bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence fostered by systemic analysis—Seeding innovation for sustainable development
Authors: Lanhoso Fátima , Coelho Denis Alves
Published: February 2021

The sustainability crisis entails high levels of complexity, not approachable from linear or reductionist stances. Unveiled from a holistic stance as a multilevel phenomenon characterized by qualitative novelty, emergence pertains to complex self‐organizing systems. Emergent properties and behaviors arise only when system parts interact in a wider whole. This article positions emergence for enhancing solution processes to meet sustainability challenges. It proposes the systemic approach as a catalyst for the emergence of wise creative solutions tackling wicked unsustainability problems. This requires observation and entails analyzing open systems altogether and recognizing the impact of navigating across macro‐ and micro‐scales on causal and creative emergence. Sustainable development requires circumventing past conventional practices, in an accelerated way. The emergence phenomenon at work between systems levels, coupled with purposefully structured creative processes, holds the potential for catalyzing sustainable development efforts. Systemic analysis at varying scales is to foster creative emergence aligned with sustainability‐oriented innovation.
Categories, attention, and the impact of inventions
Authors: Kovács Balázs , Carnabuci Gianluca , Wezel Filippo Carlo
Published: February 2021

Research Summary

Whereas prior innovation and strategy literature studied how attentional and search dynamics influence the creation of inventions, we examine how these same processes affect the impact of inventions after their creation. We theorize that inventions classified in “high‐contrast” technological categories garner more attention by potential users and, hence, accrue more citations than otherwise‐equivalent inventions classified in “low‐contrast” categories. We test this hypothesis via three studies. First, we estimate citation‐count models among all USPTO patents granted between 1975 and 2010. Second, we conduct a twin patents test comparing inventions patented both at the USPTO and at the EPO. Third, we examine minute‐by‐minute search logs from a sample of USPTO examiners. These studies support our hypothesis and extend current understandings of attentional and search dynamics in the innovation process.

Managerial Summary

Patents that receive more citations tend to have greater economic value and greater impact on future technological developments. We show that the number of citations a patent receives does not only depend on its inherent technological value, but also on seemingly neutral classification decisions affecting the likelihood that it will be noticed by potential future users. We test our arguments via three related studies. Our results demonstrate that inventions classified in “high‐contrast” technology classes garner considerably more attention—and hence citations—than twin‐inventions classified in “low‐contrast” classes. The key managerial implication is that, whenever feasible, nudging an invention towards higher‐contrast classes will increase its future worth. The key policy implication is that maximizing categorical contrast across technology classes will help users identify relevant prior patents.
Orthogonal Emissive Upconversion Nanoparticles: Material Design and Applications
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2021

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have gone beyond traditional fluorophores in a lot of fields due to the outstanding features such as sharp excitation and emission bands, chemical and photo stability of high quality, low auto fluorescence, and high tissue permeation depth of the near‐infrared irradiation light used for excitation. Conventional UCNPs carrying single/multiple emissions under a single excitation wavelength can be only employed in concurrent activation, orthogonal emissive upconversion nanoparticles (OUCNPs) with the emissions, a kind of luminescence reliant on excitation, in which by switching the external excitation different lanthanide activators can adopt independent way to control the emission, is more like an ideal UCNPs nanoplatform which can switch their activated emissions depending upon the different application for which it is used at the right time when necessary. This review summaries what has been achieved on the synthesis optimization of designed OUCNPs in recent years and sums up various applications including bioimaging, photo‐switching, and programmable control process. And also, the limitations OUCNPs face, and the efforts that have been made to overcome these limitations are discussed.
Molecular Engineering of Aromatic Imides for Organic Secondary Batteries
Authors: Li Lei , Yin Yan‐Jun , Hei Jin‐Pei , Wan Xin‐Jun , Li Ming‐Ling , Cui Yong
Published: February 2021

Aromatic imides are a class of attractive organic materials with inherently electroactive groups and large π electron‐deficient scaffolds, which hold potential as electrode materials for organic secondary batteries (OSBs). However, the undecorated aromatic imides are usually plagued by low capacity, high solubility in electrolyte, and poor electronic/ionic conductivity. Molecular engineering has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to address unsatisfying characteristics of the aromatic imides, thereby expanding their scope for applications in OSBs. In this review, the recent research progress in modulation of the capacity, dissolution, and electronic/ionic conductivity of aromatic imides for organic lithium batteries, organic sodium batteries, and redox flow batteries are summarized. In addition, the challenge and prospective of aromatic imides in organic secondary battery applications are also discussed.
Postcranial anatomy of the extinct terrestrial slothSimomylodon uccasamamensis(Xenarthra, Mylodontidae) from the Pliocene of the Bolivian Altiplano, and its evolutionary implications
Authors: Boscaini Alberto , Toledo Néstor , Mamani Quispe Bernardino , Andrade Flores Rubén , Fernández‐Monescillo Marcos , Marivaux Laurent , Antoine Pierre‐Olivier , Münch Philippe , Gaudin Timothy J. , Pujos François
Published: February 2021

Extinct terrestrial sloths are common elements of the late Cenozoic South American fossil record. Among them, Mylodontinae species were particularly abundant in the Americas throughout the Pleistocene epoch, and their anatomy is relatively well known. In contrast, less information is available from the Neogene record and particularly from localities at low latitudes, with an additional and considerable bias in favour of craniodental rather than postcranial remains. In this contribution, we provide comparative descriptions of several postcranial bony elements ascribed toSimomylodon uccasamamensis, a moderate‐sized extinct mylodontine from the Andean Altiplano. This species was particularly abundant during latest Miocene – late Pliocene times in the high altitudes of the Andean Cordillera, and so far represents the best known mylodontine from the Neogene of South America. Its anatomy is compared with that of several extinct terrestrial sloths, with the aim of using the observed morphologies to elucidate taxonomy, phylogeny, and locomotion. From a morphofunctional perspective, the postcranium ofS. uccasamamensis is consistent with that of a terrestrial graviportal quadruped, with moderate climbing and digging capabilities.
Effect of Rice and Chickpea Flours on Physical, Textural, and Sensorial Properties of Pregelatinized Maize Starch Cake
Authors: Boz Hüseyin
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of replacing rice (0–15% and 30%) and chickpea flours (0–15%) by pregelatinized maize starch on physical, textural, and sensorial properties of gluten‐free pregelatinized maize starch cake. The L* and a* color values of the cakes are significantly (p < 0.01) affected by the replacement of rice and chickpea flours with pregelatinized maize starch. Cakes containing chickpea flour present darker crumbs as well as lower a* values compared with cakes containing rice flour and control cake containing only pregelatinized maize starch. The hardness significantly (p < 0.05) increases only in presence of chickpea flour. The springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness values show similar trend for all samples and these parameters increase with the addition of rice and chickpea flours. In general, the cake‐specific volume values increase with the addition of rice and chickpea flours. The sensorial parameters of the cakes significantly change with the addition of rice and chickpea flours. According to results of sensorial evaluation, the formulations containing 15% rice and 15% chickpea flours are identified as the best cake formulations. The results show that the quality of maize starch cake could be improved by adding rice and chickpea flours.
Study of using micro‐nano bubble to improve workability and durability of self‐compact concrete
Authors: Yahyaei Behnaz , Asadollahfardi Gholamreza , Salehi Amir Masoud
Published: February 2021

Developing self‐compacting concrete (SCC) with higher workability and durability properties by replacing mixing water with nano‐bubble without a decrease in mechanical strength is the purpose of this study. For this aim, different SCC mixtures were designed by using tap water and micro‐nano bubble and replacing silica fume, fly ash, slag, zeolite, and the mixture of fly ash and silica fume with cement. The workability, mechanical, and durability properties of the SCC mixture were tested according to ASTM and BS standards. In addition to air content test, for evaluation of the workability of SCCs, Slump flow in 10 and 60 min (for filling ability), V‐funnel, L Box, and J‐ring (for passing ability) were tested. For mechanical properties (compressive and tensile strength) and for durability of concretes (water penetration test and electrical resistivity) were tested. The workability test results indicate that using a micro‐nano bubble instead of tap water in different SCC mixture designs did not make a significant difference. But in hardened concretes, using the micro‐nano bubble increase the compressive and tensile strength of different concrete mixture designs except for SCC including fly ash and silica fume. Depth of water penetration and 30 min water adsorption for different concrete mix designs decreased compared to using tap water except for the sample contain zeolite, which increased slightly. Also, the permeability of concrete was tested by electrical resistivity. The results indicate that using the micro‐nano bubble decrease electrical resistivity and they were in the very low range (37–254 Ω‐m). The scanning electron microscope image confirmed in increasing mechanical and durability properties for a sample where used the micro‐nano bubble without pozzolans.
A Review on Heavy Metal Ions and Containing Dyes Removal Through Graphene Oxide‐Based Adsorption Strategies for Textile Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Velusamy Sasireka , Roy Anurag , Sundaram Senthilarasu , Kumar Mallick Tapas
Published: February 2021

Textile wastewater heavy metal pollution has become a severe environmental problem worldwide. Metal ion inclusion in a dye molecule exhibits a bathochromic shift producing deeper but duller shades, which provides excellent colouration. The ejection of a massive volume of wastewater containing heavy metal ions such as Cr (VI), Pb (II), Cd (II) and Zn (II) and metal‐containing dyes are an unavoidable consequence because the textile industry consumes large quantities of water and all these chemicals cannot be combined entirely with fibres during the dyeing process. These high concentrations of chemicals in effluents interfere with the natural water resources, cause severe toxicological implications on the environment with a dramatic impact on human health. This article reviewed the various metal‐containing dye types and their heavy metal ions pollution from entryway to the wastewater, which then briefly explored the effects on human health and the environment. Graphene‐based absorbers, specially graphene oxide (GO) benefits from an ordered structured, high specific surface area, and flexible surface functionalization options, which are indispensable to realize a high performance of heavy metal ion removal. These exceptional adsorption properties of graphene‐based materials support a position of ubiquity in our everyday lives. The collective representation of the textile wastewater‘s effective remediation methods is discussed and focused on the GO‐based adsorption methods. Understanding the critical impact regarding the GO‐based materials established adsorption portfolio for heavy metal ions removal are also discussed. Various heavy‐metal ions and their pollutant effect, ways to remove such heavy metal ions and role of graphene‐based adsorbent including their demand, perspective, limitation, and relative scopes are discussed elaborately in the review.
Scaffolding L2 Academic Reading and Self‐Regulation Through Task and Feedback
Authors: Mežek Špela , McGrath Lisa , Negretti Raffaella , Berggren Jessica
Published: February 2021

Research has shown that classroom‐based reading strategy training does not necessarily result in effective, self‐regulated reading behaviours when students engage with authentic academic reading in their own study contexts. In light of this problem, our study examines the effects of an instructional scaffold combined with teacher feedback, designed to foster students’ self‐regulation in authentic academic reading contexts. Over a 5‐week period, students read five academic texts and posted blog posts documenting their reading, scaffolded by a task prompt. In response, their teacher posted individualised feedback. The data comprised 75 student blog posts and 63 teacher responses. The results suggest that the task prompts and feedback supported students’ self‐regulation in different ways: while the task prompted students to reflect on their reading, teacher feedback redirected students’ attention to new ways of reading and to less superficial aspects of the task, as well as reminding them of reading behaviours they had previously engaged in successfully. The study therefore provides insights into the interplay between task and feedback and recommendations for teaching practice.
SMAR1 attenuates the stemness of osteosarcoma cells via through suppressing ABCG2 transcriptional activity
Authors: Xu Hongyu , Liu Ting , Li Wenjie , Yao Qi
Published: February 2021

The promoting roles of the transcriptional regulator SMAR1 have been revealed in several tumors, such as colorectal and breast cancer, however, its roles in osteosarcoma (OS) progression are still confusing. Here, we find that SMAR1 expression is positively correlated with the overall survival of OS patients and negatively correlated with the expression of stemness markers by analyzing the online datasets. Through analyzing different Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, SMAR1 is found to be lowly expressed in OS tissues relative to that in adjacent tissues. Functional experiments indicate that SMAR1 overexpression attenuates the stemness of OS cells, characterized as the decrease of stemness marker expression, sphere‐formation ability and ALDH activity. Mechanistically, it is shown that SMAR1 increases the deacetylation level of the drug efflux pump ABCG2 via recruiting HDAC2 to the promoter of the gene coding ABCG2, and thus decreases ABCG2 transcriptional activity. Additionally, overexpression of ABCG2 rescues the inhibition of SMAR1 overexpression on the stemness of OS cells. Moreover, this SMAR1/ABCG2 axis positively regulates the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of OS cells. This work indicates that SMAR1 is a critical suppressor for OS progression through transcriptionally regulating ABCG2 expression.
Continuous gait monitoring discriminates community‐dwelling mild Alzheimer's disease from cognitively normal controls
Authors: Varma Vijay R. , Ghosal Rahul , Hillel Inbar , Volfson Dmitri , Weiss Jordan , Urbanek Jacek , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Zipunnikov Vadim , Watts Amber
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Few studies have explored whether gait measured continuously within a community setting can identify individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study tests the feasibility of this method to identify individuals at the earliest stage of AD.

Methods

Mild AD (n = 38) and cognitively normal control (CNC; n = 48) participants from the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Center Registry wore a GT3x+ accelerometer continuously for 7 days to assess gait. Penalized logistic regression with repeated five‐fold cross‐validation followed by adjusted logistic regression was used to identify gait metrics with the highest predictive performance in discriminating mild AD from CNC.

Results

Variability in step velocity and cadence had the highest predictive utility in identifying individuals with mild AD. Metrics were also associated with cognitive domains impacted in early AD.

Discussion

Continuous gait monitoring may be a scalable method to identify individuals at‐risk for developing dementia within large, population‐based studies.
Building Inclusivity and Empathy Through Writers' Workshop
Authors: Beschorner Beth , Hall Anna
Published: February 2021

All children have the right to experience a safe and inclusive classroom that engages them in learning and advances equity. Writers' workshop is particularly well suited for creating a safe and inclusive space. Writers' workshop encourages children to share their own stories and listen to, learn about, and develop empathy for others. This instructional strategy can also encourage conversation about important social issues in local communities and the broader world. This article explains specific approaches that can be used within the writers' workshop framework to examine assumptions, use inclusive language, and practice respectful interactions.
Canine thyroid carcinoma prognosis following the utilisation of computed tomography assisted staging
Authors: Giannasi Chiara , Rushton Steven , Rook Alice , Steen Nele Van Den , Venier Francesca , Ward Patricia (Trish) , Bell Rory , Trevail Tim , Lamb Valerie , Eiras Aldara , Ellis Jenny , Roberts Emma
Published: February 2021

Background:Metastatic disease is frequently present at the time of diagnosis of canine thyroid carcinoma; however, utilisation of computed tomography (CT) alone for staging pre‐treatment has been rarely reported in the veterinary literature.

Methods:The aims of this retrospective study were to stage affected dogs using CT findings of the cervical and thoracic regions, combined with histopathology/cytology results, in order to assess whether metastatic disease/WHO staging was of prognostic significance.

Results:Fifty‐eight dogs were included in the study. Classification of cases into WHO stages I, II, III and IV were 10%, 50%, 9% and 31%, respectively. No statistically significant effect of WHO stage classification on overall survival/follow‐up time was found (P= .576). Surgery resulted in a statistically significant increase in overall survival/follow‐up time (P< .01). There was no statistically significant effect on overall survival/follow‐up time in dogs that received medical therapy, either as sole therapy or as an adjunctive post‐surgery (P= .198).

Conclusion:In summary, this study documents the metastatic rate of canine thyroid carcinoma using CT for staging pre‐treatment. Staging utilising CT revealed a higher distant metastatic rate in dogs with thyroid carcinoma when compared to historical studies using different imaging techniques. As long‐term outcomes are possible for cases with advanced disease, surgical intervention could still be considered.
Current understanding of subsurface transport of micro‐ and nanoplastics in soil
Authors: Yu Yingxue , Flury Markus
Published: February 2021

Environmental problems caused by plastic pollution in terrestrial systems have received increasing attention, especially the issues related to micro‐ and nanoplastics. Soils are a major receptacle and reservoir of plastics, and accumulated plastics can negatively affect soil health. In this short review, we discuss the current state of knowledge of subsurface transport of micro‐ and nanoplastics in soils. We discuss the fundamental transport mechanisms for micro‐ and nanoplastics and highlight the peculiarities of environmentally relevant micro‐ and nanoplastics. Plastic particles >10 μm are generally filtered out in soil, but smaller plastic particles have the potential to move through soil. Larger plastics in soil will break down into micro‐ and nanoplastics over time due to environmental weathering reactions, making the plastics more prone to subsurface transport. Moreover, interactions with microorganisms and dissolved organic matter may render micro‐ and nanoplastics more hydrophilic, thereby facilitating subsurface transport. Further, soil organisms can move plastic particles by bioturbation, and plastics themselves can affect soil hydraulic properties. Although much of the past research has focused on transport of pristine plastic particles, focus should be given to environmentally relevant plastics, considering the complexities of irregular shape, polydisperse size, and heterogenous surface properties, as well as the temporal changes of these properties caused by continuous environmental modifications.
Cover Image, Volume 8, Issue 2
Authors: Kattel Giri , Reeves Jessica , Western Andrew , Zhang Wenjing , Jing Wei , McGowan Suzanne , Cuo Lan , Scales Peter , Dowling Kim , He Qiang , Wang Lei , Capon Samantha , Pan Zenghui , Cui Jiansheng , Zhang Lulu , Xiao Luo , Liu Chun , Zhang Ke , Gao Chuanyu , Tian Zaifeng , Liu Yongding
Published: February 2021

The cover image is based on the Focus Article Healthy waterways and ecologically sustainable cities in Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei urban agglomeration (northern China): Challenges and future directions by Giri Kattel et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1500.

image
Nucleopincers? Rhodium Complexes of Pyrimidine‐centered PNP Pincer Ligands Derived from Nitrogenous Nucleobases Uracil and Thymine
Authors: Gunther S. Olivia , Kosanovich Alex J. , Cao Yihan , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Ozerov Oleg V.
Published: February 2021

This manuscript describes the synthesis and characterization of PONOP ligands from uracil and thymine. Rhodium chloride complexes of the ligands were synthesized and characterized by solution NMR and solid‐state X‐Ray crystallography. Cationic CO complexes were generated in situ to understand the electronic properties of these ligands and it was found that these are among the least donating of the neutral PNP type ligands at this time.
Preparation of a reference material for microplastics in water—evaluation of homogeneity
Authors: Seghers John , Stefaniak Elzbieta A. , La Spina Rita , Cella Claudia , Mehn Dora , Gilliland Douglas , Held Andrea , Jacobsson Ulf , Emteborg Håkan
Published: February 2021

Validation of analytical methods for measurements of microplastics (MP) is severely hampered because of a general lack of reference materials, RM. There is a great need to develop such reference materials. This study presents a concept of three-component kit with immobilised MP in solid NaCl, a surfactant and clean water that can be applied for the production of many types of MP RMs. As proof of concept, an RM for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles in water was prepared and evaluated for its homogeneity. The particles ranged from 30 μm (Feretmin) to about 200 μm adapted by wet sieving. A specific number of PET particles were immobilized in about 0.29 g of solid NaCl by freeze-drying 1 mL of a NaCl suspension. By using manual and automated counting, twenty reconstituted 1-L water samples were evaluated for homogeneity with respect to number of PET particles from 30 μm to > 200 μm/L of water. The number of particles was 730 ± 120 (mean ± one standard deviation (SD); n = 10) and 865 ± 155 particles (n = 10) obtained by optical microscopy in two independent laboratories. This corresponded to relative SDs of 16.4 and 17.9% and a mean of 797 ± 151 particles (18.9% RSD, for n = 20). Homogeneity studies of the NaCl carrier without reconstitution resulted in 794 ± 60 particles (7.5% RSD). The homogeneity of PET in the salt carrier was also evaluated directly with respect to mass of PET per vial using an ultra-micro balance. An average mass of 293 ± 41 μg of PET was obtained (14, % RSD for n = 14). Micrographs were recorded to demonstrate the absence of major sources of contamination of the RM components. Information about the particle size distribution and particle shapes was obtained by laser diffraction (LD) and dynamic image analysis (DIA). In addition, the identity of the PET polymer was confirmed by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy. The RM was developed for a large-scale inter-laboratory comparison of PET particles in water (ILC). Based on the homogeneity results, the material was found to be sufficiently homogeneous to be of meaningful use in the ILC. In a 3-day process, more than 500 samples of PET particles in the NaCl carrier were prepared with good potential for further upscaling with respect to the number of vials or with other kinds of polymers. The stability of PET was not evaluated but it was deemed to be stable for the duration of the ILC.
Spatial and temporal resolution of a fast-response aerodynamic pressure probe in grid-generated turbulence
Authors: Heckmeier Florian M. , Hayböck Stefan , Breitsamter Christian
Published: February 2021

The spatial and temporal resolution of a fast-response aerodynamic pressure probe (FRAP) is investigated in a benchmark flow of grid-generated turbulence. A grid with a mesh size of$$M=6.4$$M=6.4mm is tested for two different free-stream velocities, hence, resulting in Reynolds numbers of$$Re_M= \{4300,12800\}$$ReM={4300,12800}. A thorough analysis of the applicability of the underlying assumptions with regard to turbulence isotropy and homogeneity is carried out. Taylor’s frozen turbulence hypothesis is assumed for the calculation of deducible flow quantities, like the turbulent kinetic energy or the dissipation rate. Furthermore, besides the examination of statistical quantities, velocity spectra of measurements downstream of the grid are quantified. Results of a small fast-response five-hole pressure probe equipped with piezo-resistive differential pressure sensors are compared to single-wire hot-wire constant temperature anemometry data for two different wire lengths. Estimates of temporal and spatial turbulent scales (e.g., Taylor micro scale and Kolmogorov length scale) show good agreement to data in the literature but are affected by filtering effects. Especially in the energy spectra, very high bandwidth content cannot be resolved by the FRAP, which is mainly due to bandwidth limits in the temporal calibration of the FRAP and the minimal resolution of the integrated sensors.

Graphic abstract
Collegial Relationships
Authors: Betzler Monika , Löschke Jörg
Published: February 2021

Although collegial relationships are among the most prevalent types of interpersonal relationships in our lives, they have not been the subject of much philosophical study. In this paper, we take the first step in the process of developing an ethics of collegiality by establishing what qualifies two people as colleagues and then by determining what it is that gives value to collegial relationships. We argue that A and B are colleagues if both exhibit sameness regarding at least two of the following three features: (i) the same work content or domain of activity; (ii) the same institutional affiliation or common purpose; and/or (iii) the same status or level of responsibility. Moreover, we describe how the potential value of collegial relationships is grounded in the relationship goods that two colleagues have reason to generatequacolleagues, namely, collegial solidarity and collegial recognition. Two interesting conclusions that can be drawn from our analysis are that one has to be proficient at one’s work if one is to be considered a good colleague and that we are also more likely to be better colleagues if we regard the work we do as valuable. Finally, we draw special attention to the working conditions that are conducive to the generation of good collegial relationships and suggest some policies to promote them.
Exponential Attractors for the 3D Fractional-order Bardina Turbulence Model With Memory and Horizontal Filtering
Authors: Annese Michele , Bisconti Luca , Catania Davide
Published: February 2021

We consider the 3D simplified Bardina turbulence model with horizontal filtering, fractional dissipation, and the presence of a memory term incorporating hereditary effects. We analyze the regularity properties and the dissipative nature of the considered system and, in our main result, we show the existence of a global exponential attractor in a suitable phase space.
Techno-regulation and intelligent safeguards
Authors: Zaccagnino Rocco , Capo Carmine , Guarino Alfonso , Lettieri Nicola , Malandrino Delfina
Published: February 2021

The growth of Internet and the pervasiveness of ICT have led to a radical change in social relationships. One of the drawbacks of this change is the exposure of individuals to threats during online activities. In this context, thetechno-regulationparadigm is inspiring new ways to safeguard legally interests by means of tools allowing to hamper breaches of law. In this paper, we focus on the exposure of individuals to specific online threats when interacting with smartphones. We propose a novel techno-regulatory approach exploiting machine learning techniques to provide safeguards against threats online. Specifically, we study a set of touch-based gestures to distinguish between underages or adults who is accessing a smartphone, and so to guarantee protection. To evaluate the proposed approach’s effectiveness, we developed an Android app to build a dataset consisting of more than 9000 touch-gestures from 147 participants. We experimented bothsingle-viewandmulti-viewlearning techniques to find the best combination of touch-gestures able of distinguishing between adults and underages. Results show that the multi-view learning combining scrolls, swipes, and pinch-to-zoom gestures, achieves the best ROC AUC (0.92) and accuracy (88%) scores.
Contextual liberalism: the ordoliberal approach to private vices and public benefits
Authors: Fritz Roland , Goldschmidt Nils , Störring Matthias
Published: February 2021

This article highlights the various sources that shaped the genesis of ordoliberalism. In the wake of the emerging project of neoliberalism, ordoliberals created a theory that contains a bundle of claims, which constitute the attempt to merge liberalism and its contextual embedding into a social philosophy that meets the requirements of both—economy and society. They were concerned with a new and properly interpreted liberalism. Not because they did not share the basic assumption of classical liberalism that individual self-interested action is the necessary driving force in advancing economic and social progress, but because they realized that individual action requires an embedding into a social and moral order to deliver public benefits. This insight proves to be the significant difference between ordoliberals of neoliberal facon and the exponents of classical liberalism: namely that the market economy operates based on prerequisites which it cannot itself guarantee. Regarding their very own historical context, this must be seen in light of their concern for the reconstruction of Western societies after the end of the totalitarian Nazi regime. The purpose of ordoliberalism has always been the “consciously shaped” economic order which manifests itself as humane and as functional. Moreover, if one understands ordoliberalism as contextual liberalism, it can also be significant for today’s discourse. In order to achieve this aspiration, ordoliberalism adopts a contextual approach. In particular, linkages can be drawn here to Constitutional Political Economy, and the interaction of these perspectives offer promising benefits for both “thinking-in-orders” traditions.
Investigating collaborative and mobility networks: reflections on the core missions of universities
Authors: Kosztyán Zsolt Tibor , Fehérvölgyi Beáta , Csizmadia Tibor , Kerekes Kinga
Published: February 2021

Given the significant role of universities in economic growth and social progress as well as the increasing demand for greater transparency regarding the use of public money, a valid assessment of university performance has become crucial for various stakeholders, including government, industry, funding agencies, and society at large.
Contemporary assessments still focus solely on universities’ properties, thereby failing to capture their network relations. To overcome this limitation, this paper proposes a multilayer network-based method to measure the embeddedness of universities in collaboration and mobility networks. This method has several advantages: first, it is relevant for HEIs’ core missions, introducing a new dimension complementary to the existing rankings; second, it is size invariant; and last but not least, it is fully transparent. The proposed multilayer network approach enables the integration of further networks, which creates opportunities for a more comprehensive assessment of universities’ performance in achieving their core missions.
Use of Different Process Gases for Manufacturing Isolating Alumina Coatings by Flame Spraying with Cords
Authors: Hauer Michél , Meyer Melanie , Billieres Dominique , Bricquet Cédric , Gerstgrasser Franz , Kiilakoski Jarkko , Lejay Julien , Henkel Knuth-Michael
Published: February 2021

Besides conventional industrial demands, thermally sprayed coatings are increasingly used for innovative products. Such an application is the additive manufacturing of electrical components in automotive engineering. In particular, heating units are currently manufactured by a combination of various spray technologies. At present, simpler spraying processes like flame spraying are investigated with regard to their suitability as a future cost-effective alternative for fabricating isolating alumina coatings. In the present study, alumina cords were flame-sprayed using compressed air and argon as atomizing gases. The results demonstrate finely dispersed microstructures and a more regular and partially even higher surface and volume resistivity compared to past investigations in the literature as well as conventionally plasma-sprayed coatings despite a significantly reduced coating thickness. The content of alpha phase is clearly higher than for plasma-sprayed coatings, regardless of the atomizing gas used. Moreover, flame-sprayed coatings using argon reveal a higher resistivity in comparison to coatings sprayed with air. While the atomizing gas is found to mainly influence the ideal stand-off distance, the phase composition is not changed severely. In addition to the phase composition and kinematics, it can finally be concluded that humidity plays a major role in the coating properties.
Uptake and release of chromium and nickel by Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty)
Authors: Chintani Yuanita Sekar , Butarbutar Erni Saurmalinda , Nugroho Andhika Puspito , Sembiring Tarzan
Published: February 2021

The effectiveness of using Vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) in phytoremediation of wastewater has been proven. In this study, the phytoremediation potential of C. zizanioides planted in Cr- and Ni-contaminated soil was evaluated through investigating the behaviors on uptake and release of metals. Three treatments: control, Cr, and Ni, with three concentrations (50, 150, and 300 ppm), were applied. The potential of C. zizanioides is assessed by the determination of metal uptake rate, metal release rate, bioconcentration factor (BCF), biological absorption coefficient (BAC), and translocation factor (TF). The experiment showed that Cr uptake was higher than release rate and on the other hand low in uptake and release of Ni. Accumulation of Cr and Ni was 167.8 mg kg−1 and 66.3 mg kg−1, respectively. Excess of Cr in the soil was absorbed in high uptake rate making vetiver grass suitable for Cr phytoremediation. During 28-day uptake and 28-day release periods, it was found that BCF, BAC, and TF values in some treatments showed greater than 1 (one) and Ni-treated plants were able to translocate Ni to aerial plant parts supported by its high TF value. Low acidity of soil causes low solubility and low mobility of metals, resulting in low metal absorption. C. zizanioides has shown the potential as a heavy metal-tolerant species and could be potentially used as phytoremediation alternative species at least in lightly polluted areas.
Teaching Mathematics to Computer Scientists: Reflections and a Case Study
Authors: Neri Ferrante
Published: February 2021

Mathematics, despite being the foundation of computer science, is nowadays often considered a totally separate subject. The fact that many jobs in computer science do not explicitly require any specific mathematical knowledge posed questions about the importance of mathematics within computer science undergraduate curricula. In many educational systems, a prior high school knowledge of mathematics is often not a mandatory requirement to be enrolled into a degree of computer science. On the other hand, several studies report that mathematics is important to computer scientists since it provides essential analytical and critical skills and since many professional and research tasks in computer science require an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts. From this assumption, this article proposes an analysis of the cohort of computer science’ students, with a specific reference to British Universities, and identifies some challenges that lecturers of mathematical subjects normally face. On the basis of this analysis this article proposes two teaching techniques to promote effective learning. The proposed techniques aim at addressing the diversity of cohorts in terms of mathematical background and skepticism from part of the cohort of students to consider mathematics as an essential element of their education. Numerical results indicate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed teaching techniques.
Cognitive differences among first-year and senior engineering students when generating design solutions with and without additional dimensions of sustainability
Authors: Hu Mo , Shealy Tripp , Milovanovic Julie
Published: February 2021

The research presented in this paper explores how engineering students cognitively manage concept generation and measures the effects of additional dimensions of sustainability on design cognition. Twelve first-year and eight senior engineering students generated solutions to 10 design problems. Half of the problems included additional dimensions of sustainability. The number of unique design solutions students developed and their neurocognitive activation were measured. Without additional requirements for sustainability, first-year students generated significantly more solutions than senior engineering students. First-year students recruited higher cortical activation in the brain region generally associated with cognitive flexibility, and divergent and convergent thinking. Senior engineering students recruited higher activation in the brain region generally associated with uncertainty processing and self-reflection. When additional dimensions of sustainability were present, first-year students produced fewer solutions. Senior engineering students generated a similar number of solutions. Senior engineering students required less cortical activation to generate a similar number of solutions. The varying patterns of cortical activation and different number of solutions between first-year and senior engineering students begin to highlight cognitive differences in how students manage and retrieve information in their brain during design. Students’ ability to manage complex requirements like sustainability may improve with education.
Timing and extent of Late Pleistocene glaciation in the Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Authors: Valentino Joshua D. , Owen Lewis A. , Spotila James A. , Cesta Jason M. , Caffee Marc W.
Published: February 2021

Geomorphic mapping, landform and sediment analysis, and cosmogenic10Be and36Cl ages from erratics, moraine boulders, and glacially polished bedrock help define the timing of the Wisconsinan glaciations in the Chugach Mountains of south-central Alaska. The maximum extent of glaciation in the Chugach Mountains during the last glacial period (marine isotope stages [MIS] 5d through 2) occurred at ~50 ka during MIS 3. In the Williwaw Lakes valley and Thompson Pass areas of the Chugach Mountains, moraines date to ~26.7 ± 2.4, 25.4 ± 2.4, 18.8 ± 1.6, 19.3 ± 1.7, and 17.3 ± 1.5 ka, representing times of glacial retreat. These data suggest that glaciers retreated later in the Chugach Mountain than in other regions of Alaska. Reconstructed equilibrium-line altitude depressions range from 400 to 430 m for late Wisconsinan glacial advances in the Chugach Mountains, representing a possible temperature depression of 2.1–2.3°C. These reconstructed temperature depressions suggest that climate was warmer in this part of Alaska than in many other regions throughout Alaska and elsewhere in the world during the global last glacial maximum.
With Frenemies Like These: Rising Power Voting Behavior in the UN General Assembly
Authors: Binder Martin , Lockwood Payton Autumn
Published: February 2021

The rise of non-Western powers has led to competing claims about how these states act among each other and how they behave vis-à-vis established powers. Existing accounts argue that the rising powers are a heterogenous group of competing states and that they are socialized into the existing Western-centered order. This article challenges these claims, arguing that the rising powers are dissatisfied with the international status quo and that they have begun to form a bloc against the established powers. The authors contend that this dissatisfaction arises from their lack of influence on the international stage, their status in the international hierarchy and the norms that sustain the current international order. They maintain that the formation of a rising powers bloc is driven by the countries’ economic growth and international dynamics, fostering their institutionalization as IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). To support this argument, the study combines spatial modeling techniques to analyze rising power voting behavior in the UN General Assembly over the period 1992–2011.
Axisymmetric dynamo action produced by differential rotation, with anisotropic electrical conductivity and anisotropic magnetic permeability
Authors: Plunian Franck , Alboussière Thierry
Published: February 2021

The effect on dynamo action of an anisotropic electrical conductivity conjugated to an anisotropic magnetic permeability is considered. Not only is the dynamo fully axisymmetric, but it requires only a simple differential rotation, which twice challenges the well-established dynamo theory. Stability analysis is conducted entirely analytically, leading to an explicit expression of the dynamo threshold. The results show a competition between the anisotropy of electrical conductivity and that of magnetic permeability, the dynamo effect becoming impossible if the two anisotropies are identical. For isotropic electrical conductivity, Cowling's neutral point argument does imply the absence of an azimuthal component of current density, but does not prevent the dynamo effect as long as the magnetic permeability is anisotropic.
Implementing Partition: Proceedings of the Punjab Partition Committee, July–August, 1947
Authors: KHAN BANGASH YAQOOB
Published: February 2021

This article focuses on the workings of the Punjab Partition Committee in the crucial months of July and August 1947. In bringing new material to the historiography of partition, this article challenges the widely held assumption that the Punjab Partition Committee did not deliver. It argues that one must assess and value the large degree of cooperation and agreement between Punjab political leaders on the Committee, despite the charged political and communal atmosphere of the summer of 1947. Furthermore, it argues that the Committee created a limited sense of order during the disarray that prevailed in the run-up to the Transfer of Power. This order was brought about by the cooperation and work of the ‘middle tier’—the bureaucrats and other officials who are often missing from partition literature. The article shows the hard, bureaucratic—yet human—side of partition during these deliberations: at the same time as these people were carrying out partition, they were also suffering its effects. Finally, the Committee's negotiations show how the soon-to-be-established provinces and dominions were setting up their respective states through the procurement of assets and resources.
The roles of cognitive abilities and hearing acuity in older adults’ recognition of words taken from fast and spectrally reduced speech
Authors: Janse Esther , Andringa Sible J.
Published: February 2021

Previous literature has identified several cognitive abilities as predictors of individual differences in speech perception. Working memory was chief among them, but effects have also been found for processing speed. Most research has been conducted on speech in noise, but fast and unclear articulation also makes listening challenging, particularly for older listeners. As a first step toward specifying the cognitive mechanisms underlying spoken word recognition, we set up this study to determine which factors explain unique variation in word identification accuracy in fast speech, and the extent to which this was affected by further degradation of the speech signal. To that end, 105 older adults were tested on identification accuracy of fast words in unaltered and degraded conditions in which the speech stimuli were low-pass filtered. They were also tested on processing speed, memory, vocabulary knowledge, and hearing sensitivity. A structural equation analysis showed that only memory and hearing sensitivity explained unique variance in word recognition in both listening conditions. Working memory was more strongly associated with performance in the unfiltered than in the filtered condition. These results suggest that memory skills, rather than speed, facilitate the mapping of single words onto stored lexical representations, particularly in conditions of medium difficulty.
ESTIMATION OF TIME-VARYING COVARIANCE MATRICES FOR LARGE DATASETS
Authors: Dendramis Yiannis , Giraitis Liudas , Kapetanios George
Published: February 2021

Time variation is a fundamental problem in statistical and econometric analysis of macroeconomic and financial data. Recently, there has been considerable focus on developing econometric modelling that enables stochastic structural change in model parameters and on model estimation by Bayesian or nonparametric kernel methods. In the context of the estimation of covariance matrices of large dimensional panels, such data requires taking into account time variation, possible dependence and heavy-tailed distributions. In this paper, we introduce a nonparametric version of regularization techniques for sparse large covariance matrices, developed by Bickel and Levina (2008) and others. We focus on the robustness of such a procedure to time variation, dependence and heavy-tailedness of distributions. The paper includes a set of results on Bernstein type inequalities for dependent unbounded variables which are expected to be applicable in econometric analysis beyond estimation of large covariance matrices. We discuss the utility of the robust thresholding method, comparing it with other estimators in simulations and an empirical application on the design of minimum variance portfolios.