the hungry agent, because hunger ordinarily facilitates the elicitation of other, positive affective reactions such as interest and appetite, and recruits them to further its function.
“I Reflect, Therefore I Am… a Good Professional”. On the Relationship between Reflection-on-Action, Reflection-in-Action and Professional Performance in Vocational Education
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto A. P. , Motta Elisa
Published: December 2020

Reflection is essential for professional competence development in every profession. Reflection-on-action (taking place a posteriori, when the task is already accomplished) and reflection-in-action (occurring while performing the task) are equally important to increasing one’s professionalism. Some evidence supports the effectiveness of promoting the former by using metacognitive prompts that encourage vocational education apprentices to reflect. However, it is unclear to what extent this approach is effective to promote their reflection-in-action, to increase the quality of their professional performance, and to establish a long-term attitude to reflecton-action. Using a thinking aloud technique, we asked 15 apprentice chefs to cook a recipe and video-recorded them. When finished, we asked them to complete a report that self-assessed their performance. Nine of them were accustomed to metacognitive prompts to reflect on their practice, the others not. The former group outperformed the latter in the quality of their reflection-in-action. Also, the quality of their performance, according to two experts’ assessment, was significantly better. Finally, their reflection-on-action was higher. Despite its limitations due to the small sample, the study represents a good premise to confirm the effectiveness of our pedagogical approach and transfer it to other initial vocational education professions.
Karakorum, the first capital of the Mongol world empire: an imperial city in a non-urban society
Authors: Bemmann Jan , Reichert Susanne
Published: December 2020

Cities within a steppe environment and in societies based on pastoral nomadism are an often overlooked theme in the anthropological literature. Yet, with Karakorum, the first capital of the Mongol Empire (AD 1206–1368), we have a supreme example of such a city in the central landscape of the Orkhon valley in Mongolia. In this paper, we ask, what is the city in the steppes? Taking Karakorum as our starting point and case of reference and to attain a better comprehension of the characteristics of urbanism in the steppe, we apply a list of urban attributes compiled by Michael E. Smith (2016) to provide a thick description of Karakorum. The discussion not only comprises comparisons to other contemporary sites in Russia and Mongolia, but also addresses in detail the question of city–hinterland relations as a fundamental necessity for the survival of the city in an anti-urban environment. The analysis shows that during the Mongol period we can identify urbanism but no urbanization: there is no process of independent, natural growth of cities carried out by the population, but cities are “political” in the sense that they are deeply intertwined with the authority and have therefore much to tell about the relation between power and authority on the one hand and the ruled on the other.
Essentials of Pattern Recognition
Authors: Wu Jianxin
Published: December 2020

This textbook introduces fundamental concepts, major models, and popular applications of pattern recognition for a one-semester undergraduate course. To ensure student understanding, the text focuses on a relatively small number of core concepts with an abundance of illustrations and examples. Concepts are reinforced with hands-on exercises to nurture the student's skill in problem solving. New concepts and algorithms are framed by real-world context and established as part of the big picture introduced in an early chapter. A problem-solving strategy is employed in several chapters to equip students with an approach for new problems in pattern recognition. This text also points out common errors that a new player in pattern recognition may encounter, and fosters the ability for readers to find useful resources and independently solve a new pattern recognition task through various working examples. Students with an undergraduate understanding of mathematical analysis, linear algebra, and probability will be well prepared to master the concepts and mathematical analysis presented here.
Leitlinienadhärenz in der Diagnostik und Therapie von ADHS bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in der Routineversorgung – eine repräsentative Befragung
Authors: Sonneck Astrid , Plück Julia , Mücke Kristina , Scholz Kristin , Winkler Lisa , Döpfner Manfred
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Die Einhaltung von Leitlinien im Rahmen der Behandlung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) in der Routineversorgung in Deutschland in verschiedenen Gruppen von Leistungserbringern sollte bundesweit evaluiert werden. Methodik: N = 275 Versorger aus allen relevanten Gruppen (Fachärzte/-ärztinnen für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und -psychotherapie, Kinder- und Jugendpsychotherapeut*innen und alle Sozialpädiatrischen Zentren, Ambulanzen kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer Kliniken und Ausbildungsinstitute für Verhaltenstherapie) einer bundesweiten Stichprobe nahmen an einem Online-Interview teil. Ergebnisse: Die Empfehlungen aus den Leitlinien wurden im Durchschnitt bei 75 bis 100 % der Patient*innen umgesetzt. Ausnahmen waren die Empfehlungen zur Exploration von Lehrer*innen/Erzieher*innen und zu schulischen Interventionen. Fragebögen zur Diagnostik und Verlaufskontrolle oder zu psychotherapeutischen Interventionen wurden bei etwa 50 % der Patient*innen, also vergleichsweise selten, eingesetzt. Unterschiede zwischen Versorgergruppen und Korrelationen mit soziodemografischen Variablen konnten auf der Ebene der Adhärenzindizes analysiert werden. Schlussfolgerungen: Insgesamt wurde eine hohe Leitlinienadhärenz berichtet. Es zeichnet sich eine eher hohe Ähnlichkeit der Angaben zu verschiedenen Versorgungsabschnitten durch die einzelnen Versorger ab. Unterschiede in der Selbstauskunft verschiedener Versorgergruppen regen Überlegungen zur Rollenverteilung im Versorgungsprozess mit ADHS-Patient*innen an.
Zur Abschaffung des Gutachterverfahrens in der Vertragspsychotherapie – ein Qualitätsverlust?
Authors: Bangeow Petjo
Published: December 2020

Zusammenfassung. Zielsetzung: Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit der Fragestellung, inwiefern das Gutachterverfahren in der Vertragspsychotherapie ein zuverlässiges Qualitätsinstrument darstellt und ob sich aus der geplanten Abschaffung des Gutachterverfahrens das Risiko einer Qualitätsminderung in der ambulanten Psychotherapie ergibt. Methodik: Es wurde eine Literaturrecherche durchgeführt. Arbeiten von den Jahren 2000 bis 2020 wurden berücksichtigt, welche sich mit dem Gutachterverfahren als Qualitätsmerkmal der ambulanten Psychotherapie befassen. Um die unterschiedlichen Standpunkte der zitierten Autor_innen zu diskutieren, wurde auch Bezug auf weiterführende Literatur genommen. Ergebnisse: Das Gutachterverfahren scheint empirisch nicht sicher als zuverlässiges Qualitätsmerkmal der ambulanten Psychotherapie herangezogen werden zu können. Die Annahme, dass sich durch eine gutachterbefreite Vertragspsychotherapie eine Qualitätsminderung der Psychotherapie ergibt, wird durch die hier zusammengefassten Arbeiten insgesamt nicht gestützt.
Africa Would Need to Import More Maize in the Future Even Under 1.5°C Warming Scenario
Authors: Zhai Ran , Tao Fulu , Lall Upmanu , Elliott Joshua
Published: December 2020

Producing enough food to feed a growing population is a great future challenge, especially for vulnerable areas in Africa. There is limited understanding of food security under future climate conditions, particularly under the warming target stipulated in the Paris Agreement. Maize is the most widely cultivated crop in Africa. Taking maize as an example, we present an integrated assessment of maize supply and demand under 1.5°C and 2.0°C warming scenarios, considering the combined impacts of climate change, technology development and population increase. We find that global warming of 1.5°C or 2.0°C would shorten maize growth duration, aggravate droughts, and consequently reduce yield with a spatially explicit pattern. Maize yield would decrease more under global warming of 2.0°C versus 1.5°C. Benefit of rising CO2 concentration could not fully offset the yield loss due to climate change under global warming of 1.5°C. Technology development can significantly improve the ratio of maize supply to demand, which is however subject to future projections on population and technology development. Under a reasonable logarithmic technology development scenario, maize security would become worse in most of the countries in Africa. Our findings highlight the importance of technology development and adaptation strategies to meet the challenges of food security in the vulnerable regions.
Podcast: From Athlete to Astronaut
Authors: Lipuma Lauren
Published: December 2020

Leland Melvin proves that dedication and hard work can help anyone overcome the odds.
Airless Exoplanet’s Mantle Could Flow in Halves
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: December 2020

With no atmosphere in the way, measurements of the planet’s surface temperature are the first observational constraints on mantle convection models for an exoplanet.
Complex Sub‐Auroral Flow Channel Structure Formed by Double‐Peak Sub‐Auroral Ion Drifts (DSAID) and Abnormal Sub‐Auroral Ion Drifts (ASAID)
Authors: Horvath Ildiko , Lovell Brian C.
Published: December 2020

By utilizing multi‐instrument and multi‐satellite/spacecraft observations, we report the repeated development of a temporary and complex sub‐auroral flow channel (FC) structure during the intensive storms investigated. Appearing as combined double‐peak sub‐auroral ion drifts (DSAID) and abnormal SAID (ASAID), it is called DSAID‐ASAID FC structure. Revealing its development, various other FCs and features appeared in the auroral and polar regions simultaneously. These include the auroral Harang Region (HR) that is the Substorm Current Wedge's ionospheric signature and the Eastward FC (E‐FC) indicating the arrival of the Westward Travelling Surge. Results show that in the HR and E‐FC, the locally enhanced duskside upward Region 1 Field Aligned Currents (↑R1 FACs) connected in the magnetosphere with the meridional partial ring current characterized by a double plasma density/pressure peak structure, of which signature was seen in the 225 keV proton density data, leading to the development of two sets of ↓R2 FACs and DSAID. Meanwhile, large auroral undulations appeared and were driven, via magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling, by Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability mechanisms that also drove plasma sheet rippling leading to ASAID development. Plasma sheet rippling occurred during magnetotail reconnection, as demonstrated with its ionospheric polar cap signature, known as FC‐3, in a stretched tail region according to the b2i boundary located at ∼60° magnetic latitude. Then, the earthward flows' braking/slowing down provided the energy for driving the R1‐R2 FACs. From the observational evidence presented we conclude that the DSAID‐ASAID features investigated developed due to the maintenance of DSAID during plasma sheet rippling triggering ASAID development.
A Framework for Estimating Global‐Scale River Discharge by Assimilating Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Revel Menaka , Ikeshima Daiki , Yamazaki Dai , Kanae Shinjiro
Published: December 2020

Understanding spatial and temporal variations in terrestrial waters is key to assessing the global hydrological cycle. The future Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission will observe the elevation and slope of surface waters at <100 m resolution. Methods for incorporating SWOT measurements into river hydrodynamic models have been developed to generate spatially and temporally continuous discharge estimates. However, most SWOT data assimilation studies have been conducted at the local scale. We developed a novel framework for estimating river discharge at the global scale by incorporating SWOT observations into the CaMa‐Flood hydrodynamic model. The local ensemble transform Kalman filter with adaptive local patches was used to assimilate SWOT observations. We tested the framework using multimodel runoff forcing and inaccurate model parameters represented by corrupted Manning's coefficient values. Assimilation of virtual SWOT observations considerably improved river discharge estimates for continental‐scale rivers at high latitudes (>50°) and also downstream river reaches at low latitudes. High assimilation efficiency in downstream river reaches was related to both local state correction and the propagation of corrected hydrodynamic states from upstream river reaches. Accurate global river discharge estimates were obtained (Kling‐Gupta efficiency [KGE] > 0.90) in river reaches with >270 accumulated overpasses per SWOT cycle when no model error was assumed. Introducing model errors decreased this accuracy (KGE ≈ 0.85). Therefore, improved hydrodynamic models are essential for maximizing SWOT information. These synthetic experiments showed where discharge estimates could be improved using SWOT observations. Further advances are needed for global‐scale data assimilation.
Schizophrenia polygenic risk predicts general cognitive deficit but not cognitive decline in healthy older adults
Authors: Kępińska Adrianna P. , MacCabe James H. , Cadar Dorina , Steptoe Andrew , Murray Robin M. , Ajnakina Olesya
Published: December 2020

There has been a long argument over whether schizophrenia is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with progressive cognitive impairment. Given high heritability of schizophrenia, ascertaning if genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia is also associated with cognitive decline in healthy people would support the view that schizophrenia leads to an accelerated cognitive decline. Using the population representative sample of 6817 adults aged >50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we investigated associations between the biennial rate of decline in cognitive ability and the schizophrenia polygenic score (SZ-PGS) during the 10-year follow-up period. SZ-PGS was calculated based on summary statistics from the Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Cognition was measured sequentially across four time points using verbal memory and semantic fluency tests. The average baseline verbal memory was 10.4 (SD = 3.4) and semantic fluency was 20.7 (SD = 6.3). One standard deviation (1-SD) increase in SZ-PGS was associated with lower baseline semantic fluency (β = −0.25, 95%CI = −0.40 to −0.10, p = 0.002); this association was significant in men (β = −0.36, 95%CI = −0.59 to −0.12, p = 0.003) and in those who were aged 60–69 years old (β = −0.32, 95%CI = −0.58 to −0.05, p = 0.019). Similarly, 1-SD increase in SZ-PGS was associated with lower verbal memory score at baseline in men only (β = −0.12, 95%CI = −0.23 to −0.01, p = 0.040). However, SZ-PGS was not associated with a greater rate of decline in these cognitive domains during the 10-year follow-up. Our findings highlight that while genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia conveys developmental cognitive deficit, it is not associated with an ongoing cognitive decline, at least in later life. These results do not support the neo-Kraepelinian notion of schizophrenia as a genetically determined progressively deteriorating brain disease.