bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exponential synchronization of inertial neural network with mixed delays via intermittent pinning control
Authors: Hui Meng , Yan Jiefei , Zhang Jiao , Iu Herbert Ho‐Ching , Yao Rui , Bai Lin
Published: October 2021

This article considers the problem of exponential synchronization of inertial neural networks (INNs) with mixed delays via a novel hybrid control scheme consisting of pinning and periodic intermittent control. Both the discrete delay and distributed delay are taken into account in the network model. Through the proper variable substitution, the original system is transferred into a simply formed differential equation. Meantime, some new sufficient conditions are derived by the Lyapunov stability theory for the exponential synchronization of INNs. Eventually, numerical simulations are given to present the effectiveness of the theoretical method.
Wearable Bifocal Contact Lens for Continual Glucose Monitoring Integrated with Smartphone Readers
Authors: Elsherif Mohamed , Alam Fahad , Salih Ahmed E. , AlQattan Bader , Yetisen Ali K. , Butt Haider
Published: October 2021

Commercial implantable continuous glucose monitoring devices are invasive and discomfort. Here, a minimally‐invasive glucose detection system is developed to provide quantitative glucose measurements continually based on bifocal contact lenses. A glucose‐sensitive phenylboronic acid derivative is immobilized in a hydrogel matrix and the surface of the hydrogel is imprinted with a Fresnel lens. The glucose‐responsive hydrogel is attached to a commercial soft contact lens to be transformed into a bifocal contact lens. The contact lens showed bifocal lengths; far‐field focal length originated from the contact lens’ curvature, and near‐field focal length resulting from the Fresnel lens. When tear glucose increased, the refractive index and groove depth of the Fresnel lens changed, shifting the near‐field focal length and the light focusing efficiency. The recorded optical signals are detected at an identical distance far from the contact lens change. The bifocal contact lens allowed for detecting the tear glucose concentration within the physiological range of healthy individuals and diabetics (0.0–3.3 mm). The contact lens rapidly responded to glucose concentration changes and reached 90% of equilibrium within 40 min. The bifocal contact lens is a wearable diagnostic platform for continual biomarker detection at point‐of‐care settings.
3D MOF Nanoarchitecture Membrane via Ultrafast Laser Nanoforging
Authors: Liu Xingtao , An Licong , Xiang Sen , Jiang Haoqing , Cheng Gary J.
Published: October 2021

Metal‐organic framework (MOF) crystals are useful in a vast area of applications because of their unique chemical and physical properties. Manufacturing of an integrated MOF membrane with 3D nanoarchitectures on the surface is especially important for their applications. However, as MOF crystals usually exist as powdery crystals, fabrication of their large area, monolithic, and high‐resolution patterns is challenging. Here, it is found that isolated MOF nanocrystals could be directly converted to a monolithic MOF film with designed 3D nanoarchitectures/patterns via an ultrafast laser induced nanoforging without binders. During the nanosecond laser shock, the voids among MOF nanocrystals are eliminated due to the surface amorphization effect, which allows the fusing of the MOF nanocrystals on the grain boundaries, leading to the formation of a dense film while preserving the nature of the pristine MOF. The high strain rate by laser enhances formability of MOFs and overcomes their brittleness to generate arbitrary 3D nanoarchitectures with feature sizes down to 100 nm and high productivity up to 80 cm2 min–1. These 3D MOF nanoarchitectures also exhibit boosted mechanical strength up to 100% compared with their powdery particles. This method is facile and low‐cost and could potentially be used in various fields, such as devices, separation, and biochemical applications.
Pressure Effects on Lead‐Free Metal Halide Perovskites: a Route to Design Optimized Materials for Photovoltaics
Authors: Morana Marta , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: October 2021

Metal halide perovskites have drawn significant attention for their promising physical properties and their possible application in solar cells and light‐emitting diodes. Research and technology have made extraordinary progress in this field, but some issues are still to be tackled. In fact, most of the used materials contain lead, which is highly toxic. For this reason, many efforts have been made on substituting lead with other elements to design more environmentally friendly solar cells. However, devices based on lead‐free materials still show relatively low efficiencies. Physical properties tuning of such materials, to improve their performance, can be achieved in different ways, and among them pressure can be thought of as a green method for this aim as well as a powerful technique to systematically explore structure–property relationships. The possibility of unveiling and discovering novel and appealing optical and electronic features, resulting from the application of an external pressure, can open an effective route to design more performing materials.
Valvuloplasty in 103 fetuses with critical aortic stenosis: outcome and new predictors for postnatal circulation
Authors: Tulzer A. , Arzt W. , Gitter R. , Sames‐Dolzer E. , Kreuzer M. , Mair R. , Tulzer G.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To review our experience with fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis (CAS) and evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome (eHLHS), including short‐ and medium‐term postnatal outcome, and to refine selection criteria for FAV by identifying preprocedural predictors of biventricular (BV) outcome.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all fetuses with CAS and eHLHS undergoing FAV at our center between December 2001 and September 2020. Echocardiograms and patient charts were analyzed for pre‐FAV ventricular and valvular dimensions and hemodynamics and for postnatal procedures and outcomes. The primary endpoints were type of circulation 28 days after birth and at 1 year of age. Classification and regression‐tree analysis was performed to investigate the predictive capacity of pre‐FAV parameters for BV circulation at 1 year of age.

Results

During the study period, 103 fetuses underwent 125 FAVs at our center, of which 87.4% had a technically successful procedure. Technical success per fetus was higher in the more recent period (from 2014) than in the earlier period (96.2% (51/53) vs 78.0% (39/50); P = 0.0068). Eighty fetuses were liveborn after successful intervention and received further treatment. BV outcome at 1 year of age was achieved in 55% of liveborn patients in our cohort after successful FAV, which is significantly higher than the BV‐outcome rate (23.7%) in a previously published natural history cohort fulfilling the same criteria for eHLHS (P = 0.0015). Decision‐tree analysis based on the ratio of right to left ventricular (RV/LV) length combined with LV pressure (mitral valve regurgitation maximum velocity (MR‐Vmax)) had a sensitivity of 96.97% and a specificity of 94.44% for predicting BV outcome without signs of pulmonary arterial hypertension at 1 year of age. The highest probability for a BV outcome was reached for fetuses with a pre‐FAV RV/LV length ratio of < 1.094 (96.4%) and for those fetuses with a RV/LV length ratio ≥ 1.094 to < 1.135 combined with a MR‐Vmax of ≥ 3.14 m/s (100%).

Conclusions

FAV could be performed with high success rates and an acceptable risk with improving results after a learning curve. Pre‐FAV RV/LV length ratio combined with LV pressure estimates were able to predict a successful BV outcome at 1 year of age with high sensitivity and specificity. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Monetizing and Growing the Assets of Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Hentschke Guilbert C.
Published: October 2021

Monetizing assets of higher education institutions (HEIs) includes virtuallyallthat a HEI can work with to improve itself. This perspective represents a newer, broader (still slightly controversial) view of assets that includes people
Public Universities, in Search of Enhanced Funding
Authors: Ritzen Jozef M. M.
Published: October 2021

This chapter is written for university administrators to offer them an overview of the international practices of financing public universities, and its evolution. We also pay attention to the context of the funding of universities and its impact through education and research on society.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization as a Source for New Revenue Generation for Higher Education Institutions and for Local Economies
Authors: Katzman Richard S. , Azziz Ricardo
Published: October 2021

The basic and underlying mission of most universities is two-fold: knowledge transmission (education and training) and knowledge generation (research and scholarship).
Citizens’ Assemblies and Juries on Climate Change: Lessons from Their Use in Practice
Authors: Wells Rebecca
Published: October 2021

Highlights

Citizen assemblies and juries (CAJs) must meet generally accepted standards and be citizen-led to genuinely and credibly engage citizens. Agreed implementation and follow-up procedures should be established to ensure CAJs legitimately inform policymaking. CAJs are not a panacea to public participation on climate change and much more needs to be done beyond them.
The Envirolution Revolution: Raising Awareness of Climate Change Creatively Through Free and Accessible Community Engagement Festivals
Authors: Walley Bob , Crowther Ami , Yáñez Serrano Paloma , Nekkache Abderrahim , Cepeda Rui , Chakrabarti Debapriya , Boadu Eugene
Published: October 2021

Highlights

The use of Freirean praxis and pedagogy is a powerful lens to use in understanding, and advancing, impactful place-based climate action. Using non-judgemental and holistic approaches, free community festivals have the capacity to engage large sections of society and therefore have the potential to mobilise shifts towards societal change.
Conclusions: What Innovations Resulted from University–School Collaborations During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Reimers Fernando M. , Marmolejo Francisco
Published: October 2021

Based on a cross-case analysis of the studies presented in this book, this study concludes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, universities engaged with school systems and school networks to sustain educational opportunity. They did so through entrepreneurial educational innovation in ways which helped integrate their research, teaching, and outreach functions. This finding speaks to the nature of universities as learning organizations, open to their external environment, not just to respond to changes in it, but to shape it.

This chapter identifies seven innovations that universities advanced in their collaborations with schools:

Research and analysis to support decision-makers in formulating strategies of educational continuity (outreach and research).

Advancing knowledge based on research in schools in the context of the pandemic (research).

Instructional and technological resources and online platforms for students and teachers, including efforts to support connectivity (outreach and teaching).

Professional development for teachers, education administrators, and parents (outreach).

Highlighting the importance of attention to socio-emotional support for students (outreach).

Organizational learning and innovation (synergies among research, teaching, and outreach).

Innovations in teaching: Engaging university students in these collaborations with schools (teaching).

These seven innovations include products, solutions, processes, and managerial improvements, and for the most part they are evolutionary innovations and, in some cases, revolutionary.

These collaborations were facilitated by and, in turn, reinforced three institutional processes supportive of outreach:

University mission and strategy

Collaboration and institutional integration

Structures and preexisting collaborations with schools
Reimagine Elementary and Secondary Learning During the Pandemic: Tsinghua University
Authors: Wang Deyu Woody , Cheng Weihang , Jin Yun , Guo Manwen Ivy
Published: October 2021

New technologies inspire the reforms in education. A global pandemic that kept people including students and teachers in their homes only accelerated the progress of adopting new ways for students to learn and for teachers to teach. This chapter presents two programs carried out by Tsinghua University and Tsinghua University High School to provide adequate learning experience for students even when they cannot attend school physically. The merits of the two programs are not only reflected in the new content students learned, but also emphasized by the fact that students from distant areas and diverse backgrounds can form online learning communities that continue to exist after the pandemic. Finally, how teachers inspired undergraduates to act as peer learners for younger students is also inspected and discussed here.
Coping with Covid-19: Forging Creative Pathways to Support Educational Continuity Amidst the Pandemic
Authors: Yeravdekar Vidya , Kapur Nidhi Piplani
Published: October 2021

The pandemic has forced all educational institutions to grapple with challenges. Throughout this time Symbiosis International University (SIU) in India has been proactive in leading change not only at the university but also in K-12 schools. While the university transitioned to virtual teaching and learning, a methodical approach was laid out in assisting its eight elementary and senior secondary schools in both urban and rural areas, through the Symbiosis Schools Central Directorate (SSCD), to adapt to the needs of a public health crisis. While connectivity challenges continue to haunt schools, especially in rural areas, training and capacity building of K-12 teachers and administrators by university professors and experts has been a saving grace in navigating the pandemic.

The focus of this case is understanding the parallels and the partnership between SIU and its K-12 schools. It reflects a bottom-up approach in dealing with the pandemic where Symbiosis Society, the non-profit organization that has established the schools as well as the University, invested in teacher capacity building at its elementary and secondary schools through its Symbiosis Schools Central Directorate (SSCD) in both rural and urban areas to ensure continuity of teaching and learning while adapting to this new normal. The investment in teacher capacity building has enabled the leadership to address the emerging circumstances, stimulate momentum to create or demand needed change at their institutions, inspire peer learning, and foster innovation in strategy and practice for the greater benefit of its stakeholders including students and parents.

This case study reflects on SIU experiences in dealing with the dynamic circumstances such as training and capacity building with respect to supporting teachers in developing skills to adapt their content to virtual mode, blended learning, and integrating Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) into the curriculum. In addition, SIU had to counsel students and parents to adapt to this new way of learning. SIU’s experience encompasses a coordinated approach of working with internal and external stakeholders to develop a response to the crisis, short-to-medium-term strategic planning in the face of uncertainty, exploring technology solutions, partnership management, and effective communication processes with its stakeholders. Special emphasis has been put on ensuring the mental and physical wellbeing of the learner, constant communication and guidance to parents, and virtual activities to promote community engagement to mitigate the loss of physical social interactions at this crucial time.
Design and Evaluation of a Serious Game to Supplement Pupils’ Understanding of Molecular Structures in Chemistry
Authors: Bjørner Thomas , Hansen Louise Gaard , Valimaa Miicha , Sørensen Julie Ulnits , Dobre Mircea
Published: October 2021

This study is initial experiences in the design and evaluation of a serious game to supplement pupils’ understanding of molecular structures in chemistry. 27 pupils were included in the study, aged 13–14, with 16 boys and 11 girls. All participants were recruited from two chemistry classes at a Danish elementary school in Copenhagen. A formative evaluation consisted of both a questionnaire, observations, and interviews. The questionnaire was inspired by the User Engagement Scale (UES) short-form. Designing a serious game for pupils with the aim to increase the understanding of molecular structures, is not an easy task. This serious game was to some extend able to engage the pupils within the subject of chemistry. The game itself was reported to be very engaging, but the specific learning outcomes remains uncertain. We can conclude that the serious game was visually appealing, the pupils were absorbed in the game, and wanted to continue playing. However, the designed serious game was also a bit confusing and made too difficult, resulting in frustrations for the pupils. Further, there are still some important challenges in how to increase the validity and reliability when evaluating serious games with children and adolescent as the users.
Die Forschungsgruppe Ethisch-Ökologisches Rating (FG EÖR) am Fachbereich Katholische Theologie der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt
Authors: Hoffmann Johannes J.
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag informiert über die Arbeit der Forschungsgruppe Ethisch-Ökologisches Rating der Goethe-Universität in Frankfurt. Die Gruppe war interdisziplinär, interkulturell, ökumenisch und transdisziplinär zusammengesetzt. Sie hat als erste bereits in den 90-er Jahren anhand einer Wertbaumanalyse eine wissenschaftlich gestützte Kriteriologie zur Bewertung von Kapitalanlagen, den sogenannten Frankfurt-Hohenheim Leitfaden (FHL) entwickelt. Der FHL wurde gemeinsam mit einer Ratingagentur, nämlich der oekom research GmbH in München, in ein Ratingkonzept übertragen, nämlich das Corporate Responsibility Rating (CRR). Der Beitrag informiert über die Entwicklung, Anwendung, Grenzen und die mögliche Weiterentwicklung des Konzeptes. Inzwischen wird das CRR weltweit umgesetzt.
Der Mensch und der Rhein
Authors: Streit Bruno
Published: October 2021

Der Rhein und seine Zuflüsse zeigen eine wechselvolle hydrologische, biologische und kulturelle Geschichte. Menschen leben seit mindestens 600.000 Jahren am Flusssystem. Das Kapitel beleuchtet ihre wechselvolle Beziehung zum Rhein, der für sie Barriere, Grenze oder Verteidigungslinie, Nahrungslieferant, Waren- und Personentransportweg, Vorfluter für Abwässer, Energiequelle oder eine Region für Freizeittourismus war. Wechselnde gesellschaftliche Ziele haben Sichtweisen und Nachhaltigkeitskonzepte für Fluss und Landschaft geprägt und immer wieder modifiziert.
String excitation by initial singularity of inflation
Authors: Nishii Kanji , Yoshida Daisuke
Published: October 2021

Abstract

We discuss excitation of string oscillation modes by an initial singularity of inflation. The initial singularity of inflation is known to occur with a finite Hubble parameter, which is generally lower than the string scale, and hence it is not clear that stringy effects become significant around it. With the help of Penrose limit, we find that infinitely heavy oscillation modes get excited when a singularity is strong in the sense of Krolak’s classification. We demonstrate that the initial singularities of Starobinsky and hill top inflation, assuming the slow roll inflation to the past infinity, are strong. Hence stringy corrections are inevitable in the very early stage of these inflation models. We also find that the initial singularity of the hill top inflation could be weak for non-slow roll case.
Mean Field Derivation of DNLS from the Bose–Hubbard Model
Authors: Picari E. , Ponno A. , Zanelli L.
Published: October 2021

We prove that the flow of the discrete nonlinear Schrödinger equation (DNLS) is the mean field limit of the quantum dynamics of the Bose–Hubbard model for N interacting particles. In particular, we show that the Wick symbol of the annihilation operators evolved in the Heisenberg picture converges, as N becomes large, to the solution of the DNLS. A quantitative $$L^p$$

L
p

-estimate, for any $$p \ge 1$$

p
≥
1

, is obtained with a linear dependence on time due to a Gaussian measure on initial data coherent states.
Internal fixation versus hip arthroplasty in patients with nondisplaced femoral neck fractures: short-term results from a geriatric trauma registry
Authors: Laubach Markus , Bläsius Felix M. , Volland Ruth , Knobe Matthias , Weber Christian D. , Hildebrand Frank , Pishnamaz Miguel ,   Registry for Geriatric Trauma DGU, Knobe Matthias
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To determine whether internal fixation (IF) or hip arthroplasty (HA) is associated with superior outcomes in geriatric nondisplaced femoral neck fracture (FNF) patients.

Methods

Data from the Registry for Geriatric Trauma of the German Trauma Society (ATR-DGU) were analyzed (IF Group 449 and HA Group 1278 patients). In-hospital care and a 120-day postoperative follow-up were conducted. Primary outcomes, including mobility, residential status, reoperation rate, and a generic health status measure (EQ-5D score), and the secondary outcome of mortality were compared between groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to assess independent treatment group associations (odds ratios, ORs) with the primary and secondary end points.

Results

Patients in the HA group were older (83 vs. 81 years, p < 0.001) and scored higher on the Identification of Seniors at Risk screening (3 vs. 2, p < 0.001). We observed no differences in residential status, reoperation rate, EQ-5D score, or mortality between groups. After adjusting for key covariates, including prefracture ambulatory capacity, the mobility of patients in the HA group was more frequently impaired at the 120-day follow-up (OR 2.28, 95% confidence interval = 1.11–4.74).

Conclusion

Treatment with HA compared to treatment with IF led to a more than twofold increase in the adjusted odds of impaired ambulation at the short-term follow-up, while no significant associations with residential status, reoperation rate, EQ-5D index score, or mortality were observed. Thus, IF for geriatric nondisplaced FNFs was associated with superior mobility 120 days after surgery. However, before definitive treatment recommendations can be made, prospective, randomized, long-term studies must be performed to confirm our findings.
Ledrappier–Young formulae for a family of nonlinear attractors
Authors: Jurga Natalia , Lee Lawrence D.
Published: October 2021

We study a natural class of invariant measures supported on the attractors of a family of nonlinear, non-conformal iterated function systems introduced by Falconer, Fraser and Lee. These are pushforward quasi-Bernoulli measures, a class which includes the well-known class of Gibbs measures for Hölder continuous potentials. We show that these measures are exact dimensional and that their exact dimensions satisfy a Ledrappier–Young formula.
Repeatability and reproducibility of deep-learning-based liver volume and Couinaud segment volume measurement tool
Authors: Mojtahed Amirkasra , Núñez Luis , Connell John , Fichera Alessandro , Nicholls Rowan , Barone Angela , Marieiro Mariana , Puddu Anthony , Arya Zobair , Ferreira Carlos , Ridgway Ged , Kelly Matt , Lamb Hildo J. , Caseiro-Alves Felipe , Brady J. Michael , Banerjee Rajarshi
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Volumetric and health assessment of the liver is crucial to avoid poor post-operative outcomes following liver resection surgery. No current methods allow for concurrent and accurate measurement of both Couinaud segmental volumes for future liver remnant estimation and liver health using non-invasive imaging. In this study, we demonstrate the accuracy and precision of segmental volume measurements using new medical software, Hepatica™.

Methods

MRI scans from 48 volunteers from three previous studies were used in this analysis. Measurements obtained from Hepatica™ were compared with OsiriX. Time required per case with each software was also compared. The performance of technicians and experienced radiologists as well as the repeatability and reproducibility were compared using Bland–Altman plots and limits of agreement.

Results

High levels of agreement and lower inter-operator variability for liver volume measurements were shown between Hepatica™ and existing methods for liver volumetry (mean Dice score 0.947 ± 0.010). A high consistency between technicians and experienced radiologists using the device for volumetry was shown (± 3.5% of total liver volume) as well as low inter-observer and intra-observer variability. Tight limits of agreement were shown between repeated Couinaud segment volume (+ 3.4% of whole liver), segmental liver fibroinflammation and segmental liver fat measurements in the same participant on the same scanner and between different scanners. An underestimation of whole-liver volume was observed between three non-reference scanners.

Conclusion

Hepatica™ produces accurate and precise whole-liver and Couinaud segment volume and liver tissue characteristic measurements. Measurements are consistent between trained technicians and experienced radiologists.

Graphic abstract
The German Guidelines for the treatment of anxiety disorders: first revision
Authors: Bandelow Borwin , Werner Antonia M. , Kopp Ina , Rudolf Sebastian , Wiltink Jörg , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: October 2021

Starting in 2019, the 2014 German Guidelines for Anxiety Disorders (Bandelow et al. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 265:363–373, 2015) have been revised by a consensus group consisting of 35 experts representing the 29 leading German specialist societies and patient self-help organizations. While the first version of the guideline was based on 403 randomized controlled studies (RCTs), 92 additional RCTs have been included in this revision. According to the consensus committee, anxiety disorders should be treated with psychotherapy, pharmacological drugs, or their combination. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was regarded as the psychological treatment with the highest level of evidence. Psychodynamic therapy (PDT) was recommended when CBT was not effective or unavailable or when PDT was preferred by the patient informed about more effective alternatives. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are recommended as first-line drugs for anxiety disorders. Medications should be continued for 6–12 months after remission. When either medications or psychotherapy were not effective, treatment should be switched to the other approach or to their combination. For patients non-responsive to standard treatments, a number of alternative strategies have been suggested. An individual treatment plan should consider efficacy, side effects, costs and the preference of the patient. Changes in the revision include recommendations regarding virtual reality exposure therapy, Internet interventions and systemic therapy. The recommendations are not only applicable for Germany but may also be helpful for developing treatment plans in all other countries.
Outcome of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia treated with Mito-FLAG salvage chemotherapy
Authors: Mühleck Regina , Scholl Sebastian , Hilgendorf Inken , Schrenk Karin , Hammersen Jakob , Frietsch Jochen J. , Fleischmann Maximilian , Sayer Herbert G. , Glaser Anita , Hochhaus Andreas , Schnetzke Ulf
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Curative intended treatment is challenging in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) and associated with a dismal prognosis for long-term survival. Despite novel treatment options, the majority of patients are treated with chemotherapy-based regimens. Although widely used, little data exist on the combination of fludarabine, cytarabine, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (FLAG) and mitoxantrone as salvage strategy for r/r AML.

Materials and methods

Sixty-six patients receiving Mito-FLAG for r/r AML treated at a German tertiary care center between 2009 and 2019 were analyzed with regard to response rates, survival and safety profile.

Results

Overall response rate was 75.8% with 56.1% of patients achieving complete remission (CR) and 19.7% partial remission (PR). After a median follow-up of 54 months, median overall survival (OS) was 13 months. Patients transitioned to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) (75.8%) showed a significant improvement in OS with a median OS of 17 (95% CI 8.5–25.4) months vs 3 (95% CI 1.7–4.3) months (p < 0.001). 30- and 60-day mortality rates for all patients after the initial cycle of Mito-FLAG were 4.5% and 7.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Mito-FLAG salvage protocol represents an effective and feasible treatment regimen for r/r AML. Importantly, a high rate of transition to successful alloHSCT with the aim of long-term disease-free survival has been shown.
Implementing a robotic liver resection program does not always require prior laparoscopic experience
Authors: Balzano Emanuele , Bernardi Lorenzo , Tincani Giovanni , Ghinolfi Davide , Melandro Fabio , Bronzoni Jessica , Meli Sonia , Arenga Giuseppe , Biancofiore Giandomenico , Crocetti Laura , De Simone Paolo
Published: October 2021

Background

Preliminary experience in laparoscopic liver surgery is usually suggested prior to implementation of a robotic liver resection program.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing robotic (RLR) versus laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma at a center with concomitant initiation of robotic and laparoscopic programs

Results

A total of 92 consecutive patients operated on between May 2014 and February 2019 were included: 40 RLR versus 52 LLR. Median age (69 vs. 67; p = 0.74), male sex (62.5% vs. 59.6%; p = 0.96), incidence of chronic liver disease (97.5% vs.98.1%; p = 0.85), median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (8 vs. 9; p = 0.92), and median largest nodule size (22 vs. 24 mm) were similar between RLR and LLR. In the LLR group, there was a numerically higher incidence of nodules located in segment 4 (20.0% vs. 16.6%; p = 0.79); a numerically higher use of Pringle’s maneuver (32.7% vs. 20%; p = 0.23), and a shorter duration of surgery (median of 165.5 vs. 217.5 min; p = 0.04). Incidence of complications (25% vs.32.7%; p = 0.49), blood transfusions (2.5% vs.9.6%; p = 0.21), and median length of stay (6 vs. 5; p = 0.54) were similar between RLR and LLR. The overall (OS) and recurrence-free (RFS) survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 100 and 79 and 95 and 26% for RLR versus 96.2 and 76.9 and 84.6 and 26.9% for LLR (log-rank p = 0.65 for OS and 0.72 for RFS).

Conclusions

Based on our results, concurrent implementation of a robotic and laparoscopic liver resection program appears feasible and safe, and is associated with similar oncologic long-term outcomes.
Modelling the effects of cold temperature during the reproductive stage on the yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Anwar Muhuddin Rajin , Luckett David J. , Chauhan Yashvir S. , Ip Ryan H. L. , Maphosa Lancelot , Simpson Marja , Warren Annie , Raman Rosy , Richards Mark F. , Pengilley Georgina , Hobson Kristy , Graham Neroli
Published: October 2021

During the reproductive stage, chilling temperatures and frost reduce the yield of chickpea and limit its adaptation. The adverse effects of chilling temperature and frost in terms of the threshold temperatures, impact of cold duration, and genotype-by-environment-by-management interactions are not well quantified. Crop growth models that predict flowering time and yield under diverse climates can identify combinations of cultivars and sowing time to reduce frost risk in target environments. The Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM-chickpea) model uses daily temperatures to model basic crop growth but does not include penalties for either frost damage or cold temperatures during flowering and podding stages. Regression analysis overcame this limitation of the model for chickpea crops grown at 95 locations in Australia using 70 years of historic data incorporating three cultivars and three sowing times (early, mid, and late). We modified model parameters to include the effect of soil water on thermal time calculations, which significantly improved the prediction of flowering time. Simulated data, and data from field experiments grown in Australia (2013 to 2019), showed robust predictions for flowering time (n = 29; R2 = 0.97), and grain yield (n = 22; R2 = 0.63–0.70). In addition, we identified threshold cold temperatures that significantly affected predicted yield, and combinations of locations, variety, and sowing time where the overlap between peak cold temperatures and peak flowering was minimal. Our results showed that frost and/or cold temperature–induced yield losses are a major limitation in some unexpected Australian locations, e.g., inland, subtropical latitudes in Queensland. Intermediate sowing maximise yield, as it avoids cold temperature, late heat, and drought stresses potentially limiting yield in early and late sowing respectively.
Sparse nonnegative tensor decomposition using proximal algorithm and inexact block coordinate descent scheme
Authors: Wang Deqing , Chang Zheng , Cong Fengyu
Published: October 2021

Nonnegative tensor decomposition is a versatile tool for multiway data analysis, by which the extracted components are nonnegative and usually sparse. Nevertheless, the sparsity is only a side effect and cannot be explicitly controlled without additional regularization. In this paper, we investigated the nonnegative CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (NCP) decomposition with the sparse regularization item using $$l_1$$

l
1

-norm (sparse NCP). When high sparsity is imposed, the factor matrices will contain more zero components and will not be of full column rank. Thus, the sparse NCP is prone to rank deficiency, and the algorithms of sparse NCP may not converge. In this paper, we proposed a novel model of sparse NCP with the proximal algorithm. The subproblems in the new model are strongly convex in the block coordinate descent (BCD) framework. Therefore, the new sparse NCP provides a full column rank condition and guarantees to converge to a stationary point. In addition, we proposed an inexact BCD scheme for sparse NCP, where each subproblem is updated multiple times to speed up the computation. In order to prove the effectiveness and efficiency of the sparse NCP with the proximal algorithm, we employed two optimization algorithms to solve the model, including inexact alternating nonnegative quadratic programming and inexact hierarchical alternating least squares. We evaluated the proposed sparse NCP methods by experiments on synthetic, real-world, small-scale, and large-scale tensor data. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed algorithms can efficiently impose sparsity on factor matrices, extract meaningful sparse components, and outperform state-of-the-art methods.
Jumper’s fracture of the sacrum: a novel and reproducible way for successful reduction and fixation
Authors: Linhart Christoph , Befrui Nima , Etzel Lucas , Böcker Wolfgang , Kammerlander Christian , Ehrnthaller Christian
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Surgical treatment of jumper’s fractures is a highly demanding situation for the surgeon due to its rareness and frequent association with severe concomitant injuries. There is no current consensus regarding a standard treatment approach, thus reducing quality of care. Our objectives were to describe, apply and assess a novel surgical technic.

Methods

The presented research is an observational retrospective study of patients who underwent the described novel surgical intervention in a level 1 trauma center. We conducted analyses of the patient cohort using patient-related outcome measures at least 1 year after surgery, as well as investigating pain, quality of life and the clinical effectiveness of the procedure.

Results

A total of 24 patients (17 male and 7 female) with an average age 47 ± 16.3 years were included. ISS scores ranged from 9 to 66 with a mean ISS of 40 ± 15. Clinical scores exist of 15 out of 24 patients (62.5%). The mean VAS score was 53.7 ± 12.9. The mean EQ-5D index was 0.68 ± 0.22. Significant negative correlation existed between the ISS value and the EQ-5D index (r =  − 0.704; p < 0.005) and EQ-5D VAS (r =  − 0.809; p < 0.001). Anatomical reduction was achieved in all patients (n = 24). Radiological follow-up was performed in 58%.

Conclusion

We present one of the largest studies with operatively treated jumper’s fractures of the sacrum. The technique is capable of reproducibly restoring the physiological anatomy of the patient and allows pain-adapted mobilization.
COVID-19 and OECD Labour Markets: What Impact on Gender Gaps?
Authors: Queisser Monika
Published: October 2021

Across the board statements on who suffers most are not helpful and may actually be a disservice to the fight for greater gender equality.
Unequal Labour Market Impacts of COVID-19 in Sweden — But Not Between Women and Men
Authors: Campa Pamela , Roine Jesper , Strömberg Svante
Published: October 2021

So, when asked if men and women in the Swedish labour market have been differently affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, our overall conclusion would have to be “no”.
COVID-19 and the Political Economy of Shared Adjustment
Authors: Boscheck Ralf
Published: October 2021

By April 2021, the COVID-19 crisis in Europe had reached a magnitude that, in the eyes of some observers, either deepened lingering divides and threatened the EU’s very existence, or, conversely, forced the Union to address the fundamental flaws of its euro area and provided an opportunity to reboot. From the outset, the EU had to confront fundamental challenges that require coordination; however, decentralised coordination is best as it improves the quality of policy, economic efficiency and civic virtues. While some argue for a debt union to provide the answer to the EU’s call for shared adjustment, a solution should rather be sought in economic reform, accountability and enforcement of constitutional commitments.
The ECB’s New Monetary Policy Strategy
Authors: Hennecke Peter
Published: October 2021

The ECB updated its monetary policy strategy for the first time in 18 years in July 2021. Therein, the ECB announced that it is willing to accept a transitory period of moderate inflation overshoot in its efforts to push inflation upwards after a long period of undershooting its target. This study explores whether such an overshoot can be economically justified employing a simple Phillips curve model. The results point to the conclusion that the average inflation rate over the business cycle consolidated about one percentage point below the ECB’s target rate. A temporary asymmetry of the ECB’s monetary strategy seems therefore justified to realign inflation and inflation expectations with the target rate.
Any Signs of Green Growth? A Spatial Panel Analysis of Regional Air Pollution in South Korea
Authors: Hille Erik , Lambernd Bernhard , Tiwari Aviral K.
Published: October 2021

Focusing on air emissions in South Korean provinces, we investigate whether economic growth has become greener since the implementation of the national green growth strategy in 2009. Given the relevance of regional elements in the economic and environmental policies, the focus lies on spatial aspects. That is, spillovers from nearby provinces are controlled for in a SLX model by means of the Han–Phillips estimator for dynamic panel data. Our results suggest mainly the existence of inverted N-shaped Environmental Kuznets curves for sulfur oxides (SOX) and total suspended particles (TSP). As the curves initially decrease strongly with increasing income, the main cleanup is achieved with the mean income level. However, abatement of the remaining TSP emissions only takes place at higher income levels. While the fixed effects estimations indicate that per capita SOX and TSP emissions have been significantly lower since 2009, the effects vanish once spatial interactions are taken into account and no evidence is found that regional economic growth has become greener. Apart from economic growth, population density and energy consumption are the main drivers of emission changes, with the latter having robust spatial spillovers. The respective spatial interactions decrease with increasing distance and become insignificant after 150 km.
From Distance Learning to Integrated Digital Learning: A Fuzzy Cognitive Analysis Focused on Engagement, Motivation, and Participation During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Capone Roberto , Lepore Mario
Published: October 2021

This work focuses on Distance Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve students’ motivation, participation, and engagement, trying to contain the drop-out phenomenon. Distance Learning at the time of COVID-19 is an educational methodology and it can be considered the only occasion to keep an educational connection between students and teachers. Experimentation in a Mathematics STEM class was carried out evaluating the impact of Distance Learning on students’ levels of motivation, participation, and engagement, computed through a Fuzzy Cognitive Map. Specifically, it was performed on some affective and interaction parameters derived from using an adaptive e-learning platform and from the answers of a semi-structured questionnaire. The results, which have been analysed through Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Instrumental Genesis theories, show on one hand that Distance Learning is valid as an additional and support methodology but, on the other hand, they highlight the ineffectiveness of completely remote teaching. Therefore, a teaching method that integrates moments of distance teaching with activities carried out in the presence, in the classroom, or in other university environments, is hoped to be used as soon as the emergency is over: a mix of styles, a fluid flow of knowledge between the physical classroom and the virtual classroom. We will call this Integrated Digital Learning.
Führung in Zeiten der Ungewissheit – die Rolle einer konstruktiven Fehlermanagement- und Vertrauenskultur als Ressource in Krisenzeiten
Authors: Rascher Stephanie
Published: October 2021

Krisen belasten Organisationen und die darin arbeitenden Menschen nicht nur aufgrund ihrer unvorhersehbaren Veränderungen und ständigen Unsicherheit. Sie konfrontieren uns auch mit den Schwächen unseres Systems und zeigen Schwachstellen auf, die im Normalbetrieb unserer Arbeitswelt meist noch kaschiert werden können. Präsente Führung ist in einer solchen Zeit der Ungewissheit umso wichtiger. Doch auch Führungskräfte stehen unter solchen Bedingungen vor der Herausforderung, wie sie vor dem Hintergrund fehlender oder sich ständig verändernder Informationen mit ihren Mitarbeitern kommunizieren sollen, wie sie die Zusammenarbeit in ihren Teams strukturieren und welche Maßnahmen sie auf Ebene der Organisation ergreifen sollen. In diesem Beitrag der Zeitschrift Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) wird der Einfluss einer konstruktiven Fehlermanagement- und Vertrauenskultur unter Unsicherheit diskutiert. Es werden verschiedene Handlungsstrategien auf Ebene des einzelnen Mitarbeiters, des Teams und der Organisation aufgezeigt, wie Führungskräfte in Zeiten der Ungewissheit für Orientierung, Sicherheit und eine konstruktive Fehlermanagement- und Vertrauenskultur sorgen können.
Robotic versus laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Solaini Leonardo , Cavaliere Davide , Avanzolini Andrea , Rocco Giuseppe , Ercolani Giorgio
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to review the latest evidence on the robotic approach (RHR) for inguinal hernia repair comparing the pooled outcome of this technique with those of the standard laparoscopic procedure (LHR). A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for studies published between 2010 and 2021 concerning the comparison between RHR versus LHR. After screening 582 articles, 9 articles with a total of 64,426 patients (7589 RHRs) were eligible for inclusion. Among preoperative variables, a pooled higher ratio of ASA > 2 patients was found in the robotic group (12.4 vs 8.6%, p < 0.001). Unilateral hernia repair was more common in the laparoscopic group (79.9 vs 68.1, p < 0.001). Overall, operative time was longer in the robotic group (160 vs 90 min, p < 0.001); this was confirmed also in the sub-analysis on unilateral procedures (88 vs 68 min, p = 0.040). The operative time for robotic bilateral repair was similar to the laparoscopic one (111 vs 100, p = 0.797). Conversion to open surgery was 0% in the robotic group. The pooled rate of chronic pain and postoperative complications was similar between the groups. The standardized mean difference MD of the costs between LHR versus RHR was − 3270$ (95% CI – 4757 to − 1782, p < 0.001). In conclusion, laparoscopic and robotic inguinal hernia repair have similar safety parameters and postoperative outcomes. Robotic approach may require longer operative time if the unilateral repair is performed. Costs are higher in the robotic group.
What Future for Evolutionary Biology? Response to Commentaries on “The Illusions of the Modern Synthesis”
Authors: Noble Denis
Published: October 2021

The extensive range and depth of the twenty commentaries on my target article (Noble, 2021) confirms that something has gone deeply wrong in biology. A wide range of biologists has more than met my invitation for “others to pitch in and develop or counter my arguments.” The commentaries greatly develop those arguments. Also remarkably, none raise issues I would seriously disagree with. I will focus first on the more critical comments, summarise the other comments, and then point the way forward on what I view as a necessary and long-overdue transition in the foundations of biology.
Kutane Leishmaniasis
Authors: Urban N. , Walochnik J. , Handisurya A.
Published: October 2021

Die Leishmaniasis ist eine weltweit verbreitete, durch protozoische Parasiten der Gattung Leishmania hervorgerufene und durch Sandmücken übertragene Infektionskrankheit. Bislang sind mehr als 20 humanpathogene Leishmanien-Spezies bekannt, die gemäß ihren Verbreitungsgebieten in sog. Alte-Welt- (Afrika, Asien, Mittelmeerraum) und Neue-Welt-Arten (Mittel- und Südamerika) unterteilt werden. In Abhängigkeit von der Leishmanien-Spezies sowie der Immunitätslage des Befallenen kann das durch die Infektion verursachte Krankheitsbild vielfältig sein. An der häufigsten Form, der kutanen Leishmaniasis, welche typischerweise Papeln, Knoten und Ulzera mit narbiger Abheilung der Haut verursacht, erkranken weltweit jährlich bis zu 1,2 Mio. Menschen. Die Hauptverbreitungsgebiete stellen der Nahe und Mittlere Osten, Zentralasien, Afrika sowie Mittel- und Südamerika dar. In den letzten Jahren wird jedoch auch eine Zunahme der Inzidenz in Europa beobachtet. Diese könnte auf einer vermehrten Reisetätigkeit und Migration aus Endemiegebieten sowie einer zunehmenden Verbreitung der Vektoren, bedingt durch Klimaveränderungen, Globalisierung und Urbanisierung, beruhen. Beweisend für die Diagnosestellung ist der Nachweis der Leishmanien oder der Leishmanien-DNS im Gewebe. Aufgrund der speziesspezifischen Therapieempfehlungen ist die Bestimmung der Erregerspezies von großer Bedeutung. Zur Behandlung der kutanen Leishmaniasis stehen verschiedene lokale und systemische Therapeutika zur Verfügung.