bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Dots Mediated In Situ Confined Growth of Bi Clusters on g‐C3N4 Nanomeshes for Boosting Plasma‐Assisted Photoreduction of CO2
Authors: Zhao Xinyang , Li Jun , Kong Xiangguang , Li Changchang , Lin Bo , Dong Fan , Yang Guidong , Shao Guosheng , Xue Chao
Published: October 2022

Synthesis of high‐efficiency, cost‐effective, and stable photocatalysts has long been a priority for sustainable photocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions (CRR), given its importance in achieving carbon neutrality goals under the new development philosophy. Fundamentally, the sluggish interface charge transportation and poor selectivity of products remain a challenge in the CRR progress. Herein, this work unveils a synergistic effect between high‐density monodispersed Bi/carbon dots (CDs) and ultrathin graphite phase carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanomeshes for plasma‐assisted photocatalytic CRR. The optimal g‐C3N4/Bi/CDs heterojunction displays a high selectivity of 98% for CO production with a yield up to 22.7 µmol g−1 without any sacrificial agent. The in situ confined growth of plasmonic Bi clusters favors the production of more hot carriers and improves the conductivity of g‐C3N4. Meanwhile, a built‐in electric field driving force modulates the directional injection photogenerated holes from plasmonic Bi clusters and g‐C3N4 photosensitive units to adjacent CDs reservoirs, thus promoting the rapid separation and oriented transfer in the CRR process. This work sheds light on the mechanism of plasma‐assisted photocatalytic CRR and provides a pathway for designing highly efficient plasma‐involved photocatalysts.
Self‐Forming p–n Junction Diode Realized with WSe2 Surface and Edge Dual Contacts
Authors: Le Thi Hai Yen , Ngo Tien Dat , Phan Nhat Anh Nguyen , Yoo Won Jong , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Aoki Nobuyuki , Bird Jonathan P. , Kim Gil‐Ho
Published: October 2022

Owing to their practical applications, two‐dimensional semiconductor p–n diodes have attracted enormous attention. Over the past decade, various methods, such as chemical doping, heterojunction structures, and metallization using metals with different work functions, have been reported for fabrication of such devices. In this study, a lateral p–n junction diode is formed in tungsten diselenide (WSe2) using a combination of edge and surface contacts. The appearance of amorphous tungsten oxide at etched WSe2, and the formation of a junction near the edge contact, are verified by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The device demonstrates high on/off ratio for both the edge and surface contacts, with respective values of 107 and 108. The diode can achieve extremely high mobility of up to 168 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a rectification ratio of 103. The ideality factor is 1.11 at a back gate voltage VG  = 60 V at 300 K. The devices with encapsulation of hexagonal boron nitride exhibit good stability to atmospheric exposure, over a measured period of 2 months. In addition, the architecture of the contacts, which is based on a single‐channel device, should be advantageous for the implementation of more complicated applications such as inverters, photodetectors, and light‐emitting diodes.
Chemi‐Mechanically Peeling the Unstable Surface States of α‐FAPbI3
Authors: Liang Zihui , Jin Bowen , Cao Jinguo , Chen Fengxiang , Li Jing , Wang Shimin , Wang Kai , Wu Congcong
Published: October 2022

Surface states are one of the crucial factors determining the phase stability of formamidinium‐based perovskites. Compared with other compositions, exclusive lattice strain in FAPbI3 perovskite generates defects at the surface more readily, making them more vulnerable at the surface and easier to trigger the phase transition from α‐phase to the non‐perovskite δ‐phase. In order to regulate the surface quality, here, a chemi‐mechanical cleavage approach is reported, i.e., tape peel‐zone (PZ), implemented by attaching and peeling off the ordinary Kapton Tapes. The PZ approach can simultaneously eliminate the surface defects of perovskite and siliconize the film surface with hydrophobic silicone compounds. These two functionalities endow α‐FAPbI3 perovskite with a robust hydrophobic surface, which can sustain for 30 days under a relative humidity of 60% and withstand the high temperature up to 240 °C. The unencapsulated PZ‐treated cells show 80.3% of initial performance after 90 h of continuous operation in ambient air, which is 31.4 times more stable than the pristine cell.
Artificial Immune Cell, AI‐cell, a New Tool to Predict Interferon Production by Peripheral Blood Monocytes in Response to Nucleic Acid Nanoparticles
Authors: Chandler Morgan , Jain Sankalp , Halman Justin , Hong Enping , Dobrovolskaia Marina A. , Zakharov Alexey V. , Afonin Kirill A.
Published: October 2022

Nucleic acid nanoparticles, or NANPs, rationally designed to communicate with the human immune system, can offer innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome the limitations of traditional nucleic acid therapies. Each set of NANPs is unique in their architectural parameters and physicochemical properties, which together with the type of delivery vehicles determine the kind and the magnitude of their immune response. Currently, there are no predictive tools that would reliably guide the design of NANPs to the desired immunological outcome, a step crucial for the success of personalized therapies. Through a systematic approach investigating physicochemical and immunological profiles of a comprehensive panel of various NANPs, the research team developes and experimentally validates a computational model based on the transformer architecture able to predict the immune activities of NANPs. It is anticipated that the freely accessible computational tool that is called an “artificial immune cell,” or AI‐cell, will aid in addressing the current critical public health challenges related to safety criteria of nucleic acid therapies in a timely manner and promote the development of novel biomedical tools.
Strategies for strengthening of corroded reinforced concrete beams using CFRP laminates and UHPC jacketing
Authors: Al‐Osta Mohammed A. , Kharma Khaled M. , Ahmad Shamsad , Maslehuddin Mohammed , Al‐Huri Mohammed , Khalid Hammad
Published: October 2022

This article aims to investigate the flexural behavior of strengthened corroded reinforced concrete (RC) beams using carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and using a hybrid system of CFRP laminates and ultrahigh‐performance concrete (UHPC) layers. A total of 15 RC beam specimens were prepared, out of which one specimen was uncorroded–unstrengthened, and 14 specimens were corroded using accelerated corrosion set up to cause a significant reduction in the load‐carrying capacity of the RC beams. The damaged covers of the corroded RC beam specimens were first repaired and then strengthened with different strengthening strategies involving CFRP laminates alone as well as the CFRP laminates and UHPC jacketing together. The experimental results obtained by testing the strengthened RC beam specimens in flexure showed a significant enhancement in the load‐carrying capacity and stiffness of the strengthened corroded RC beams. The number of CFRP laminates, hybridization of the CFRP laminates and UHPC layer, and the thickness of the UHPC layer all significantly improved the load‐carrying capacity and stiffness of the strengthened corroded RC beams indicating the possibility of selecting an optimal strategy out of different options for strengthening the corroded beams to achieve a targeted degree of the efficacy of the strengthening. The analytical model developed in this study to estimate the flexural capacity of the strengthened RC beams was found to predict the values of the load‐bearing capacity of the RC beams strengthened using different strategies very close to their respective experimental values.
The Securitisation of Language Borders and the (Re)production of inequalities
Authors: Khan Kamran
Published: October 2022

This article will focus on inequalities for migrants which are (re)produced by the promise of equality through citizenship and settlement test regimes. I theorize the links between language and borders by drawing on scholarship on security before offering an analysis of language border proliferation. Drawing on other studies and my own work, I will also outline various inequalities. First, how language can act as a proxy for the race through testing which is disproportionately more problematic for non‐Europeans. Second, how a lack of access to test centers can discriminate in testing that takes place in the country of origin prior to arrival while also reducing access to test centers in the country of arrival once settled. Third, how tests can affect women, particularly mothers who may lack access to language support and may also have care duties. I will also outline the effects of delays and in relation to language borders. In all of the above, citizenship testing is better situated as a form of border making consistent with the increasing securitization of broader society whether through offshore detention, walls, or increased surveillance.
Salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with cirrhosis and refractory variceal bleeding: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Weichselbaum Laura , Lepida Antonia , Marot Astrid , Trépo Eric , Moreno Christophe , Deltenre Pierre
Published: October 2022

Background

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be used as a salvage treatment in patients with cirrhosis and refractory variceal bleeding.

Aim

To synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of TIPS in patients with cirrhosis and refractory variceal bleeding.

Methods

Meta‐analysis of trials evaluating TIPS in patients with cirrhosis and refractory variceal bleeding, including subgroup analysis to assess the impact of recent changes in the management of variceal bleeding (i.e., the use of Polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered TIPS and the availability of pre‐emptive TIPS as a first‐line treatment for acute variceal bleeding).

Results

Twenty‐three studies with 1430 patients were included. The pooled estimate rates were 0.33 (95% CI = 0.29–0.37) for death at 1 month–6 weeks, 0.46 (95% CI = 0.40–0.52) for death at 1 year, and 0.09 (95% CI = 0.06–0.11) for death due to rebleeding in the follow‐up. The pooled estimate rates for death at 1 month or 6 weeks were similar in subgroup analyses including studies that did not use covered TIPS or that did not include patients after the pre‐emptive TIPS area compared to the ones that did (pooled estimate rate 0.33 [95% CI = 0.28–0.38] and 0.32 [95% CI = 0.25–0.39], respectively). The pooled estimate rates were 0.16 (95% CI = 0.13–0.18) for rebleeding, 0.25 (95% CI = 0.17–0.36) for occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy, and 0.08 (95% CI = 0.05–0.13) for access to liver transplantation after TIPS insertion.

Conclusions

One third of patients with cirrhosis and refractory variceal bleeding treated with salvage TIPS died within the first 6 weeks. Recent improvements in the management of variceal bleeding did not improve the survival of patients presenting with refractory variceal bleeding.
Ultradünne Diamantschichten
Authors: Handschuh‐Wang Stephan , Handschuh Markus , Wang Tao
Published: October 2022

Diamantschichten sind seit einiger Zeit für industrielle Produkte wie Zerspanwerkzeuge erhältlich. Seither hat sich der Schwerpunkt der Forschung auf ultradünne und multifunktionale Diamantschichten verlagert. Für die Herstellung von ultradünnen Schichten (≤ 100 nm) war und ist interdisziplinäre Forschung von essentieller Bedeutung. Dieser Artikel eruiert die wesentlichen Entwicklungsschritte, welche die Synthese von ultradünnen Diamantschichten ermöglicht haben, und beschreibt neue Anwendungsgebiete, die sich aus der Dünne der Diamantschicht und der Einstellbarkeit ihrer Eigenschaften ergeben.
Controlling Violence by the Dominant Coalition: A Comparative Study of the Philippines (Mindanao) and Myanmar
Authors: Uesugi Yuji
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, limited access order (LAO) and open access order (OAO) are used as a conceptual framework for analyzing two peacebuilding cases in Southeast Asia: the Philippines (Mindanao) and Myanmar. The main hypothesis is that the national dominant coalition (NDC) relies on patron–client relationships between national elites and their counterparts in subsidiary communities to control violence in LAOs. The chapter examines the importance of the three key doorstep conditions—the rule of law for elites, perpetually lived organizations in the public and private spheres, and consolidated political control of the organizations with violent capacity—for establishing control of the violence within the territory in these two cases. The chapter suggests that violence is more likely to be controlled when national elites can find it to their advantage to limit violence and make sustained social interaction possible in order to preserve their privileges and vested interests. The two case studies also demonstrate that “rents” (material benefits that the elites use to forge a consensus or to maintain the coalition among them) are used to limit violence and to coordinate the interests of powerful individuals and organizations.
Performative Intermediaries Versus Digital Regulation. A Multidisciplinary Analysis of the Power of Algorithms
Authors: Garzonio Emma
Published: October 2022

As our economies, media, services and practices are becoming progressively more interconnected through and dependent on software and data-agile structures, efforts are being made worldwide to keep pace and to discipline this subject through regulatory frameworks. The ever-increasing pervasiveness of the role and power of digital platforms and intermediaries in our everyday lives has also broadened the scope of the reflection on their sociological, political, cultural and structural implications. Through a multidisciplinary approach, this contribution aims at defining and clarifying where algorithmic power and human regulation meet. To do so, both media studies and juridical discipline will come in handy in defining the theoretical framework of the first and the effectiveness of the second. Firstly, the theoretical background for understanding the “power of algorithms” will be outlined through a review of selected research literature on digital intermediaries, platform politics and algorithmic performance. Then, examination of the European digital regulation corpus will highlight the crucial issues that it aims to regulate, as well as the new perspectives that could impact and change the structure of the European digital space.
“Personal Influence” and Influencer Logic: A Theoretical and Methodological Comparison
Authors: Sonzogni Barbara
Published: October 2022

In the digital era, there is an increasing number of areas where the footprints we leave behind (voluntarily or not) become relevant for the use (legitimate or not) that can be made of them, creating new broad scenarios of analysis in different fields of interest. These developments have affected a wide range of scientific fields, and social sciences have also been called upon to face major challenges from an epistemological, theoretical and methodological standpoint. In this regard, the use of research tools, such as social network analysis and sentiment analysis, poses many questions to the researcher regarding their robustness, also in comparison to traditional research methods and techniques, i.e. the two-step flow communication model. This paper will propose a theoretical and methodological comparison between the Katz-Lazarsdeldian tradition of the notion of personal influence and the one of influencer logic that is central in digital methods. Starting from this evaluation, the question is whether what is happening in the field of the analysis of the big data provided by the spread of the digital footprint is capable of adding some new element to what has already been highlighted by the “two-step communication theory”, or whether it simply represents its explication.
What People Leave Behind Online: Digital Traces and Web-Mediated Documents for Social Research
Authors: Arosio Laura
Published: October 2022

Individuals and groups leave evidence of their lives when they are engaged in their activities. In this way, they create a rich amount of material that tells us about their behaviours, opinions and values. This material is not created for research purposes and is different from that solicited by researchers. In recent decades, the spread of new communication technologies has amplified the possibility of creating and disseminating this kind of data outside the research context.

In this chapter, what people leave behind (WPLB) online is studied from a strictly methodological point of view. What kind of evidence are researchers dealing with? Is it possible to reconnect it with the traditional methodological framework? We suggest that data left behind by people and groups on the Internet should be divided into three different categories: online found data (digital traces), online retrieved data (web-mediated documents) and online captured data (online behaviours). The phase of contextualization proves essential in understanding the very nature of (online) data.

This work leads to rediscovering the potential of classical methodological tools such as simple observation, documentary analysis and trace analysis. These practices provide methodological value to research projects that analyse WPLB in physical and web-mediated environments.
Trace and Traceability in/of the Face: A Semiotic Reading through Art
Authors: Barbotto Forzano Silvia
Published: October 2022

From the study of semiotic paradigms in relation to the face, we focus on the traces, understanding how some flourish from the tangible but ignored signs left by humans daily, while others are totally imbricated in the face from/in which they transpire.

We typologize them in three varieties, from their multidimensional configuration, offering case studies of emanation, imbrication, and cancellation. First, between art and forensic tendencies, Dewey-Hagborg uses hair, cigarettes, and chewing gum off the streets to program and build 3D faces through the DNA found in them. Secondly, we examine the artistic work of Jorit who engraves on his face the sign that symbolizes belonging to a tribe he is working with. Name-face isomorphism emerges in the third case: Janez Janša carries out a performative sociopolitical program to test, destabilize, and reorganize cultural complexity.

All offer a syncretic situation analyzable by means of the semiotic approach and bioanthropological resources. The divergent weights of similar elements make us reflect on the relationship between the innermost meanings of our faces and their tracks in a sort of anticlockwise movement but also on the convergence between macro-cultural and techno-political orientations with intimate and located magnitude.
Clues of Displacement: The Gentrification of Silver Hill
Authors: Rose Daniel J. , Flynn Thomas P.
Published: October 2022

In the United States, gentrification typically involves whites displacing African American, working-class communities. This work uses a political economy framework to better understand the clues displacement leaves behind. Specifically, this research investigates what happened to a former community in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, known as Silver Hill, which was an enclave of mostly African American residents founded in the late nineteenth century just west of the city. Through archival research and investigation of the remaining traces of the neighborhood, we develop a theory of spatial erasure that highlights how wealthy white communities that grew up around Silver Hill subsumed and eradicated it. Specifically, racial capitalism played a major role in the abuse and neglect of Silver Hill. The neighborhood became surrounded by wealthy white developments which cut off road access to their homes. Today, a cemetery, two houses, and a litany of historical records offer clues about what was once a thriving African American community. Additionally, descendants of the neighborhood’s residents provide key information about its life and death. We discuss the implications of examining this history, especially as it pertains to the collective remembrance of Silver Hill.
Vertrauen, Misstrauen, Paranoia. Misstrauische Sozialsysteme als Systemtyp
Authors: Weißmann Martin
Published: October 2022

Das in diesem Kapitel entwickelte Konzept „misstrauischer Sozialsysteme“ soll zur Bezeichnung und Analyse eines Typs sozialer Systeme dienen, die wie zum Beispiel kriminalpolizeiliche Abteilungen, investigativ-journalistische Recherchekollektive, Geheimdienste, Organisationsabteilungen für interne Ermittlungen und andere mit Kontrollaufgaben betraute Sozialsysteme nicht nur funktional auf die Gewinnung von Informationen über bestimmte Umweltsachverhalte spezialisiert sind, sondern für die darüber hinaus gilt, dass die gesuchten Informationen nicht einfach unkritisch eingesammelt, sondern im Modus der Geheimnisaufklärung gewonnen werden müssen, weil das ermittelnde System damit rechnet, dass im fraglichen Umweltsegment Prozesse des Verbergens und Täuschens ablaufen mit dem Ziel, die Informationsgewinnung durch das ermittelnde System zu behindern. Auf Grund dieser Lage können die ermittelnden misstrauischen Sozialsysteme ihr Ziel der Gewinnung zutreffender Informationen nur erreichen, wenn sie dem ihnen jeweils zugänglichen ersten Eindruck nicht vorbehaltlos trauen, sondern ein überdurchschnittliches Maß an Skepsis und Misstrauen gegenüber den ihnen zugänglichen Informationen und Informanten praktizieren und institutionalisieren.
Dualization of higher derivative heterotic supergravities in 6D and 10D
Authors: Chang Hao-Yuan , Sezgin Ergin , Tanii Yoshiaki
Published: October 2022

Abstract

There exist two four-derivative extensions of N = (1, 0) supergravity in six dimensions. A particular combination of them is known to dualize to the analog of the Bergshoeff-de Roo (BdR) action in 10D. Here we first show that the two extensions are not related to each other by any field redefinitions. Next, we dualize them separately thereby obtaining a two parameter dual theory. This is done directly at the level of the action, thus avoiding the laborious method of integrating equations of motion of the dualized theory into an action. To explore whether a similar phenomenon exists in 10D, we study the dualization of the BdR action in 10D in detail. We find an obstacle in the separation of the result into a sum of two independent invariants because of the presence of terms which do not lift from 6D to 10D. We also compare the dual of the BdR action with an existing result obtained in superspace. We find that the bosonic actions agree modulo field redefinitions.
On non-supersymmetric fixed points in five dimensions
Authors: Bertolini Matteo , Mignosa Francesco , van Muiden Jesse
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We generalize recent results regarding the phase space of the mass deformed E1 fixed point to a full class of five-dimensional superconformal field theories, known as X1,N. As in the E1 case, a phase transition occurs as a supersymmetry preserving and a supersymmetry breaking mass deformations are appropriately tuned. The order of such phase transition could not be unequivocally determined in the E1 case. For X1,N, instead, we can show that at large N there exists a regime where the phase transition is second order. Our findings give supporting evidence for the existence of non-supersymmetric fixed points in five dimensions.
Group-Wise Shrinkage Estimation in Penalized Model-Based Clustering
Authors: Casa Alessandro , Cappozzo Andrea , Fop Michael
Published: October 2022

Finite Gaussian mixture models provide a powerful and widely employed probabilistic approach for clustering multivariate continuous data. However, the practical usefulness of these models is jeopardized in high-dimensional spaces, where they tend to be over-parameterized. As a consequence, different solutions have been proposed, often relying on matrix decompositions or variable selection strategies. Recently, a methodological link between Gaussian graphical models and finite mixtures has been established, paving the way for penalized model-based clustering in the presence of large precision matrices. Notwithstanding, current methodologies implicitly assume similar levels of sparsity across the classes, not accounting for different degrees of association between the variables across groups. We overcome this limitation by deriving group-wise penalty factors, which automatically enforce under or over-connectivity in the estimated graphs. The approach is entirely data-driven and does not require additional hyper-parameter specification. Analyses on synthetic and real data showcase the validity of our proposal.
Prescribing Gaussian curvature on surfaces with conical singularities and geodesic boundary
Authors: Battaglia Luca , Jevnikar Aleks , Wang Zhi-An , Yang Wen
Published: October 2022

We study conformal metrics with prescribed Gaussian curvature on surfaces with conical singularities and geodesic boundary in supercritical regimes. Exploiting a variational argument, we derive a general existence result for surfaces with at least two boundary components. This seems to be the first result in this setting. Moreover, we allow to have conical singularities with both positive and negative orders, that is cone angles both less and greater than $$2\pi$$

2
π

.
Unequal access to justice: an evaluation of RSPO’s capacity to resolve palm oil conflicts in Indonesia
Authors: Afrizal Afrizal , Hospes Otto , Berenschot Ward , Dhiaulhaq Ahmad , Adriana Rebekha , Poetry Erysa
Published: October 2022

In 2009 the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) established a conflict resolution mechanism to help rural communities address their grievances against palm oil companies that are RSPO members. This article presents the broadest ever comprehensive assessment of the use and effectiveness of the RSPO conflict resolution mechanism, providing both overviews and in-depth analysis. Our central question is: to what extent does the RSPO conflict resolution mechanism offer an accessible, fair and effective tool for communities in Indonesia to resolve conflicts with companies? Our aim is not only to provide a ‘reality check’ of this mechanism but also to contribute to the wider debate on how communities can seek access to justice when engaged in intractable conflicts with palm oil companies. For data collection, we took three steps. First, we used our own database of 150 conflicts between communities and companies in Indonesia. We identified 64 conflicts that involved RSPO member companies, of which 17 prompted communities to convey their grievances to the RSPO’s conflict resolution mechanism. Second, we used the database of the RSPO, which handled 85 complaints against companies in Indonesia in the period 2009–2020. Third, we conducted fieldwork, in total, about 6 months of fieldwork and extensive interviews on three conflicts involving RSPO companies to identify mechanisms leading to (and reasons for) both failed and successful instances of conflict resolution. For our assessment, we used three criteria to assess the conflict resolution mechanism of the RSPO: accessibility, procedural justice, and the outcomes of the process. We conclude that—on all counts—the conflict resolution mechanism is biased in favor of companies. The result of these biases is that the actual capacity of the RSPO’s mechanism to provide a meaningful remedy for rural communities’ grievances remains very limited. This unequal access to justice sustains conflicts between companies and communities over land.
A comprehensive survey on the sine–cosine optimization algorithm
Authors: Rizk-Allah Rizk M. , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: October 2022

Metaheuristic algorithms based on intelligent rules have been successfully developed and applied to solve many optimization areas over the past few decades. The sine–cosine algorithm (SCA) imitates the behaviour of transcendental functions while the sine and cosine functions are presented to explore and exploit the search space. SCA starts by random population and executes iterative evolution processes to update the standard evolutionary algorithm’s destination or the best location. SCA used linear transition rules to balance the exploration and exploitation searches while searching for the best or optimal solutions. Since Mirjalili proposed it in 2016, SCA has attracted many researchers’ attention to deal with several optimization problems in many fields due to its strengths in solving optimization tasks that include the simple concept, easiness of implementation, and rapid convergence. This paper aims to provide researchers with a relatively comprehensive and extensive overview of the Sine–Cosine optimization algorithm in the literature to inspire further research. It examines the available publications, including improvements, binary, chaotic, hybridizations, multi-objective variants, and different applications. Some optimization formulations regarding single-objective optimization problems, multi-objective optimization problems, binary-objective optimization problems, and more classifications regarding the optimization types are discussed. An extensive bibliography is also included.
Applying the 15N labelling technique to material derived from a landfill simulation experiment to understand nitrogen cycle processes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Fricko Nora , Wanek Wolfgang , Fellner Johann
Published: October 2022

Reactive nitrogen (N) species, such as ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3) and gaseous nitrous oxide (N2O), are released into the environment during the degradation of municipal solid waste (MSW), causing persistent environmental problems. Landfill remediation measures, such as in-situ aeration, may accelerate the degradation of organic compounds and reduce the discharge of ammonium via leachate. Nonetheless, the actual amount of N in the waste material remains relatively constant and a coherent explanation for the decline in leachate ammonium concentrations is still lacking. Hence, the present study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of N and its transformation processes during waste degradation. To this end, the gross rates of organic N mineralization and nitrification were measured using 15N pool dilution in waste material derived from a landfill simulation reactor (LSR) experiment. The results revealed a high potential for N mineralization and nitrification, the latter of which declined with the diminishing amount of extractable ammonium (after aeration). The analysis of the concentration and isotopic composition of N2O formed confirmed incomplete denitrification as the main source for N2O. Moreover, the natural abundance of 15N was investigated in various waste N pools to verify the conclusions drawn from the 15N tracing experiment. δ15N values of total waste N increased during aeration, indicating that nitrification is the major driver for N losses from aerated waste. The application of stable isotopes thereby allowed unprecedented insights into the complex N dynamics in decomposing landfill waste, of their response to aeration and their effect on hydrological versus gaseous loss pathways.
Equality Before the Courts? Studying Citizenship Disparities in Sentencing in Catalonia
Authors: Riba José María López , Cabello Úrsula Ruiz , Gómez Daniel Varona , Vasilescu Cristina
Published: October 2022

Overrepresentation of foreigners in prisons is a well-established fact in Spain. However, there is a lack of empirical studies exploring the causes of this overrepresentation. Based on focal concerns theory, this paper aims to explore one of the possible causes of this overrepresentation: sentencing disparities between Spanish and foreign citizens. For this purpose, two subsets of court records are used to study disparities in the odds of incarceration (n = 2310) and differences in the length of prison sentence (n = 1162). Due to alleged limitations of standard regression models to analyse disparities in sentencing when differences between groups are large, entropy re-weighting was used to achieve balance between group observations with regard to control variables. The analyses reveal, on the one hand that, even when controlling for relevant legal and other extra-legal factors, citizens from Africa have higher odds than Spanish citizens to be sentenced to prison. On the other hand, no differences in the length of the conviction have been found.
Endogenous AhR agonist FICZ accumulates in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) alevins exposed to a mixture of two PAHs, retene and fluoranthene
Authors: Eriksson Andreas N. M. , Rigaud Cyril , Wincent Emma , Pakkanen Hannu , Salonen Pihla , Vehniäinen Eeva-Riikka
Published: October 2022

Multiple studies have reported synergized toxicity of PAH mixtures in developing fish larvae relative to the additive effect of the components. From a toxicological perspective, multiple mechanisms are known to contribute to synergism, such as altered toxicodynamics and kinetics, as well as increased oxidative stress. An understudied contributor to synergism is the accumulation of endogenous metabolites, for example: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (AhR2) agonist and tryptophan metabolite 6-Formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ). Fish larvae exposed to FICZ, alongside knock-down of cytochrome p450 (cyp1a), has been reported to induced symptoms of toxicity similar to those observed following exposure to PAHs or the dioxin 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Here, we explored if FICZ accumulates in newly hatched rainbow trout alevins (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to two PAHs with different properties: retene (potent AhR2 agonist) and fluoranthene (weak AhR2 agonist and Cyp1a inhibitor), either alone or as a binary mixture for 3 and 7 days. We found that exposure to the mixture resulted in accumulation of endogenous FICZ, synergized the blue sac disease index (BSD), and altered the body burden profiles of the PAHs, when compared to the alevins exposed to the individual components. It is thus very plausible that accumulation of endogenously derived FICZ contributed to the synergized BSD index and toxicity in exposed alevins. Accumulation of endogenously derived FICZ is a novel finding that extends our general understanding on PAHs toxicity in developing fish larvae, while at the same time highlighting why environmental risk assessment of PAHs should not be based solely results from the assessment of individual compounds.
Fate of P from organic and inorganic fertilizers assessed by complementary approaches
Authors: Hu Yue , Jarosch Klaus A. , Kavka Mareike , Eichler-Löbermann Bettina
Published: October 2022

Long-term field experiments (LTFEs) can provide an extensive overview on the effectiveness of phosphorus (P) management. In order to have a detailed insight into the availability and distribution of the P in soil as affected by organic and inorganic fertilizers (no P, triple-superphosphate (TSP), compost and compost + TSP), soil samples collected at a LTFE established in 1998 in Northern Germany at different sampling dates and soil depths were subjected to P characterization including the double-lactate method (P-dl) as standard soil test, the degree of P sorption (DPS), the sequential P fractionation and isotopic exchange kinetics. While the type of fertilizer had rarely an effect on the soil P pools, higher amounts of P applied resulted in increased values of P-dl, labile P fractions and P that was isotopically exchangeable within 1 min (p < 0.05). The DPS values varied from on average 40.2% (no P) to 47.2% (compost + TSP) with small variations during the experimental time. In contrast, significant shifts from less available to readily available P pools were measured between the sampling in autumn 2017 and spring 2019. The differences in the P budgets between the treatments corresponded to the differences of the total P stocks in 0–90 cm, yet with an estimated upward or downward movement of P between the soil depths as consequences of long-term deficit or surplus of fertilizer P. The use of complementary methods in this study contributed to a better understanding of the potential availability of P in soil in a long term perspective.
Deep-HyROMnet: A Deep Learning-Based Operator Approximation for Hyper-Reduction of Nonlinear Parametrized PDEs
Authors: Cicci Ludovica , Fresca Stefania , Manzoni Andrea
Published: October 2022

To speed-up the solution of parametrized differential problems, reduced order models (ROMs) have been developed over the years, including projection-based ROMs such as the reduced-basis (RB) method, deep learning-based ROMs, as well as surrogate models obtained through machine learning techniques. Thanks to its physics-based structure, ensured by the use of a Galerkin projection of the full order model (FOM) onto a linear low-dimensional subspace, the Galerkin-RB method yields approximations that fulfill the differential problem at hand. However, to make the assembling of the ROM independent of the FOM dimension, intrusive and expensive hyper-reduction techniques, such as the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM), are usually required, thus making this strategy less feasible for problems characterized by (high-order polynomial or nonpolynomial) nonlinearities. To overcome this bottleneck, we propose a novel strategy for learning nonlinear ROM operators using deep neural networks (DNNs). The resulting hyper-reduced order model enhanced by DNNs, to which we refer to as Deep-HyROMnet, is then a physics-based model, still relying on the RB method approach, however employing a DNN architecture to approximate reduced residual vectors and Jacobian matrices once a Galerkin projection has been performed. Numerical results dealing with fast simulations in nonlinear structural mechanics show that Deep-HyROMnets are orders of magnitude faster than POD-Galerkin-DEIM ROMs, still ensuring the same level of accuracy.
A MOOC in Nuclear- and Radio-Chemistry: from the design to the feedback
Authors: Negrin Maddalena , Macerata Elena , Concia Francesca , Mariani Mario , Mossini Eros , Das Sudeep , Airaksinen Anu J. , Štrok Marko , Pottgießer Vivien , Walther Clemens , Distler Petr , John Jan , Nemec Mojmir , Retegan Teodora
Published: October 2022

Recently, the loss of expertise in the nuclear- and radio-chemistry (NRC) is becoming an issue of concern, because of few engaging curricula and career prospects.

To counteract this trend, the Massive Open Online Course “Essential Radiochemistry for Society” has been developed with the intent of letting young students in scientific matters discover all the benefits of NRC to society and improving their awareness of these disciplines.

The MOOC development process as well as the feedbacks collected in the first MOOC editions are analyzed by highlighting strong points and weakness of the followed strategy.
Damage to anthropic elements estimation due to large slope instabilities through multi-temporal A-DInSAR analysis
Authors: Cignetti Martina , Godone Danilo , Notti Davide , Zucca Francesco , Meisina Claudia , Bordoni Massimiliano , Pedretti Laura , Lanteri Luca , Bertolo Davide , Giordan Daniele
Published: October 2022

Deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DsGSDs) are widespread phenomena in the Alpine environment. Their dynamics, although very slow, endanger human settlements and connecting infrastructures. Monitoring such phenomena is mandatory to evaluate the impact on infrastructure networks and inhabited areas. Nowadays, the implementation of a tool useful to define and manage the interactions of DsGSDs evolution and the anthropic element remains a challenge, particularly in land use planning. Apart from on-site monitoring, which is commonly poorly used for DsGSDs observation, satellite-based interferometry represents the most comprehensive instrument for an effective spatial and temporal characterization of these phenomena. This paper provides a dedicated procedure to assess the usability of Advanced Differential Interferometric SAR (A-DInSAR) techniques to explore the DsGSDs behaviour and investigate their local interaction along anthropic elements. Combining multi-temporal A-DInSAR data, ERS-1/2 (1992–2000), Radarsat-1/2 (2003–2010), COSMO-SkyMed (2011–2018) and Sentinel-1 (2014–2018), over the Motta de Pletè and Champlas du Col DsGSDs, north-western Italy, a line-of-sight displacement investigation over a long-time span is implemented. Multi-temporal deformation maps are generated to define the deformation pattern and DsGSDs evolution over time. Subsequently, a local-scale analysis along the main anthropic elements is performed, exploiting Vslope values and ground deformation time series, integrated with ground-based ones, where available. This local analysis is aimed to recognize the most critical sections of the anthropic elements along with an higher level of damage, and potential risk is expected. Moreover, the obtained results are compared with a survey damage of the anthropic elements for a local cross-check and to strengthen the A-DInSAR methodology. Overall, the presented methodology provides a powerful tool to better define the DsGSDs local dynamics in correspondence of the main strategic infrastructures and inhabited areas, for a proper infrastructure maintenance and territorial planning strategy.
Long-term efficacy and safety of osilodrostat in Cushing’s disease: final results from a Phase II study with an optional extension phase (LINC 2)
Authors: Fleseriu Maria , Biller Beverly M. K. , Bertherat Jérôme , Young Jacques , Hatipoglu Betul , Arnaldi Giorgio , O’Connell Paul , Izquierdo Miguel , Pedroncelli Alberto M. , Pivonello Rosario
Published: October 2022

Background

Many patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) require long-term medical therapy to control their hypercortisolism. In the core phase of a Phase II study (LINC 2; NCT01331239), osilodrostat normalized mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) in 78.9% of patients with CD. Here, we report long-term efficacy and safety data for osilodrostat following completion of an optional extension to LINC 2.

Methods

Adult patients with CD were enrolled in a 22-week prospective Phase II study. Patients with mUFC ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN) or receiving clinical benefit at week 22 could enter the optional extension. The proportion of complete (mUFC ≤ ULN) or partial (mUFC > ULN but ≥ 50% decrease from baseline) mUFC responders was assessed over time.

Results

Sixteen of 19 enrolled patients entered the extension. Median (range) osilodrostat exposure from baseline to study end was 5.4 years (0.04–6.7); median (range) average dose was 10.6 mg/day (1.1–47.9). Overall response rate (complete and partial mUFC responders) was consistently ≥ 50%. Sustained control of most cardiovascular-related parameters was observed during the extension. The long-term safety profile was consistent with that reported during the core phase. Testosterone levels (females) decreased towards baseline levels during long-term follow-up, with no new or worsening cases of hirsutism during the extension.

Conclusions

In the longest prospective study of a steroidogenesis inhibitor to date, osilodrostat provided sustained reductions in mUFC for up to 6.7 years of treatment, with no new safety signals emerging during the extension. These findings support osilodrostat as an effective long-term treatment for patients with CD.
Differential associations of emotional and physical domains of the MacNew Heart with changes in 6-min walking test
Authors: Jellestad Lena , Meier Vera G. , Bierbauer Walter , Bermudez Tania , Auschra Bianca , Günther Moritz P. , Scholz Urte , von Känel Roland , Hermann Matthias , Euler Sebastian
Published: October 2022

Aims

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR), a key component of secondary prevention in cardiac patients, contributes fundamentally to improved cardiovascular health outcomes. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) represents a widely employed outcome measure in CR, yet, its predictive properties on exercise capacity change during CR are poorly understood. Aim of this study was to examine the association between baseline HRQOL and its subdomains on improvement of exercise capacity during CR.

Methods

Study participants were 13,717 inpatients of six Swiss CR clinics from 2012 to 2018. We measured HRQOL at admission to CR with the MacNew Heart (MNH) questionnaire and exercise capacity at admission and discharge using the six minutes walking test (6MWT). Following factorial analyses, we performed univariate and multivariate analyses to test the predictive properties of baseline global HRQOL and its domains for improvement in exercise capacity, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

Mean improvement in 6MWT was 114 m (SD = 90), achieved after 17.4 days (SD = 5.5). Lower emotional HRQOL (b = 7.85, p =  < .001, 95% CI [− 5.67, 10.03]) and higher physical HRQOL (b =  − 5.23, p < .001, 95% CI [− 6.56, − 3.90]) were associated with less improvement in the 6MWT. Global MNH and social HRQOL showed no association with exercise capacity improvement.

Conclusion

Patients entering CR with low emotional and high physical HRQOL are at risk for a lower gain in exercise capacity during CR. Global MNH alone does not provide a reliable assessment of HRQOL; thus a focus on specific domains of HRQOL is needed.
Artificial intelligence and radical innovation: an opportunity for all companies?
Authors: Grashof Nils , Kopka Alexander
Published: October 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often seen as a key technology for future economic growth. However, its concrete effects on the emergence of radical innovations and the associated socio-economic impacts, through increasing divergence between smaller and larger firms, have not yet been systematically researched. This paper addresses this by investigating the extent to which AI-related knowledge influences the emergence of radical innovations and differentiates between SMEs and large firms. Based on a unique dataset of European firms combining firm-level data with patent data, we find a nuanced influence from AI. While AI applications assert a positive influence, AI techniques negatively influence the emergence of radical innovations. Being an SME significantly moderates these effects. Larger firms gain from AI applications, whereas SMEs gain from AI techniques. Therefore, AI knowledge in itself is not a general answer to increase the likelihood of creating radical innovation. Instead, a more differentiated view on AI is needed.
Research topic flows in co-authorship networks
Authors: Schäfermeier Bastian , Hirth Johannes , Hanika Tom
Published: October 2022

In scientometrics, scientific collaboration is often analyzed by means of co-authorships. An aspect which is often overlooked and more difficult to quantify is the flow of expertise between authors from different research topics, which is an important part of scientific progress. With the Topic Flow Network (TFN) we propose a graph structure for the analysis of research topic flows between scientific authors and their respective research fields. Based on a multi-graph and a topic model, our proposed network structure accounts for intratopic as well as intertopic flows. Our method requires for the construction of a TFN solely a corpus of publications (i.e., author and abstract information). From this, research topics are discovered automatically through non-negative matrix factorization. The thereof derived TFN allows for the application of social network analysis techniques, such as common metrics and community detection. Most importantly, it allows for the analysis of intertopic flows on a large, macroscopic scale, i.e., between research topic, as well as on a microscopic scale, i.e., between certain sets of authors. We demonstrate the utility of TFNs by applying our method to two comprehensive corpora of altogether 20 Mio. publications spanning more than 60 years of research in the fields computer science and mathematics. Our results give evidence that Topic Flow Networks are suitable, e.g., for the analysis of topical communities, the discovery of important authors in different fields, and, most notably, the analysis of intertopic flows, i.e., the transfer of topical expertise. Besides that, our method opens new directions for future research, such as the investigation of influence relationships between research fields.