bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Living Group Works Council Agreement as Social Innovation: Internal Crowdsourcing in the GASAG Group
Authors: Otte Andreas , Schröter Welf , Breite Ingo , Gerth Frank , Laur Sylvia , Ost Volker , Sekertekin Can , Tabor Andreas , Wedel Marco , Ulbrich Hannah
Published: December 2020

Shortly after the formal launch of the ICU project in the summer of 2017, representatives from the group works council of the GASAG group sat down with the trade union network Forum for the Social Forms of Technology, the FST, to start up an independent practical initiative to examine the topic of internal crowdsourcing to be implemented soon after. In 2018, a model works council agreement between the group works council and the management was agreed, henceforth framing the IC procedure in the GASAG group. The agreement is meant to serve as a template for the introduction of internal crowdsourcing in other companies and industries. A special feature of the agreement is the so-called ‘living’ group works council agreement. The following article analyses its significance and provides a translation by reproducing the agreement in its wording (This text is based on an original version in the German language that was published under the provisions of the Creative Commons at the URL: www.blog-zukunft-der-arbeit.de/betriebsraete-setzen-starken-innovationsimpuls-fuer-digitalen-aufbruch or www.blog-zukunft-der-arbeit.de.).
Getting Hold of a Universe of Conspirators: Anti-Communist Panic, Fears of Subversion, and the Routine of Repression in Senegal’s Early Postcolonial Secret Police (the Sûreté), 1962–1965
Authors: Keese Alexander
Published: December 2020

Between 1962 and 1965, the Senegalese secret police (the Sûreté) developed a system for surveillance and repression, which included the frequent use of torture. This system helped a new elite, organized in the Union Progressiste Sénégalaise (UPS; the single political party), to maintain its hold on power, and persecuted the activists of banned opposition parties and movements, including dissident religious activists, as members of seditious and Communist groups. While one of these parties, the outlawed Parti Africain de l’Indépendance (PAI) had credentials of espousing “Marxism-Leninism,” others did not have even that, but the secret police was increasingly convinced of their Communist ideologies. In that conviction, they strongly internalized earlier colonial obsessions, molding them into a gnawing anxiety over “complots” and “conspiracies,” which justified violent repression. After three years of developing its routine for conducting repressive operations, secret police agents saw themselves as Senegal’s principal bulwark against Communism. However, while arrests and interrogations were violent, prison practices were less repressive, and supposedly dangerous conspirators sometimes profited from the benevolence of prison staff. Political practices were also less uniform. The former leaders of political parties suspected of being subversive were sometimes “reformed” and integrated into the ruling elite, and even former PAI activists could become loyal citizens, like Ousmane Camara, who ironically became the director of the Sûreté in 1965. Even so, everyday repression of suspected Communists continued to be violent into the second half of the 1960s.
Power, Governance and Agroecology Transformations
Authors: Anderson Colin Ray , Bruil Janneke , Chappell M. Jahi , Kiss Csilla , Pimbert Michel Patrick
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, we focus on issues of power, control and governance in agroecology transformations. Synthesizing the findings across the six domains of transformation introduced in Part II, we explore how the different ‘governance interventions’ of different actors have multiple effects on a transformative agroecology. Interventions that undermine agroecology have two effects: (i) suppressing agroecology by actively repressing and criminalizing it and (ii) co-opting agroecology by supporting it only to become equivalent to the dominant regime. Interventions that maintain the status quo enable co-existence by (iii) containing agroecology as elements of the dominant regime are strengthened and alternatives ignored and (iv) shielding agroecology from regime dynamics so it is less threatened. In contrast, agroecological transformation of agri-food systems are enabled by (v) processes that support and nurture agroecology to develop on its own terms and (vi) release agroecology from its disabling context by dismantling elements of the dominant regime and anchoring the values, norms and practices of agroecology within and between territories, and at different scales.
Domain E: Equity
Authors: Anderson Colin Ray , Bruil Janneke , Chappell M. Jahi , Kiss Csilla , Pimbert Michel Patrick
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, we examine how marginalization and inequity—from international policy arenas to the household level and along the intersecting dimensions of gender, age, class and caste, religion, health and race—pose a major barrier to the development of sustainable food systems. The more transformative edges of the agroecology movement are advancing feminist, decolonial and anti-racist approaches that move the analysis from the centres of power to the margins where the hitherto excluded and oppressed are claiming power. Inequity manifests in overt discrimination as well as unequal access to resources and decision-making power at the household or farm level or to markets, credit, knowledge, governance, relations and other resources at the community or territorial level. In the absence of a focus on equity, efforts to advance agroecology risk exacerbating inequity.
Das italienische, europäische und internationale Markenrecht und Markenprozessrecht
Authors: Perathoner Christoph
Published: December 2020

Die heute im Immaterialgüterrecht bekannten Marken sind keine Erfindung der Moderne, sondern lassen sich bis in die Antike zurückverfolgen. Das Markenrecht hat in der Folgezeit – vor allem seit dem 19. Jahrhundert – im nationalen und internationalen Handels- und Wirtschaftsrecht einen festen Platz eingenommen.

Die Informationsgesellschaft und die Globalisierung geben dem Markenrecht eine wachsende Bedeutung. Die praktische Folge davon ist, dass Unternehmen in den letzten Jahrzehnten weit mehr in ihre Marken investiert haben und diese bei Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) immer höhere Preise erzielen. Aus rechtlicher Sicht lässt sich erkennen, dass seit einigen Jahrzehnten das Markenrecht stark europäisiert und internationalisiert wurde, während es historisch von der nationalen Territorialität geprägt war.

In diesem Beitrag wird das italienische Markenrecht prägnant und systematisch dargestellt, wobei besonders darauf Bedacht genommen wurde, die unionsrechtlichen Bestimmungen, aber auch Institute, die auf internationale Markenübereinkünfte zurückgehen, dazustellen und einzubauen.
Immaterialgüter und Wettbewerbsrecht
Authors: Müller Thomas
Published: December 2020

Das Verhältnis von Wettbewerbsrecht und Immaterialgüterrecht ist kompliziert und spannungsreich – es verwundert daher nicht, dass seine juristische Bewältigung bis heute umstritten ist. Das zentrale Spannungsverhältnis besteht zwischen vorwiegendnationalerZuordnung von Ausschließlichkeitsrechten undeuropäischemWettbewerbsschutz vor Marktabschottungen: Während das Immaterialgüterrecht durch die Einräumung von zeitlich begrenzten Ausschließlichkeitsrechten die Innovatoren als Belohnung ihrer Leistung vor Wettbewerb schützen soll, also marktzugangsbeschränkend wirkt, hat das Wettbewerbsrecht gerade die Aufgabe, Wettbewerbsfreiheit zu bewahren und Märkte zu öffnen. Die Kernfrage lautet daher: Wie ist das Verhältnis zwischen beiden Rechtsmaterien juristisch zu bestimmen? Bestehen Vorrangverhältnisse oder ist nicht doch eine harmonisierende Auslegung angebracht? Letztlich geht es also um Anwendungsbereichsfragen: Wie weit reicht der Schutz geistigen Eigentums, wie weit jener des funktionsfähigen Wettbewerbs? Ich werde zeigen, dass das Verhältnis zwischen beiden Rechtsgebieten partiell komplementär aufzufassen ist, was für eine harmonisierende Auslegung iSe einzelfallbezogenen Interessenabwägung und gegen formale Vorrangregeln spricht. Das entspricht zwar der heute herrschenden Meinung, ich möchte aber diesen Ansatz weiterentwickeln und die bislang uneinheitliche wettbewerbsrechtliche Anwendungspraxis von EuGH und Europäischer Kommission kritisch hinterfragen.
Der strafrechtliche Schutz vor industrieller Produktpiraterie im Lichte nationaler, europäischer und internationaler Vorgaben
Authors: Staffler Lukas
Published: December 2020

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit strafrechtlichen Maßnahmen gegen industrielle Produktpiraterie am Beispiel der Rechtsordnung Italiens. Zunächst wird das Kriminalitätsphänomen der Produktund Markenpiraterie untersucht und insbesondere der Frage nachgegangen, inwiefern Strafrecht zum Schutz geistigen Eigentums einzusetzen ist. Anschließend werden internationale und europäische Rechtsvorgaben zum nationalen Strafrecht dargelegt, bevor ein Überblick über das strafrechtliche Arsenal zum Schutz vor Marken- und Produktpiraterie der italienischen Rechtsordnung vorgestellt wird. Zum Schluss wird ein Ausblick auf mögliche Rechtsentwicklungen gegeben.
Ausblick auf die zukünftige Entwicklung des Internationalen Immaterialgüterrechts in der Europäischen Union
Authors: Schwartze Andreas
Published: December 2020

Immaterialgüterrechte als „geistiges Eigentum“ werden von jedem Staat in seiner Rechtsordnung nach jeweils eigenen Vorstellungen geregelt. Um einen grenzüberschreitenden Schutz der Rechteinhaber zu gewährleisten, ist es zum einen erforderlich, durch klare IPR-Normen eine rechtssichere Bestimmung des anzuwendenden Rechts zu ermöglichen, zum anderen sollte darüber hinaus möglichst weltweit, zumindest aber im EU-Raum ein einheitliches überstaatliches Immaterialgüterrecht entwickelt werden. Im Folgenden wird der aktuelle Stand in beiden Bereichen erörtert.
Introduzione al diritto brevettuale italiano
Authors: Ferretti Niccolò , Zito Alessandro
Published: December 2020

In Italia non esiste una vera e propria definizione di invenzione. Non ve ne è traccia né nella legge invenzioni del 1939 né all’interno del Codice della Proprietà Industriale (di seguito C.P.I.). Soltanto l’art. 2585 del codice civile elenca una serie di invenzioni brevettabili. La dottrina più illustre, dunque, ha considerato l’invenzione come „la soluzione originale di un problema tecnico“ e tale formula può, ancora oggi, essere condivisa.
Introduzione al design in Italia: uno sguardo d’insieme
Authors: Ferretti Niccolò , Zito Alessandro
Published: December 2020

Cos’è il design? Per dare una risposta a questa domanda viene in aiuto una definizione di un celebre architetto contemporaneo: „nel linguaggio corrente design indica sia il mestiere di chi trasferisce valore estetico e originalità a un artefatto fisico o virtuale sia quell’artefatto medesimo. Si dice infatti comunemente che un certo oggetto è di design. Entrambi, prodotto e mestiere, sono caratterizzati da ricerca espressiva, innovazione tecnologica, eterodossia formale, contemporaneità“. La tutela dei disegni e modelli è un bene fondamentale per le imprese di qualsiasi dimensione.
Die Grundzüge des Designrechts in Deutschland
Authors: Steichele Philipp
Published: December 2020

Das Designrecht bzw. Geschmacksmusterrecht schützt die ästhetisch wirkenden Gestaltungsformen eines Produkts. Dabei soll der Designschutz zur Innovation und Entwicklung neuer Erzeugnisse sowie zu Investitionen für ihre Herstellung ermutigen. Gesetzgebungspolitische Motivation des Schutzes für das eingetragene Design und Gemeinschaftsgeschmacksmuster ist es daher, einen wirtschaftlichen Anreiz für Innovationen der Entwerfer und für Investitionen der Produzenten von Erzeugnissen zu schaffen, die die Erfordernisse der Neuheit und Eigenart erfüllen. Der Schutzgegenstand liegt beim Geschmacksmuster bzw. Design – wie bei allen Teilgebieten des gewerblichen Rechtsschutzes – auf dem Schutz immaterieller Güter. Keinen Schutz gewährt das Designrecht für formlose Erzeugnisse wie Cremes oder Flüssigkeiten ohne ein besonderes Erscheinungsbild in der Farbgebung, Computerprogramme, Tiere oder Pflanzen, Ideen oder allgemeine Gedanken.
Aktuelle Rechtsprechung zum österreichischen und europäischen Urheberrecht
Authors: Büchele Manfred
Published: December 2020

Mittlerweile begreifen wir digitale Kopien und deren ubiquitäre Verfügbarkeit über das Internet als Fluch und Segen zugleich. Die Digitalisierung, das Internet und andere neue Entwicklungen erwecken zuweilen den Eindruck, das Urheberrecht könne mit dem technischen Fortschritt kaum mithalten, hinke ihm gar hinterher. Dieser Beitrag greift einige Beispiele aus der jüngeren europäischen und österreichischen Rechtsprechung zum Urheberrecht heraus, die nachdrücklich veranschaulichen: Nicht alles, was technisch möglich ist, ist urheberrechtlich auch erlaubt.
Die geografischen Angaben im CETA-Abkommen: Keine neuen Schläuche für alten Wein
Authors: Miribung Georg
Published: December 2020

Die verschiedenen nationalen und internationalen Rechtssysteme konzipieren geografische Angaben (g.A.) als eine besondere Form des geistigen Eigentums, jedoch gibt es keinen Konsens über das Konzept selbst. Diese Debatten sind nicht nur rechtlicher Natur, sondern erstrecken sich auch auf Fragen der Agrar- und Handelspolitik, aber auch Fragen kultureller Art.
Schadensersatz und Gewinnherausgabe bei Immaterialgüterrechtsverletzungen nach italienischem Recht
Authors: Christandl Gregor
Published: December 2020

Lange Zeit galt der Schadensersatz bei Verletzung von Immaterialgüterrechten als Schwachstelle im Rechtsschutzsystem des italienischen Immaterialgüterrechts. Der Aufsatz zeichnet vor dem Hintergrund der geltenden Rechtsgrundlagen und Rechtsprechung den Weg zur ausführlichen Regelung des Schadensersatz- und Gewinnabschöpfungsanspruchs des Rechtsinhabers bei Verletzung von gewerblichen Schutzrechten nach. Der Beitrag weist auf praktische Probleme bei der Durchsetzung des bereicherungsrechtlich konzipierten Anspruchs auf Gewinnabschöpfung hin, die den Rechtsinhaber weiterhin vor eine Reihe von Herausforderungen stellen.
Der Zusammenhang zwischen schulischer Tabakkontrolle und der wahrgenommenen Raucherprävalenz Jugendlicher
Authors: Mlinarić Martin , Günther Sebastian , Moor Irene , Winter Kristina , Hoffmann Laura , Richter Matthias
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Für Deutschland sind kaum Daten zur Implementierung schulischer Tabakkontrolle bekannt, die sowohl die Perspektive von Lehrer- als auch von Schüler*innen einbeziehen. Ziel der Studie ist es, den Zusammenhang zwischen implementierter schulischer Tabakkontrollpolitik und der wahrgenommenen Raucherprävalenz auf den Ebenen des Schulpersonals und der Jugendlichen zu untersuchen.

Methoden

Die wiederholte Querschnittsstudie (2013 und 2017) basiert auf gepoolten Angaben von 13- bis 17-jährigen Jugendlichen (N = 2393) und Schulpersonal (N = 85) aus 25 Schulen in der westdeutschen Metropolregion Hannover. In linearen Regressionsmodellen werden durchschnittlich marginale Effekte (AMEs) mit 95 %-Konfidenzintervallen (KI95 %) und robuste Standardfehler für die wahrgenommenen Tabakprävalenzen getrennt für die von Lehrer- und Schüler*innen bewertete schulische Tabakkontrollpolitik (Skala 0–6) unter Kontrolle soziodemografischer, schul- und rauchspezifischer Variablen berichtet.

Ergebnisse

Die Jugendlichen nehmen durchschnittlich eine Raucherprävalenz von 30 % ($$\overline{x}=30,2$$

x
‾

=
30,2

; s: 24,0) für ihre Schule wahr. Eine strikte schulische Tabakkontrolle ist konsistent mit einer geringeren schulischen Raucherprävalenz assoziiert, sowohl aus Sicht von Lehrer- (AME: −3,54 KI95 % −6,49 bis −0,58) als auch der Schüler*innen (AME: −1,69 KI95 % −2,52 bis −0,86). Die Anzahl rauchender Freunde (z. B. „die meisten“ +14 %: AME: 14,13 KI95 % 10,46–17,80) und der Schultyp sind die relevantesten Determinanten für eine hohe schulische Raucherprävalenz. Nichtgymnasiale Schulformen berichten eine 15 % (AME: 15,03 KI95 % 10,13–19,93) höhere Raucherprävalenz im Vergleich zu Gymnasien.

Diskussion

Progressive schulische Tabakkontrollpolitiken sollten den Fokus auf nichtgymnasiale Schulformen, Risikogruppen und jene Schulen legen, die Tabakkontrolle nicht strikt durchsetzen.
Pseudidiomarina piscicola sp. nov., isolated from cultured European seabass, Dicenthrarchus labrax
Authors: Macián M. Carmen , Lucena Teresa , Arahal David R. , Ruvira María A. , Aznar Rosa , Pujalte María J.
Published: December 2020

Strain CECT 9734 T, a Gram-negative, aerobic, chemoorganotrophic bacterium, motile by polar flagella, was isolated from cultured European seabass, Dicenthrarchus labrax, in Spain. It grows from 5 to 42 ºC, 6–9 pH and 1–12% total salinity. Major cellular fatty acids are C15:0 iso, summed feature 9 (C17:1 iso w9c/C16:0 10-methyl) and C17:0 iso. The genome size is 2.5 Mbp and G + C content is 49.5 mol%. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence shows that the strain is a member of Pseudidiomarina, with highest similarities with Pseudidiomarina halophila (97.0%) and Pseudidiomarina salinarum (96.9%). Phylogenomic tree based on UBCG program shows P. halophila as its closest relative. ANI and in-silico DDH with other Pseudidiomarina spp. are lower than 87 and 20%, respectively, suggesting that strain CECT 9734 T represents a new species, for which we propose the name Pseudidiomarina piscicola sp. nov. and CECT 9734 T (= LUBLD50 7aT = LMG 31044 T) as type strain.
Resident cardiac macrophages: crucial modulators of cardiac (patho)physiology
Authors: Sansonetti M. , Waleczek F. J. G. , Jung M. , Thum T. , Perbellini F.
Published: December 2020

Resident cardiac macrophages (rcMacs) are integral components of the myocardium where they have key roles for tissue homeostasis and in response to inflammation, tissue injury and remodelling. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and limitations associated with the rcMacs studies. We describe their specific role and contribution in various processes such as electrical conduction, efferocytosis, inflammation, tissue development, remodelling and regeneration in both the healthy and the disease state. We also outline research challenges and technical complications associated with rcMac research. Recent technological developments and contemporary immunological techniques are now offering new opportunities to investigate the separate contribution of rcMac in respect to recruited monocytes and other cardiac cells. Finally, we discuss new therapeutic strategies, such as drugs or non-coding RNAs, which can influence rcMac phenotype and their response to inflammation. These novel approaches will allow for a deeper understanding of this cardiac endogenous cell type and might lead to the development of more specific and effective therapeutic strategies to boost the heart’s intrinsic reparative capacity.
Influence of sex-specific concurrent changes in age, maturity status, and morphological covariates on the development of peak ventilatory variables in 10–17-year-olds
Authors: Armstrong Neil , Welsman Jo
Published: December 2020

Purposes

(i) To investigate the influence of concurrent changes in age, maturity status, stature, body mass, and skinfold thicknesses on the development of peak ventilatory variables in 10–17-year-olds; and, (ii) to evaluate the interpretation of paediatric norm tables of peak ventilatory variables.

Methods

Multiplicative multilevel modelling which allows both the number of observations per individual and the temporal spacing of the observations to vary was used to analyze the expired ventilation (peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$

V
˙

E

) and tidal volume (peak VT) at peak oxygen uptake of 420 (217 boys) 10–17-year-olds. Models were founded on 1053 (550 from boys) determinations of peak ventilatory variables supported by anthropometric measures and maturity status.

Results

In sex-specific, multiplicative allometric models, concurrent changes in body mass and skinfold thicknesses (as a surrogate of FFM) and age were significant (p < 0.05) explanatory variables of the development of peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$

V
˙

E

, once these covariates had been controlled for stature had no additional, significant (p > 0.05) effect on peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$

V
˙

E

. Concurrent changes in age, stature, body mass, and skinfold thicknesses were significant (p < 0.05) explanatory variables of the development of peak VT. Maturity status had no additional, significant (p > 0.05) effect on either peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$

V
˙

E

or peak VT once age and morphological covariates had been controlled for.

Conclusions

Elucidation of the sex-specific development of peak $${\dot{\mathrm{V}}}_{\mathrm{E}}$$

V
˙

E

requires studies which address concurrent changes in body mass, skinfold thicknesses, and age. Stature is an additional explanatory variable in the development of peak VT, in both sexes. Paediatric norms based solely on age or stature or body mass are untenable.
Umbilical cord medication in healthy full-term newborns: a before-after uncontrolled quality improvement study
Authors: Coscia Alessandra , Boscarino Giovanni , Di Chiara Maria , Faccioli Francesca , Pedicino Roberto , Onestà Elisa , Giancotti Antonella , Di Donato Violante , Ronchi Benedetta , Zantonelli Francesca , Russo Alessia , Mezzapiastra Chiara , Terrin Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Umbilical cord care can be a stressful practice for parents. Complications of cord care can increase neonatal morbidity and mortality. The extracts of Arnica montana (AM) have been reported to possess antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and immunomodulatory activities. We aim to demonstrate the efficacy of AM on cord detachment and parents’ stress level induced by cord medication in healthy full-term newborns. We enrolled full-term infants with a birth weight ≥ 2500 g in healthy conditions. Cord stumps of infants in the PRE-group were cleaned and dried, while cord stumps of infants in the POST-group were cleaned, dried, and medicated with a natural topic dermo-protective powder containing AM. After discharge, we interviewed parents on the stump status during follow-up visits in a pediatric office at 7 and 14 days of life, or by phone calls after follow-up visits. Long-rank test showed that time of cord separation of newborns in the PRE-group was significantly higher compared to that in the POST-group (p < 0.001). Parents of newborns in the PRE-group were significantly more stressed during cord medication compared to parents in the POST-group (2.0 (1.2 to 2.1) vs 1.0 (0.8 to 1.3), p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis showed a significantly linear relation with group assignment for cord separation (p < 0.001) and parents’ stress during the medication (p = 0.033).

Conclusion: The use of a natural topic dermo-protective powder containing AM reduces the time of cord separation, improves parents’ stress level, and reduces the risk of complications.

What is Known:• Cord stump care can be a stressful practice for parents.• Antiseptic treatment recommended for cord care could be associated with side effects such as burning and sensitization.

What is New:• The medication of cord stump with a natural topic dermo-protective powder containing Arnica montana reduces time of cord detachment and of complication such as redness’, bleeding, or secretions.• The use of Arnica montana for cord medication may have a positive impact on the family, reducing parents’ stress, and the use of other medications.
Pulp sensitivity changes during orthodontic treatment at different time periods: a prospective study
Authors: Briseño-Marroquín Benjamín , López-Murillo Héctor , Kuchen Robert , Casasa-Araujo Adán , Wolf Thomas Gerhard
Published: December 2020

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to recognize pulp sensitivity changes in teeth receiving orthodontic treatment by means of an electric pulp tester (Vitality Scanner Model 2006; Kerr Corporation, Brea CA, USA).

Materials and methods

An electric stimulus response threshold of eight teeth in 22 patients was measured prior to positioning orthodontic attachments, immediately before ligation of a nickel titanium archwire, immediately after ligation of a stainless steel archwire and 9 to 15 months after having achieved the clinical purposes established with the nickel titanium archwires. The first measurement served as baseline.

Results

All teeth responded to an electrical stimulus at all times. No statistical differences were observed between the response thresholds obtained at different treatment times. The mean response threshold of the second measurement showed a decreasing response threshold tendency when compared with those of the baseline measurement. The mean response threshold of the third measurement showed an increasing tendency when compared with those of the baseline measurement. The first maxillary incisor and canine showed the lowest decreasing response threshold after the second measurement and the highest increasing response threshold after the third measurement. Less noticeable, but similar decreasing and increasing response threshold tendencies were observed in all other teeth after the second and third measurements, respectively.

Conclusions

The results obtained in this investigation suggest that pulp sensitivity can be monitored during orthodontic treatment by means of an electric pulp tester.

Clinical relevance

The importance of monitoring the pulp status during orthodontic treatment.
Does NICE influence the adoption and uptake of generics in the UK?
Authors: Serra-Sastre Victoria , Bianchi Simona , Mestre-Ferrandiz Jorge , O’Neill Phill
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to examine generic competition in the UK, with a special focus on the role of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on generic market entry and diffusion. In the UK, where no direct price regulation on pharmaceuticals exists, HTA has a leading role for recommending the use of medicines providing a non-regulatory aspect that may influence the dynamics in the generic market. The paper focuses on the role of Technology Appraisals issued by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). We follow a two-step approach. First, we examine the probability of generic entry. Second, conditional on generic entry, we examine the determinants of generic market share. We use data from IQVIA British Pharmaceutical Index (BPI) for the primary care market for 60 products that lost patent between 2003 and 2012. Our results suggest that market size remains one of the main drivers of generic entry. After controlling for market size, intermolecular substitution and difficulty of manufacturing increase the likelihood of generic entry. After generic entry, our estimates suggest that generic market share is highly state dependent. Our findings also suggest that while NICE recommendations do influence generic uptake, there is only marginal evidence they affect generic entry.
Performance of recurrent event models on defect proneness data
Authors: Lintu M. K. , Kamath Asha
Published: December 2020

The repeated occurrence of the same event in a process is commonly observed in many domains. Such events are referred to as recurrent events. The time to occurrence of these repeated events varies from unit to unit with a possibility of events not occurring among some of the units. Invariably such data are dealt with using some of the techniques in survival analysis called recurrent event models, which are commonly encountered in epidemiological studies and clinical trials. However, it applies to other domains in science and technology. We illustrate the usefulness of recurrent event models in the context of defect proneness analysis in quality assessment of software. Some of the models in practice are introduced on data collected to study the impact of module size on defect proneness in the Mozilla product. Module size plays a significant role in defect proneness and each defect fix makes the class more susceptible to further defects. The risk estimates obtained from the different models vary owing to the differences in the properties of the models as well as the assumptions underlying it.
Maintaining natural and traditional cultural green infrastructures across Europe: learning from historic and current landscape transformations
Authors: Angelstam Per , Manton Michael , Yamelynets Taras , Fedoriak Mariia , Albulescu Andra-Cosmina , Bravo Felipe , Cruz Fatima , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kavtarishvili Marika , Muñoz-Rojas Jose , Sijtsma Frans , Washbourne Carla-Leanne , Agnoletti Mauro , Dobrynin Denis , Izakovicova Zita , Jansson Nicklas , Kanka Robert , Kopperoinen Leena , Lazdinis Marius , Metzger Marc , van der Moolen Bert , Özut Deniz , Gjorgieska Dori Pavloska , Stryamets Natalie , Tolunay Ahmet , Turkoglu Turkay , Zagidullina Asiya
Published: December 2020

Context

Maintaining functional green infrastructures (GIs) require evidence-based knowledge about historic and current states and trends of representative land cover types.

Objectives

We address: (1) the long-term loss and transformation of potential natural forest vegetation; (2) the effects of site productivity on permanent forest loss and emergence of traditional cultural landscapes; (3) the current management intensity; and (4) the social-ecological contexts conducive to GI maintenance .

Methods

We selected 16 case study regions, each with a local hotspot landscape, ranging from intact forest landscapes, via contiguous and fragmented forest covers, to severe forest loss. Quantitative open access data were used to estimate (i) the historic change and (ii) transformation of land covers, and (iii) compare the forest canopy loss from 2000 to 2018. Qualitative narratives about each hotspot landscape were analysed for similarities (iv).

Results

While the potential natural forest vegetation cover in the 16 case study regions had a mean of 86%, historically it has been reduced to 34%. Higher site productivity coincided with transformation to non-forest land covers. The mean annual forest canopy loss for 2000–2018 ranged from 0.01 to 1.08%. The 16 case studies represented five distinct social-ecological contexts (1) radical transformation of landscapes, (2) abuse of protected area concepts, (3) ancient cultural landscapes (4) multi-functional forests, and (5) intensive even-aged forest management, of which 1 and 4 was most common.

Conclusions

GIs encompass both forest naturalness and traditional cultural landscapes. Our review of Pan-European regions and landscapes revealed similarities in seemingly different contexts, which can support knowledge production and learning about how to sustain GIs.
A systems thinking approach to understanding the challenges of achieving the circular economy
Authors: Iacovidou Eleni , Hahladakis John N. , Purnell Phil
Published: December 2020

Circular economy (CE) is extensively discussed around the globe. Presently, discussions are mostly concerned with the importance of achieving CE and the benefits associated therewith, with the various barriers surrounding its implementation being less debated. Understanding the context in which circularity can flourish is a prerequisite in building the capabilities to deal with the multi-faceted challenges that currently hamper progress in closing the material, component and product loops. In this study, we discuss the importance of systems thinking in understanding the way resource recovery systems operate, and in promoting deep transformational change. We suggest that transformational change needs to go beyond closing materials, components and products (MCPs) loops, and promote sustainability in the way resources are exploited, used and managed throughout the system. By adopting a system of systems approach, we postulate that there are five interconnected sub-systems that need to be considered for supporting transitions to CE, namely, resource flows and provisioning service; governance, regulatory framework and political landscape; business activities and the marker; infrastructure and innovation; and user practices. This holistic approach provides a useful means to cutting through systemic complexity, and focuses on the dynamics between processes, values and actors in the value chain, and their dependence on cultural, spatial and temporal characteristics. We conclude that a systems-based approach can build up the capabilities required to identify and understand persistent linear trends and, in turn, support forward-thinking and time investment in enabling sustainable transitions. This, in turn, can help to align priorities and transform our current practices, speeding up the process of closing the MCP loops in a sustainable manner.
The influence of entrepreneurs’ immigrant status and time on the perceived likelihood of exporting
Authors: Bolzani Daniela , Fini Riccardo , Marzocchi Gian Luca
Published: December 2020

We contribute in this paper to the scant literature on the factors and conditions influencing the development of different perceptions of potential international opportunities for immigrant and native entrepreneurs in the pre-internationalization phase. Specifically, we investigate what factors influence the perceived likelihood entrepreneurs have of exporting. Building on entrepreneurial intentions and opportunity-based entrepreneurial processes, we propose a cognitive account of perceived likelihood of exporting based on entrepreneurs’ perceptions of the desirability and feasibility of export opportunities. We investigate how the immigrant status (i.e., individual characteristics) and time (i.e., contextual factors) influence the relationship between the desirability and feasibility of exporting, and entrepreneurs’ perceived likelihood of exporting. We employ an experimental design on a matched-pair sample of 108 native and immigrant entrepreneurs in domestic technology-based firms. The results are a unique account of the cognitive antecedents of the perceived likelihood of exporting under different temporal conditions, comparing immigrant and native entrepreneurs. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.
Ist Blockchain das Ende der Banken?
Authors: Brandl Barbara
Published: December 2020

Blockchain verspricht, Intermediäre wie Banken überflüssig zu machen und durch dezentrale Peer-to-Peer-Netzwerke zu ersetzen. Dieser Beitrag stellt die Frage nach der Realisierbarkeit dieser Ankündigung sowie danach, welche gesellschaftlichen Implikationen damit verbunden sind. Eine historisch informierte theoretische Analyse zeigt, dass die Erzeugung von Kreditgeld durch Banken ein für kapitalistische Gesellschaften existenzieller Vorgang ist. Die Fiktion des Geldwerts bedarf ihrerseits glaubwürdiger Intermediäre, die dauerhaft in der Lage sind, die zeitliche und räumliche Stabilität des Geldes zu inszenieren. Explorative Interviews mit Akteuren im Finanzsektor in Kombination mit einer inhaltsanalytischen Auswertung von einschlägigen Blogs, White Papers und Artikeln der Wirtschaftspresse lassen vermuten, dass Blockchain Intermediäre keineswegs ausschaltet, sondern diejenigen mächtiger werden lässt, die in der Lage sind, die Technologie ihren Bedürfnissen entsprechend umzugestalten.
Police Victim and Witness Interviewing in a Northern Canadian Territory: Measuring Perceptions and Practice
Authors: Chenier Kate , Milne Rebecca , Shawyer Andrea , Snook Brent
Published: December 2020

Police victim and witness interviewing in a northern Canadian territory with a predominantly Indigenous population was examined across two studies. In study 1, an Internet survey about interview training, practices and cross-cultural issues was completed by serving police officers (N = 37). In study 2, transcripts of interviews with Indigenous adult victims and witnesses (N = 20) were coded for the presence of various interviewing practices (e.g. question types, interruptions, talking time). Survey results showed that most officers were untrained in scientific-interviewing protocols but were aware of the general practices that constitute a competent interview (e.g. building rapport, requesting a free narrative). Most respondents indicated that cultural differences impact their interviewing style. Results of the transcript analysis showed that officers violated the 80/20 talking rule in 90% of the interviews and unproductive question types (e.g. closed yes/no) were used often. All interviews contained a request for a full account, most interviews contained elements of active listening and few interruptions were observed. These findings are discussed with reference to how interviewing and cross-cultural communication training could help police organizations who serve Indigenous populations. Future research should consider whether established international best practices for interviewing are effective in settings with Indigenous victims and witnesses.
Sports and mathematical abilities in primary school-aged children: How important are spatial abilities? An explorative study
Authors: Jansen Petra , Pietsch Stefanie
Published: December 2020

It is well known that sports and mathematical abilities are related to spatial abilities, also a relation between sport and mathematical abilities is assumed. However, the relation between all three aspects has not been investigated until now. Therefore, the main goal of the study is to examine the relationship between sport, spatial and mathematical ability in elementary school aged children. 50 boys and 42 girls from third grade solved spatial and sport tasks, which can be differentiated into the following: intrinsic-dynamic, intrinsic-static and extrinsic-static. Furthermore, their performances in mathematical (separated into numerical/arithmetical and geometrical) abilities were analyzed. The results showed significant correlations between the static spatial and sporting activities. This correlation is due to the strong correlation within the group of girls. Furthermore, a good performance in the intrinsic-spatial ability was related to a high geometrical ability of the children, especially in boys. However, the geometrical ability could not be predicted by sport abilities.
Spatiotemporal analysis of vegetation cover changes around surface water based on NDVI: a case study in Korama basin, Southern Zinder, Niger
Authors: Sidi Almouctar Mohamed Adou , Wu Yiping , Kumar Amit , Zhao Fubo , Mambu Koroma John , Sadek Mohammed
Published: December 2020

In the modern era, vegetation dynamics is an important aspect of climate change studies. The present study examined spatiotemporal changes of (NDVI) normalized difference vegetation index in the Korama basin (Southern Zinder of Niger) from 2000 to 2018, and their correlation with climatic factors was predicted. To analyze the change of vegetation cover, geographical information system, MODIS_NDVI, remote sensing, and climate variables (e.g., temperature and precipitation) datasets were used. Further, the correlation was performed for different years of vegetation types during the growing season (June–October). Our results show an increasing trend in average maximum annual NDVI across the Korama River Basin in the years 2000 and 2018. Conversely, significantly increasing trends in most of the areas were reported. Moreover, in downstream the vegetation cover is increased in Matameye and Magaria, but with a smaller increase in the upstream rate in Mirriah. Furthermore, a decrease in the surface water was observed in the Tessaoua, Matameye, and Magaria sections of the study region in 2000 and 2018, while a rise in water surface area was observed in Matameye and Magaria in the years 2006 and 2012. During rainy and dry seasons, NDVI correlated differently with temperature and precipitation with strong seasonal variations, while the mean vegetation period of NDVI does not show any significant change. In addition, moderate increase was observed in years 2000 and 2012 (r: 0.22; P: 0.50; R2: 0.05; r: 0.31; P: 0.34, R2: 0.10, respectively), and weak decrease in 2006 and 2018 (r: 0.61; P: 0.04; R2: 0.37; r: 0.58; P: 0.06, R2:0.33, respectively). The analysis indicates that climatic parameters such as precipitation and temperature are the main limiting factors affecting the vegetation growth. Indeed, the trends calculated by the correlation analysis showed that as climate factors increased (July, August, and September), the NDVI value increased at a rate of 0.16, reflecting the best growth in vegetation and rise in water bodies, although significantly decreased during years. This study would be highly useful in choice-making for sustainable water resource management in the Korama watershed in Southern Zinder, Niger.
Improved ST-FZI method for permeability estimation to include the impact of porosity type and lithology
Authors: Amraei Hamed , Falahat Reza
Published: December 2020

Permeability represents the flow conductivity of a porous media. Since permeability is one of the most vital as well as the complex properties of a hydrocarbon reservoir, it is necessary to measure/estimate accurately, rapidly and inexpensively. Routine methods of permeability calculation are through core analysis and well tests, but due to problems and weaknesses of the aforementioned methods such as excessive costs and time, these are not necessarily applied on neither in all wells of a field nor in all reservoir intervals. Therefore, log-based approaches have been recently developed. The goal of this research is to provide a flowchart to estimate permeability using well logs in one of Iranian south oil fields and finally to introduce a new algorithm to estimate the permeability more accurately. Permeability is firstly estimated using artificial neural network (ANN) employing routine well logs and core data. Subsequently, it is estimated using Stoneley-Flow Zone Index (ST-FZI) and is compared with the results of core analysis. Correlation coefficients in permeability estimation by artificial neural network and Stoneley-FZI are R2 = 0.75 and R2 = 0.85, respectively. On the next step, an improved algorithm for permeability prediction (improved ST-FZI) is presented that includes the impact of lithology and porosity type. To improve the permeability estimation by ST-FZI method, electro-facies clustering based on MRGC method is employed. For this purpose, rock pore typing utilizing VDL and NDS synthetic logs is employed that considers the porosity types and texture. The VDL log separates interparticle porosity from moldic and intra-fossil porosities and washes out and weak rock-type zones. Employing MRGC method, three main facies are considered: good-quality reservoir rock, medium-quality reservoir rock and bad-quality (non-reservoir) rocks. Permeability is then estimated for each group employing ST-FZI method. The estimated permeability log by improved ST-FZI method shows better match with the measured permeability (R2 = 0.93). The average error between estimated and measured permeability for ANN, ST-FZI method and improved ST-FZI method is 1.83, 1.18 and 0.796, respectively. The increased correlation is mainly due to involving the impact of porosity types on improved ST-FZI method. Therefore, it is recommended to apply this algorithm on variety of complicated reservoir to analyze its accuracy on different environments.
Soil organic carbon storage in a mountain permafrost area of Central Asia (High Altai, Russia)
Authors: Pascual Didac , Kuhry Peter , Raudina Tatiana
Published: December 2020

The thawing and subsequent decomposition of large stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC) currently stored in the northern circumpolar permafrost region are projected to result in a ‘positive’ feedback on global warming. The magnitude of this feedback can only be assessed with improved knowledge about the total size and geographic distribution of the permafrost SOC pool. This study investigates SOC storage in an under-sampled mountain permafrost area in the Russian High Altai. SOC stocks from 39 soil pits are upscaled using a GIS-based land cover classification. We found that the top 100 cm of soils in Aktru Valley and the adjacent Kuray Basin only holds on average 2.6 ± 0.6 kg C m−2(95% confidence interval), of which only c. 1% is stored in permafrost. Global warming will result in an upward shift of alpine life zones, with new plant cover and soil development at higher elevations. As a result, this type of mountain permafrost area might act as a net C sink in the future, representing a ‘negative’ feedback on global warming.
Performance‐weighted‐voting model: An ensemble machine learning method for cancer type classification using whole‐exome sequencing mutation
Authors: Li Yawei , Luo Yuan
Published: December 2020

Background

With improvements in next‐generation DNA sequencing technology, lower cost is needed to collect genetic data. More machine learning techniques can be used to help with cancer analysis and diagnosis.

Methods

We developed an ensemble machine learning system named performance‐weighted‐voting model for cancer type classification in 6,249 samples across 14 cancer types. Our ensemble system consists of five weak classifiers (logistic regression, SVM, random forest, XGBoost and neural networks). We first used cross‐validation to get the predicted results for the five classifiers. The weights of the five weak classifiers can be obtained based on their predictive performance by solving linear regression functions. The final predicted probability of the performance‐weighted‐voting model for a cancer type can be determined by the summation of each classifier’s weight multiplied by its predicted probability.

Results

Using the somatic mutation count of each gene as the input feature, the overall accuracy of the performance‐weighted‐voting model reached 71.46%, which was significantly higher than the five weak classifiers and two other ensemble models: the hard‐voting model and the soft‐voting model. In addition, by analyzing the predictive pattern of the performance‐weighted‐voting model, we found that in most cancer types, higher tumor mutational burden can improve overall accuracy.

Conclusion

This study has important clinical significance for identifying the origin of cancer, especially for those where the primary cannot be determined. In addition, our model presents a good strategy for using ensemble systems for cancer type classification.
Das metabolische Syndrom und Schwangerschaft
Authors: Mayer-Pickel Karoline
Published: December 2020

Das metabolische Syndrom in der Schwangerschaft ist mit zum Teil schwerwiegenden Komplikationen, u. a. Präeklampsie, assoziiert. Für ein verbessertes maternales und neonatales Outcome empfehlen sich daher eine „Lifestyle-Modifikation“ spätestens ab Kinderwunsch, eine ausgewogene fett- und kohlenhydratarme Ernährung sowie ausreichend Bewegung während der Schwangerschaft. Bei Frauen mit einer bariatrischen Operation in der Anamnese wird neben einer präkonzeptionellen Beratung über die Risiken eine Vorstellung im 1. Trimenon mit Bestimmung des Eisen- und Vitaminstatus empfohlen. Zusätzlich sollte bei diesen Patientinnen ein Blutzuckertagesprofil zwischen der 24. und der 28. Schwangerschaftswoche durchgeführt werden. Aufgrund seines breiten Wirkungsfelds ist der Einsatz von Metformin bei Frauen mit metabolischem Syndrom anzudenken. Die Entbindung sollte in einer Geburtsklinik mit Neonatologie erfolgen, zusätzlich sollte der Geburtstermin nicht überschritten werden. Für ein verbessertes maternales und fetales/neonatales Outcome ist die Durchführung eines Ersttrimesterscreenings für Präeklampsie empfehlenswert sowie im Laufe der Schwangerschaft regelmäßige Screeninguntersuchungen auf Präeklampsie (Biometrie, Doppler der Aa. uterinae, Bestimmung der „sFlt-1/PlGF ratio“ ab der 20. SSW).