bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrathin Co(OH)2 Nanosheets@Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanoflake Arrays as Efficient Air Cathodes for Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Wang Yijie , Li Aoshuang , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: July 2021

Developing highly active, cost‐effective, and durable bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts is an important step for the advancement of rechargeable Zn–air batteries (ZABs). Herein, an efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalyst of ultrathin Co(OH)2 nanosheets supported on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanoflake arrays (named as Co(OH)2@NC), is reported, which yields excellent bifunctional activity, i.e., a low overpotential of 285 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2 for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a high half‐wave potential (0.83 V) for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and a low potential gap (ΔE) of 0.69 V. The excellent bifunctional catalytic performance can be ascribed to the concerted efforts of cobalt hydroxide toward OER and nitrogen‐doped carbon for ORR. The Co(OH)2@NC nanoflake arrays is further used as binder‐free air cathodes for rechargeable Zn–air batteries, exhibiting a high specific capacity of 798.3 mAh gZn−1, improved stability (a working life of >70 h at 5 mA cm−2), as well as a reduced long‐term charging voltage, which outperforms the counterparts of NC nanoflake arrays and Pt/C‐based air cathodes. One step further, the Co(OH)2@NC nanoflake arrays on carbon cloth are directly used as binder‐free air cathodes for flexible, solid‐state ZABs, showing excellent performance under deformation as well.
Self‐Propelled Asymmetrical Nanomotor for Self‐Reported Gas Therapy
Authors: Yue Ludan , Yang Kuikun , Li Junyan , Cheng Qian , Wang Ruibing
Published: July 2021

Gas therapy has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy in combating cancer owing to its high therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. However, the clinical translation of gas therapy remains challenging due to the rapid diffusion and limited tissue penetration of therapeutic gases. Herein, a self‐propelled, asymmetrical Au@MnO2 nanomotor for efficient delivery of therapeutic gas to deep‐seated cancer tissue for enhanced efficacy of gas therapy, is reported. The Au@MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) catalyze endogenous H2O2 into O2 that propels NPs into deep solid tumors, where SO2 prodrug is released from the hollow NPs owing to the degradation of MnO2 shells. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) is conjugated onto the surface of Au via caspase‐3 responsive peptide (DEVD) and the therapeutic process of gas therapy can be optically self‐reported by the fluorescence of FITC that is turned on in the presence of overexpressed caspase‐3 as an apoptosis indicator. Au@MnO2 nanomotors show self‐reported therapeutic efficacy and high biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo, offering important new insights to the design and development of novel nanomotors for efficient payload delivery into deep tumor tissue and in situ monitoring of the therapeutic process.
The Influence of Size, Shape, and Twin Boundaries on Heat‐Induced Alloying in Individual Au@Ag Core–Shell Nanoparticles
Authors: Mychinko Mikhail , Skorikov Alexander , Albrecht Wiebke , Sánchez‐Iglesias Ana , Zhuo Xiaolu , Kumar Vished , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Bals Sara
Published: July 2021

Environmental conditions during real‐world application of bimetallic core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) often include the use of elevated temperatures, which are known to cause elemental redistribution, in turn significantly altering the properties of these nanomaterials. Therefore, a thorough understanding of such processes is of great importance. The recently developed combination of fast electron tomography with in situ heating holders is a powerful approach to investigate heat‐induced processes at the single NP level, with high spatial resolution in 3D. In combination with 3D finite‐difference diffusion simulations, this method can be used to disclose the influence of various NP parameters on the diffusion dynamics in Au@Ag core–shell systems. A detailed study of the influence of heating on atomic diffusion and alloying for Au@Ag NPs with varying core morphology and crystallographic details is carried out. Whereas the core shape and aspect ratio of the NPs play a minor role, twin boundaries are found to have a strong influence on the elemental diffusion.
Defect Engineering on CeO2‐Based Catalysts for Heterogeneous Catalytic Applications
Authors: Yang Chunming , Lu Yuxuan , Zhang Le , Kong Zhijie , Yang Tianyi , Tao Li , Zou Yuqin , Wang Shuangyin
Published: July 2021

With abundant crystal defects, cerium oxide (CeO2), widely used in heterogeneous catalysis, has attracted extensive attention. In recent years, researchers have investigated that the defect chemistry of CeO2 plays a vital role in its catalytic activity and have developed various defect introduction methods to synthesize stable and efficient defective CeO2‐based catalysts. Herein, the understanding, introduction, and applications of defect chemistry in CeO2‐based heterogeneous catalysis are reviewed, and the structure–activity relationship between defect engineering and catalytic performance is recommended with great emphasis. Interests are put into the investigation of how defects influence the activity and stability of defective CeO2 catalysts and effective strategies for fabricating efficient, stable, and defective CeO2 catalysts. Finally, the existing problems and perspectives of CeO2 defect chemistry for heterogeneous catalysis are displayed. This review provides a reference for in‐depth understanding and the design of more efficient CeO2‐based catalysts for heterogeneous catalysis.
Compressive behavior of RC members with rectangular continuous transverse reinforcement
Authors: Zakerinejad Mohammad , Soltani Masoud
Published: July 2021

Rectangular Continuous Transverse Reinforcement (RCTR), as a replacement for conventional ties, is a relatively new form of reinforcement that can accelerate and facilitate the construction of reinforcement for RC members. In this study, the compressive behavior of concrete members with this kind of reinforcement is experimentally and theoretically investigated. Twenty‐eight RC short column specimens with multiple arrangements for bar size and spacing of transverse reinforcement; including RCTR and conventional ties are examined under monotonic and half‐cyclic loadings. The results imply that RCTR is a valid substitute for traditional ties and to a certain extent can improve the compressive strength of RC members. Based on Elasto‐Plastic and Fracture (EPF) concrete model, a theoretical method is proposed in order to predict the behavior of such members, which conforms well with the experimental results. Furthermore, the validity of existing design provisions in the compressive design of these members is investigated.
Application of Improved Symplectic Geometry Mode Decomposition Algorithm in Evaluation System of Transformer Winding Short‐Circuit Withstand Ability
Authors: Wang Jiaxu , Guo Jian
Published: July 2021

During the operation of the power transformer, the fault location often occurs in the winding, and the fault phenomenon caused by insufficient short‐circuit withstand ability of the winding is particularly prominent. Based on this problem, this article proposes an improved symplectic geometry mode decomposition (ISGMD) algorithm to evaluate the short‐circuit withstand ability of winding. The realization method is to use the algorithm to perform time‐frequency decomposition of the vibration signal of the transformer, calculate time‐domain eigenvalues of the symplectic geometry components to constitute the eigenvector, utilize principal component analysis to reduce dimensionality of the data. Finally, apply the obtained data to train and test the extreme learning machine. The correctness of the algorithm is analyzed by simulating vibration signals. At last, the experiment is designed and the evaluation standard is proposed, and the practicability of the intelligent evaluation model based on the method is verified. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Extraction and analytical approaches in the forensic evaluation of anabolic androgenic steroid formulations
Authors: Berneira Lucas Moraes , Poletti Tais , de Freitas Samantha Coelho , da Silva Caroline Carapina , Ortiz Rafael Scorsatto , de Pereira Claudio Martin Pereira
Published: July 2021

Anabolic androgenic steroids are controlled or prohibited substances worldwide since their abusive usage can lead to extensive side effects. For forensic purposes, apprehended formulations of anabolic agents have to be analyzed to determine their components as well as possible adulterants and contaminants. Nevertheless, there are no comprehensive reviews in the field in order to compile the methods and analytical techniques that have been described so far. Therefore, the aim of this work was to review the analytical techniques and methods of extraction available for the analysis of formulations of anabolic agents. In this sense, 76 research works that analyzed formulations of anabolic agents from 1979 to 2021 were reviewed and distributed under the extraction methods and the analytical techniques employed by the authors. Generally, ultrasonic‐assisted extraction associated with methanol as extractor solvent is the procedure of choice with little contribution of solid or liquid–liquid extraction. According to the literature, there are several analytical tools available for the analysis of these substances, although gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry as well as spectroscopic techniques are frequently employed. Nonetheless, novel techniques have been developed in order to decrease analysis time, cost, and sample preparation, which are important features in the expressive numbers of anabolic agents apprehended yearly. Therefore, the application of adequate methods of extraction coupled to suitable analytical techniques can be efficient forensic tools in order to contest the illicit supply of anabolic androgenic steroids providing consistent evidence to legal courts.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Emerging Technologies and Methods

Toxicology > Drug Analysis

Toxicology > Analytical Toxicology
Medium-induced fragmentation and equilibration of highly energetic partons
Authors: Schlichting Soeren , Soudi Ismail
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We investigate the energy loss and equilibration of highly energetic particles/jets inside a QCD medium. Based on an effective kinetic description of QCD, including 2 ↔ 2 elastic processes, radiative 1 ↔ 2 processes, as well as the back-reaction of jet constituents onto the thermal medium, we describe the in-medium evolution of jets from the energy scale of the jet ∼ E all the way to the medium scale ∼ T. While elastic processes and back-reaction are important to describe the equilibration of soft fragments of the jet, we find that the energy loss is dominated by an inverse turbulent cascade due to successive radiative branchings, which has interesting implications for the energy spectra and chemistry of jet fragments.
A novel partitioning scheme for the application of the distortion/interaction - activation strain model to intramolecular reactions
Authors: Velasco-Juárez Elena , Arpa Enrique M.
Published: July 2021

The distortion/interaction or activation strain model, developed by Houk and Bickelhaupt, relates chemical reactivity to the reagents deformations and reciprocal electronic influences. However, in its original formulation, it struggles to elucidate the mechanistic insights of intramolecular reactions, those unimolecular processes in which two parts of a molecule, the reaction centers, linked by a connector, are brought together to yield a different chemical species. Here we present a modification of the distortion/interaction procedure for its application on intramolecular reactions. This new procedure allows the calculation of the influence exerted by the connector over the reaction pathway in an indirect way, from the distortions of the two reaction centers and their interaction energy. This procedure does not include additional, undesired interactions and offers the possibility of calculating very large connectors in a computationally inexpensive way. We applied this methodology in the normal electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction of 1,3,8-nonatriene derivatives, with different functionalizations and connector lengths. In-depth analysis of the IRC showed that the reaction pathway can be subdivided in three main regions, what we called the oncoming, conversion and relaxation phases, each of them characterized by different evolutions of the distortion and interaction energies, and with clear geometry changes. We suggest that this new formulation can provide additional information for intramolecular reactions, especially to those processes for which the connector is said to play a crucial role in the observed reaction rates.
The effect of geometry and illumination on appearance perception of different material categories
Authors: Chen Bin , Wang Chao , Piovarči Michal , Seidel Hans-Peter , Didyk Piotr , Myszkowski Karol , Serrano Ana
Published: July 2021

The understanding of material appearance perception is a complex problem due to interactions between material reflectance, surface geometry, and illumination. Recently, Serrano et al. collected the largest dataset to date with subjective ratings of material appearance attributes, including glossiness, metallicness, sharpness and contrast of reflections. In this work, we make use of their dataset to investigate for the first time the impact of the interactions between illumination, geometry, and eight different material categories in perceived appearance attributes. After an initial analysis, we select for further analysis the four material categories that cover the largest range for all perceptual attributes: fabric, plastic, ceramic, and metal. Using a cumulative link mixed model (CLMM) for robust regression, we discover interactions between these material categories and four representative illuminations and object geometries. We believe that our findings contribute to expanding the knowledge on material appearance perception and can be useful for many applications, such as scene design, where any particular material in a given shape can be aligned with dominant classes of illumination, so that a desired strength of appearance attributes can be achieved.
Gene expression analyses on multi-target mode of action of black cohosh in menopausal complaints – a pilot study in rodents
Authors: Stute Petra , Ehrentraut Stefan , Henneicke-von Zepelin Hans-Heinrich , Nicken Petra
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study aimed at assessing gene expression profiles in hippocampus and hypothalamus of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with or without treatment with an isopropanolic extract of Cimicifuga racemosa rhizomes (iCR) in comparison to intact rats.

Methods

Exploration of hippocampal (Hi) and hypothalamic (Hy) tissue from Sprague Dawley rats: without OVX (NHi = NHy = 4), tissues 3 months after OVX (NHi = 4, NHy = 3), or tissues of rats after their treatment with iCR for 3 months after OVX (NHi = NHy = 2). Gene expression profiles in these tissues were investigated by RNA-microarray-analysis and subsequent verification by qPCR.

Results

4812 genes were differentially regulated when comparing the three groups in hippocampus and hypothalamus. iCR compensated the effects of OVX in 518 genes. This compensatory effect was most prominent in hippocampal signalling pathways, thereof genes (GAL, CALCA, HCRT, AVPR1A, PNOC, etc.) involved in thermoregulation, regulation of sleep and arousal, blood pressure regulation, metabolism, nociception, hormonal regulation, homeostasis, learning and cognition, mood regulation, neuroendocrine modulation, etc.. In the hypothalamus, iCR compensated OVX-effects at TAC3 and OPRM1 but not at KISS1. These genes are involved in the pathophysiology of hot flashes.

Conclusions

Our pilot study findings support a multifaceted mode of action of iCR in menopausal complaints on a tissue-specific brain gene expression level.
Association between formal thought disorders, neurocognition and functioning in the early stages of psychosis: a systematic review of the last half-century studies
Authors: Oeztuerk Oemer Faruk , Pigoni Alessandro , Antonucci Linda A. , Koutsouleris Nikolaos
Published: July 2021

Recent review articles provided an extensive collection of studies covering many aspects of format thought disorders (FTD) among their epidemiology and phenomenology, their neurobiological underpinnings, genetics as well as their transdiagnostic prevalence. However, less attention has been paid to the association of FTD with neurocognitive and functioning deficits in the early stages of evolving psychosis. Therefore, this systematic review aims to investigate the state of the art regarding the association between FTD, neurocognition and functioning in the early stages of evolving psychotic disorders in adolescents and young adults, by following the PRISMA flowchart. A total of 106 studies were screened. We included 8 studies due to their reports of associations between FTD measures and functioning outcomes measured with different scales and 7 studies due to their reports of associations between FTD measures and neurocognition. In summary, the main findings of the included studies for functioning outcomes showed that FTD severity predicted poor social functioning, unemployment, relapses, re-hospitalisations, whereas the main findings of the included studies for neurocognition showed correlations between attentional deficits, executive functions and FTD, and highlighted the predictive potential of executive dysfunctions for sustained FTD. Further studies in upcoming years taking advantage of the acceleration in computational psychiatry would allow researchers to re-investigate the clinical importance of FTD and their role in the transition from at-risk to full-blown psychosis conditions. Employing automated computer-assisted diagnostic tools in the early stages of psychosis might open new avenues to develop targeted neuropsychotherapeutics specific to FTD.
Bilateral vestibulopathy decreases self-motion perception
Authors: van Stiphout Lisa , Lucieer Florence , Pleshkov Maksim , Van Rompaey Vincent , Widdershoven Josine , Guinand Nils , Pérez Fornos Angélica , Kingma Herman , van de Berg Raymond
Published: July 2021

Objective

Current diagnostic criteria for bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) primarily involve measurements of vestibular reflexes. Perceptual self-motion thresholds however, are not routinely measured and their clinical value in this specific population is not yet fully determined. Objectives of this study were (1) to compare perceptual self-motion thresholds between BV patients and control subjects, and (2) to explore patterns of self-motion perception performance and vestibular function in BV patients.

Methods

Thirty-seven BV patients and 34 control subjects were included in this study. Perceptual self-motion thresholds were measured in both groups using a CAREN platform (Motek Medical BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Vestibular function was evaluated (only in BV patients) by the caloric test, torsion swing test, video head impulse test of all semicircular canals, and cervical- and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials. Differences in thresholds between both groups were analyzed. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to visualize patterns between self-motion perception and vestibular function within the group of BV patients.

Results

Perceptual self-motion thresholds were significantly higher in BV patients compared to control subjects, regarding nearly all rotations and translations (depending on the age group) (p ≤ 0.001). Cluster analysis showed that within the group of BV patients, higher perceptual self-motion thresholds were generally associated with lower vestibular test results (significant for yaw rotation, caloric test, torsion swing test, and video head impulse test (p ≤ 0.001)).

Conclusion

Self-motion perception is significantly decreased in BV patients compared to control subjects regarding nearly all rotations and translations. Furthermore, decreased self-motion perception is generally associated with lower residual vestibular function in BV patients.

Trial registration

Trial registration number NL52768.068.15/METC
Cannabinoids in the landscape of cancer
Authors: Mangal Nagina , Erridge Simon , Habib Nagy , Sadanandam Anguraj , Reebye Vikash , Sodergren Mikael Hans
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Cannabinoids are a group of terpenophenolic compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. There is a growing body of evidence from cell culture and animal studies in support of cannabinoids possessing anticancer properties.

Method

A database search of peer reviewed articles published in English as full texts between January 1970 and April 2021 in Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science was undertaken. References of relevant literature were searched to identify additional studies to construct a narrative literature review of oncological effects of cannabinoids in pre-clinical and clinical studies in various cancer types.

Results

Phyto-, endogenous and synthetic cannabinoids demonstrated antitumour effects both in vitro and in vivo. However, these effects are dependent on cancer type, the concentration and preparation of the cannabinoid and the abundance of receptor targets. The mechanism of action of synthetic cannabinoids, (−)-trans-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) has mainly been described via the traditional cannabinoid receptors; CB1 and CB2, but reports have also indicated evidence of activity through GPR55, TRPM8 and other ion channels including TRPA1, TRPV1 and TRPV2.

Conclusion

Cannabinoids have shown to be efficacious both as a single agent and in combination with antineoplastic drugs. These effects have occurred through various receptors and ligands and modulation of signalling pathways involved in hallmarks of cancer pathology. There is a need for further studies to characterise its mode of action at the molecular level and to delineate efficacious dosage and route of administration in addition to synergistic regimes.
Limit profiles for reversible Markov chains
Authors: Nestoridi Evita , Olesker-Taylor Sam
Published: July 2021

In a recent breakthrough, Teyssier (Ann Probab 48(5):2323–2343, 2020) introduced a new method for approximating the distance from equilibrium of a random walk on a group. He used it to study the limit profile for the random transpositions card shuffle. His techniques were restricted to conjugacy-invariant random walks on groups; we derive similar approximation lemmas for random walks on homogeneous spaces and for general reversible Markov chains. We illustrate applications of these lemmas to some famous problems: thek-cycle shuffle, sharpening results of Hough (Probab Theory Relat Fields 165(1–2):447–482, 2016) and Berestycki, Schramm and Zeitouni (Ann Probab 39(5):1815–1843, 2011), the Ehrenfest urn diffusion with many urns, sharpening results of Ceccherini-Silberstein, Scarabotti and Tolli  (J Math Sci 141(2):1182–1229, 2007), a Gibbs sampler, which is a fundamental tool in statistical physics, with Binomial prior and hypergeometric posterior, sharpening results of Diaconis, Khare and Saloff-Coste (Stat Sci 23(2):151–178, 2008).
Variation of foliar silicon concentrations in temperate forbs: effects of soil silicon, phylogeny and habitat
Authors: Klotz Marius , Schaller Jörg , Kurze Susanne , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J.
Published: July 2021

Silicon (Si) accumulation is known to alleviate various biotic and abiotic stressors in plants with potential ecological consequences. However, for dicotyledonous plants our understanding of Si variation remains limited. We conducted a comparative experimental study to investigate (1) interspecific variation of foliar Si concentrations across 37 dicotyledonous forbs of temperate grasslands, (2) intraspecific variation in foliar Si concentration in response to soil Si availability, the influence of (3) phylogenetic relatedness, and (4) habitat association to moisture. Foliar Si differed markedly (approx. 70-fold) across the investigated forbs, with some species exhibiting Si accumulation similar to grasses. Foliar Si increased with soil Si availability, but the response varied across species: species with higher Si accumulation capacity showed a stronger response, indicating that they did not actively upregulate Si uptake under low soil Si availability. Foliar Si showed a pronounced phylogenetic signal, i.e., closely related species exhibited more similar foliar Si concentrations than distantly related species. Significant differences in foliar Si concentration within closely related species pairs nevertheless support that active Si uptake and associated high Si concentrations has evolved multiple times in forbs. Foliar Si was not higher in species associated with drier habitats, implying that in dicotyledonous forbs of temperate grasslands high foliar Si is not an adaptive trait to withstand drought. Our results demonstrated considerable inter- and intraspecific variation in foliar Si concentration in temperate forbs. This variation should have pervasive, but so far understudied, ecological consequences for community composition and functioning of temperate grasslands under land-use and climate change.
A Talenti-type comparison theorem for $${{\,\mathrm{RCD}\,}}(K,N)$$ spaces and applications
Authors: Mondino Andrea , Vedovato Mattia
Published: July 2021

We prove pointwise and $$L^{p}$$

L
p

-gradient comparison results for solutions to elliptic Dirichlet problems defined on open subsets of a (possibly non-smooth) space with positive Ricci curvature (more precisely of an $${{\,\mathrm{RCD}\,}}(K,N)$$

RCD

(
K
,
N
)

metric measure space, with $$K>0$$

K
>
0

and $$N\in (1,\infty )$$

N
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

). The obtained Talenti-type comparison is sharp, rigid and stable with respect to $$L^{2}$$

L
2

/measured-Gromov–Hausdorff topology; moreover, several aspects seem new even for smooth Riemannian manifolds. As applications of such Talenti-type comparison, we prove a series of improved Sobolev-type inequalities, and an $${{\,\mathrm{RCD}\,}}$$

RCD

version of the St. Venant-Pólya torsional rigidity comparison theorem (with associated rigidity and stability statements). Finally, we give a probabilistic interpretation (in the setting of smooth Riemannian manifolds) of the aforementioned comparison results, in terms of exit time from an open subset for the Brownian motion.
Hölder regularity for porous medium systems
Authors: Liao Naian
Published: July 2021

We establish Hölder continuity for locally bounded weak solutions to certain parabolic systems of porous medium type, i.e. $$\begin{aligned} \partial _t \mathbf{u}-\mathrm{div}(m|\mathbf{u}|^{m-1}D\mathbf{u})=0,\quad m>0. \end{aligned}$$

∂
t

u
-

div
(
m
|
u
|

m
-
1

D
u
)
=
0
,

m
>
0
.

As a consequence of our local Hölder estimates, a Liouville type result for bounded global solutions is also established. In addition, sufficient conditions are given to ensure local boundedness of local weak solutions.
Influence of the groundwater level on the bearing capacity of shallow foundations on the rock mass
Authors: Alencar Ana , Galindo Rubén , Melentijevic Svetlana
Published: July 2021

The presence of the groundwater level (GWL) at the rock mass may significantly affect the mechanical behavior, and consequently the bearing capacity. The water particularly modifies two aspects that influence the bearing capacity: the submerged unit weight and the overall geotechnical quality of the rock mass, because water circulation tends to clean and open the joints. This paper is a study of the influence groundwater level has on the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations on the rock mass. The calculations were developed using the finite difference method. The numerical results included three possible locations of groundwater level: at the foundation level, at a depth equal to a quarter of the footing width from the foundation level, and inexistent location. The analysis was based on a sensitivity study with four parameters: foundation width, rock mass type (mi), uniaxial compressive strength, and geological strength index. Included in the analysis was the influence of the self-weight of the material on the bearing capacity and the critical depth where the GWL no longer affected the bearing capacity. Finally, a simple approximation of the solution estimated in this study is suggested for practical purposes.
Decolonizing Southern Criminology: What Can the “Decolonial Option” Tell Us About Challenging the Modern/Colonial Foundations of Criminology?
Authors: Dimou Eleni
Published: July 2021

Southern criminology has been recognized as a leading theoretical development for attempting to overcome the perpetuation of colonial power relations reflected in the unequal flow of knowledge between the Global North and Global South. Critics, however, have pointed out that Southern criminology runs the risk of recreating epistemicide and colonial power structures by reproducing colonial epistemology and by being unable to disentangle itself from the hegemony of Western modern thought. This article introduces the approach of the “decolonial option,” which suggests that all our contemporary ways of being, interacting, knowing, perceiving, sensing, and understanding are fundamentally shaped by coloniality—long-standing patterns of power that emerged because of colonialism and that are still at play (Maldonado-Torres 2007; Quijano 1992). The “decolonial option” seeks ways of knowing and being that heal, resist, and transform these deeply harmful and embedded patterns of power. Drawing on the “decolonial option,” this article aims to provide a constructive critique of Southern criminology by facilitating a better understanding of “coloniality” and offering an epistemological shift that is necessary to move toward global and cognitive justice. The rupture and paradigm shift in criminological knowledge production offered by the “decolonial option” dismantles criminology’s Western universalist narratives and its logic of separation that lie in modernity. By doing so, it provides a different understanding of modernity that looks behind its universalizing narratives and designs (e.g., development, progress, salvation) to expose “coloniality”—modernity’s dark, destructive side. While the “decolonial option” does not entail a universalizing mission, it is an option—one of the many paths that one can select to undertake decolonial work—and this article argues that if Southern criminology were to incorporate the decolonial epistemological and conceptual framework, it could better insulate itself from certain consequences of “coloniality” that it risks embodying.
A Neural Network Approach to Value R&D Compound American Exchange Option
Authors: Villani Giovanni
Published: July 2021

In this paper we show as the neural network methodology, coupled with the Least Squares Monte Carlo approach, can be very helpful in valuing R&D investment opportunities. As it is well known, R&D projects are made in a phased manner, with the commencement of subsequent phase being dependent on the successful completion of the preceding phase. This is known as a sequential investment and therefore R&D projects can be considered as compound options. In addition, R&D investments often involve considerable cost uncertainty so that they can be viewed as an exchange option, i.e. a swap of an uncertain investment cost for an uncertain gross project value. Finally, the production investment can be realized at any time before the maturity date, after that the effects of R&D disappear. Consequently, an R&D project can be considered as a compound American exchange option. In this context, the Least Squares Monte Carlo method is a powerful and flexible tool for capital budgeting decisions and for valuing American-type options. But, using the simulated values as “targets”, the implementation of a neural network allows to extend the results for any R&D valuation and to abate the waiting time of Least Squares Monte Carlo simulation.
Finding the sweet spot for organizational control and team autonomy in large-scale agile software development
Authors: Moe Nils Brede , Šmite Darja , Paasivaara Maria , Lassenius Casper
Published: July 2021

Agile methods and the related concepts of employee empowerment, self-management, and autonomy have reached large-scale software organizations and raise questions about commonly adopted principles for authority distribution. However, the optimum mechanism to balance the need for alignment, quality, and process control with the need or willingness of teams to be autonomous remains an unresolved issue. In this paper, we report our findings from a multiple-case study in two large-scale software development organizations in the telecom industry. We analysed the autonomy of the agile teams in the organizations using Hackman’s classification of unit authority and found that the teams were partly self-managing. Further, we found that alignment across teams can be achieved top-down by management and bottom-up through membership in communities or through dialogue between the team and management. However, the degree of team autonomy was limited by the need for organizational alignment. Top-down alignment and control were maintained through centralized decision-making for certain areas, the use of supervisory roles, mandatory processes, and checklists. One case employed a bottom-up approach to alignment through the formation of a community composed of all teams, experts, and supporting roles, but excluding managers. This community-based alignment involved teams in decision-making and engaged them in alignment initiatives. We conclude that implementation of such bottom-up structures seems to provide one possible mechanism for balancing organizational control and team autonomy in large-scale software development.
Chronic pain patients’ need for recognition and their current struggle
Authors: Koesling D. , Bozzaro C.
Published: July 2021

Chronic pain patients often miss receiving acknowledgement for the multidimensional struggles they face with their specific conditions. People suffering from chronic pain experience a type ofinvisibilitythat is also borne by other chronically ill people and their respective medical conditions. However, chronic pain patients face both passive and active exclusion from social participation in activities like family interactions or workplace inclusion. Although such aspects are discussed in the debates lead by the bio-psycho-social model of pain, there seems to be a lack of a distinct interest in assessing more specifically the social aspects regarding chronic pain. As a result, the social aspects have yet to be taken into a more thorough theoretical consideration of chronic pain and to be practically implemented to help affected patients. By addressing chronic pain patients’ struggle for recognition, this paper attempts to shed light on some of these social aspects. We base this attempt on a theoretical framework that combines patients’ statements with an adaptation of Axel Honneth’s social-philosophical work onrecognition. Thus, this paper tries to make a suggestion on how the bio-psycho-social model of pain can live up to its name by helping to address more adequately some of the more neglected aspects in chronic pain patients’ suffering than has been possible to date.
A Tale of Odds and Ratios: Political Preference Formation in Postindustrial Democracies
Authors: Wineroither David M. , Metz Rudolf
Published: July 2021

This report surveys four approaches that are pivotal to the study of preference formation: (a) the range, validity, and theoretical foundations of explanations of political preferences at the individual and mass levels, (b) the exploration of key objects of preference formation attached to the democratic political process (i.e., voting in competitive elections), (c) the top-down vs. bottom-up character of preference formation as addressed in leader–follower studies, and (d) gene–environment interaction and the explanatory weight of genetic predisposition against the cumulative weight of social experiences.

In recent years, our understanding of sites and processes of (individual) political-preference formation has substantially improved. First, this applies to a greater variety of objects that provide fresh insight into the functioning and stability of contemporary democracy. Second, we observe the reaffirmation of pivotal theories and key concepts in adapted form against widespread challenge. This applies to the role played by social stratification, group awareness, and individual-level economic considerations. Most of these findings converge in recognising economics-based explanations. Third, research into gene–environment interplay rapidly increases the number of testable hypotheses and promises to benefit a wide range of approaches already taken and advanced in the study of political-preference formation.
Die soziale Integration von Schülerinnen und Schülern mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf an allgemeinen Schulen und Förderschulen: Die Rolle individueller und klassenbezogener Kompetenzen
Authors: Kohrt Pauline , Gresch Cornelia , Mahler Nicole
Published: July 2021

Schülerinnen und Schüler mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf (SPF) werden in Deutschland an Förderschulen und inklusiv an allgemeinen Schulen unterrichtet. Ein Ziel dieser inklusiven Beschulung ist eine bessere soziale Integration der Schülerinnen und Schüler mit SPF in der Gesellschaft. Inwiefern diese Schülerinnen und Schüler mit SPF in allgemeinen Schulen im Schulalltag sozial integriert sind, wird bisher wenig thematisiert. Dieser Beitrag untersucht, ob und wie sich die durch Selbsteinschätzungen erfasste soziale Integration von Kindern mit SPF in den Förderschwerpunkten Lernen, Sprache sowie emotionale und soziale Entwicklung (SPF-LSE) zwischen Förderschulen und allgemeinen Schulen unterscheidet und ob individuelle Kompetenzen sowie die kompetenzbezogene Klassenzusammensetzung potenziell bestehende Unterschiede erklären können. Datengrundlage bildet der bundesweite IQB-Bildungstrend 2016 mitN = 26.899 Schülerinnen und Schülern der vierten Jahrgangsstufe, davonn = 1924 mit SPF-LSE. Im Ergebnis ist die soziale Integration von Schülerinnen und Schülern mit SPF-LSE an Förderschulen höher ausgeprägt als an allgemeinen Schulen. Diese Unterschiede können nicht auf unterschiedliche Kompetenzmerkmale zurückgeführt werden. Die Bedeutung der Befunde wird vor dem Hintergrund der allgemeinen Debatte zur Umsetzung von Inklusion diskutiert.
Ein neues Web-basiertes Verfahren zur Darstellung der Corona-Inzidenzen in Raum und Zeit
Authors: Rendtel Ulrich , Neudecker Andreas , Fuchs Lukas
Published: July 2021

Die Darstellung der räumlichen und zeitlichen Ausbreitung der Corona-Pandemie ist ein zentrales Anliegen von epidemiologischer Forschung aber auch der öffentlichen Medien. Dieses geschieht meist über Karten, die in vielen Fällen animiert sind. Die hier vorgestellte Web-Applikation benutzt ein alternatives statistisches Konzept zur Darstellung von Corona-Inzidenzen. Statt der üblichen, aber unrealistischen Annahme einer Gleichverteilung über einer Referenzfläche benutzen wir das Verfahren von Groß et al. (2020). Dieses allgemeine statistische Konzept wird hier auf die Schätzung lokaler Corona Inzidenzen angewendet. Es vermeidet die harten Sprünge an den Kreisgrenzen, die bei den üblichen Kartendarstellungen auftreten, durch eine gemeinsame Auswertung benachbarter Kreisgebiete.

Der Fokus der Darstellung liegt hier auf der Realisierung dieses Konzepts über eine frei zugängliche Web-Applikation und ihre Nutzung. Anhand von drei Beispielen wird gezeigt, dass während der zweiten Corona-Welle in Deutschland feste, lokale Cluster existieren, die sich über die Zeit auch ausbreiten und miteinander verschmelzen können.
Computational study on novel natural inhibitors targeting BCL2
Authors: Lv Xiaye , Jiang Yuting , Wang Xinhui , Xie HaoQun , Dou Gaojing , Wang Jing , Yang Wenzhuo , Wang Hongyu , Li Zijian , Zhang Xiangheng , Chen Zhenghe
Published: July 2021

Ideal lead compounds and candidate drugs with inhibitory effect on BCL2 were screened from ZINC database, which laid a foundation for drug development and compound improvement of drug treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCBL). Identification of potential BCL2 inhibitors by computer-aided virtual screening. Libdock was applied to 17,931 compounds and the top 20 were selected for further analysis. Selected compounds were performed absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicity prediction. The binding affinity between the selected ligands and BCL2 was confirmed by Molecular docking. The new natural compounds, ZINC00000255131 and ZINC00013298233, were found to bind closely with BCL2. Furthermore, they all scored lower in ames-induced mutagenicity, rodent carcinogenicity, non-developmental toxicity potential, and cytochrome P4502D6 tolerance. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the combinations of ZINC00000255131 and ZINC00013298233 with BCL2 in the natural environment are more stable. Two new compounds, ZINC00000255131 and ZINC00013298233, were found to be potential inhibitors of BCL2. These compounds have been proved to be safe, which is of great significance for the development and improvement of DLCBL drugs.
The Impact of Children’s Academic Competencies and School Grades on their Life Satisfaction: What Really Matters?
Authors: Lettau Jacqueline
Published: July 2021

Increasing demands in schools, higher pressure on children’s performance levels, and increasing mental health constraints raise questions about the impact of educational achievement on children’s life satisfaction. Therefore, this study investigates whether children’s academic competence levels and school grades affect their life satisfaction and if the effects vary by educational track. Complementing prior research, this study firstly uses fixed effects regressions to get closer to the estimation of the causal link between children’s academic competencies, school grades, and life satisfaction by eliminating time-constant confounding factors such as intelligence, early background characteristics, and genetic factors. By using valuable longitudinal data on academic competencies, school grades, and life satisfaction of children from a sample of 5th-grade students (N = 3045) of the National Educational Panel Study in Germany (NEPS) from 2010 to 2015 this study reaches also a broader external validity than prior research. Including various tracks, makes testing for heterogeneous effects by school track attended possible. Results indicate that, on average, children’s school grades seem to be highly important for their life evaluations. Moreover, the effect of school grades does not vary across educational tracks, i.e. school grades seem to matter for all children. In contrast, levels of academic competencies seem to be relevant only for specific subgroups. Investigating effect heterogeneities reveals that only among children in the lower secondary school tracks higher competencies are related to lower life satisfaction. Overall, the study highlights the importance of school grades and point out variation in the relevance of competence levels between school tracks.
Redesigned Sensor Holder for an Atomic Force Microscope with an Adjustable Probe Direction
Authors: Schaude Janik , Fimushkin Maxim , Hausotte Tino
Published: July 2021

The article presents a redesigned sensor holder for an atomic force microscope (AFM) with an adjustable probe direction, which is integrated into a nano measuring machine (NMM-1). The AFM, consisting of a commercial piezoresistive cantilever operated in closed-loop intermitted contact-mode, is based on two rotational axes, which enable the adjustment of the probe direction to cover a complete hemisphere. The axes greatly enlarge the metrology frame of the measuring system by materials with a comparatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. The AFM is therefore operated within a thermostating housing with a long-term temperature stability of 17 mK. The sensor holder, connecting the rotational axes and the cantilever, inserted one adhesive bond, a soldered connection and a geometrically undefined clamping into the metrology circle, which might also be a source of measurement error. It has therefore been redesigned to a clamped senor holder, which is presented, evaluated and compared to the previous glued sensor holder within this paper. As will be shown, there are no significant differences between the two sensor holders. This leads to the conclusion, that the three aforementioned connections do not deteriorate the measurement precision, significantly. As only a minor portion of the positioning range of the piezoelectric actuator is needed to stimulate the cantilever near its resonance frequency, a high-speed closed-loop control that keeps the cantilever within its operating range using this piezoelectric actuator further on as actuator was implemented and is presented within this article.
Current understanding on the Cambrian Explosion: questions and answers
Authors: Zhang Xingliang , Shu Degan
Published: July 2021

The Cambrian Explosion by nature is a three-phased explosion of animal body plans alongside episodic biomineralization, pulsed change of generic diversity, body size variation, and progressive increase of ecosystem complexity. The Cambrian was a time of crown groups nested by numbers of stem groups with a high-rank taxonomy of Linnaean system (classes and above). Some stem groups temporarily succeeded while others were ephemeral and underrepresented by few taxa. The high number of stem groups in the early history of animals is a major reason for morphological gaps across phyla that we see today. Most phylum-level clades achieved their maximal disparity (or morphological breadth) during the time interval close to their first appearance in the fossil record during the early Cambrian, whereas others, principally arthropods and chordates, exhibit a progressive exploration of morphospace in subsequent Phanerozoic. The overall envelope of metazoan morphospace occupation was already broad in the early Cambrian though it did not reach maximal disparity nor has diminished significantly as a consequence of extinction since the Cambrian. Intrinsic and extrinsic causes were extensively discussed but they are merely prerequisites for the Cambrian Explosion. Without the molecular evolution, there could be no Cambrian Explosion. However, the developmental system is alone insufficient to explain Cambrian Explosion. Time-equivalent environmental changes were often considered as extrinsic causes, but the time coincidence is also insufficient to establish causality. Like any other evolutionary event, it is the ecology that make the Cambrian Explosion possible though ecological processes failed to cause a burst of new body plans in the subsequent evolutionary radiations. The Cambrian Explosion is a polythetic event in natural history and manifested in many aspects. No simple, single cause can explain the entire phenomenon.