bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proto‐proteins in Protocells
Authors: Despotovic Dragana , Tawfik Dan S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPhase separation, and coacervates in particular, may have played a key role in the transition from an abiotic to a biotic world, in providing early membrane‐less compartments and promoting metabolism. Herein, we highlight another potential role of coacervates in providing the milieu in which short abiotically formed peptides evolved gradually into structured, functional proteins. Coacervates, amyloids, and other rudimentary forms of self‐assembly enable short peptides to form supramolecular structures, thus providing the level of structural pre‐organization and complexity needed for biochemical function. Coacervates, however, are unique in also enabling co‐assembly of peptides and nucleic acids, and in promoting the acquisition of helical structures. These two properties, combined with their potential to promote the synthesis of biopolymers, make coacervates a feasible springboard for the emergence of the early nucleic acids binding proteins. Herein, we outline this putative evolutionary scenario and the evidence supporting it, also regarding the emergence of cationic amino acids that are critical to coacervate formation.
Operational and emerging capabilities for surface water flood forecasting
Authors: Speight Linda J. , Cranston Michael D. , White Christopher J. , Kelly Laura 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSurface water (or pluvial) flooding is caused by intense rainfall before it enters rivers or drainage systems. As the climate changes and urban populations grow, the number of people around the world at risk of surface water flooding is increasing. Although it may not be possible to prevent such flooding, reliable and timely flood forecasts can help improve preparedness and recovery. Unlike riverine and coastal flooding where forecasting methods are well established, surface water flood forecasting presents a unique challenge due to the high uncertainties around predicting the location, timing, and impact of what are typically localized events. Over the past 5 years, there has been rapid development of convection‐permitting numerical weather prediction models, ensemble forecasting, and computational ability. It is now theoretically feasible to develop operational surface water forecasting systems. This paper identifies three approaches to surface water forecasting utilizing state‐of‐the‐art meteorological forecasts: empirical‐based scenarios, hydrological forecasts linked to presimulated impact scenarios, and real‐time hydrodynamic simulation. Reviewing operational examples of each approach provides an opportunity to learn from international best practice to develop targeted, impact‐based, surface water forecasts to support informed decision‐making. Although the emergence of new meteorological and hydrological forecasting capabilities is promising, there remains a scientific limit to the predictability of convective rainfall. To overcome this challenge, we suggest that a rethink of the established role of flood forecasting is needed, alongside the development of interdisciplinary solutions for communicating uncertainty and making the best use of all available data to increase preparedness.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Engineering Water
The UK forensic science regulator: Fit for purpose?
Authors: Nsiah Amoako Emmanuel , McCartney Carole 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe role of Forensic Science Regulator (FSR), created in 2007, was established to assure the achievement and maintenance of forensic science service (FSS) provision that commands public confidence. The FSR works at an organizational level, to assure, and improve the quality of forensic service provision and manage the risks of quality failures by Forensic Service Providers (FSPs). Despite this apparent introduction of “regulation,” forensic science provision in the United Kingdom has continued to receive a critical assessment. FSPs are meant to voluntarily adopt the Regulator's quality standards, achieve and maintain accreditation, and comply with regulatory requirements and guidance, including reporting complaints and quality failures to the Regulator. The effectiveness of the FSR thus cannot be gauged by examination of the actions of the Regulator alone, but also requires evidence of impact upon FSPs. Using public data, supplemented by interviews with FSS providers, to facilitate an initial assessment of whether the FSR's role is “fit for purpose,” we outline five demands made of FSPs in delivering FSSs to the criminal justice system and the five objectives of the FSR to support and enhance the ability of FSPs to meet these demands. We provide a prefatory commentary on whether the FSR is able to effectively fulfill this purpose. It is argued that the FSR role in its current form cannot be considered “fit for purpose” when evidence of the impact of regulation is lacking. Finally, we briefly summarize “inhibitors” that prevent the FSR from being more effective.This article is categorized under:
Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Expert Evidence and Narrative
European Starling Nest‐site Selection Given Enhanced Direct Nest Predation Risk
Authors: Blackwell Bradley F. , Seamans Thomas W. , Pfeiffer Morgan B. , Buckingham Bruce N. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTThe European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is recognized, outside its native range, as an invasive species, and efforts to deter its nesting have generally been unsuccessful. Enhancing perceived risk at the nest site is a little‐explored route in developing a nest deterrent. Specifically, nest predation risk affects site selection, reproduction, antipredator behavior, and fitness in nesting birds. We questioned whether perceived predation risk as related to a snake model positioned inside a nest box, in striking form, moving, and present throughout the period of cavity site selection would induce European starlings to avoid or delay nest construction. We conducted our study on the 2,200‐ha National Aeronautics and Space Administration Plum Brook Station (PBS), Erie County, Ohio, USA. Our objectives were to examine nest initiation, clutch development, and hatching success by starlings relative to 4 nest‐box treatments: moving snake model, movement mechanism only, immobile snake model, and control (empty box). We applied treatments across 120 nest boxes on PBS (30 boxes/treatment) from 15 April through 17 June 2019. We observed no treatment effects on nest initiation or date of nest bowl formation. Starlings occupied (laid ≥1 egg) in 76% of nest boxes (moving snake model = 22 boxes, movement mechanism = 25 boxes, immobile snake model = 21 boxes, control = 23 boxes). We observed no effects of treatment on likelihood of starlings laying a clutch, date of first egg, clutch size, or hatching success. We suggest that starlings adapted to perceived risk because models, despite animacy, did not attack. Therefore, snake models, as developed herein, are ineffective starling nesting deterrents. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
New Dihydrogenhypodiphosphates of Alkaline‐Earth Metals: Preparation, Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectrum and Thermal Behavior of AE[H2P2O6] ⋅ n H2O (AE=Ca, Sr and n=1.5, 2)
Authors: Haase Madeline , Gjikaj Mimoza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTwo new alkaline‐earth metal dihydrogenhypodiphosphates, AE[H2P2O6] ⋅ n H2O (AE=Ca, Sr and n=1.5, 2) have been prepared and structurally characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Calciumdihydrogenhypodiphosphate sesquihydrate, Ca[H2P2O6] ⋅ 1.5 H2O (1) (lattice parameters: a=6.619(1) Å, b=10.201(1) Å, c=20.922(2) Å, β=107.95(1)°, VEZ=1343.9(2) Å3, Z=4), crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c and strontiumdihydrogenhypodiphosphate dihydrate, Sr[H2P2O6] ⋅ 2 H2O (2) (lattice parameters: a=7.548(1) Å, b=11.906(1) Å, c=7.880(1) Å, VEZ=708.2(2) Å3, Z=4), in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn. The crystal structure of compound 1 consists of chains of edge‐ and face‐sharing of [CaO6] and [CaO8] polyhedra linked by dihydrogenhypodiphosphate(IV) anions to form a three‐dimensional network. The structure of 2 consists of alternating layers of chains of edge‐sharing [SrO8] polyhedra and respective anionic units. The different water‐content compositions result from the corresponding alkaline‐earth metal coordination polyedra and by the preferred number of water molecules in their coordination sphere, respectively. The IR/Raman spectra of the title compounds have been recorded and interpreted, especially with respect to the [H2P2O6]2− group. The phase purity of 2 was verified by powder diffraction measurements.
Theoretical evaluation of TKX‐50 as an ingredient in rocket propellants
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Suceska Muhamed 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDihydroxylammonium‐5,5′‐bistetrazolyl‐1,1′‐diolate (TKX‐50), is one of the most promising energetic materials that has been reported in recent time. TKX‐50 shows great potential for future application as a secondary explosive, due to its sensitivity and explosive performance data. In this work, we report initial computational results which have been undertaken to investigate the viability of the application of TKX‐50 as an energetic ingredient in rocket propellants.
Prehistoric Human Tracks in Ojo Guareña Cave System (Burgos, Spain): The Sala and Galerías de las Huellas
Authors: Ortega Ana I. , Ruiz Francisco , Martín Miguel A. , Benito-Calvo Alfonso , Vidal Marco , Bermejo Lucía , Karampaglidis Theodoros 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn 1969, members of Grupo Espeleológico Edelweiss discovered the Sala and Galerías de las Huellas in Ojo Guareña Cave system (Burgos, Spain). These contained hundreds of ancient human footprints, preserved in the soft sediment on the floor. These footprints represent the tracks of a small group of people who walked barefoot through these complex passages in the cave. Owing to the difficult compatibility of the documentation and preservation of these prints, it was not possible to study them before the development of new non-invasive remote sensing techniques. However, since 2012 optical laser scanning and digital photogrammetry have been used in Galerías de las Huellas, in combination with GIS techniques, to obtain a model of the cave floor, where the footprints and their internal morphology can be observed in detail. We have identified over 1000 prehistoric human footprints and at least 18 distinct trackways through the passages, which could have been left by around 8–10 individuals. Since 2016, an archaeological field study has been conducted in this sector, in order to determine and explore its surrounding area and find other archaeological evidence that may be directly associated with these tracks. Numerous remains of torches are preserved on the walls and floor in the immediate surroundings of the footprint sites. Some of them have been dated, which has revealed the intensive use of this underground landscape from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Mesolithic-Neolithic. However, the remains in Sala and Galerías de las Huellas date solely to the Chalcolithic, around 4300 calBP.
Inferences from Footprints: Archaeological Best Practice
Authors: Bennett Matthew R. , Reynolds Sally C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAnimal footprints are preserved in the archaeological record with greater frequency than perhaps previously assumed. This assertion is supported by a rapid increase in the number of discoveries in recent years. The analysis of such trace fossils is now being undertaken with an increasing sophistication, and a methodological revolution is afoot linked to the routine deployment of 3D digital capture. Much of this development has in recent years been driven by palaeontologists, yet archaeologists are just as likely to encounter footprints in excavations. It is therefore timely to review some of the key methodological developments and to focus attention on the inferences that can and, crucially, cannot be justifiably made from fossil footprints with specific reference to human tracks.
Repetition Without Repetition: A Comparison of the Laetoli G1, Ileret, Namibian Holocene and Modern Human Footprints Using Pedobarographic Statistical Parametric Mapping
Authors: McClymont Juliet , Crompton Robin H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIt is traditionally held that early hominins of the genus Australopithecus had a foot transitional in function between that of the other great apes and our own but that the appearance of genus Homo was marked by evolution of an essentially biomechanically modern foot, as well as modern body proportions. Here, we report the application of whole foot, pixel-wise topological statistical analysis, to compare four populations of footprints from across evolutionary time: Australopithecus at Laetoli (3.66 Ma, Tanzania), early African Homo from Ileret (1.5 Ma, Kenya) and recent modern (presumptively habitually barefoot) pastoralist Homo sapiens from Namibia (Holocene), with footprints from modern Western humans. Contrary to some previous analyses, we find that only limited areas of the footprints show any statistically significant difference in footprint depth (used here as an analogy for plantar pressure). A need for this comparison was highlighted by recent studies using the same statistical approach, to examine variability in the distribution of foot pressure in modern Western humans. This study revealed very high intra-variability (mean square error) step-to-step in over 500 steps. This result exemplifies the fundamental movement characteristic of dynamic biological systems, whereby regardless of the repetition in motor patterns for stepping, and even when constrained by experimental conditions, each step is unique or non-repetitive; hence, repetition without repetition. Thus, the small sample sizes predominant in the fossil and ichnofossil record do not reveal the fundamental neurobiological driver of locomotion (variability), essentially limiting our ability to make reliable interpretations which might be extrapolated to interpret hominin foot function at a population level. However, our need for conservatism in our conclusions does not equate with a conclusion that there has been functional stasis in the evolution of the hominin foot.
Perspectives on Pliocene and Pleistocene Pedal Patterns and Protection
Authors: Trinkaus Erik , Jashashvili Tea , Patel Biren A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs a framework for interpreting Pliocene and Pleistocene hominin footprints, the functional implications of australopith and Homo pedal remains are reviewed. Despite minor variations in pedal proportions and articular morphology, all of these remains exhibit tarsometatarsal skeletons fully commensurate with an efficient (human) striding bipedal gait. The Middle and Late Pleistocene Homo pedal phalanges exhibit robust and distally flattened metatarsal 1 heads, hallux valgus, relatively short lateral digits with largely straight proximal phalanges with dorsally oriented metatarsal facets, all similar to those of recent humans. The Pliocene and Early Pleistocene halluces lack hallux valgus and have bulbous metatarsal 1 heads. The australopith pedal remains have lateral proximal phalanges that are relatively long and dorsally curved and have more proximally oriented metatarsal facets. In addition, pre-Upper Paleolithic Homo lateral phalanges have robust diaphysis implying the habitual absence of protective footwear, whereas the Upper Paleolithic ones are variably gracile, especially at higher latitudes, indicating more consistent use of footwear. These paleontological considerations provide a framework for interpreting the distal portions of earlier hominin footprints (especially with respect to hallucal orientation and digital length) and suggest that many of the Late Pleistocene footprints may be unrecognized given the use of footwear.
The Reserved Young Citizens of the Nordic Countries
Authors: Lieberkind Jonas , Bruun Jens 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Both in citizenship education research and public debate, interest in understanding the role and significance of young people in the current state and future of democracy is ongoing. From one point of view, young people are seen as alienated and passive, thus raising concern. From another point of view, young people are seen as drivers for change, thus raising hope. This chapter intends to explore such contradicting roles of the young Nordic citizens. The basic questions are as follows: (1) What are the characteristics of the Nordic youth relative to the youth in other regions? (2) What are their main perceptions and attitudes towards the active and passive dimensions of citizenship? (3) Have these characteristics and perceptions changed over time? Empirically, the analyses and interpretations are based on IEA’s International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) 2009 and ICCS 2016 data applied to demonstrate the regional trends, similarities, and differences among youth. In general, the Nordic youth are relatively passive with regard to political participation. At the same time, however, they are knowledgeable and democratically engaged. We propose a new analytical concept to understand this “double-sided” civic engagement of the Nordic youth as the reserved young Nordic citizens.
TransWork – Transformation der Arbeit durch Digitalisierung
Authors: Schnalzer Kathrin , Mütze-Niewöhner Susanne , Jeske Tim , Daum Mario , Lindner Matthias , Link Maike , Latos Benedikt Andrew , Eisele Olaf , Zanker Claus , Hamann Karin , Harlacher Markus , Lennings Frank , Dworschak Bernd 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungIm Rahmen des Beitrags werden die Forschungsergebnisse der TransWork (Transformation der Arbeit durch Digitalisierung) Projektpartner anwendungsorientiert dargestellt. Die fünf TransWork Teilvorhaben stellen Ergebnisse zu den Themen Kompetenzentwicklung, Beherrschung von Komplexität, Produktivitätsmanagement und Gestaltung sowie Regulierung von Arbeit vor. Dabei werden Lösungsansätze, Handlungsempfehlungen und unterstützende Faktoren für betriebliche Normsetzungsakteure und Anwendungsunternehmen aufgezeigt, die dafür genutzt werden können, den Herausforderungen durch Digitalisierung und der Automatisierung innerhalb der Arbeitswelt zu begegnen
KAMiiSo
Authors: Baschin Julian , Vietor Thomas , Zorn Victoria , Kauffeld Simone , Bardenhagen Tim Claus , Spielmann Christoph , Guse Michael 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungModerne Produkte werden zunehmend durch verteilte Teams aus unterschiedlichen Engineering-Domänen entwickelt. Es resultieren komplexe Produktentwicklungsprozesse, die geplant werden müssen. Zur Strukturierung und Parallelisierung dieser Prozesse, Kommunikation zwischen den Stakeholdern und Unterstützung bei Entwicklungsaufgaben können Methoden und (Software)Tools eingesetzt werden. Um die Effektivität in der Entwicklung zu erhöhen, müssen diese Methoden und Tools allerdings zielgerichtet ausgewählt und in den Prozess integriert werden. Außerdem sind Kompetenzen im Umgang mit den Methoden und Tools sowie die Kommunikation und Entwicklung in den verteilten, interdisziplinären Teams notwendig. Zur Lösung dieser Probleme werden im vorliegenden Kapitel Konzepte sowie softwarebasierte Tools vorgestellt, die den Entwickler und Projektmanager bei der Projektplanung- und Durchführung unterstützen und zu einer kooperativen Produktentwicklung führen. In Arbeitsszenarien wird die Leistungsfähigkeit der Konzepte und Tools demonstriert.
Integration digitaler Assistenzsysteme für die industrielle Montage
Authors: Keller Thimo , Bayer Christian , Metternich Joachim , Schmidt Stephanie , Saki Mehrach , Sträter Oliver 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungMit der zunehmenden Digitalisierung von Herstellungsverfahren ändern sich auch in industriellen Produktionsumgebungen die Arbeitsinhalte und das Arbeitsumfeld der Beschäftigten. Die Diversifikation von Produkten erhöht die Komplexität in der Produktion, wodurch die Anforderungen an die Beschäftigten steigen. Unter Berücksichtigung der Bedürfnisse der Mitarbeitenden und der betrieblichen Interessen stellt sich die Frage, wie eine leistungsförderliche Arbeitsplatzgestaltung aussehen soll. In Zusammenarbeit zwischen Forschung und Industrie entwickelt und erprobt das Forschungsprojekt IntAKom (Intelligente Aufwertung der manuellen und teilautomatisierten Arbeit durch den Einsatz digitaler Kommunikationstechnologie) konstruktive Ansätze guter digitaler Assistenz in der Produktion.
Informatorische Assistenzsysteme
Authors: Bläsing Dominic , Bornewasser Manfred , Hinrichsen Sven 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungIm Verbundprojekt Montexas4.0 wird das Potenzial von informatorischen Assistenzsystemen in der manuellen Montage im Hinblick auf eine Steigerung der betrieblichen Produktivität durch eine Reduzierung der mentalen Beanspruchung untersucht. Hintergrund dieses Ansatzes bildet die zunehmende Komplexität von Montageprozessen infolge wachsender Variantenvielfalt, die Montagebeschäftigte dazu zwingt, auf der Basis hoher Wachsamkeit permanent Entscheidungen zwischen auszuwählenden Teilen, Werkzeugen und Arbeitsmethoden zu treffen. Diese Situation löst Unsicherheit aus und führt über zunehmende Fehlerwahrscheinlichkeit und Zeitverluste zu einer Verringerung der betrieblichen Arbeitsproduktivität. Die dadurch steigende kognitive oder mentale Beanspruchung soll durch informatorische Assistenzsysteme reduziert werden, indem passende Informationen in leicht aufzunehmender und zu verarbeitender Weise angeboten werden. Es wird aufgezeigt, wie mentale Beanspruchungen erfasst werden können und vor welchen Problemen eine valide Messung mittels objektiver Verfahren steht.
SynDiQuAss – Synchronisierung von Digitalisierung, Qualitätssicherung und Assistenzsystemen
Authors: Rusch Tobias , Hueber Michael , Kerber Florian , Sochor Robin , Fink Klaus , Klug Hermann , Stelzle Benedikt , Romanelli Massimo 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungAls Ergebnis des Förderprojektes SynDiQuAss liegt ein partizipatives und praktisch evaluiertes Vorgehensmodell zur Integration von digitalen Assistenzsystemen an Montagearbeitsplätzen in KMU mit produktionstechnischem Hintergrund vor. Als normatives Rahmenwerk wurde zu Beginn ein gemeinsames Commitment der Projektpartner unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Interessen der betroffenen WerkerInnen verabschiedet, welches durch regelmäßige Evaluationen die Akzeptanz und den Systemnutzen der entwickelten Lösungsansätze absichert. Anhand prototypischer Anwendungsszenarien wurden Methoden für systematische Auswahl und Applikation kognitiver und physischer Assistenzsysteme an bisher nicht automatisierten Montagearbeitsplätzen entwickelt. Eine zentrale Software implementiert das formale Modell der digitalisierten Montageanweisung, mit der die Assistenzsystemfunktionalitäten für jeden Montageschritt gesteuert werden, und realisiert die Schnittstelle zur Anbindung anderer Unternehmensbereiche. Das modulare Aufbaukonzept wurde in einem spezifizierten Demonstratorarbeitsplatz umgesetzt und in den beteiligten Industriepartnern mit deren MitarbeiterInnen evaluiert.
Empowerment in der agilen Arbeitswelt
Authors: Boes Andreas , Gül Katrin , Kämpf Tobias , Lühr Thomas 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungDas konsequente Empowerment der Beschäftigten ist der Schlüssel für den langfristigen Erfolg agiler und humaner Arbeitswelten und muss in der Unternehmenspraxis einen zentralen Stellenwert einnehmen. Das ist das zentrale Ergebnis des Projekts „Empowerment in der digitalen Arbeitswelt“ (EdA). Gelingen kann Empowerment mit einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz und wenn seine Rahmenbedingungen beteiligungsorientiert gestaltet werden. Der im Projekt entwickelte Empowerment-Index umfasst die relevanten Dimensionen von Empowerment in der agilen Arbeitswelt und unterstützt Unternehmen dabei, zentrale Ansatzpunkte für Gestaltungsmaßnahmen zu identifizieren.