bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limit profiles for reversible Markov chains
Authors: Nestoridi Evita , Olesker-Taylor Sam 
Published: July 2021

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

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

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

L
p

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

RCD

(
K
,
N
)

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

K
>
0

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

N
∈
(
1
,
∞
)

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

L
2

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

RCD

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

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

∂
t

u
-

div
(
m
|
u
|

m
-
1

D
u
)
=
0
,

m
>
0
.

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

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

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

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

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

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

AbstractThis report surveys four approaches that are pivotal to the study of preference formation: (a) the range, validity, and theoretical foundations of explanations of political preferences at the individual and mass levels, (b) the exploration of key objects of preference formation attached to the democratic political process (i.e., voting in competitive elections), (c) the top-down vs. bottom-up character of preference formation as addressed in leader–follower studies, and (d) gene–environment interaction and the explanatory weight of genetic predisposition against the cumulative weight of social experiences.In recent years, our understanding of sites and processes of (individual) political-preference formation has substantially improved. First, this applies to a greater variety of objects that provide fresh insight into the functioning and stability of contemporary democracy. Second, we observe the reaffirmation of pivotal theories and key concepts in adapted form against widespread challenge. This applies to the role played by social stratification, group awareness, and individual-level economic considerations. Most of these findings converge in recognising economics-based explanations. Third, research into gene–environment interplay rapidly increases the number of testable hypotheses and promises to benefit a wide range of approaches already taken and advanced in the study of political-preference formation.
Die soziale Integration von Schülerinnen und Schülern mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf an allgemeinen Schulen und Förderschulen: Die Rolle individueller und klassenbezogener Kompetenzen
Authors: Kohrt Pauline , Gresch Cornelia , Mahler Nicole 
Published: July 2021

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

ZusammenfassungDie Darstellung der räumlichen und zeitlichen Ausbreitung der Corona-Pandemie ist ein zentrales Anliegen von epidemiologischer Forschung aber auch der öffentlichen Medien. Dieses geschieht meist über Karten, die in vielen Fällen animiert sind. Die hier vorgestellte Web-Applikation benutzt ein alternatives statistisches Konzept zur Darstellung von Corona-Inzidenzen. Statt der üblichen, aber unrealistischen Annahme einer Gleichverteilung über einer Referenzfläche benutzen wir das Verfahren von Groß et al. (2020). Dieses allgemeine statistische Konzept wird hier auf die Schätzung lokaler Corona Inzidenzen angewendet. Es vermeidet die harten Sprünge an den Kreisgrenzen, die bei den üblichen Kartendarstellungen auftreten, durch eine gemeinsame Auswertung benachbarter Kreisgebiete.Der Fokus der Darstellung liegt hier auf der Realisierung dieses Konzepts über eine frei zugängliche Web-Applikation und ihre Nutzung. Anhand von drei Beispielen wird gezeigt, dass während der zweiten Corona-Welle in Deutschland feste, lokale Cluster existieren, die sich über die Zeit auch ausbreiten und miteinander verschmelzen können.
Computational study on novel natural inhibitors targeting BCL2
Authors: Lv Xiaye , Jiang Yuting , Wang Xinhui , Xie HaoQun , Dou Gaojing , Wang Jing , Yang Wenzhuo , Wang Hongyu , Li Zijian , Zhang Xiangheng , Chen Zhenghe 
Published: July 2021

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

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

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