bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State preparation and evolution in quantum computing: A perspective from Hamiltonian moments
Authors: Aulicino Joseph C. , Keen Trevor , Peng Bo
Published: November 2021

Quantum algorithms on noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) devices are expected to soon simulate quantum systems that are classically intractable. However, the non‐negligible gate error present on NISQ devices impedes the implementation of many purely quantum algorithms, necessitating the use of hybrid quantum‐classical algorithms. One such hybrid quantum‐classical algorithm, is based upon quantum computed Hamiltonian moments , with respect to quantum state . In this tutorial review, we will give a brief review of these quantum algorithms with focuses on the typical ways of computing Hamiltonian moments using quantum hardware and improving the accuracy of the estimated state energies based on the quantum computed moments. We also present a computation of the Hamiltonian moments of a four‐site Heisenberg model and compute the energy and magnetization of the model utilizing the imaginary time evolution on current IBM‐Q hardware. Finally, we discuss some possible developments and applications of Hamiltonian moment methods.
Effect of swine manure on soil health properties: A systematic review
Authors: Yost Jenifer L. , Schmidt Amy M. , Koelsch Rick , Schott Linda R.
Published: November 2021

A comprehensive review of research data on the effects of swine manure on soil health properties that is applicable to agricultural producers is lacking. The objectives of this review were (a) to synthesize literature describing effects of swine manure on soil properties that affect “soil health” and (b) to identify knowledge gaps and research needs to further our understanding of this topic. We reviewed papers from two databases and extracted soil property and swine manure data based on a set of criteria. For a paper to be included, (a) the studies were replicated field experiments, (b) manure was the only differing factor between or among treatments, and (c) data means of swine manure amended treatments and controls were included. In total, 40 papers met the criteria and were included. Based on this review, swine manure has the potential to significantly increase soil organic carbon. Soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, and microbial biomass carbon increased when swine manure was applied to crop fields, whereas bulk density tended to decrease. To conclude, previous literature reviews failed to account for differences in methodologies between individual research studies and whether research is applicable to producers utilizing swine manure as amendments to improve soil health. Future research studies should measure and report a standard set of metrics for both soil and manure properties and should investigate the effects of application frequency on short‐ and long‐term soil health properties.
Bayesian transformation models with partly interval‐censored data
Authors: Wang Chunjie , Jiang Jingjing , Song Xinyuan
Published: November 2021

In many scientific fields, partly interval‐censored data, which consist of exactly observed and interval‐censored observations on the failure time of interest, appear frequently. However, methodological developments in the analysis of partly interval‐censored data are relatively limited and have mainly focused on additive or proportional hazards models. The general linear transformation model provides a highly flexible modeling framework that includes several familiar survival models as special cases. Despite such nice features, the inference procedure for this class of models has not been developed for partly interval‐censored data. We propose a fully Bayesian approach coped with efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo methods to fill this gap. A four‐stage data augmentation procedure is introduced to tackle the challenges presented by the complex model and data structure. The proposed method is easy to implement and computationally attractive. The empirical performance of the proposed method is evaluated through two simulation studies, and the model is then applied to a dental health study.
Handheld Microfluidic Filtration Platform Enables Rapid, Low‐Cost, and Robust Self‐Testing of SARS‐CoV‐2 Virus
Authors: Xu Jiang , Suo Wenhao , Goulev Youlian , Sun Lei , Kerr Liam , Paulsson Johan , Zhang Yan , Lao Taotao
Published: November 2021

Here, a novel microfluidic test kit combining ultrahigh throughput hydrodynamic filtration and sandwich immunoassay is reported. Specifically, nano and microbeads coated with two different, noncompetitive antibodies, are used to capture the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleocapsid (N) proteins simultaneously, forming larger complexes. Microfluidic filtration discards free nanobeads but retains antigen‐bridged complexes in the observation zone, where a display of red color indicates the presence of antigen in the sample. This testing platform exhibits high throughput separation (<30 s) and enrichment of antigen that exceeds the traditional lateral flow assays or microfluidic assays, with a low limit of detection (LoD) < 100 copies mL‐1. In two rounds of clinical trials conducted in December 2020 and August 2021, the assays demonstrate high sensitivities of 95.4% and 100%, respectively, which proves this microfluidic test kit is capable of detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 virus variants evolved over significant periods of time. Furthermore, the mass‐produced chip can be fabricated at a cost of $0.98/test and the robust design allows the chip to be reused for over 50 times. All of these features make the microfluidic test kit particularly suitable for areas with inadequate medical infrastructure and a shortage of laboratory resources.
Serendipitous Doping in Nickel Oxide upon Microwave‐Induced Low‐Temperature Crystallization Enhances Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hong Jungyun , Kim Chaewon , In Chang Min , Kim Sohyeon , Cho Won-Ju , Pecunia Vincenzo , Lee Mi Jung , Hwang Inchan
Published: November 2021

Solution‐processed nickel oxide (NiOx) requires high temperatures (≈300 °C) and a long time (up to 1 h) to crystallize from precursors. Herein, thin films of NiOx are successfully crystallized at significantly low processing temperatures of ≈130 °C within a few minutes utilizing microwave irradiation. Microwave‐annealed NiOx (MWA‐NiOx) shows high electrical conductivity and transmittance comparable with those of conventional thermally annealed NiOx (CTA‐NiOx). NiOx crystallization occurs by ohmic heating mechanisms in the indium tin oxide layer, which simultaneously facilitates the diffusion of In and Sn metal cations into the NiOx layer. Consequently, the chemical composition in the MWA‐NiOx layer shows that both Ni2+ and Ni>3+ species are reduced, which is infeasible with CTA processes, where a decrease in one species necessitates an increase in another. MWA‐NiOx is incorporated as a hole transport layer in triple‐cation perovskite (Cs0.05(MA0.17FA0.83)0.95Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3)‐based solar cells. The short‐circuit current and open‐circuit voltage are enhanced compared with those of CTA‐NiOx devices owing to the combined effects of enhanced conductivity, reduced Ni>3+ composition, and better energy‐level alignment. This proposed crystallization technique of using microwave irradiation could be an effective alternative to conventional processes in improving the suitability of NiOx for optoelectronic applications.
Effects of Alloying Elements and Microstructure on Stainless Steel Corrosion: A Review
Authors: Sun Jianlin , Tang Huajie , Wang Chenglong , Han Zhao , Li Shisen
Published: November 2021

Stainless steel has attracted significant attention in industrial and engineering applications. To improve its corrosion resistance, there are two major approaches that are to optimize the elemental composition and tune the microstructure. A comprehensive review of the main findings on the corrosion of stainless steel is presented, and some controversial issues are highlighted. First, the functional roles of alloying elements are discussed, including nonmetallic (B, C, and N) and metallic (Cr, Ni, Cu, and Mo) elements. Additionally, their detrimental and positive effects, as well as the corresponding mechanisms, are highlighted. Second, the microstructure‐induced corrosion of stainless steel is discussed, including the crystallographic‐orientation‐dependent corrosion, the dual influence of grain size and grain boundary distribution, texture, and defects in the matrix. In addition, nanostructured materials are mentioned herein. Third, challenges as well as research trends in the future are proposed with perspectives for the development of novel stainless steel in research and industrial applications.
Stationary distribution and ergodicity of stochastic Wright's mutualism model with regime switching
Authors: Li Xu
Published: November 2021

We formulate a stochastic Wright's mutualism model with regime switching in this paper. Under some conditions, we testify that the model admits a unique stationary distribution that is ergodic, and the transition probability of the solution of the model exponentially converges to the stationary distribution. Some recent results are extended and improved greatly. An example and several simulations are also provided to illustrate the theoretical findings.
Fast modeling of lightweight glubam frame structures based on connection test information
Authors: Wang Rui , Li Zhi , Xiao Yan
Published: November 2021

The main lateral load‐carrying components of lightweight glued laminated bamboo (glubam) structures are shear walls. It is essential to understand lightweight glubam shear walls' performances to assess lightweight glubam structures' overall performance. A simplified numerical model was developed to predict the nonlinear response of lightweight glubam shear walls and structures. Based on the assumption that (1) the panel‐frame connectors govern the lateral resistance of the lightweight frame shear walls due to the high in‐plane shear stiffness and strength of the sheathing panel, (2) the out‐of‐plane bulking of the sheathing panel is avoided through the frame and the connections between them, and (3) the resistance capacity of the frame is negligible, the numerical model was developed based on the connection test information. Glubam nail connection tests were conducted considering different nail types and loading directions. The corresponding simplified hysteric wall model is composed of two kinds of input parameters. First are the parameters determining the wall's envelope curve under monotonic loading conditions, which regulate the hysteresis rules. The parameters related to the envelope curve are obtained through the modeling results of the nonlinear static analysis of the shear wall, whereas those related to the hysteresis rules are estimated through the connection test information. The influences of different nails, wall sizes, and openings on the walls' behavior are evaluated based on this simplified model. Based on the numerical simulation results of shear walls, the seismic performance of a glubam house was assessed.
How stereotypes and relationships influence women and underrepresented minority students' fit in engineering
Authors: Campbell‐Montalvo Rebecca , Kersaint Gladis , Smith Chrystal A. S. , Puccia Ellen , Skvoretz John , Wao Hesborn , Martin Julie P. , MacDonald George , Lee Reginald
Published: November 2021

Women and underrepresented minority (URM) undergraduates declare and complete science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors at different rates in comparison to majority groups. Explanations of these differences have long been deficit oriented, focusing on aptitude or similar characteristics, but more recent work focuses on institutional contexts, such as academic climate and feelings of belonging (fit). This study examines the experiences of women and URM students in engineering undergraduate programs, focusing on how they fit, experiential factors affecting fit, and how fit is mitigated by social relationships from their networks and organizations in which they participate (i.e., social capital). Thematic analysis of 55 women and URM interviewee responses shows that students who fit well were those with majority characteristics, including race (i.e., White, White‐passing) and gender (i.e., men, masculine appearance), and those in groups well represented in their programs numerically (i.e., men, Asian). In contrast, women and Black students encountered threats to their fit due to stereotyping from bias and differential treatment from others (i.e., being excluded from group work). However, students received advice from their social networks (i.e., family, professors) in which they were warned to expect discrimination, or through organizations in which they participated (i.e., National Association of Black Engineers) where their sense of community was expanded. The advice and resources provided through this network‐based and participatory social capital mitigated fit for women and Black students, albeit in different ways, helping to preserve their feelings of belonging and promote their persistence in engineering. We offer suggestions to enact university policies to increase access to social capital with homophilious alters and educational opportunities for majority groups.
Application of Q‐Learning in Routing of Software‐Defined Wireless Mesh Network
Authors: Leevangtou Khamxay , Ochiai Hideya , Aswakul Chaodit
Published: November 2021

A wireless mesh network uses an ad‐hoc routing module for communication between nodes by referring to the addresses assigned to the nodes according to the rules kept in the routing table. If links fail, then the necessary network routing information must be propagated via the relevant remaining reachable nodes. The weaknesses of this conventional wireless mesh network are its difficulty in terms of management and configuration adjustments due to the complex structure of the network. To cope with such difficulty, we propose the use of a machine learning technique to implement dynamic routing to deal with failures in the wireless mesh network. The aim is to improve network routing via a reinforcement‐learning framework. Specifically, the Q‐learning algorithm has been applied. The investigation results are reported for network scenarios under conditions of link failures, and the algorithm's parameter sensitivity analysis is given. In addition, the proposed algorithm is compared with the Dijkstra algorithm with either no or immediate link cost updates. The resultant end‐to‐end route latency is reported from the simulated conditions as parameterized by the real per‐hop latency measurement from the actual outdoor testbed implementation. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Licochalcone A inhibits cell growth through the downregulation of the Hippo pathway via PES1 in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Xu Ke‐dong , Miao Yi , Li Pan , Li Ping‐ping , Liu Jie , Li Juan , Cao Fang
Published: November 2021

Overexpression or activation of Yes‐associated protein (YAP) is common in cancer cells. Thus, targeting YAP may be a strategy for cancer therapy. Licochalcone A (LicA) is a primary active compound of licorice root and is known to have medicinal effects, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. However, the anticancer pharmacological mechanism of LicA has not been investigated in cholangiocarcinoma. In this study, we investigated the antiproliferative effect of LicA and the underlying molecular mechanism in HCCC‐9810 and RBE human cholangiocarcinoma cells. Our experiments indicated that LicA suppressed the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells through inactivation of the Hippo pathway. Pescadillo ribosomal biogenesis factor 1 (PES1) was notably upregulated and related to carcinogenesis. We also found that LicA suppressed the expression and nuclear localization of PES1, which was associated with the inhibition of YAP expression and transcriptional activity.
Orbánistan and the Anti-gender Rhetoric in Hungary
Authors: Fodor Eva
Published: November 2021

This chapter introduces Hungary’s anti-liberal political rule and its gender regime. It traces policy changes in Hungary since 2010, discusses the legacies of the state socialist gender regimes and the formation of a new, anti-liberal one. I introduce the term “carefare” and discuss how the concept of “gender” has been deployed by Hungarian politicians to legitimate an increase in women’s unpaid care burden and their lack of attention to gender inequality in the labor market. I end the chapter with a description of my research methods and provide an outline for the rest of the book.
On an exponential representation of the gravitational S-matrix
Authors: Damgaard Poul H. , Planté Ludovic , Vanhove Pierre
Published: November 2021

Abstract

An exponential representation of the S-matrix provides a natural framework for understanding the semi-classical limit of scattering amplitudes. While sharing some similarities with the eikonal formalism it differs from it in details. Computationally, rules are simple because pieces that must be subtracted are given by combinations of unitarity cuts. Analyzing classical gravitational scattering to third Post-Minkowskian order in both maximal supergravity and Einstein gravity we find agreement with other approaches, including the contributions from radiation reaction terms. The kinematical relation for the two-body problem in isotropic coordinates follows immediately from this procedure, again with the inclusion of radiation reaction pieces up to third Post-Minkowskian order.
Wt1 haploinsufficiency induces browning of epididymal fat and alleviates metabolic dysfunction in mice on high-fat diet
Authors: Kirschner Karin M. , Foryst-Ludwig Anna , Gohlke Sabrina , Li Chen , Flores Roberto E. , Kintscher Ulrich , Schupp Michael , Schulz Tim J. , Scholz Holger
Published: November 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Despite a similar fat storing function, visceral (intra-abdominal) white adipose tissue (WAT) is detrimental, whereas subcutaneous WAT is considered to protect against metabolic disease. Recent findings indicate that thermogenic genes, expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT), can be induced primarily in subcutaneous WAT. Here, we investigate the hypothesis that the Wilms tumour gene product (WT1), which is expressed in intra-abdominal WAT but not in subcutaneous WAT and BAT, suppresses a thermogenic program in white fat cells.

Methods

Heterozygous Wt1 knockout mice and their wild-type littermates were examined in terms of thermogenic and adipocyte-selective gene expression. Glucose tolerance and hepatic lipid accumulation in these mice were assessed under normal chow and high-fat diet conditions. Pre-adipocytes isolated from the stromal vascular fraction of BAT were transduced with Wt1-expressing retrovirus, induced to differentiate and analysed for the expression of thermogenic and adipocyte-selective genes.

Results

Expression of the thermogenic genes Cpt1b and Tmem26 was enhanced and transcript levels of Ucp1 were on average more than tenfold higher in epididymal WAT of heterozygous Wt1 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Wt1 heterozygosity reduced epididymal WAT mass, improved whole-body glucose tolerance and alleviated severe hepatic steatosis upon diet-induced obesity in mice. Retroviral expression of WT1 in brown pre-adipocytes, which lack endogenous WT1, reduced mRNA levels of Ucp1, Ppargc1a, Cidea, Prdm16 and Cpt1b upon in vitro differentiation by 60–90%. WT1 knockdown in epididymal pre-adipocytes significantly lowered Aldh1a1 and Zfp423 transcripts, two key suppressors of the thermogenic program. Conversely, Aldh1a1 and Zfp423 mRNA levels were increased approximately five- and threefold, respectively, by retroviral expression of WT1 in brown pre-adipocytes.

Conclusion/interpretation

WT1 functions as a white adipocyte determination factor in epididymal WAT by suppressing thermogenic genes. Reducing Wt1 expression in this and other intra-abdominal fat depots may represent a novel treatment strategy in metabolic disease.

Graphical abstract
Fast approximation by periodic kernel-based lattice-point interpolation with application in uncertainty quantification
Authors: Kaarnioja Vesa , Kazashi Yoshihito , Kuo Frances Y. , Nobile Fabio , Sloan Ian H.
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the kernel-based approximation of a multivariate periodic function by interpolation at the points of an integration lattice—a setting that, as pointed out by Zeng et al. (Monte Carlo and Quasi-Monte Carlo Methods 2004, Springer, New York, 2006) and Zeng et al. (Constr. Approx. 30: 529–555, 2009), allows fast evaluation by fast Fourier transform, so avoiding the need for a linear solver. The main contribution of the paper is the application to the approximation problem for uncertainty quantification of elliptic partial differential equations, with the diffusion coefficient given by a random field that is periodic in the stochastic variables, in the model proposed recently by Kaarnioja et al. (SIAM J Numer Anal 58(2): 1068–1091, 2020). The paper gives a full error analysis, and full details of the construction of lattices needed to ensure a good (but inevitably not optimal) rate of convergence and an error bound independent of dimension. Numerical experiments support the theory.
Estimation of baseline levels of bacterial community tolerance to Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in unpolluted soils, a background for PICT (pollution-induced community tolerance) determination
Authors: Campillo-Cora Claudia , Soto-Gómez Diego , Arias-Estévez Manuel , Bååth Erland , Fernández-Calviño David
Published: November 2021

The PICT method (pollution-induced community tolerance) can be used to assess whether changes in soil microbial response are due to heavy metal toxicity or not. Microbial community tolerance baseline levels can, however, also change due to variations in soil physicochemical properties. Thirty soil samples (0–20 cm), with geochemical baseline concentrations (GBCs) of heavy metals and from five different parent materials (granite, limestone, schist, amphibolite, and serpentine), were used to estimate baseline levels of bacterial community tolerance to Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn using the leucine incorporation method. General equations (n = 30) were determined by multiple linear regression using general soil properties and parent material as binary variables, explaining 38% of the variance in log IC50 (concentration that inhibits 50% of bacterial growth) values for Zn, with 36% for Pb, 44% for Cr, and 68% for Ni. The use of individual equations for each parent material increased the explained variance for all heavy metals, but the presence of a low number of samples (n = 6) lead to low robustness. Generally, clay content and dissolved organic C (DOC) were the main variables explaining bacterial community tolerance for the tested heavy metals. Our results suggest that these equations may permit applying the PICT method with Zn and Pb when there are no reference soils, while more data are needed before using this concept for Ni and Cr.
A simple size-tailored algorithm for the removal of chest drain following minimally invasive lobectomy: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Stamenovic Davor , Dusmet Michael , Schneider Thomas , Roessner Eric , Messerschmidt Antje
Published: November 2021

Background

The pleural space can resorb 0.11–0.36 ml/kg of body weight/hour (h) per hemithorax. There are only a limited number of studies on thresholds for chest drain removal (CDR) and all are based on arbitrary amounts, for example, 300 ml/day. We studied an individualized size-based threshold for CDR–specifically 5 ml/kg, a simple, easily applicable measure.

Methods

This is a single-center prospective randomized trial enrolling 80 patients undergoing VATS lobectomy. There were two groups: an experimental (E) group, in which once the daily output went down to 5 ml/kg the chest drain was removed and a control (C) group, with chest drain removal as per our current practice of less than 250 ml/day.

Results

The groups did not differ in pre- and peri- and postoperative characteristics, except for chest drain duration (mean, SD 2.02 ± 0.97 vs. 3.25 ± 1.39 days, p < 0.001) and length of hospital stay (median, IQR 4.5; 3 vs. 6; 2.75 days, p = 0.008) in favor of E group. The re-intervention rate was the same in both groups (once in each group).

Conclusion

The new threshold for chest drain removal following thoracoscopic lobectomy of 5 ml/kg/d leads to both shorter chest drainage and hospital stay without apparent increase in morbidity. (Clinical registration number: DRKS00014252).
Impact of mechanical stratification on the structural style of the Lublin Basin, SE Poland: results of seismic interpretation and implications for quantification of deformation within the frontal parts of thin-skinned fold-and-thrust belts
Authors: Kufrasa Mateusz , Krzywiec Piotr
Published: November 2021

We demonstrate how lithological and mechanical stratification of Ediacaran–Carboniferous sedimentary package governs strain partitioning in the Lublin Basin (LB) which was incorporated in the marginal portion of the Variscan fold-and-thrust belt. Based on the geometry of seismic reflectors, the pre-Permian–Mesozoic sedimentary sequence was subdivided into two structural complexes differing in structural style. The lower one reveals forelandward-vergent imbrication, while the upper one comprises fold train, second-order deformations, and multiple local detachments. Lithological composition of the upper structural complex controlled geometry, kinematics, and position of compressional deformations in stratigraphic profile. System of foreland-vergent thrusts which links lower and upper detachment developed due to efficiency of simple shear operating in heterogeneous clastic-carbonate-evaporitic strata of the Lower–Upper Devonian age. Internal homogeneity promoted the formation of conjugate sets of thrusts in Silurian shales and Upper Devonian limestones. Structural seismic interpretation combined with sequential restoration revealed localised thickening of Devonian strata and up to 5% difference in length of Devonian horizons. This mismatch is interpreted as a manifestation of distributed shortening, including layer-parallel shortening (LPS), which operated before or synchronously to the initiation of folding. The amount of distributed strain is comparable with numbers obtained in external parts of other fold-and-thrust belts. The outcomes derived from this study may act as a benchmark for studying variability in a structural style of multilayered sequences which were incorporated in the external portion of other fold-and-thrust belts.
Oxygen Consumption of Resuspended Sediments of the Upper Elbe Estuary: Process Identification and Prognosis
Authors: Spieckermann M. , Gröngröft A. , Karrasch M. , Neumann A. , Eschenbach A.
Published: November 2021

The resuspension of sediment leads to an increased release of nutrients and organic substances into the overlying water column, which can have a negative effect on the oxygen budget. Especially in the warmer months with a lower oxygen saturation and higher biological activity, the oxygen content can reach critical thresholds in estuaries like the upper Elbe estuary. Many studies have dealt with the nutrient fluxes that occur during a resuspension event. However, the sediment properties that influence the oxygen consumption potential (OCP) and the different biochemical processes have not been examined in detail. To fill this gap, we investigated the biogeochemical composition, texture, and OCP of sediments at 21 locations as well as the temporal variability within one location for a period of 2 years (monthly sampling) in the upper Elbe estuary. The OCP of sediments during a seven-day resuspension event can be described by the processes of sulphate formation, nitrification, and mineralisation. Chlorophyll, total nitrogen (Ntotal), and total organic carbon showed the highest correlations with the OCP. Based on these correlations, we developed a prognosis model to calculate the OCP for the upper Elbe estuary with a single sediment parameter (Ntotal). The model is well suited to calculate the oxygen consumption of resuspended sediments in the Hamburg port area during the relevant warmer months and shows a normalised root mean squared error of < 0.11 ± 0.13. Thus, the effect of maintenance measures such as water injection dredging and ship-induced wave on the oxygen budget of the water can be calculated.
Paradoxes of indigeneity: identity, the state, and the economy in Indonesia
Authors: Duile Timo
Published: November 2021

Contributing to recent debates on indigeneity, this article investigates contradictions of indigeneity, especially the “indigenous paradox,” that is, the formation of indigeneity through claiming sovereignty and autonomy from the state by acknowledging the very state and its laws as the framework for those claims, in the context of Indonesia. After analyzing how indigeneity came into existence in the Indonesian context, this article sheds light on the process of indigenous recognition in the Duri highlands, South Sulawesi. It is argued that the contradictions of indigeneity concern not only indigenous—state relations, but also narratives on tradition and history, and most of all, economic contradictions. It is the recognition of the overall framework of capitalism and the state which makes possible the emergence of alternative local economies based upon solidarity. Drawing on Louis Althusser’s concept of overdetermination, this article suggests that indigeneity shapes the way how economic contradictions are expressed, and while it provides local spaces for alternative economies, indigeneity is also prone to being incorporated into the logics of capitalism.
The educational e-portfolio: preliminary evidence of its relationship with student’s self-efficacy and engagement
Authors: López-Crespo Ginesa , Blanco-Gandía M. Carmen , Valdivia-Salas Sonsoles , Fidalgo Camino , Sánchez-Pérez Noelia
Published: November 2021

The educational use of portfolios has been increasing in the last few years, especially as technology has also developed electronic versions of portfolios. Although there is abundant information about their benefits and practice description, few studies provide empirical evidence of their implementation. The objective of this study was to provide initial evidence about the use of the portfolio in higher education. Concretely, we aimed 1) to explore the correlation between students’ performance on the portfolio and their performance on more traditional assessment methods 2) to explore whether student’s personal variables predict performance in key elements of the e-portfolio, such as individual reflections, and if these contribute to general academic performance in the course, and 3) to evaluate whether the use of the e-portfolio during a semester changes the students’ self-efficacy and engagement. For this purpose, an initial sample of 73 students were recruited, and an e-portfolio (based on Mahara) was implemented over a semester. The results showed that performance on the portfolio correlated with the score obtained on multiple choice tests. There was an increase in self-efficacy after one semester of e-portfolio implementation, and engagement proved to be an important predictor of the final course grade through the mediation of individual reflections. These results offer preliminary and promising evidence about the relationship of a specific element of e-portfolios, individual reflections with several variables related to academic achievement such as self-efficacy and engagement.
Seasonal and interannual variations of MODIS Aqua chlorophyll-a (2003–2017) in the Upper Gulf of Thailand influenced by Asian monsoons
Authors: Luang-on Jutarak , Ishizaka Joji , Buranapratheprat Anukul , Phaksopa Jitraporn , Goes Joaquim I. , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Hayashi Masataka , Maúre Elígio de Raús , Matsumura Satsuki
Published: November 2021

Seasonal and interannual variations of chlorophyll-a (chl-a) in the upper Gulf of Thailand (uGoT) were obtained using new regionally tuned algorithms applied to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer-Aqua. This long time-series (2003–2017) data were analyzed in the context of variations in environmental conditions associated with the Southeast Asian Monsoon. Chl-a distribution patterns were distinct for the non-monsoon (NOM), southwest-monsoon (SWM), and northeast-monsoon (NEM) seasons. During the SWM/NEM, high/low chl-a concentrations were associated with high/low precipitation and river discharge. During the NOM chl-a concentrations were generally low, because of low precipitation. In general, chl-a variability was tightly coupled to discharge from the Chao Phraya and Tha Chin rivers. Chl-a concentrations were generally higher in the north, but chl-a accumulation in the east/west of the uGoT could be linked to piling of freshwater to the east/west during the SWM/NEM caused by changes in wind direction and the reversal of currents. Interannual changes in chl-a were attributed to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) rather than Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) driven changes in precipitation, river discharge, and wind patterns. During the SWM, positive/negative chl-a anomalies coincided with high/low precipitation and river discharge during La Niña/El Niño. During the NEM, positive/negative chl-a anomaly coincided with high/low river discharge and strong/weak wind during La Niña/El Niño. Meanwhile, during NOM, positive chl-a anomaly could be attributed to anomalous high wind speed and precipitation during El Niño.
Hypopituitarism and pregnancy: clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcome
Authors: Aulinas Anna , Stantonyonge Nicole , García-Patterson Apolonia , Adelantado Juan M. , Medina Carmen , Espinós Juan José , López Esther , Webb Susan M. , Corcoy Rosa
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To describe the clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcome of women with prepregnancy hypopituitarism (HYPO) that received care at our center.

Methods

Retrospective study describing 12 pregnancies in women with prepregnancy HYPO (two or more pituitary hormonal deficiencies under replacement treatment) that received care during pregnancy at Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcome were systematically collected.

Results

Average patients’ age was 35 years and HYPO duration at the beginning of pregnancy was 19 years. The most frequent cause of HYPO was surgical treatment of a sellar mass (8 pregnancies). Eight pregnancies were in primigravid women and 10 required assisted reproductive techniques. The hormonal deficits before pregnancy were as follows: GH in 12 women, TSH in 10, gonadotropin in 9, ACTH in 5 and ADH in 2. All deficits were under hormonal substitution except for GH deficit in 4 pregnancies. During pregnancy, 4 new deficits were diagnosed. The dosage of replacement treatment for TSH, ACTH and ADH deficits was increased and GH was stopped. Average gestational age at birth was 40 weeks, gestational weight gain was excessive in 9 women, 8 patients required induction/elective delivery and cesarean section was performed in 6. Average birthweight was 3227 g. No major complications were observed. Five women were breastfeeding at discharge.

Conclusions

In this group of women with long-standing HYPO, with careful clinical management (including treatment of new-onset hormonal deficits) pregnancy outcome was satisfactory but with a high rate of excessive gestational weight gain and cesarean section.
Group conditions for entrepreneurial visions: role confidence, hierarchical congruences, and the imagining of future in entrepreneurial groups
Authors: Stamm Isabell , Gutzeit Marie
Published: November 2021

An essential part of entrepreneurial activity is the drafting and narrating of an entrepreneurial vision. This study is premised on the observation that entrepreneurial groups form an interaction arena for the practice of imagining the future and asks how the content of entrepreneurial visions is shaped by the conditions of the group. Taking an entrepreneurship-as-practice lens, which we enrich with sociological theory on the future (Beckert) and small groups (Fine), we engage in an in-depth case study of 12 entrepreneurial groups. We show how the content of entrepreneurial visions is configured by four elements (i.e., fictional expectation for the business or the group; future orientation that is continuing or divergent) and name two group conditions (i.e., role confidence and hierarchical congruence) that direct their configuration. We propose that lacking role confidence can impede thinking about the future of a business and that narrative hierarchies that challenge structural hierarchies can open a window for divergent future orientation. This study contributes to a novel theoretical understanding of where entrepreneurial visions come from by emphasizing politics of expectations within groups and calling to consider group conditions as a relevant context for entrepreneurial visions.
Age-Specific Income Trends in Europe: The Role of Employment, Wages, and Social Transfers
Authors: Hammer Bernhard , Spitzer Sonja , Prskawetz Alexia
Published: November 2021

This study analyses age-specific differences in income trends in nine European countries. Based on data from National Accounts and the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, we quantify age-specific changes in income between 2008 and 2017 and decompose these changes into employment, wages, and public transfer components. Results show that income of the younger age groups stagnated or declined in most countries since 2008, while income of the older population increased. The decomposition analysis indicates that the main drivers of the diverging trends are higher employment among the older population and a strong increase in public pensions, especially for women.
Association between aortic calcification and the presence of kidney stones: calcium oxalate calculi in focus
Authors: Li Bo , Tang Yin , Zhou Liang , Jin Xi , Liu Yu , Li Hong , Huang Yan , Wang Kunjie
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The current research is aimed at analyzing the relationship between kidney stone (KS) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and the relationship between KS components and AAC.

Methods

This is a retrospective, case–control study. Kidney stone formers (KSFs) were treated at the Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University for urological calculus disease from January 2014 to January 2020. Matched non-stone formers (non-SFs) were drawn from the same hospital for routine health examination from January 2018 to February 2019. Research-related information was collected and reviewed retrospectively from the hospital’s computerized records. AAC were evaluated using available results of computed tomography imaging and abdominal vascular ultrasound. The relationships of AAC between KSFs and non-SFs were compared. The composition of renal calculi was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer. KSFs were divided into AAC groups and non-AAC based on AAC. The relationship of the composition of renal calculi between AAC and non-AAC were compared. The independent-sample t test, the chi-squared test and binary logistics regression were performed.

Results

Altogether, 4516 people were included, with 1027 KSFs and 3489 non-SFs. There were no significant differences in the laboratory parameters between KSFs and non-SFs. The association between the presence of AAC and KS was significant in multivariable model 2 [adjusting hypertension, diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose, uric acid, serum triglyceride (TG), serum calcium, and urine pH] (OR 5.756, 95% CI 4.616–7.177, p < 0.001). The result of KSFs showed that calcium oxalate calculi (CaOx) was significantly associated with AAC in multivariable model 3 (adjusting age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, drinking history, smoking history, and TG) (OR 1.351, 95% CI 1.002–1.822, p = 0.048).

Conclusions

The current study pioneered the revelation of the relationship between CaOx and AAC. Through an elimination of the confounding factors, the study demonstrated that KS and AAC were connected.
Aspektverluste. Warum der Vorschlag von Thomas Kron und Lena M. Verneuer, die soziologische Gewaltforschung zu erneuern, nicht weiterführt
Authors: Hoebel Thomas
Published: November 2021

In ihrem Aufsatz „Struktur? Physis? Situation? Zur Erklärung von Gewalt“ werben Thomas Kron und Lena M. Verneuer (2020) dafür, Gewalt mithilfe des Modells der soziologischen Erklärung zu untersuchen. Die Replik dient dazu zu zeigen, dass die Art und Weise, wie die beiden das Modell fruchtbar zu machen versuchen, die soziologische Gewaltforschung nicht weiterbringt. Das liegt im Wesentlichen an drei Problemen des Ansatzes: (1) Kron und Verneuer meinen, die methodischen Regeln des Modells der soziologischen Erklärung leisteten gleichsam die Begriffsexplikation, was als Gewalt gelten soll – und greifen damit an den methodologischen Anforderungen des Modells selbst vorbei. (2) Der Problemzuschnitt basiert auf einer selektiven Lektüre des Forschungsstands. Er verliert sofort an Plausibilität, wenn wir jüngere Studien mit in die Betrachtung einbeziehen. (3) Ihr besonderes Augenmerk liegt darauf, die mikrosoziologische Erklärung von Gewalt, die Randall Collins formuliert hat, in das Modell der soziologischen Erklärung zu transponieren. Sie klären jedoch nicht die kausalitätstheoretischen Voraussetzungen, die für eine solche „Übersetzung“ nötig sind. Die Frage, worin die Fruchtbarkeit des Modells der soziologischen Erklärung für die Gewaltforschung liegen könnte, bleibt damit letztlich unbeantwortet.
Offerings That are “Ever-in-the-Making”
Authors: Lehmann Julian , Recker Jan
Published: November 2021

Digital ventures are entrepreneurial young firms that introduce new digital artifacts that are “ever-incomplete” and “perpetually-in-the-making” onto the market. The study examines how six digital ventures continued to develop their digital market offerings post launch. Three key designing mechanisms are identified that explain continuous post-launch product development in digital ventures: deploying complementary digital objects, architectural amplification, and porting. The study discusses how these mechanisms advance our understanding of how digital technologies change entrepreneurial processes and outcomes.
Environment-friendly clay coagulant aid for wastewater treatment
Authors: Sultana Sharmin , Karmaker Boloram , Saifullah A. S. M. , Galal Uddin Md. , Moniruzzaman Md.
Published: November 2021

Wastewater management and its environment-friendly applications seem to be very complicated associated with chemical effects due to their dynamic characteristics for developing countries. Most of the world's agencies or countries have been treated wastewater using chemical coagulants which have contributed to other environmental complications. Considering the impacts of chemical coagulation, this study is novel research to identify alternative components that would be applied as a natural coagulant. The present study was conducted using two different regional clays as coagulants which were collected from Portugal and Bangladesh's Patuakhali coastal area. The clay coagulant applications were applied to investigate the removal efficiency of physical properties (turbidity), chemical properties (pH and COD), and heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb) from wastewater. Comparatively, the highest removal efficiency was examined by the coastal clay of Patuakhali. This soil is also easily available in the local context and can be economically viable.
Generation of developmentally competent oocytes and fertile mice from parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells
Authors: Tian Chenglei , Liu Linlin , Zeng Ming , Sheng Xiaoyan , Heng Dai , Wang Lingling , Ye Xiaoying , Keefe David L. , Liu Lin
Published: November 2021

Parthenogenetic embryos, created by activation and diploidization of oocytes, arrest at mid-gestation for defective paternal imprints, which impair placental development. Also, viable offspring has not been obtained without genetic manipulation from parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (pESCs) derived from parthenogenetic embryos, presumably attributable to their aberrant imprinting. We show that an unlimited number of oocytes can be derived from pESCs and produce healthy offspring. Moreover, normal expression of imprinted genes is found in the germ cells and the mice. pESCs exhibited imprinting consistent with exclusively maternal lineage, and higher X-chromosome activation compared to female ESCs derived from the same mouse genetic background. pESCs differentiated into primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) and formed oocytes following in vivo transplantation into kidney capsule that produced fertile pups and reconstituted ovarian endocrine function. The transcriptome and methylation of imprinted and X-linked genes in pESC-PGCLCs closely resembled those of in vivo produced PGCs, consistent with efficient reprogramming of methylation and genomic imprinting. These results demonstrate that amplification of germ cells through parthenogenesis faithfully maintains maternal imprinting, offering a promising route for deriving functional oocytes and having potential in rebuilding ovarian endocrine function.
Intraventricular Flow Simulations in Singular Right Ventricles Reveal Deteriorated Washout and Low Vortex Formation
Authors: Grünwald Anna , Korte Jana , Wilmanns Nadja , Winkler Christian , Linden Katharina , Herberg Ulrike , Groß-Hardt Sascha , Steinseifer Ulrich , Neidlin Michael
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Patients with a functionally univentricular heart represent one of the most common severe cardiac lesions with a prevalence of 3 per 10,000 live births. Hemodynamics of the singular ventricle is a major research topic in cardiology and there exists a relationship between fluid dynamical features and cardiac behavior in health and disease. The aim of the present work was to compare intraventricular flow in single right ventricle (SRV) patients and subjects with healthy left hearts (LV) through patient-specific CFD simulations.

Methods

Three-dimensional real-time echocardiographic images were obtained for five SRV patients and two healthy subjects and CFD simulations with a moving mesh methodology were performed. Intraventricular vortex formation and vortex formation time (VFT) as well as the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and ventricular washout were evaluated.

Results

The results show significantly lower values for the VFT and the TKE in SRV patients compared with healthy LV subjects. Furthermore, vortex formation does not progress to the apex in SRV patients. These findings were confirmed by a significantly lower washout in SRV patients.

Conclusions

The study pinpoints the intriguing role of intraventricular flows to characterize performance of SRVs that goes beyond standard clinical metrics such as ejection fraction.