bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Decision-Making Procedure
Authors: Danisi Carmelo , Dustin Moira , Ferreira Nuno , Held Nina
Published: August 2021

Whereas in Chap. 5 we analysed pre-departure, journey and arrival experiences of SOGI claimants, we now turn our attention to the decision-making procedure. Whether they apply for asylum on arrival or later on, the initial screening is usually followed by a substantive interview. This is the essential moment when SOGI claimants have the opportunity to present their case. If the application is then refused, a judicial process is normally activated to appeal against the initial negative decision.
Theorien zur Entstehung aggressiven Verhaltens
Authors: Sell Madlen
Published: August 2021

Amoklauf und School Shooting sind extreme Ausdrucksformen aggressiven Verhaltens. Nachdem beide Begriffe in Kapitel 10.1007/978-3-658-33104-7_3 eingegrenzt und definiert worden sind, befasst sich das folgende Kapitel mit den wichtigsten Erklärungstheorien zur Entstehung und Aufrechterhaltung von aggressivem Verhalten.
Vergleichende Diskussion und Perspektiven der Forschung
Authors: Sell Madlen
Published: August 2021

Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, dem Ursprung des Amokphänomens auf den Grund zu gehen, um einerseits einen Beitrag zum Verständnis des klassischen Amoklaufs zu leisten und andererseits zu helfen, School Shootings besser zu verstehen. Im Zentrum stand die Frage, ob School Shooting als schulgebundene Unterform des Amoklaufs betrachtet werden kann oder ob es sich um ein eigenständiges Phänomen handelt.
Inhaltliche Einleitung, Herleitung der zentralen Forschungsfrage und zum logischen Aufbau der Arbeit
Authors: Hein Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

In diesem Kapitel wird zunächst der Terminus Technicus „Social Entrepreneur(-ship)“ anhand von Beispielen aus Praxis und Wissenschaft verortet. Hierauf basierend wird das arbeitswissenschaftliche Erkenntnisinteresse für das Forschungsvorhaben benannt und die Relevanz der Forschungsthematik wird verdeutlicht. Aus den Ausführungen wird die übergeordnete Problemstellung als zentrale Leitfrage für die eigene Untersuchung formuliert und abschließend wird ein Überblick zur Logik des inhaltlichen Aufbaus der Arbeit geschaffen.
Fazit und Ausblick
Authors: Hein Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

Zur Beantwortung der zentralen Forschungsfrage konnte ein breites Spektrum an Sinnkonstruktionen von Social Entrepreneuren (SE) in Deutschland aufgezeigt werden: von motivationalen Einstellungen über subjektive Theorien zum Unternehmerischen und zum Sozialen bis hin zu gesellschaftspolitischen Deutungsmustern. Ebenso wurde deutlich, dass eine breit angelegte sozialunternehmerische Kulturlandschaft mit jeweils eigenen Prozessdynamiken und zu bewältigenden Herausforderungen besteht: dies sowohl im Vergleich zwischen SE als auch zwischen Sozialunternehmen sowie zwischen Netzwerkstrukturen. Das Fazit und der Ausblick zur Untersuchung erfolgt dabei in dreierlei Hinsicht: mit einem wissenschaftstheoretischen Fokus, mit einem methodologischen Fokus und mit einem praxisbezogenen Fokus, der (Handlungs-) Empfehlungen beinhaltet. Der damit verbundene gesellschaftliche Nutzen sowie der weitere Forschungsbedarf werden spezifiziert.
Einführung in die Ergebnisdarstellung und -diskussion mit Überblick zum Wirkungsmodell zur Arbeitsgestaltung von Social Entrepreneuren
Authors: Hein Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

Im Rahmen der Datenauswertung wurde untersucht, welche Kategorien sich aus den Interviews herausarbeiten lassen, die zur Beantwortung der zentralen Forschungsfrage führen, und inwieweit diese Kategorien in einer Systematik dargestellt werden können. Zur Beantwortung der zentralen Forschungsfrage konnten u. a. deutlich über 1.000 unterschiedliche Kodes nach der Reflexiven Grounded Theory herausgearbeitet und systematisch kategorisiert werden. Aus den dabei entwickelten Kategorien und der Art und Weise, wie die Kategorien zueinander in Verbindung stehen, setzt sich das in diesem Kapitel hergeleitete Wirkungsmodell zur Arbeitsgestaltung von Social Entrepreneuren (SE) zusammen, das alle Kategorien einbezieht und zu einem übergeordneten Ganzen vereint. Dieses Kapitel dient dazu, einen allgemeinen, einführenden Überblick zu dem Wirkungsmodell im Sinne einer Verständnisbasis zu schaffen.
Unterstützungsorganisationen für Social-Entrepreneurship-Organisationen (SEO)
Authors: Hein Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

Aus den Äußerungen der Befragten über SEO-Unterstützungsorganisationen (SEO-U) lassen sich folgende Unterkategorien herausarbeiten, die in diesem Kapitel in dieser Reihenfolge dargestellt und diskutiert werden: Wirkung von SEO-U auf die Politik; Restriktionen der Ressourcenverteilung durch Wohlfahrtsverbände; Beratungsbedarfe und Beratungsbereitschaft; Spektrum und Verfügbarkeit von Beratungsangeboten; Stellenwert von Auszeichnungen als Zugangsmöglichkeit zu Unterstützungsangeboten; Zugang zu Unterstützungsangeboten für Nicht-Studierende und Nicht-Akademiker; Zugang zu Unterstützungsangeboten für SE im Rentenalter; Zugang zu Unterstützungsangeboten für SE aus den neuen Bundesländern und aus strukturschwachen Regionen; inhaltliche Zielsetzung der SEO als Zugangsbedingung zu Unterstützungsangeboten; Hochskalierbarkeit und Innovation als Zugangsbedingungen zu Unterstützungsangeboten; Beraterkompetenz in SEO-U inkl. Beratungswirkung; Arbeitsbedingungen und Managementprozessmängel bei SEO-U. Schilderungen der Interviewpartner zu generierten Kodes werden zur Illustration eingearbeitet. Die Erkenntnisse werden im internationalen Forschungskontext gespiegelt und in der Forschungslandschaft verortet. Kapitelabschließend wird die Bedeutung der Erkenntnisse für das Wirkungsmodell zur Arbeitsgestaltung aufgezeigt.
Politik/Gesetzgebung & Reglementierungen
Authors: Hein Rüdiger
Published: August 2021

Aus den Äußerungen der Befragten lassen sich für die Kategorie „Politik, Gesetzgebung und Reglementierungen“ folgende Unterkategorien herausarbeiten, die nachfolgend in dieser Reihenfolge dargestellt und diskutiert werden: staatliche Verantwortungsübernahme, politische Entscheidungsfindungsprozesse und Ressourcenverteilung/-bindung; bürokratische Hürden und Unflexibilität in Verwaltungsstrukturen; Unterstützung durch Politiker; Konflikte für Politiker; Instrumentalisierungsfallen der Politik und Korruption sowie ressourcenbezogene Dilemmata und Entscheidungskonflikte bei Social Entrepreneuren. Zur Illustration werden dabei Schilderungen der Interviewpartner zu generierten Kodes wieder als Endnotenverweis eingearbeitet. Kapitelabschließend wird aufgezeigt, welche Bedeutung die dargestellten Erkenntnisse für das Wirkungsmodell zur Arbeitsgestaltung von SE besitzen.
Genome-wide mapping of genomic DNA damage: methods and implications
Authors: Amente Stefano , Scala Giovanni , Majello Barbara , Azmoun Somaiyeh , Tempest Helen G. , Premi Sanjay , Cooke Marcus S.
Published: August 2021

Exposures from the external and internal environments lead to the modification of genomic DNA, which is implicated in the cause of numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular, pulmonary and neurodegenerative diseases, together with ageing. However, the precise mechanism(s) linking the presence of damage, to impact upon cellular function and pathogenesis, is far from clear. Genomic location of specific forms of damage is likely to be highly informative in understanding this process, as the impact of downstream events (e.g. mutation, microsatellite instability, altered methylation and gene expression) on cellular function will be positional—events at key locations will have the greatest impact. However, until recently, methods for assessing DNA damage determined the totality of damage in the genomic location, with no positional information. The technique of “mapping DNA adductomics” describes the molecular approaches that map a variety of forms of DNA damage, to specific locations across the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. We propose that integrated comparison of this information with other genome-wide data, such as mutational hotspots for specific genotoxins, tumour-specific mutation patterns and chromatin organisation and transcriptional activity in non-cancerous lesions (such as nevi), pre-cancerous conditions (such as polyps) and tumours, will improve our understanding of how environmental toxins lead to cancer. Adopting an analogous approach for non-cancer diseases, including the development of genome-wide assays for other cellular outcomes of DNA damage, will improve our understanding of the role of DNA damage in pathogenesis more generally.
Neues zur Diagnostik und Therapie der Herzinsuffizienz
Authors: Wintrich Jan , Berger Ann-Kathrin , Bewarder Yvonne , Emrich Insa , Slawik Jonathan , Böhm Michael
Published: August 2021

Inzidenz und Prävalenz der Herzinsuffizienz steigen weltweit. Trotz zahlreicher wissenschaftlicher und klinischer Innovationen ist sie weiterhin mit einer hohen Morbidität und Mortalität behaftet, sodass eine leitliniengerechte Diagnostik und Therapie von entscheidender Bedeutung sind. Die kardiale Dekompensation zählt zu den häufigsten Aufnahmegründen in deutschen Krankenhäusern. Somit stellt die Behandlung herzinsuffizienter Patienten eine erhebliche Herausforderung für das deutsche Gesundheitssystem dar. Dieser Artikel fasst die neuesten wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse zur akuten und chronischen Herzinsuffizienz der Jahre 2018 bis 2020 zusammen.
Moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy as definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer: Pattern of practice in German-speaking countries
Authors: Shelan Mohamed , Aebersold Daniel M. , Albrecht Clemens , Böhmer Dirk , Flentje Michael , Ganswindt Ute , Höcht Stefan , Hölscher Tobias , Müller Arndt-Christian , Niehoff Peter , Pinkawa Michael , Schmidt-Hegemann Nina-Sophie , Sedlmayer Felix , Wolf Frank , Zamboglou Constantinos , Zips Daniel , Wiegel Thomas , Ghadjar Pirus
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Various randomized phase III clinical trials have compared moderately hypofractionated to normofractionated radiotherapy (RT). These modalities showed similar effectiveness without major differences in toxicity. This project was conducted by the Prostate Cancer Expert Panel of the German Society of Radiation Oncology (DEGRO) and the Working Party on Radiation Oncology of the German Cancer Society. We aimed to investigate expert opinions on the use of moderately hypofractionated RT as a definitive treatment for localized prostate cancer in German-speaking countries.

Methods

A 25-item, web-based questionnaire on moderate-hypofractionation RT was prepared by an internal committee. The experts of the DEGRO were asked to complete the questionnaire.

Results

Fourteen active members of DEGRO completed the questionnaire. The questions described indications for selecting patients eligible to receive moderate hypofractionation based on clinical and pathological factors such as age, urinary symptoms, and risk-group. The questions also collected information on the technical aspects of selection criteria, including the definition of a clinical target volume, the use of imaging, protocols for bladder and rectal filling, the choice of a fractionation schedule, and the use of image guidance. Moreover, the questionnaire collected information on post-treatment surveillance after applying moderately hypofractionated RT.

Conclusion

Although opinions varied on the use of moderate-hypofractionation RT, the current survey reflected broad agreement on the notion that moderately hypofractionated RT could be considered a standard treatment for localized prostate cancer in German-speaking countries.
Experimental investigation of shock–shock interactions with variable inflow Mach number
Authors: Laguarda L. , Santiago Patterson J. , Schrijer F. F. J. , van Oudheusden B. W. , Hickel S.
Published: August 2021

Experiments on shock–shock interactions were conducted in a transonic–supersonic wind tunnel with variable free-stream Mach number functionality. Transition between the regular interaction (RI) and the Mach interaction (MI) was induced by variation of the free-steam Mach number for a fixed interaction geometry, as opposed to most previous studies where the shock generator angles are varied at constant Mach number. In this paper, we present a systematic flow-based post-processing methodology of schlieren data that enables an accurate tracking of the evolving shock system including the precise and reproducible detection of RI$$\rightleftarrows $$
⇄
MI transition. In line with previous experimental studies dealing with noisy free-stream environments, transition hysteresis was not observed. However, we show that establishing accurate values of the flow deflections besides the Mach number is crucial to achieve experimental agreement with the von Neumann criterion, since measured flow deflections deviated significantly, up to $$1.2^{\circ }$$

1
.

2
∘

, from nominal wedge angles. We also report a study conducted with a focusing schlieren system with variable focal plane that supported the image processing by providing insights into the three-dimensional side-wall effects integrated in the schlieren images.
Early environmental enrichment and impoverishment differentially affect addiction-related behavioral traits, cocaine-taking, and dopamine D2/3 receptor signaling in a rat model of vulnerability to drug abuse
Authors: Bellés Lidia , Dimiziani Andrea , Herrmann François R. , Ginovart Nathalie
Published: August 2021

Rationale

Risk factors for drug addiction include genetics, environment, and behavioral traits such as impulsivity and novelty preference (NP), which have been related to deficits in striatal dopamine (DA) D2/3-receptors (D2/3R) and heightened amphetamine (AMPH)-induced DA release. However, the influence of the early rearing environment on these behavioral and neurochemical variables is not clear.

Objectives

We investigated the influence of early rearing environment on striatal D2/3R availabilities and AMPH-induced DA release in relation to impulsivity, NP, and propensity to drug self-administration (SA) in “addiction-prone” Roman high- (RHA) and “addiction-resistant” Roman low-avoidance (RLA) rats.

Methods

Animals were reared post-weaning in either environmental enrichment (EE) or impoverishment (EI) and were assessed at adulthood for impulsivity, NP, and propensity to cocaine SA. EE and EI rats were also scanned using single-photon emission computed tomography to concurrently measure in vivo striatal D2/3R availability and AMPH-induced DA release.

Results

EE vs. EI was associated with heightened impulsivity and a lack of NP in both rat lines. Higher dorsal striatal D2/3R densities were found in RHA EE and higher AMPH-induced DA release in RLA EE. Both impulsivity and NP were negatively correlated to dorsal striatal D2/3R availabilities and positively correlated with AMPH-induced DA release in EI but not in EE. EE vs. EI was related to a faster rate of cocaine intake and elevated active timeout responses in RHAs.

Conclusion

Our results suggest non-monotonic, environment-dependent, relationships between impulsivity, NP, and D2/3R-mediated signaling, and suggest that EI vs. EE may decrease the reinforcing effects of psychostimulants in predisposed individuals.
CT imaging-based approaches to cochlear duct length estimation—a human temporal bone study
Authors: Breitsprecher Tabita , Dhanasingh Anandhan , Schulze Marko , Kipp Markus , Dakah Rami Abu , Oberhoffner Tobias , Dau Michael , Frerich Bernhard , Weber Marc-André , Langner Soenke , Mlynski Robert , Weiss Nora M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Knowledge about cochlear duct length (CDL) may assist electrode choice in cochlear implantation (CI). However, no gold standard for clinical applicable estimation of CDL exists. The aim of this study is (1) to determine the most reliable radiological imaging method and imaging processing software for measuring CDL from clinical routine imaging and (2) to accurately predict the insertion depth of the CI electrode.

Methods

Twenty human temporal bones were examined using different sectional imaging techniques (high-resolution computed tomography [HRCT] and cone beam computed tomography [CBCT]). CDL was measured using three methods: length estimation using (1) a dedicated preclinical 3D reconstruction software, (2) the established A-value method, and (3) a clinically approved otosurgical planning software. Temporal bones were implanted with a 31.5-mm CI electrode and measurements were compared to a reference based on the CI electrode insertion angle measured by radiographs in Stenvers projection (CDLreference).

Results

A mean cochlear coverage of 74% (SD 7.4%) was found. The CDLreference showed significant differences to each other method (p < 0.001). The strongest correlation to the CDLreference was found for the otosurgical planning software-based method obtained from HRCT (CDLSW-HRCT; r = 0.87, p < 0.001) and from CBCT (CDLSW-CBCT; r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Overall, CDL was underestimated by each applied method. The inter-rater reliability was fair for the CDL estimation based on 3D reconstruction from CBCT (CDL3D-CBCT; intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.43), good for CDL estimation based on 3D reconstruction from HRCT (CDL3D-HRCT; ICC = 0.71), poor for CDL estimation based on the A-value method from HRCT (CDLA-HRCT; ICC = 0.29), and excellent for CDL estimation based on the A-value method from CBCT (CDLA-CBCT; ICC = 0.87) as well as for the CDLSW-HRCT (ICC = 0.94), CDLSW-CBCT (ICC = 0.94) and CDLreference (ICC = 0.87).

Conclusions

All approaches would have led to an electrode choice of rather too short electrodes. Concerning treatment decisions based on CDL measurements, the otosurgical planning software-based method has to be recommended. The best inter-rater reliability was found for CDLA-CBCT, for CDLSW-HRCT, for CDLSW-CBCT, and for CDLreference.

Key Points

• Clinically applicable calculations using high-resolution CT and cone beam CT underestimate the cochlear size.

• Ten percent of cochlear duct length need to be added to current calculations in order to predict the postoperative CI electrode position.

• The clinically approved otosurgical planning software-based method software is the most suitable to estimate the cochlear duct length and shows an excellent inter-rater reliability.
Correlation of liver enhancement in gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI with liver functions: a multicenter-multivendor analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients from SORAMIC trial
Authors: Öcal Osman , Peynircioglu Bora , Loewe Christian , van Delden Otto , Vandecaveye Vincent , Gebauer Bernhard , Zech Christoph J. , Sengel Christian , Bargellini Irene , Iezzi Roberto , Benito Alberto , Schütte Kerstin , Gasbarrini Antonio , Seidensticker Ricarda , Wildgruber Moritz , Pech Maciej , Malfertheiner Peter , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the correlation between liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase and liver function parameters in a multicenter, multivendor study.

Methods

A total of 359 patients who underwent gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI using a standardized protocol with various scanners within a prospective multicenter phase II trial (SORAMIC) were evaluated. The correlation between liver enhancement on hepatobiliary phase normalized to the spleen (liver-to-spleen ratio, LSR) and biochemical laboratory parameters, clinical findings related to liver functions, liver function grading systems (Child-Pugh and Albumin-Bilirubin [ALBI]), and scanner characteristics were analyzed using uni- and multivariate analyses.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between LSR and albumin (rho = 0.193; p < 0.001), platelet counts (rho = 0.148; p = 0.004), and sodium (rho = 0.161; p = 0.002); and a negative correlation between LSR and total bilirubin (rho = −0.215; p < 0.001) and AST (rho = −0.191; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed independent significance for each of albumin (p = 0.022), total bilirubin (p = 0.045), AST (p = 0.031), platelet counts (p = 0.012), and sodium (p = 0.006). The presence of ascites (1.47 vs. 1.69, p < 0.001) and varices (1.55 vs. 1.69, p = 0.006) was related to significantly lower LSR. Similarly, patients with ALBI grade 1 had significantly higher LSR than patients with grade 2 (1.74 ± 0.447 vs. 1.56 ± 0.408, p < 0.001); and Child-Pugh A patients had a significantly higher LSR than Child-Pugh B (1.67 ± 0.44 vs. 1.49 ± 0.33, p = 0.021). Also, LSR was negatively correlated with MELD-Na scores (rho = −0.137; p = 0.013). However, one scanner brand was significantly associated with lower LSR (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The liver enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI is correlated with biomarkers of liver functions in a multicenter cohort. However, this correlation shows variations between scanner brands.

Key Points

• The correlation between liver enhancement on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI and liver function is consistent in a multicenter-multivendor cohort.

• Signal intensity–based indices (liver-to-spleen ratio) can be used as an imaging biomarker of liver function.

• However, absolute values might change between vendors.
Equilibria of Plane Convex Bodies
Authors: Allemann Jonas , Hungerbühler Norbert , Wasem Micha
Published: August 2021

We obtain a formula for the number of horizontal equilibria of a planar convex body K with respect to a center of mass O in terms of the winding number of the evolute of $$\partial K$$

∂
K

with respect to O. The formula extends to the case where O lies on the evolute of $$\partial K$$

∂
K

and a suitably modified version holds true for non-horizontal equilibria.
Influence of the NAO on Wintertime Surface Air Temperature over East Asia: Multidecadal Variability and Decadal Prediction
Authors: Li Jianping , Xie Tiejun , Tang Xinxin , Wang Hao , Sun Cheng , Feng Juan , Zheng Fei , Ding Ruiqiang
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we investigate the influence of the winter NAO on the multidecadal variability of winter East Asian surface air temperature (EASAT) and EASAT decadal prediction. The observational analysis shows that the winter EASAT and East Asian minimum SAT (EAmSAT) display strong in-phase fluctuations and a significant 60–80-year multidecadal variability, apart from a long-term warming trend. The winter EASAT experienced a decreasing trend in the last two decades, which is consistent with the occurrence of extremely cold events in East Asia winters in recent years. The winter NAO leads the detrended winter EASAT by 12–18 years with the greatest significant positive correlation at the lead time of 15 years. Further analysis shows that ENSO may affect winter EASAT interannual variability, but does not affect the robust lead relationship between the winter NAO and EASAT. We present the coupled oceanic-atmospheric bridge (COAB) mechanism of the NAO influences on winter EASAT multidecadal variability through its accumulated delayed effect of ∼15 years on the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) and Africa–Asia multidecadal teleconnection (AAMT) pattern. An NAO-based linear model for predicting winter decadal EASAT is constructed on the principle of the COAB mechanism, with good hindcast performance. The winter EASAT for 2020–34 is predicted to keep on fluctuating downward until ∼2025, implying a high probability of occurrence of extremely cold events in coming winters in East Asia, followed by a sudden turn towards sharp warming. The predicted 2020/21 winter EASAT is almost the same as the 2019/20 winter.
Attitudes and behaviour regarding dose reduction of biologics for psoriasis: a survey among dermatologists worldwide
Authors: van Muijen M. E. , van der Schoot L. S. , van den Reek J. M. P. A. , de Jong E. M. G. J.
Published: August 2021

Dose reduction (DR) of biologics, where possible, seems promising for more efficient use of expensive biologics. For implementation of DR strategies, it is essential to get insight in factors that influence implementation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the attitudes and behaviour regarding dose reduction of biologic therapies for psoriasis among psoriasis expert dermatologists worldwide. A 27-question e-survey was sent through the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) to its 114 dermatologist councilors worldwide. The survey assessed demographics, general and DR prescription behaviour, and motivations for and barriers against application of DR. Of 57 respondents, 53 respondents who prescribed biologics were included for analysis. Thirty-seven (69.8%) applied DR (i.e., ‘DR dermatologists’), and 16 (30.2%) did not (i.e., ‘Non-DR dermatologists’). DR strategies varied among respondents. Regarding criteria for starting DR, differences were reported in required treatment duration, and interpretation and duration of stable low disease activity. In addition, the prolongation of intervals between injections varied between respondents. For most ‘DR dermatologists’ (n = 32/37, 86.5%), cost savings were one of the main reasons to apply DR. Fifteen out of 16 ‘Non-DR dermatologists’ (94%) did not apply DR due to lack of scientific evidence. In conclusion, DR of biologics for psoriasis is part of clinical practice in psoriasis experts globally. Barriers for applying DR included lack of evidence or guidelines, and uncertainty on DR effects and risks. Although growing evidence shows DR feasibility, future studies are needed to accumulate and broaden evidence, along with development of (inter)national guidelines on DR strategies.
LigaSure Impact™ reduces complications after abdominoplasty in weight loss patients
Authors: Radunz Sonia , Salem Haider , Houben Philipp , Pascher Andreas , Büsing Martin , Utech Markus
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Bariatric surgery is on the rise worldwide. With the desired weight loss after bariatric surgery, patients frequently develop massive skin flaps resulting in the need of abdominoplasty. In these patients, this surgical technique is frequently associated with perioperative complications. Strategies to minimize complications are sought after. The objective of our study was to compare two different dissection techniques and their impact on postoperative outcome.

Methods

We included 66 patients in our study who underwent abdominoplasty after massive weight loss following bariatric surgery. In group 1, abdominoplasty was performed using the conventional technique of diathermia (n = 20). In group 2, abdominoplasty was performed using LigaSure Impact™ (n = 46). The duration of the surgical procedure and perioperative complications were recorded as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay and assessment of additional risk factors.

Results

Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. The duration of surgery was significantly shorter in group 2. Postoperative complications were significantly less frequent in group 2 (p = 0.0035). Additional risk factors, e.g., smoking and diabetes mellitus, were not associated with increased rates of perioperative complications.

Conclusions

The choice of technical device for dissection in abdominoplasty alone will not guarantee minimized complication rates. Yet, the utilization of LigaSure Impact™ in refined surgical techniques may facilitate reduced rates of complications, especially wound infections, and a shortened duration of surgery.
Comparing Germany and Israel regarding debates on policy-making at the beginning of life: PGD, NIPT and their paths of routinization
Authors: Raz Aviad E. , Nov-Klaiman Tamar , Hashiloni-Dolev Yael , Foth Hannes , Schües Christina , Rehmann-Sutter Christoph
Published: August 2021

Definition

The routinization of prenatal diagnosis is the source of bioethical and policy debates regarding choice, autonomy, access, and protection. To understand these debates in the context of cultural diversity and moral pluralism, we compare Israel and Germany, focusing on two recent repro-genetic “hot spots” of such policy-making at the beginning of life: pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and non-invasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT), two cutting-edge repro-genetic technologies that are regulated and viewed very differently in Germany and Israel, reflecting different medicolegal policies as well as public and bioethical considerations.

Arguments

First, we compare policy-making in the context of PGD for HLA (human leukocyte antigen) typing, used to create sibling donors, approved in Israel under specific conditions while prohibited in Germany. Second, we compare policy-making in the context of NIPT, which came under fire in Germany, while in Israel there has been little public debate about it.

Conclusion

Both countries justify their contrasting policies as reflecting a concern for the well-being and care of the embryo/child, thus highlighting different concepts of embryo/child protection, (relational) autonomy, family relations, and the impact of religion and history on the promotion/protection of life. We use the juxtaposition of PGD and NIPT to highlight some inconsistencies in policies concerning the protection of extra- and intra-corporeal embryos. We conclude by drawing on the comparison to show how national variations exist alongside co-evolution.
Design and implementation of a standard care programme of therapeutic exercise and education for breast cancer survivors
Authors: Roldán-Jiménez Cristina , Pajares Bella , Ruiz-Medina Sofía , Trinidad-Fernández Manuel , González-Sánchez Manuel , Ribelles Nuria , García-Almeida José Manuel , Ríos-López María José , Alba Emilio , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio Ignacio
Published: August 2021

Background

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) face several symptoms and are at higher risk of weight gain following diagnosis. Current literature shows that both exercise and diet play a key role in recovery of BCS. However, there is a gap between current guidelines and the real-world context. The aim of this article is to describe the process behind a free, not-for-profit community-based therapeutic exercise and education programme (TEEP) for BCS in the clinical setting.

Methods

The “Onco-Health Club” (OHC) consists of therapeutic exercise (TE) intervention aimed at ameliorating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and improving QoL and physical function. TE is supplemented with nutritional education, providing information about the Mediterranean diet. To this end, patients are recruited from an oncologist and are referred to a physiotherapist and a nutritionist for baseline assessment. TEEP consists of a 3-month intervention, delivered twice a week in a group format with 1 h of TE and 30 min of nutritional education. BCS then have a final assessment and are advised to continue with a healthy lifestyle. Data about referral, compliance and assessment were collected.

Results

From May 2017 to February of 2020, a total of 158 patients were recruited from 8 cohorts and 142 initially started the OHC. From 119 that joined the program, 96 patients were considered to have finished it with good adherence (assistance > 80%). BCS significantly improved their QoL, as well as upper and lower limb’s function, and increased their level of physical activity. CRF tended to decrease (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

This study obtained data on recruitment, compliance, and possible limitations of these kinds of programmes in a real-world context. Further research is needed in order to optimize patient engagement and compliance, as well as to determine the transferability of these programmes in the clinical setting.

Trial registration

NCT03879096, Registered 18th March 2019. Retrospectively registered.
The change of hydrological variables and its effects on vegetation in Central Asia
Authors: Peng Qing , Wang Ranghui , Jiang Yelin , Li Cheng , Guo Wenhui
Published: August 2021

Water is an important factor that affects local ecological environments, especially in drylands. The hydrological cycle and vegetation dynamics in Central Asia (CA) have been severely affected by climate change. In this study, we employed data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS), Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model, and Climate Research Unit to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in hydrological factors (terrestrial water storage (TWS), evapotranspiration, precipitation, and groundwater) in CA from 2003 to 2015. Additionally, the spatiotemporal changes in vegetation dynamics and the influence of hydrological variables on vegetation were analyzed. The results showed that the declining rates of precipitation, evapotranspiration, GRACE-TWS change, GLDAS-TWS change and GW change were 0.40 mm/year, 0.11 mm/year, 50.46 mm/year (p < 0.05), 8.38 mm/year, and 41.18 mm/year (p < 0.05), respectively. Human activity (e.g., groundwater pumping) was the dominant in determining the GW decline in CA. Precipitation dominated the changes in evapotranspiration, GRACE-TWS and GLDAS-TWS (p < 0.05). The 2- to 3-month lagging signal has to do with the transportation from the ground surface to groundwater. The change in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from 2003 to 2015 indicated the slight vegetation degradation in CA. The results highlighted that precipitation, terrestrial water storage, and soil moisture make important contributions to the vegetation dynamics changes in CA. The effect of precipitation on vegetation growth in spring was significant (p < 0.05), while the soil moisture effect on vegetation in summer and autumn was higher than that of precipitation.
Deep ReLU network expression rates for option prices in high-dimensional, exponential Lévy models
Authors: Gonon Lukas , Schwab Christoph
Published: August 2021

We study the expression rates of deep neural networks (DNNs for short) for option prices written on baskets of $d$
d
risky assets whose log-returns are modelled by a multivariate Lévy process with general correlation structure of jumps. We establish sufficient conditions on the characteristic triplet of the Lévy process $X$
X
that ensure $\varepsilon $
ε
error of DNN expressed option prices with DNNs of size that grows polynomially with respect to ${\mathcal{O}}(\varepsilon ^{-1})$
O
(

ε

−
1

)
, and with constants implied in ${\mathcal{O}}(\, \cdot \, )$
O
(

⋅

)
which grow polynomially in $d$
d
, thereby overcoming the curse of dimensionality (CoD) and justifying the use of DNNs in financial modelling of large baskets in markets with jumps.

In addition, we exploit parabolic smoothing of Kolmogorov partial integro-differential equations for certain multivariate Lévy processes to present alternative architectures of ReLU (“rectified linear unit”) DNNs that provide $\varepsilon $
ε
expression error in DNN size ${\mathcal{O}}(|\log (\varepsilon )|^{a})$
O
(

|
log
(
ε
)
|

a

)
with exponent $a$
a
proportional to $d$
d
, but with constants implied in ${\mathcal{O}}(\, \cdot \, )$
O
(

⋅

)
growing exponentially with respect to $d$
d
. Under stronger, dimension-uniform non-degeneracy conditions on the Lévy symbol, we obtain algebraic expression rates of option prices in exponential Lévy models which are free from the curse of dimensionality. In this case, the ReLU DNN expression rates of prices depend on certain sparsity conditions on the characteristic Lévy triplet. We indicate several consequences and possible extensions of the presented results.
Review: Saltwater intrusion in fractured crystalline bedrock
Authors: Giese Markus , Barthel Roland
Published: August 2021

During the past few years, the number of regional and national assessments of groundwater quality in regard to saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers has increased steadily. However, most of the international literature on saltwater intrusion is focused on coastal plains with aquifers in unconsolidated material. Case studies, modelling approaches and parameter studies dealing with saltwater intrusion in those systems are abundant. While the hydrogeology of fractured rock has been intensively studied with both modelling approaches and parameter studies—mainly in relation to deep-laying fractured crystalline bedrock as potential waste repositories—case studies on saltwater intrusion in shallow fractured rocks are still an exception. This review summarizes the actual knowledge on saltwater intrusion in fractured crystalline rock. In combination with short overviews of the processes of saltwater intrusion, flow in fractured systems and the genesis of these systems, the review highlights the importance of the fracture systems and its specific characteristics. Fracture properties are a direct consequence of the geological history as well as the current situation of the coastal area. A holistic assessment of water quality in coastal areas hosting fractured crystalline bedrock therefore requires the combination of different approaches in order to investigate the impact of saltwater intrusion through the fractured system.
Query answering in circumscribed OWL2 profiles
Authors: Bonatti Piero A.
Published: August 2021

This paper partially bridges a gap in the literature on Circumscription in Description Logics by investigating the tractability of conjunctive query answering in OWL2’s profiles. It turns out that the data complexity of conjunctive query answering is coNP-hard in circumscribed$\mathcal {E}{\mathscr{L}}$ELandDL-lite, while in circumscribed OWL2-RL conjunctive queries retain their classical semantics. In an attempt to capture nonclassical inferences in OWL2-RL, we consider conjunctive queries with safe negation. They can detect some of the nonclassical consequences of circumscribed knowledge bases, but data complexity becomes coNP-hard. In circumscribed$\mathcal {E}{\mathscr{L}}$EL, answering queries with safe negation is undecidable.
Predicting Future Service Use in Dutch Mental Healthcare: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: van Mens Kasper , Kwakernaak Sascha , Janssen Richard , Cahn Wiepke , Lokkerbol Joran , Tiemens Bea
Published: August 2021

A mental healthcare system in which the scarce resources are equitably and efficiently allocated, benefits from a predictive model about expected service use. The skewness in service use is a challenge for such models. In this study, we applied a machine learning approach to forecast expected service use, as a starting point for agreements between financiers and suppliers of mental healthcare. This study used administrative data from a large mental healthcare organization in the Netherlands. A training set was selected using records from 2017 (N = 10,911), and a test set was selected using records from 2018 (N = 10,201). A baseline model and three random forest models were created from different types of input data to predict (the remainder of) numeric individual treatment hours. A visual analysis was performed on the individual predictions. Patients consumed 62 h of mental healthcare on average in 2018. The model that best predicted service use had a mean error of 21 min at the insurance group level and an average absolute error of 28 h at the patient level. There was a systematic under prediction of service use for high service use patients. The application of machine learning techniques on mental healthcare data is useful for predicting expected service on group level. The results indicate that these models could support financiers and suppliers of healthcare in the planning and allocation of resources. Nevertheless, uncertainty in the prediction of high-cost patients remains a challenge.
Business Model Involvement, Adaptive Capacity, and the Triple Bottom Line at the Base of the Pyramid
Authors: Verwaal Ernst , Klein Martin , La Falce Jefferson
Published: August 2021

Almost two decades ago, Prahalad and Hammond [Harv Bus Rev, 80(9):48–59, 2002] introduced the base/bottom of the pyramid (BOP) approach to profitably serving the poor with business models adapted from developed markets while alleviating poverty. In response to disappointing results and ethical criticism, the BOP approach evolved from a just-for-profit approach with a passive role of the poor to an inclusive development approach that integrates the principles of the triple bottom line. A recent review of the BOP literature [Dembek et al., J Bus Ethics 165(3):365–382, 2020], however, reveals a lack of empirical evidence to support the sustainable BOP approach. In this paper, we specify the assumptions underlying the sustainable BOP approach and test them using structural equation modeling with clustered robust standard errors on a unique dataset of 212 firms. Our findings show that BOP business model involvement and adaptive capacity are significant drivers of the triple bottom line at the BOP; however, business model adaptive capacity does not guarantee an ecologically sustainable performance at the BOP. We find that there is a need for further extension of the ethical foundations of the sustainable BOP approach.
The Development of Polydimethysiloxane/ZnO–GO Antifouling Coatings
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxue , Årstøl Erland , Nymark Marianne , Fages-Lartaud Maxime , Mikkelsen Øyvind
Published: August 2021

The development of antifouling coating for sensor is desirable because the biofilm can shorten sensor’s life and cause inaccurate reading. In this study, a facile one-pot reaction was used to synthesized ZnO–graphene oxide (GO) (ZnO–GO) nanocomposites. Different amount of ZnO–GO was incorporated in the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix respectively though a simple solution mixing method, in order to create PDMS/ZnO–GO nanocomposite (PZGO). The coating was obtained directly by spin coating of PZGO/tetrahydrofuran suspension. The hydrophobicity, surface roughness (Ra), surface free-energy (SFE) and nanoscale structure were investigated as antifouling factors. Antifouling tests were performed using two marine microorganisms, the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC 7002 and the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. PZGO0.2 (mass ratio of ZnO–GO to PDMS: 0.2 wt%) displayed excellent antifouling property with 8.5% of Synechococcus sp. Strain PCC 7002 biofilm coverage, while PZGO0.1 (mass ratio of ZnO–GO to PDMS: 0.1 wt%) showed 2.4% P. tricornutum biofilm coverage. The antifouling property of the synthesized PZGO nanocomposite can be attributed to its high Ra and hydrophobicity which was caused by the good dispersion of ZnO–GO in PDMS matrix. This study suggests a potential of PZGO nanocomposite for sensor’s antifouling coating, which could contribute to improve sensor’s durability relating to biofouling in future.

Graphic Abstract
Types of boredom and other learning activity emotions: A person-centred investigation of inter-individual data
Authors: Tempelaar Dirk , Niculescu Alexandra Corina
Published: August 2021

Whether boredom is a unitary construct or if multiple types of boredom exist is a long-standing debate. Recent research has established the existence of boredom types based on frequency observations of boredom by experience sampling. This work tries to expand our understanding of boredom and replicate these previous findings by applying intensity observations of cross-sectional type for four discrete learning activity emotions: boredom, anxiety, hopelessness, and enjoyment. Latent class analysis based on activity emotion scores from 9863 first-year students of a business and economics program results in seven profiles. Five of these profiles allow a linear ordering from low to high control and value scores (the direct antecedents of emotions), low to high positive, and high to low negative emotions. Two profiles differ from this pattern: one ‘high boredom’ profile and one ‘low boredom’ profile. We next compare antecedent relationships of activity emotions at three different levels: inter-individual, inter-class or between classes, and intra-class or within classes. Some of these relationships are invariant for the choice of level of analysis, such as hopelessness. Other relationships, such as boredom, are highly variant: within-class relationships differ from inter-individual relationships. Indeed, our results confirm that boredom is not a unitary construct. The types of boredom found and their implications for educational practice are discussed and shared in this article.
Near-resonant dynamics, period doubling and chaos of a 3-DOF vibro-impact system
Authors: Fritzkowski Pawel , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: August 2021

A mechanical system composed of two weakly coupled oscillators under harmonic excitation is considered. Its main part is a vibro-impact unit composed of a linear oscillator with an internally colliding small block. This block is coupled with the secondary part being a damped linear oscillator. The mathematical model of the system has been presented in a non-dimensional form. The analytical studies are restricted to the case of a periodic steady-state motion with two symmetric impacts per cycle near 1:1 resonance. The multiple scales method combined with the sawtooth-function-based modelling of the non-smooth dynamics is employed. A conception of the stability analysis of the periodic motions suited for this theoretical approach is presented. The frequency–response curves and force–response curves with stable and unstable branches are determined, and the interplay between various model parameters is investigated. The theoretical predictions related to the motion amplitude and the range of stability of the periodic steady-state response are verified via a series of numerical experiments and computation of Lyapunov exponents. Finally, the limitations and extensibility of the approach are discussed.
Contingency Planning and Early Crisis Management: Italy and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mattei Paola , Vigevano Lorenzo
Published: August 2021

This study examines the level of preparedness exhibited through strategy, planning and organization to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. A comparative analysis of four regions revealed that the implementation of pandemic plans was affected by multiple factors. For instance, some planning was outdated and insufficient to cope with the new threat posed by the pandemic; due to a decentralized health care system, there was confusion about whether regional or national decision-making was the coordinating actor; shortages in supplies and equipment such as masks, in some regions, were due to lack of implementation of existing pandemic plans. The study emphasizes the importance of a coordinated response to crises.
Problems of axiomatizing religion
Authors: Weingartner Paul
Published: August 2021

The paper discusses problems which arise in attempts to axiomatize parts of religion or religious belief systems. Besides those problems already investigated by Bochenski, like that of the propositional content or the meaning of religious discourse there are several further ones. This paper deals with the question whether full Classical Logic is suitable, whether one universe of discourse is sufficient, how to use definitions and analogous concepts and whether justifications satisfy credibility criteria.
Fragile Visions of the Social: Rethinking Solidarity with the Performance Piece Faust and the TV-series Skam
Authors: Schumann Claudia
Published: August 2021

The paper explores the portrayal of social relations among youth in the popular Norwegian TV-series Skam and places this analysis in relation to Anne Imhof’s award-winning performance piece Faust, which received the Golden Lion at the 2017 Venice Biennale for the German Pavilion. As expressions of how today’s youth experience social relations under the conditions of late capitalism, I examine the way in which the TV-series and the performance work respectively explore when and how ‘we’ is shaped. I argue that they provide particular insight into the limits and possibilities for the formation of relations of solidarity today.