Showing papers by "University of Vienna published in 2023"

Spheres of sanctuary: introduction to special issue

Abstract: At a time when restrictive immigration policies are high on the political agenda of many states, resistance to such policies is emerging from below. One form of resistance is the provision of sanctuary by civil society and subnational administrations. Sanctuary can be understood as the creation of a safe space for immigrants where they are beyond reach for immigration law enforcement. Research on sanctuary has been proliferating in the last few years. Nevertheless, a common definition and analytical framework are still missing. This article aims to fill this gap. In it, we provide a definition of sanctuary which identifies four key features that all sanctuary initiatives have in common, and that distinguish them from other forms of social and political action. Further, we distinguish between three spheres in which sanctuary can be enacted – the territorial, social and discursive spheres – and develop a typology that identifies the spaces, modes of enactment, and types of actors associated with each sphere. We show how our typology can be used to address both empirical and normative questions that require comparing different types of sanctuary. Our aim is to provide new impulses to the growing research agenda on the contentious politics and practices of sanctuary.

Does long‐term soil warming affect microbial element limitation? A test by short‐term assays of microbial growth responses to labile C, N and P additions

Abstract: Increasing global temperatures have been reported to accelerate soil carbon (C) cycling, but also to promote nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. However, warming can differentially affect ecosystem C, N and P dynamics, potentially intensifying elemental imbalances between soil resources, plants and soil microorganisms. Here, we investigated the effect of long-term soil warming on microbial resource limitation, based on measurements of microbial growth (18 O incorporation into DNA) and respiration after C, N and P amendments. Soil samples were taken from two soil depths (0-10, 10-20 cm) in control and warmed (>14 years warming, +4°C) plots in the Achenkirch soil warming experiment. Soils were amended with combinations of glucose-C, inorganic/organic N and inorganic/organic P in a full factorial design, followed by incubation at their respective mean field temperatures for 24 h. Soil microbes were generally C-limited, exhibiting 1.8-fold to 8.8-fold increases in microbial growth upon C addition. Warming consistently caused soil microorganisms to shift from being predominately C limited to become C-P co-limited. This P limitation possibly was due to increased abiotic P immobilization in warmed soils. Microbes further showed stronger growth stimulation under combined glucose and inorganic nutrient amendments compared to organic nutrient additions. This may be related to a prolonged lag phase in organic N (glucosamine) mineralization and utilization compared to glucose. Soil respiration strongly positively responded to all kinds of glucose-C amendments, while responses of microbial growth were less pronounced in many of these treatments. This highlights that respiration-though easy and cheap to measure-is not a good substitute of growth when assessing microbial element limitation. Overall, we demonstrate a significant shift in microbial element limitation in warmed soils, from C to C-P co-limitation, with strong repercussions on the linkage between soil C, N and P cycles under long-term warming.

Modular structure of complex II: An evolutionary perspective

Abstract: Succinate dehydrogenases (SDHs) and fumarate reductases (FRDs) catalyse the interconversion of succinate and fumarate, a reaction highly conserved in all domains of life. The current classification of SDH/FRDs is based on the structure of the membrane anchor subunits and their cofactors. It is, however, unknown whether this classification would hold in the context of evolution. In this work, a large-scale comparative genomic analysis of complex II addresses the questions of its taxonomic distribution and phylogeny. Our findings report that for types C, D, and F, structural classification and phylogeny go hand in hand, while for types A, B and E the situation is more complex, highlighting the possibility for their classification into subgroups. Based on these findings, we proposed a revised version of the evolutionary scenario for these enzymes in which a primordial soluble module, corresponding to the cytoplasmatic subunits, would give rise to the current diversity via several independent membrane anchor attachment events.

Gluing constructions for Lorentzian length spaces

Abstract: Abstract We introduce an analogue to the amalgamation of metric spaces into the setting of Lorentzian pre-length spaces. This provides a very general process of constructing new spaces out of old ones. The main application in this work is an analogue of the gluing theorem of Reshetnyak for CAT( k ) spaces, which roughly states that gluing is compatible with upper curvature bounds. Due to the absence of a notion of spacelike distance in Lorentzian pre-length spaces we can only formulate the theorem in terms of (strongly causal) spacetimes viewed as Lorentzian length spaces.

Daily receiving and providing of social support at work: identifying support exchange patterns in hierarchical data

Abstract: The norm of reciprocity proposes that one who receives support feels obliged to return obtained benefits. Yet how employees regulate the mutual flow of social support with one another does not always follow a reciprocal dynamic, which may have different implications for employee outcomes based on whether social exchanges gain, drain or conserve resources. To better understand support exchange patterns and their relationship with basic need satisfaction (for autonomy, competence and relatedness) and emotional exhaustion in employees’ daily lives, we performed a multilevel latent profile analysis (N = 124 employees, 894 days). At the day level, we identified four support exchange profiles differing in low vs high received and provided social support (i.e., low-reciprocating, under-reciprocating, over-reciprocating and high-reciprocating days). At the person level, we identified three support exchange classes of employees, differing in the degree to which employees showed certain support exchange profiles over time (i.e., over-reciprocators, low-reciprocators and high-reciprocators). Pairwise comparisons with multinomial logistic regression revealed that over-reciprocating days were associated with the highest levels of need satisfaction for autonomy and relatedness and the lowest levels of emotional exhaustion. Moreover, over-reciprocators were most likely to satisfy their needs for autonomy. We discuss theoretical and practical contributions of our findings.

Countryside versus city?

Abstract: Dichotomous images of the “countryside” and the “city” are at work in many social discourses in Austria, coupled with anti-elitist and racist positions, which culminate in the proclamation of an affinity for Heimat (homeland). At the same time, shifts in life-worlds can be observed which, in place of a dichotomy between the rural and the urban, reveal complex entanglements of different groups, lifestyles and spatial imagery. It, therefore, makes sense when engaging critically with the spatial aspects of anti-elitism within the context of right-wing populist politics to take a closer look at the plurality of life models and ideals in the city and the countryside in order to analyse how spaces and their meanings are produced and negotiated on an ongoing basis, instead of perpetuating the seemingly plausible but unquestioned dichotomy between the city and the countryside.

Konfliktuelle Kulturpolitik in österreichischen Städten

Abstract: Der vorliegende, in den Sammelband einführende Beitrag schärft eine kulturpolitische Forschungsperspektive, die Konflikte nicht als bedrohlich oder per se problematisch sondern politischen Handelns zugrunde liegend wahrnimmt. Nachdem zu Beginn Design, Schwerpunkte und Ziele des Forschungsprojekts AGONART vorgestellt werden, geht der Beitrag vor allem der Frage der Operationalisierung kulturpolitischer Konflikte nach. Aufbauend auf agonistische Konflikt- und Demokratietheorien, werden im Begriff (urbaner) Arenen – als öffentliche und inhärent politische Orte – theoretische und methodologische Ansätze zur Analyse kulturpolitischer Konflikte zusammengeführt. Diese Überlegungen werden schließlich auf das empirische Datenmaterial angewandt und kulturpolitische Konstellationen in den Städten Wien, Graz und Linz untersucht. Anhand kultureller Ereignisse und deren konfliktuellen Kontaktzonen werden die Modalitäten und Dynamiken lokaler kulturpolitischer Konflikte situativ betrachtet und dargestellt. Abschließend werden Dynamiken der Antagonisierung in Arenen urbaner Kulturpolitik in Bezug auf Demokratisierungsprozesse synthetisierend diskutiert.

On the dynamics of the near-surface currents in the Arctic Ocean

Abstract: Starting from the Navier–Stokes equation (in rotating, spherical coordinates), and the equation of state coupled with the first law of thermodynamics for the atmosphere, a general description of the near-surface flow in the Arctic Ocean, and the atmosphere above it, is developed. This includes a suitable stress boundary condition at the air–ice–water interface. Invoking only the thin-shell approximation, for both the atmosphere and the ocean, an appropriate asymptotic reduction is developed; this approach ensures that all the physical attributes are retained at leading order. The wind is described via the properties of the Prandtl layer and the atmospheric boundary layer, with some observations about the geostrophic flow higher in the troposphere. The corresponding equations for the ocean, with a suitable surface wind, are used to model the two dominant features of the arctic surface-current field: the rotating Beaufort Gyre and, using a transformation of the spherical coordinates that removes the polar singularities in geographical coordinates, the Transpolar Drift. In addition, we show that the stress conditions at the ice–water interface ensure that the sea-ice necessarily moves faster than the ocean on which it floats, and in a direction between that of the surface wind and that of the ocean surface current.

Group agents, moral competence and duty-bearers: the update argument

Abstract: Abstract According to some collectivists, purposive groups that lack decision-making procedures such as riot mobs, friends walking together, or the pro-life lobby can be morally responsible and have moral duties. I focus on plural subject- and we-mode-collectivism. I argue that purposive groups do not qualify as duty-bearers even if they qualify as agents on either view. To qualify as a duty-bearer, an agent must be morally competent. I develop the Update Argument. An agent is morally competent only if the agent has sufficient positive and negative control over updating their goal-seeking states. Positive control involves the general ability to update one’s goal-seeking states, whereas negative control involves the absence of other agents with the capacity to arbitrarily interfere with updating one’s goal-seeking states. I argue that even if purposive groups qualify as plural subjects or we-mode group agents, these groups necessarily lack negative control over updating their goal-seeking states. This creates a cut-off point for groups as duty-bearers: Organized groups may qualify as duty-bearers, whereas purposive groups cannot qualify as duty-bearers.

Frequency-Modulation-Based IPT With Magnetic Communication for EV Wireless Charging

Abstract: In this article, a switching frequency-modulation-based inductive power transfer system that provides wireless charging of the scooters by magnetic in-band communication is newly proposed. Although the transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) coils are misaligned, the scooters can be freely charged in the charging station by the proposed frequency modulation method without additional power converters in the Tx and Rx sides. In order to implement frequency modulation control, the Rx side can transmit the required information to the Tx side through the magnetic coupling between Tx and Rx coils, i.e., magnetic in-band communication, in the suggested approach. By virtue of the proposed magnetic in-band communication method, the switching frequency can be modulated so that the load power for charging the battery in the Rx side is appropriately controlled, considering the battery charging profile. Contrary to the Qi standard technology using both amplitude shift keying (ASK) and frequency shift keying, the proposed magnetic communication protocol is optimally and simply designed for targeting scooter wireless charging applications. Because the proposed communication method is based on only ASK technique for unidirectional information delivery, the coil misalignment sensitivity and the complexity of the communication process can be reduced, which guarantees the robust frequency modulation control for load power regulation. A 100 W power level prototype for the charging station and the scooters was fabricated and verified by simulations and experiments. The 97.3% of the coil-to-coil efficiency and 90.6% of the dc-to-dc efficiency were obtained at a nominal operating point of k = k _nom and P_L = 100.8 W. As a result, the battery having 44.0–53.0 V and 13 Ah in the Rx side was charged under a wide range of battery charging conditions and coil misalignments.

Modeling the genetic footprint of fluctuating balancing selection: from the local to the genomic scale

Abstract: Abstract Natural selection not only affects the actual loci under selection but also leaves “footprints” in patterns of genetic variation in linked genetic regions. This offers exciting opportunities for inferring selection and for understanding the processes shaping levels of genetic variation in natural populations. Here, we develop analytical approximations based on coalescent theory to characterize the genetic footprint of a complex, but potentially common type of natural selection: balancing selection with seasonally fluctuating allele frequencies. As we show analytically and confirm with stochastic simulations, seasonal allele frequency fluctuations can have important (and partly unexpected) consequences for the genetic footprint of balancing selection. Fluctuating balancing selection generally leads to an increase in genetic diversity close to the selected site, the effect of balancing selection, but reduces diversity further away from the selected site, which is a consequence of the allele-frequency fluctuations effectively producing recurrent bottlenecks of allelic backgrounds. This medium- and long-range reduction usually outweighs the short-range increase when averaging diversity levels across the entire chromosome. Strong fluctuating balancing selection even induces a loss of genetic variation in unlinked regions, e.g. on different chromosomes. If many loci in the genome are simultaneously under fluctuating balancing selection this can lead to substantial genome-wide reductions in genetic diversity, even when allele-frequency fluctuations are small and local footprints are difficult to detect. Thus, together with genetic drift, selective sweeps and background selection, fluctuating selection could be a major force shaping levels of genetic diversity in natural populations.

Climate model Selection by Independence, Performance, and Spread (ClimSIPS) for regional applications

Abstract: Abstract. As the number of models in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) archives increase from generation to generation, there is a pressing need for guidance on how to interpret and best use the abundance of newly available climate information. CMIP6 users seeking to draw conclusions about model agreement must contend with an "ensemble of opportunity" containing similar models that appear under different names. Those who used CMIP5 as a basis for downstream applications must filter through hundreds of new CMIP6 simulations to find several best suited to their region, season, and climate horizon of interest. Here we present methods to address both issues, model dependence and model subselection, to help users previously anchored in CMIP5 to navigate CMIP6. In Part I, we refine a definition of model dependence based on climate output, initially employed in Climate model Weighting by Independence and Performance (ClimWIP), to designate discrete model families within CMIP5/6. We show that the increased presence of model families in CMIP6 bolsters the upper mode of the ensemble's bimodal effective Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS) distribution. Accounting for the mismatch in representation between model families and individual model runs shifts the CMIP6 ECS median and 75th percentile down by 0.43 °C, achieving better alignment with CMIP5's ECS distribution. In Part II, we present a new, cost-function minimization-based approach to model subselection, Climate model Selection by Independence, Performance, and Spread (ClimSIPS), that selects sets of CMIP models based on the relative importance a user ascribes to model independence (as defined in Part I), model performance, and ensemble spread in projected climate outcome. We demonstrate ClimSIPS by selecting sets of three to five models from CMIP5/6 for European applications, evaluating the performance from the agreement with the observed mean climate, and the spread in outcome from the projected midcentury change in surface air temperature and precipitation. To accommodate different use cases, we explore two ways to represent models with multiple members in ClimSIPS, first, by ensemble mean and second, by an individual ensemble member that maximizes midcentury change diversity within CMIP overall. Because different combinations of models are selected by the cost function for different balances of independence, performance, and spread priority, we present all selected subsets in ternary contour "subselection triangles" and guide users with recommendations based on further qualitative independence, performance, and spread standards. In CMIP6, we find that recommended subsets are populated primarily by members of several model families defined in Part I due to an inverse relationship between performance and independence. In CMIP5, recommended subsets feature model combinations used in the European branch of the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment (EURO-CORDEX), suggesting the independence, performance, and spread metrics used in ClimSIPS are appropriate for European applications in CMIP6 and beyond.

Cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells do not express a functional TRPV1

Abstract: We showed previously that capsaicin, an active compound of chili peppers, can inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation in primary rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The inhibition of BrdU incorporation by capsaicin in these cells was revoked by BCTC, which might be explained by a role of TRPV1 in VSMCs proliferation. To further pursue the hypothesis of a TRPV1-dependent effect of capsaicin, we investigated TRPV1 expression and function. Commercially available antibodies against two different TRPV1 epitopes (N-terminus and C-terminus) were rendered invalid in detecting TRPV1, as shown: i) in western blot experiments using control lysates of TRPV1-expressing (PC-12 and hTRPV1 transfected HEK293T) and TRPV1-downregulated (CRISPR/Cas gene edited A10) cells, and ii) by substantial differences in staining patterns between the applied antibodies using fluorescence confocal microscopy. The TRPV1 agonists capsaicin, resiniferatoxin, piperine and evodiamine did not increase intracellular calcium levels in primary VSMCs and in A10 cells. Using RT qPCR, we could detect a rather low TRPV1 expression in VSMCs at the mRNA level (Cp value around 30), after validating the primer pair in NGF-stimulated PC-12 cells. We conclude that rat vascular smooth muscle cells do not possess canonical TRPV1 channel activity, which could explain the observed antiproliferative effect of capsaicin.

Ten mixed methods integration strategies for obtaining a detailed understanding

Abstract: This chapter describes ten integration strategies that can help mixed methods researchers to gain a detailed understanding of a phenomenon by (1) incorporating the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders; (2) developing a range of data sets; (3) integrating claims step by step; (4) considering various types of integration; (5) using each integration point to reflect on the next step; (6) integrating qualitative and quantitative data; (7) searching for contradictions; (8) revisiting and re-analyzing the data; (9) analyzing subgroups; and (10) planning and replanning the study. Embedded in the emergent mixed methods research process, these strategies are mutually reinforcing.

«Li vostri che tenghono li libri non sanno tenere tanti chonnti». Useful knowledge and accounting as seen through the accountant’s lenses and the logic of capitalism

Abstract: Knowledge of accounting before the evolution of academic economic knowledge was practical knowledge. In the context of the studies about the development of accounting techniques, the debates leave out the bookkeeper. The hypothesis here is that, due to the diversification of investments on the behalf of the personal properties in late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, an expert accountant appeared as bookkeeper of the personal account books at the merchant bankers’ households. In Florence, future merchants were trained in elementary schools and later on in classes the masters of abacus. In their exercise books, the masters of abacus published, we find a lot of algebraic problems which are illustrated by accounting operations. However, at least in Florence manuals on accounting did not exist. So, the young merchant bankers and bookkeepers learned by doing. A case study about an accountant, Matteo Brandolini, who was the bookkeeper of the papal banker’s son Alamanno Salviati, shall exemplify this tendency. When the patricians and merchant bankers invested more extensively in secondary markets, they were in the need of highly qualified staff.

Ensemble sensitivity localization

Abstract: Ensemble sensitivity is a tool to quantitatively determine which initial conditions influence a forecast quantity of choice. This information can then be used to understand the sources and dynamics of forecast uncertainty, quantify the impact of observations (e.g., E-FSOI), and determine where to best deploy observations to improve the forecast (e.g., observation targetting and network design). The ensemble sensitivity is calculated from the covariances of the initial ensemble to the forecast ensemble. Unfortunately, these covariances are prone to sampling errors due to the limited ensemble size. The most common approach in data assimilation to mitigate sampling errors is to apply distance-based damping, i.e., localization. This poster explores how to localize the sensitivity correctly and how it differs from analysis localization. Using simplified problems, we highlight the benefits and drawbacks of sensitivity localization and discuss its usefulness to numerical weather prediction applications.

Opinion: Tropical cirrus — From micro-scale processes to climate-scale impacts

Abstract: Abstract. Tropical cirrus clouds play a critical role in the climate system and are a major source of uncertainty in our understanding of global warming. Tropical cirrus are affected by processes spanning a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from ice microphysics on cloud scales to mesoscale convective organization and planetary wave dynamics. This complexity makes tropical cirrus clouds notoriously difficult to model and has left many important questions stubbornly unanswered. At the same time, their multi-scale nature makes them well positioned to benefit from the rise of global, high-resolution simulations of Earth's atmosphere and a growing abundance of remotely sensed and in situ observations. Rapid progress requires coordinated efforts to take advantage of these modern computational and observational abilities. In this Opinion, we review recent progress in cirrus studies, highlight important questions that remain unanswered, and discuss promising paths forward. We find that significant progress has been made in understanding the life cycle of convectively generated ``anvil" cirrus and how their macrophysical properties respond to large-scale controls. On the other hand, much work remains to be done to understand how small-scale anvil processes and the climatological anvil radiative effect may respond to global warming. Thin, in situ-formed cirrus are now known to be closely tied to the thermal structure and humidity of the tropical tropopause layer (TTL), but uncertainty at the microphysical scale remains a significant barrier to understanding how these clouds regulate the TTL moisture and temperature budgets, as well as the mixing ratio of water vapor entering the stratosphere. Model representation of ice-nucleating particles, water vapor supersaturation, and ice depositional growth continue to pose great challenges to cirrus modeling. We believe that major advances in the understanding of tropical cirrus can be made through a combination of cross-tool synthesis and cross-scale studies conducted by cross-disciplinary research teams.

Sport

Abstract: Zu Klopstocks Lebzeiten existierte das Wort ‚Sport‘ im Deutschen noch nicht. Und auch im Englischen bedeutete es um 1800 noch gemeinhin Spaß, Spiel oder Spott. Die heutige Semantik etabliert sich erst im Laufe des 19. Jahrhunderts. Zeitgleich wird sich auch die Idee einer Renaissance der Olympischen Spiele im Zeichen des Sports durchsetzen. Obwohl es also weder dem Wort noch dem Begriff nach Sport bei Klopstock geben kann, hat er dennoch Anteil an der Entwicklung des modernen Dispositivs ‚Sport‘ – und an der dafür maßgeblichen Auseinandersetzung mit der griechischen Antike. In seinen Texten kommen sogar mehrere dafür ausschlaggebende Momente zusammen. Das gilt namentlich für die vier Eislaufoden: Der EislaufDer Eislauf (1764), Wen der Morgen in dem MeiDer Kamin / Der KaminDer Kamin (1765/98), BragaBraga (1766) und EisodeDie Kunst Tialfs / Die Kunst TialfsDie Kunst Tialfs (1767[?]/98). Sie machten Klopstock für seine Zeitgenossen zu einer Art „Apostel des Eislaufs“ (Cramer 1777–1778, II 271[aut]Cramer, Carl Friedrich) und gelten noch heute vielen als Höhepunkt seines Œuvre überhaupt (vgl. dazu jüngst Amtstätter 2005).

Constraining and Modifying Peptides Using Pd‐Mediated Cysteine Allylation

Abstract: Pd-mediated cysteine allylation allows to constrain and rigidify peptides by linking two cysteine side chains with a large set of easily available stapling reagents. The staple itself can be further functionalized based on its inherent reactivity thereby allowing construction of a large variety of solid peptides. More information can be found in the Research Article by C. F. W. Becker et al.

Plural Self-Validation

Abstract: Abstract Intentional subjectivity involves pre-reflective self-awareness, the structure of which can be spelled out in terms of self-identification, self-validation, self-commitment, and self-authorization. Singularism is the view that these features are realized only in singular self-awareness (the “I,” or ego). There is plural pre-reflective self-awareness, and thus plural intentional subjectivity. However, a plural intentional subject (“we”) is not a collective singular subject.

SST-driven changes in cloud radiative heating in RCEMIP models and observations

Abstract: The interactions of ice particles with radiative fluxes in tropical high clouds substantially alter the heating structure within the atmosphere, also known as cloud radiative heating (CRH). CRH influences the upper-tropospheric temperature structure and thus modulates the strength and position of tropical and extratropical circulations. Moreover, it influences the life cycle of tropical high clouds through longwave destabilization of the cloud layer and lifting of clouds by absorption of both shortwave and longwave radiation by ice crystals. A possible change of CRH, for example, due to global warming, can substantially alter the tropical climate.Despite a large body of work that has explored interactions between clouds and radiation, responses of CRH to global warming remain largely unknown. We therefore use idealized SAM cloud-resolving model simulations, the RCEMIP multimodel dataset, and a 15-year-long satellite-derived CRH dataset to explore changes in CRH under different sea surface temperatures.To a first approximation, the upper tropospheric CRH shifts nearly isothermally to a higher altitude level following a surface warming. In addition, upper-tropospheric CRH in 27 of the 32 analyzed models increase by 0.5 to 10%/K, with a mean value of about 3%/K. Interestingly, the CRH increases despite decreases in upper tropospheric ice water content and cloud fraction. The increase in CRH can be to a large extent explained by an increase in atmospheric transmissivity due to a 2-3 km vertical shift of high clouds, in an environment with decreased air density. Similarly, all models simulate an increase in the upper tropospheric clear-sky radiative cooling in warmer conditions.Additionally, the CRH response to surface warming can be largely predicted by assuming a nearly isothermal vertical shift of upper tropospheric CRH profiles (as per the fixed anvil temperature hypothesis) following a warmer moist adiabat and by considering the increase in CRH magnitude due to changes in atmospheric density. Therefore, if we know the CRH of a reference climate state, we can, to a good approximation, estimate its response to surface warming.The modeled CRH vertical shift and increase are confirmed by a 15-year-long satellite-derived tropical CRH dataset. The years with the highest SSTs lead to the most positive CRH that is shifted to higher levels, similarly to what is simulated by RCEMIP models.

Why are some faults in the Alps active, and others not? Answers from stress-induced anisotropy of nonlinear elasticity

Abstract: Major faults such as the Periadriatic Fault and the Giudicarie Fault have been active in the past, and they have even been central features of the larger-scale deformation in the Alps. It seems that these faults are not active anymore though and we investigate why this is so by inspecting the orientation of the regional stress field which loads the faults mechanically. The orientation of maximum horizontal compressive stress (SHmax) is commonly estimated from in-situ borehole breakouts and earthquake focal mechanisms. Borehole measurements are expensive, and therefore sparse, and earthquake measurements can only be made in regions with many well-characterized earthquakes. Here we derive the stress-field orientation using stress-induced anisotropy in nonlinear elasticity. In this method, we measure the strain derivative of velocity as a function of azimuth. We use a natural pump-probe approach which consists of measuring elastic wave speed using empirical Green’s functions (probe) at different points of the earth tidal strain cycle (pump). The approach is validated using a larger data set in the Northern Alpine Foreland region where the orientation of SHmax is known from borehole breakouts and drilling-induced fractures. The technique resolves NNW-SSW to N-S directed SHmax which is in good agreement with conventional methods and the recent crustal stress model. The technique is then applied to the Southern Alps to understand the contemporary stress pattern associated with the ongoing deformation due to the counterclockwise rotation of the Adriatic plate with respect to the European plate. Our results explain why the two major faults in Northeastern Italy, the Giudicarie Fault and the Periadriatic Line (Pustertal-Gailtal Fault) are currently inactive, while the currently acting stress field allows faults in Slovenia to deform actively. We have demonstrated that the pump-probe method has the potential to fill in the measurement gap left by conventional approaches, both in terms of regional coverage and depth.