bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐contrast four‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MC‐4D‐MRI): Development and initial evaluation in liver tumor patients
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yin Fang‐Fang , Li Tian , Teng Xinzhi , Xiao Haonan , Harris Wendy , Ren Lei , Kong Feng‐Ming Spring , Ge Hong , Mao Ronghu , Cai Jing
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To develop a novel multi‐contrast four‐dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (MC‐4D‐MRI) technique that expands single image contrast 4D‐MRI to a spectrum of native and synthetic image contrasts and to evaluate its feasibility in liver tumor patients.

Methods and materials

The MC‐4D‐MRI technique integrates multi‐parametric MRI fusion, 4D‐MRI, and deformable image registration (DIR) techniques. The fusion technique consists of native MRI as input, image pre‐processing, fusion algorithm, adaptation, and fused multi‐contrast MRI as output. Four‐dimensional deformation vector fields (4D‐DVF) were generated from an original T2/T1‐w 4D‐MRI by deforming end‐of‐inhalation (EOI) to nine other phase volumes via DIR. The 4D‐DVF were applied to multi‐contrast MRI to generate a spectrum of 4D‐MRI in different image contrasts. The MC‐4D‐MRI technique was evaluated in five liver tumor patients on tumor contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), internal target volume (ITV) contouring consistency, diaphragm motion range, and tumor motion trajectory; and in digital anthropomorphic phantoms on 4D‐DIR introduced errors in tumor motion range, centroid location, extent, and volume.

Results

MC‐4D‐MRI consisting of 4D‐MRIs in native image contrasts (T1‐w, T2‐w, and T2/T1‐w) and synthetic image contrasts, such as tumor‐enhanced contrast (TEC) were generated in five liver tumor patients. Patient tumor CNR increased from 2.6 ± 1.8 in the T2/T1‐w MRI, to ‐4.4 ± 2.4, 6.6 ± 3.0, and 9.6 ± 3.9 in the T1‐w, T2‐w, and TEC MRI, respectively. Patient ITV inter‐observer mean Dice similarity coefficient (mDSC) increased from 0.65 ± 0.10 in the original T2/T1‐w 4D‐MRI, to 0.76 ± 0.14, 0.77 ± 0.12, and 0.86 ± 0.05 in the T1‐w, T2‐w, and TEC 4D‐MRI, respectively. Patient diaphragm motion range absolute differences between the three new 4D‐MRIs and original T2/T1‐w 4D‐MRI were 1.2 ± 1.3, 0.3 ± 0.7, and 0.5 ± 0.5 mm, respectively. Patient tumor displacement phase‐averaged absolute differences between the three 4D‐MRIs and the original 4D‐MRI were 0.72 ± 0.33, 0.62 ± 0.54, and 0.74 ± 0.43 mm in the superior‐inferior (SI) direction, and 0.59 ± 0.36, 0.51 ± 0.30, and 0.50 ± 0.24 mm in the anterior‐posterior (AP) direction, respectively. In the digital phantoms, phase‐averaged absolute tumor centroid shift caused by the 4D‐DIR were at or below 0.5 mm in SI, AP, and left‐right (LR) directions.

Conclusion

We developed an MC‐4D‐MRI technique capable of expanding single image contrast 4D‐MRI along a new dimension of image contrast. Initial evaluations in liver tumor patients showed enhancements in image contrast variety, tumor contrast, and ITV contouring consistencies using MC‐4D‐MRI. The technique might offer new perspectives on the image contrast of MRI and 4D‐MRI in MR‐guided radiotherapy.
Reference values for volume, fat content and shape of the hip abductor muscles in healthy individuals from Dixon MRI
Authors: Belzunce Martin A. , Henckel Johann , Di Laura Anna , Hart Alister J.
Published: October 2021

Healthy hip abductor muscles are a good indicator of a healthy hip and an active lifestyle, as they are greatly involved in human daily activities. Fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy are associated with loss of strength, loss of mobility and hip disease. However, these variables have not been widely studied in this muscle group. We aimed to characterize the hip abductor muscles in a group of healthy individuals to establish reference values for volume, intramuscular fat content and shape of this muscle group. To achieve this, we executed a cross‐sectional study using Dixon MRI scans of 51 healthy subjects. We used an automated segmentation method to label GMAX, GMED, GMIN and TFL muscles, measured normalized volume (NV) using lean body mass, fat fraction (FF) and lean muscle volume for each subject and computed non‐parametric statistics for each variable grouped by sex and age. We measured these variables for each axial slice and created cross‐sectional area and FF axial profiles for each muscle. Finally, we generated sex‐specific atlases with FF statistical images. We measured median (IQR) NV values of 12.6 (10.8‐13.8), 6.3 (5.6‐6.7), 1.6 (1.4‐1.7) and 0.8 (0.6‐1.0) cm3/kg for GMAX, GMED, GMIN and TFL, and median (IQR) FF values of 12.3 (10.1‐15.9)%, 9.8 (8.6‐11.2)%, 10.0 (9.0‐12.0)% and 10.2 (7.8‐13.5)% respectively. FF values were significantly higher for females for the four muscles (p < 0.01), but there were no significant differences between the two age groups. When comparing individual muscles, we observed a significantly higher FF in GMAX than in the other muscles. The reported novel reference values and axial profiles for volume and FF of the hip abductors, together with male and female atlases, are tools that could potentially help to quantify and detect early the deteriorating effects of hip disease or sarcopenia.
ASPEN lipid injectable emulsion safety recommendations part 2: Neonate and pediatric considerations
Authors: Cober M. Petrea , Gura Kathleen M. , Mirtallo Jay M. , Ayers Phil , Boullata Joseph , Anderson Collin R. , Plogsted Steven ,   ASPEN Parenteral Nutrition Safety Committee
Published: October 2021

Lipid injectable emulsions (ILEs) are complex pharmaceutical formulations intended as a source of energy and fatty acids for parenteral nutrition (PN) therapy. Part 1 of this series addressed issues associated with and safety recommendations pertaining to adult ILE use. Part 2 addresses ILE safety in neonatal and pediatric patients. Considerations for ILE use in the neonatal and pediatric populations differ from those of adults. For example, these patients often require higher doses compared with adult counterparts to support growth, development, and daily metabolic needs. ILE is also frequently administered as a separate infusion as opposed to in a total nutrient admixture owing to compatibility and stability issues and limitations to intravenous access in the neonatal and pediatric populations. ILE is the most frequent PN ingredient associated with PN errors occurring in the administration, prescribing, and transcribing processes. Concerns exist with use of in‐line filters and repackaging of commercial products for infusion. ILE use in neonatal and pediatric patients has been associated with both minor and major adverse effects, which most often occur with doses exceeding manufacturer recommendations. Gaps in ILE best practices for neonatal and pediatric patients predispose to errors in the PN use system. This paper describes safe‐use considerations for ILE products available in the United States in neonatal and pediatric patients, including indications, prescribing, order review, preparation, administration, and monitoring. This paper has been approved by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) Board of Directors.
Perceptions of specialty palliative care and its role in pediatric stem cell transplant: A multidisciplinary qualitative study
Authors: Collins Griffin S. , Beaman Hannah , Ho Alvin M. , Hermiston Michelle L. , Cohen Harvey J. , Dzeng Elizabeth W.
Published: October 2021

Background

Consultation of specialty palliative care remains uncommon in pediatric stem cell transplant (SCT) despite growing evidence that early integration of palliative care improves outcomes in patients with advanced cancers or undergoing SCT. Little is known about how multidisciplinary pediatric SCT teams perceive palliative care and its role in SCT.

Procedure

We conducted semistructured interviews of members of a multi‐disciplinary SCT team to understand their perceptions of palliative care, how specialty palliative care is integrated into SCT, and to identify barriers to increased integration. Eligible participants included physicians, nurses, inpatient nurse practitioners, social workers, and child life specialists. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four major themes were identified. First, SCT team members held a favorable perception of the palliative care team. Second, participants desired increased palliative care integration in SCT. Third, participants believed that the palliative care team had insufficient resources to care for the large number of SCT patients, which led to the SCT team limiting palliative care consultation. And, finally, the lack of a standardized palliative care consultation process prevented greater integration of palliative care in SCT.

Conclusions

SCT team members held a favorable perception of palliative care and saw a role for greater palliative care integration throughout the SCT course. We identified modifiable barriers to greater palliative care integration. SCT teams who desire greater palliative care integration may adapt and implement an existing model of palliative care integration in order to improve standardization and increase integration of specialty palliative care in SCT.
Looking toward the future: Approaching care of the aging CF patient
Authors: Sala Marc A. , Vitale Kaitlyn M. , Prickett Michelle
Published: October 2021

Caring for people with cystic fibrosis has changed considerably since the first description of the disorder and continues to evolve in the era of highly effective modulator therapy. These new treatment advancements are resulting in improved health outcomes in an ever‐growing adult population with improved long‐term survival. This study explores potential comorbidities and mental health implications associated with increased longevity and survivorship. It also considers the need for further evolution in patient‐centered care with an expanded healthcare team in a more virtually connected world.
Yield‐based variables repetitive group plan with a critical‐value‐adjusted mechanism
Authors: Liu Shih‐Wen , Wu Chien‐Wei
Published: October 2021

Acceptance sampling plans are preferably used when sample testing becomes destructive or costly to make reliable lot determination from a reasonable size of samples. Previous decades have seen various sampling strategies developed for specific purposes and the evolution of sampling methods continue to ensure that lot sentencing becomes more efficient and economic. In this study, we proposed a modified variables repetitive group sampling (VRGS) plan integrated with a critical‐value‐adjusted switching mechanism. Such a design provides an adaptive assessment of the varied submitted quality level. The operating characteristic function is derived from the sampling distribution of process yield index Spk, which possesses a one‐to‐one transformation to process yield. By solving the developed nonlinear minimization model, the plan parameters of the proposed method are satisfied with tolerable sampling risks and desirable quality levels simultaneously. Furthermore, by comparing the average sample number (ASN) reduction and discriminatory power with other approaches, the proposed method outperforms conventional methods. Numerical illustrations are provided to show its practicability in real applications.
Robust containment control of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with structured uncertainty and external disturbances
Authors: Atrianfar Hajar , Karimi Abolghasem
Published: October 2021

This article considers the robust containment control problem of heterogeneous linear multi‐agent systems subject to structured uncertainties and external disturbances. By introducing a new neighborhood error of follower agents, the containment control problem can be formulated into output regulation problem. By employing a distributed compensator and robust control approach, sufficient conditions in terms of linear matrix inequalities are derived to ensure that all followers asymptotically converge to the convex hull spanned by the leaders with the prescribed performance under fixed topology. A numerical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Promoting sustainable human resource management by reducing recruitment discrimination: A cross‐cultural perspective
Authors: Yu Irina Y. , Yang Morgan X. , Chan Haksin , Barnes Bradley R.
Published: October 2021

Equality is an indispensable component in achieving sustainable human resource management. This research addresses an important yet under‐researched global sustainable development issue—recruitment discrimination against immigrants (RDI). Using survey data on 2504 individual managers from 39 nations, we have found that voluntary association activity can reduce human resource managers' RDI by attenuating their out‐group distrust. Moreover, we offer evidence that this beneficial effect of voluntary association activity is more pronounced in individualist than in collectivist countries. Our research sheds theoretical light on how recruitment bias and discrimination can be reduced, and it also provides practical guidance for global employers to achieve sustainable human resource management.
Renewable energy and advanced logistical infrastructure: Carbon‐free economic development
Authors: Khan Syed Abdul Rehman , Yu Zhang , Umar Muhammad , Zia‐ul‐haq Hafiz Muhammad , Tanveer Muhammad , Janjua Laeeq Razzak
Published: October 2021

Economic development and growth of any country strongly depend on the consumption and production system, which requires a massive amount of energy consumption. Many countries satisfy their energy demands by relying on fossil fuel consumption. Within the production system, manufacturing and logistical operations are heavily depend on fossil fuel‐based energy consumption, causing environmental degradation. Hence, economies worldwide strive to become carbon neutral; the goal is to be carbon‐free, requiring businesses in the respective countries to rely on renewable energy sources. Besides manufacturing, many countries for economic growth also depend on the tourism industry, which also requires the implementation of green policies. In this regard, economic growth, advanced logistics, tourism, and renewable energy are essential variables that need thorough empirical testing to address environmental problems. The current study uses fixed effect and random effect models to empirically test carbon‐free economic growth and international tourism through advanced logistical infrastructure and renewable energy consumption in developed countries. Findings reveal that advanced logistics infrastructure and renewable energy consumption play a crucial role in enhancing economic growth and international tourism.
Valence Band Structure Engineering in Graphene Derivatives
Authors: Shnitov Vladimir V. , Rabchinskii Maxim K. , Brzhezinskaya Maria , Stolyarova Dina Yu. , Pavlov Sergey V. , Baidakova Marina V. , Shvidchenko Aleksandr V. , Kislenko Vitaliy A. , Kislenko Sergey A. , Brunkov Pavel N.
Published: October 2021

Engineering of the 2D materials’ electronic structure is at the forefront of nanomaterials research nowadays, giving an advance in the development of next‐generation photonic devices, e‐sensing technologies, and smart materials. Herein, employing core‐level spectroscopy methods combined with density functional theory (DFT) modeling, the modification of the graphenes’ valence band (VB) upon its derivatization by carboxyls and ketones is revealed. The appearance of a set of localized states in the VB of graphene related to molecular orbitals of the introduced functionalities is signified both experimentally and theoretically. Applying the DFT calculations of the density of states projected on the functional groups, their contributions to the VB structure are decomposed. An empirical approach, allowing one to analyze and predict the impact of a certain functional group on the graphenes’ electronic structure in terms of examination of the model molecules, mimicking the introduced functionality, is proposed and validated. The interpretation of the arising states origin is made and their designation, pointing out their symmetry type, is proposed. Taken together, these results guide the band structure engineering of graphene derivatives and give a hint on the mechanisms underlying the alteration of the VB structure of 2D materials upon their derivatization.
High‐Loading, Well‐Dispersed Phosphorus Confined on Nanoporous Carbon Surfaces with Enhanced Catalytic Activity and Cyclic Stability
Authors: Meng Juan , Liu Yongzhuang , Xia Qinqin , Liu Shi , Tong Zhihan , Chen Wenshuai , Liu Shouxin , Li Jian , Dou Shuo , Yu Haipeng
Published: October 2021

Phosphorus‐doped carbon materials are promising alternatives to noble metal‐based catalysts for the highly selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, but it is challenging to achieve high loadings of high‐activity P dopants in metal‐free catalysts. Here, the preparation of high‐loading and well‐dispersed P atoms confined to the surfaces of cellulose‐derived carbon via a dissolving‐doping strategy is reported. In this method, cellulose is dissolved in phosphoric acid to generate a cellulose‐phosphoric supramolecular collosol, which is then directly carbonized. The as‐prepared carbon possesses a high specific surface area of 1491 cm3 g−1 and a high P content of 8.8 wt%. The P‐doped nanoporous carbon shows a superior catalytic activity and cyclic stability toward benzyl alcohol oxidation, with a high turnover frequency of 3.5 × 10−3 mol g−1 h−1 and a low activation energy of 35.6 kJ mol−1. Experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the graphitic C3PO species is the leading catalytic active center in this material. This study provides a novel strategy to prepare P dopants in nanoporous carbon materials with excellent catalytic performance.
Clinical approach to colic and collapse in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) withSalmonellasaintpaul septicaemia and subsequent ileus
Authors: Molenaar Fieke M. , Silvestre Pasqualino
Published: October 2021

An adult female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) presented with clinical signs of colic unresponsive to analgesia, which progressed to hypothermia and collapse within 48 hours. Repeated sedations using butorphanol and detomidine were performed for initial diagnostic sampling, first aid and subsequent treatment. Initial haematology showed evidence of septicaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation; urine analysis was consistent with metabolic acidosis. The initial treatment focused on rectal administration of enrofloxacin, metronidazole and fluids. By Day 7, the immune system was recovering as demonstrated by blood parameters but ileus had developed. Sedation interventions were discontinued and treatment consisted of oral ranitidine, fibre provision and rehydration.Salmonellasaintpaul was cultured from the faeces and a disease risk analysis identified a possible infection route through food contamination. Serial haematology provided direction in clinical decision making throughout this challenging case.
Trained immunity in the mucosal diseases
Authors: Yu Dou , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Shuo
Published: October 2021

Immune memory is well known as a signature of the adaptive immune system. Recently, enhanced responses to subsequent triggers are also observed in innate immune system, termed trained immunity (TI). Awakening of innate immune memory is required for host defense, such as anti‐pathogen and anti‐tumor responses. However, hyper‐reactivation of trained innate immune cells also gives rise to undesirable inflammation. Mucosa immune system serves as the first defense line against pathogens. Trained immunity of mucosal immune system is tightly associated with the outcomes of mucosal diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of trained immunity in mucosal‐associated diseases and the underlying mechanisms. We summarize the metabolic and epigenetic changes of trained immune cells and highlight their potential in clinical treatment.

This article is categorized under:

Infectious Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Luminescent Pd(II) Complexes with Tridentate − Aryl‐pyridine‐(benzo)thiazole Ligands
Authors: von der Stück René , Krause Maren , Brünink Dana , Buss Stefan , Doltsinis Nikos L. , Strassert Cristian A. , Klein Axel
Published: October 2021

Cyclometalated Pd(II) complexes generally show inferior luminescence properties compared with their Pt(II) analogues. The established approach employing tridentate
cyclometalating ligands has allowed us to create a series of square planar Pd(II) complexes [Pd(
)X] from their protoligands H
(2‐(6‐phenylpyridin‐2‐yl)thiazoles and ‐benzothiazoles; coligands X=Cl, Br, I) with extensive variations at the Carene group (phenyl, naphthyl, fluorenyl), the central Npyridine (pyridine, 4‐phenylpyridine, 3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐phenylpyridine), and the peripheral Nthiazole (thiazole, benzothiazole) to probe for structural factors that might enhance efficient luminescence. Long‐wavelength bands at 400–500 nm were assigned to transitions into mixed ligand‐centred/metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) states based on time‐dependent (TD)DFT calculations. The MLCT contributions are rather low, in agreement with relatively long lifetimes and high photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 0.79 recorded in frozen glassy solvent matrices at 77 K along with emission bands showing pronounced vibrational progressions and peaking at about 520 nm. No photoluminescence was observed at 298 K in solution. Variation of the
ligand allowed to shift the experimental absorption energies from about 2.4 to 2.7 eV, in good agreement with the electrochemical band gaps (2.58 to 2.81 eV). The theoretical absorption and emission spectra excellently reproduced the experimental trends.
The Functioning of State Power Structures and Cybersecurity
Authors: Toumi Marzena
Published: October 2021

The national security of Poland in the twenty-first century is strongly influenced by the processes taking place in the contemporary global security environment. These changes are characterised by high dynamics and complexity as well as the occurrence of asymmetric threats, among which the most dangerous are threats in cyberspace. The functioning of the state and the implementation of its constitutional obligations are increasingly dependent on the development of modern technologies, the information society and the smooth functioning of cyberspace, which is largely dependent on the security of the ICT infrastructure, which allows the use of cyberspace, information resources and services accumulated therein. Rapid progress in the field of digital technologies necessitates the effective use of the latest technologies while creating an opportunity for the Polish state to leave the role of only a user and join the group of countries with an effectively functioning digital economy, providing solutions and co-creating international standards. To meet these expectations, the President of the Republic of Poland signed the Act on the National Cybersecurity System on 1 August 2018, implementing Directive 2016/1148 (NIS Directive).
Space Security and Cybersecurity in Poland
Authors: Polkowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2021

This article refers to the definitions of: “space security” and “cybersecurity”. Both terms are strictly connected to the national defense and can be part of international law and national law of security. It seems that those two aspects of security are well regulated in Europe and Poland. Making such a regulation on international level is still a challenge. Poland is more active in space and legislation since the Polish Space Agency was created. The Security in Space began the very important factor for the national defense. Polish entrepreneurs involved in space business should be aware of this while undertaking space activities. Space has reached an easy access and became the target for intruders. That is why the regulators of cybersecurity and space security should be aware of this new threat and cooperate together in case to make the law practicable and effective.
The Main Tasks of the Network of Computer Security Incident Response Teams in the Light of the Act on the National Cybersecurity System in Poland
Authors: Nowikowska Monika
Published: October 2021

Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) are specialised entities established to handle network and information system security incidents and cooperate with similar entities around the world, both in terms of operational, as well as research and implementation activities. The main tasks of CSIRTs include: recognition, prevention, recording and handling of events that breach network security, active response in the event of direct threats, cooperation with other CSIRT teams, and, finally, participation in national and international projects related to information security and research activities on the scope of methods for detecting security incidents. The article analyses the detailed tasks established on the basis of the Act of 5 July 2018 on the National Cybersecurity System of three CSIRTs operating in Poland: CSIRT MON, CSIRT NASK and CSIRT GOV.
The Duties and Legal Status of the Government Plenipotentiary for Cybersecurity and the College for Cybersecurity
Authors: Brzostek Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

The imposition of the NIS Directive results in the adoption of the NCSA. A special role in this system is played by the Government Plenipotentiary for Cybersecurity, whose primary task is to coordinate activities and implement the government’s policy in the field of cybersecurity.

The Plenipotentiary supervises the risk management process of the national cybersecurity system using aggregated data and indicators developed with the participation of competent authorities for cybersecurity matters, CSIRT MON, CSIRT NASK and CSIRT GOV. The Plenipotentiary’s tasks in this area also include providing opinions on government documents, including draft legal acts that affect the implementation of cybersecurity tasks.

The Government Plenipotentiary is also one of the members of the College at the Council of Ministers, which acts as an advisory and consultative body on cybersecurity.

The NCSA also indicates the scope of cooperation of the Government Plenipotentiary with the competent authorities for cybersecurity, which concerns cooperation in matters related to cybersecurity with other countries, organisations and international institutions.
Cyberspace and Cybersecurity
Authors: Zdzikot Tomasz
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to discuss two basic concepts—cyberspace and cybersecurity. The author describes the genesis of both and attempts to define them. In the introduction, the author briefly addresses the issue of the progress of information technology in recent decades and the impact of this factor on security. Then, he indicates the source of the term “cyberspace” and presents the definitions in American documents, doctrine and Polish law. Defining the concept of “cybersecurity”, the author starts from the definition of the term “security”. Then he presents selected definitions of this term. He also emphasizes that cybersecurity should be viewed broadly and that a definition should be made taking into account both the attacks by hackers or foreign forces and the “plain” failures.
Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism in Polish Law
Authors: Radoniewicz Filip
Published: October 2021

The aim of the paper is to analyze the provisions criminalizing the phenomenon of “computer crimes” (“cybercrimes”) in the strict sense, i.e. acts in which a computer or network is the target of a crime (“a victim”). The paper consists of two parts—the main part in which analysis of articles 267-269c of the Penal Code of 1997 (Chapter XXXIII, entitled “Offenses against the protection of information”)—in which the Polish legislator defined these offenses—is carried out. The second part refers to the “cyberterrorist offense” which is an “ordinary” computer crime carried out with a “terrorist purpose”.
The Entities and Institutions in Charge of Combating Cybercrime in Poland
Authors: Kosiński Jerzy
Published: October 2021

This chapter presents the relationship between cybersecurity and national and internal security and identifies the effects of cybercrime and the need to combat it. The author, pointing to selected main state institutions and authorities, describes their activities in ensuring cybersecurity and combating cybercrime.
Cybersecurity in the European Union Law
Authors: Radoniewicz Filip
Published: October 2021

The first legal acts adopted within the framework of the European Communities were adopted in the early nineties. However, they were not binding. They contained calls for appropriate actions, identification of some solutions, proposals for draft legal acts, strategies and action plans to improve network security.

This chapter, however, highlights the most important binding acts: the first binding EU legal instrument to combat computer crime: Council Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA of the 24th of February 2005 on attacks against information systems, Directive 2013/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 12th of August 2013 on attacks against information systems and replacing Council Framework Decision 2005/222/JHA and Directive (EU) 2016/1148 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 6th of July 2016 concerning measures for a high common level of security of network and information systems across the Union.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), Competition Law and Excessive Pricing of Medicines
Authors: Bakhoum Mor
Published: October 2021

This chapter wrestles with the interface between Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), competition law and access to medicines. It emphasizes the important role that competition law may play, in addition to the internal IP flexibilities, in order to foster access and dissemination of medical products. Of course, competition law could also be considered as a flexibility within the TRIPS agreement. In our analysis, we consider competition law separately given its role in creating competitive markets within which IP products are commercialized. Relying on the recent case law in the EU, in Italy and in South Africa on the application of competition law in the pharmaceutical sector, with a focus on the prohibition of excessive pricing of pharmaceuticals, this paper argues that TRIPS flexibilities are an important regulatory tool to control prices and to foster access to medicines. However, in certain circumstances, IP flexibilities are operational only within a competitive market that is guaranteed by a functioning competition law.
Partizipative Hochschulentwicklung für den digitalen Wandel – Leitlinien des studierendenzentrierten Change Management
Authors: Denker Frederic , Röwert Ronny , Böckel Alexa
Published: October 2021

Im Zuge des digitalen Wandels an Hochschulen werden Lehr- und Lernmöglichkeiten vielerorts neu gestaltet. Um Entscheidungen im Sinne der zentralen Zielgruppe akademischer Bildungsprozesse, nämlich der Lernenden, zu treffen, sind neue Formen der Partizipation von Studierenden in der Hochschulentwicklung sinnvoll. In den Jahren 2018 und 2019 wurden Mitglieder der studentischen Arbeitsgruppe DigitalChangeMaker von Lehrenden, Leitungen sowie Service- und Supporteinrichtungen an Hochschulen regelmäßig gefragt, wie die Meinungen von Studierenden nicht nur besser erhoben, sondern auch aktiv in die Gestaltung des digitalen Wandels eingebunden werden können. Dabei stellen sich insbesondere die Fragen, welche Studierenden in welcher Form aktiviert und eingebunden, wie sie für Partizipationsanliegen befähigt werden können, welche Formate sich für welche Zwecke der Partizipation anbieten und welche digitalen Lösungen dabei helfen können. Aus den Erfahrungen der Arbeitsgruppe DigitalChangeMaker werden die zentralen Aspekte zur Beantwortung dieser Fragen in Form eines leitliniengestützten Phasenmodells der Studierendenbeteiligung herausgearbeitet und in Handlungsempfehlungen übersetzt, die zukünftigen Studierendengenerationen sowie Hochschulverantwortlichen Orientierung bei einer partizipativen Hochschulentwicklung bieten können.
Manipulationssichere und per Knopfdruck verifizierbare Digital Credentials: Die Blockchain als Initiator internationaler Kooperationsprojekte
Authors: Bertini Anastasia , Pentenrieder Annelie , Rebentisch Jan , Schaat Samer , Rentzsch Robert
Published: October 2021

Digital Credentials sind digitale Nachweise, die in verschiedenen Kontexten erbrachte Lernleistungen und Qualifikationen erfassen. Die automatische Verifizierbarkeit solcher Nachweise bildet die Grundlage für ihren sicheren und effizienten Austausch. Dafür setzen derzeit verschiedene nationale und internationale Projekte auf die Blockchain-Technologie. In diesem Beitrag werden vier internationale Hochschulkooperationen mit deutscher Beteiligung betrachtet: Credentify, DigiCerts, das Digital Credentials Consortium und EduCTX. Auf der Grundlage umfassender Recherchen und qualitativer Interviews werden die Projekte einerseits beschrieben, wobei auch grundlegende technische Konzepte erläutert werden. Andererseits werden die von den Projekten geteilten Herausforderungen sowie die Erwartungen, die von den verschiedenen Seiten an die Entwicklung von Digital-Credentials-Systemen gestellt werden, diskutiert.
Curriculumentwicklung im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung: Rahmenbedingungen, Herausforderungen, Formate und Inhalte
Authors: Seidl Tobias , Michel Antje
Published: October 2021

Der mit der Digitalisierung verbundene gesellschaftliche Transformationsprozess wirkt sich auch auf die Gestaltung von Studiengängen aus. Basierend auf Erkenntnissen der Ad-Hoc-AG „Curriculum 4.0“ des Hochschulforums Digitalisierung sowie ihrer Curriculumentwicklungsprojekte im Rahmen der Förderlinie „Curriculum 4.0“ des Stifterverbands für die Deutsche Wissenschaft diskutieren die Autorin und der Autor dieses Beitrags drei Herausforderungen für die Weiterentwicklung von Curricula: den Stellenwert der Digitalisierung als kompetenzorientierter Lerninhalt (2), die Flexibilisierung von Curricula innerhalb von Akkreditierungszyklen zur Integration von digitalkompetenzorientierten Lernzielen und Lehr-Lern-Formen (3) sowie die digitale Kompetenzentwicklung der Lehrenden (4). Der Beitrag bietet einen fachlichen Überblick sowie Reflexionsimpulse für die praktische (Weiter-)Entwicklung von Studiengängen.
Hochschulbildung und Digitalisierung – Entwicklungslinien und Trends für die 2020er-Jahre
Authors: Deimann Markus
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag geht von der grundlegenden These aus, dass ein Blick in die Zukunft, ohne die Lehren der Vergangenheit zu berücksichtigen, ins Leere läuft. Dies trifft auch auf den hier verhandelten Gegenstand zu. So haben sich in einem Diskurs, der bis in die 1990er-Jahre zurückreicht, charakteristische Argumentationsmuster der Auseinandersetzung mit technologieunterstützter Hochschulbildung herausgebildet, die beständig aktualisiert werden. Auf diese geht der Beitrag ein, um damit eine kritische Auseinandersetzung mit dem Phänomen der Digitalisierung als ein Fortschrittsnarrativ vorzubereiten. Zum Abschluss wird vor dem Hintergrund der COVID-19-Pandemie eine andere Lesart von Digitalisierung, die enger an den Bedürfnissen der Hochschullehre ansetzt, eingeführt.
Online-Planspiele als Wegbereiter für internationale und digitale Hochschullehre
Authors: Ivens Sven , Kaiser Konstantin
Published: October 2021

Dieser Beitrag untersucht, wie die innovative Methode des Online-Planspiels die Hochschullehre in Deutschland digitaler, kooperativer und internationaler gestalten kann. Ein solches Online-Planspiel hat Studierende der Politikwissenschaft an den Universitäten Antwerpen, Göttingen und Krakau im Wintersemester 2019/2020 auf einer Weboberfläche digital verhandeln und interagieren lassen. Die Erfahrungen, die die Studierenden während des Online-Planspiels gemacht haben, bilden die Grundlage dieser Untersuchung. Dabei wurde folgenden Fragen nachgegangen, um die Ergebnisse in den größeren Kontext der Hochschullehre einzuordnen: Wie bewerten die Studierenden das Online-Planspiel? Wie haben sie das digitale und internationale Arbeitsumfeld wahrgenommen? Welche Fähigkeiten fördert die Teilnahme an einem Online-Planspiel? Beantwortet wurden diese Fragen einerseits in Selbstreflexionen, andererseits in standardisierten Interviews, deren Inhalte mit einer evaluativen qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse analysiert wurden. Das Online-Planspiel wird sehr positiv bewertet, fast alle Teilnehmenden berichten von einem Lerneffekt. Es werden wichtige Lektionen für Online-Planspiele generell hinsichtlich des Workloads, des Durchführungszeitpunkts, des Umgangs mit Drop-outs und der digitalen Kommunikation aufgezeigt und Überlegungen angestellt, wie diese neuartige Lehrmethode dahin gehend zukünftig verbessert werden kann.
„Methode: Klebezettel“?! Design Thinking und die digitale Transformation der Hochschulen. Ein Beitrag zur Behebung des doppelten Technologiedefizits der Hochschuldidaktik
Authors: Schmidt Hans Jörg
Published: October 2021

Der Beitrag gibt einen konzeptorientierten Überblick zum Einsatz von Design Thinking (DT) an Hochschulen und verortet die Methode auf Grundlage einschlägiger Literatur im hochschuldidaktischen und DT-spezifischen Forschungsdiskurs. Außerdem werden Einsatzfelder, Bezüge zu verwandten Methoden, Stärken, Herausforderungen und Forschungsfragen herausgearbeitet und auf wesentliche Erfordernisse eines adäquaten Umgangs mit der digitalen Transformation in der Hochschuldidaktik (als wissenschaftliche Disziplin, Praxis sowie Beratung und Weiterbildung) bezogen. DT wird dabei als Prozesspromotor interpretiert, der die mit einem doppelten Technologiedefizit konfrontierte Hochschuldidaktik auf dem Weg zur digitalen Hochschulbildung voranbringen kann. Denn die langjährig erprobte Problemlösungsmethode DT fördert grundlegende Kompetenzen, wie Teamfähigkeit und interdisziplinäres Zusammenarbeiten, die angesichts der digitalen Transformation stark an Bedeutung gewinnen.
Wie kann digitale Bildung dazu beitragen, Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung in der Hochschullehre zu verankern?
Authors: Kohler Florian , Siegmund Alexander
Published: October 2021

Digitalisierung und nachhaltige Entwicklung sind zentrale gesellschaftliche Herausforderungen der heutigen Zeit. Dieser Beitrag zeigt, wie diese Querschnittsthemen in Form von digitaler Hochschulbildung, insbesondere E-Learning, die Vermittlung und Etablierung von Bildung für nachhaltige Entwicklung (BNE) in der Bildungslandschaft fördern können. Das Ziel von BNE ist es, Lernende zu befähigen, die Auswirkungen des eigenen Handelns auf die Welt zu verstehen und verantwortungsvolle, zukunftsgerichtete Entscheidungen treffen zu können. In diesem Beitrag wird diskutiert, wie die verschiedenen Prinzipien von erfolgreichem E-Learning sowie Elementen der Gamifizierung zur Vermittlung von BNE beitragen und welche Formate zur Überprüfung des Lernerfolgs genutzt werden können.
Fächerunterschiede in der digitalen Hochschulbildung – eine Analyse auf Basis von Publikationsdaten
Authors: Gross Philipp , Shajek Alexandra , Stelter Annette , Tödt Katia , Winterhager Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht anhand eines Scoping Reviews, wie sich die Nutzung digitaler Formate, Methoden und technologischer Ansätze des Lehrens und Lernens an Hochschulen im Zeitverlauf (1971–2019) verändert hat. Neben allgemeinen Entwicklungstrends stehen dabei insbesondere fachspezifische Unterschiede im Fokus, da erste Forschungsarbeiten darauf hindeuten, dass die Digitalisierung der Lehre in den einzelnen Disziplinen mit unterschiedlichen Schwerpunkten erfolgt (zum Beispiel Dicheva et al. 2015; Hoyer und Mundt 2017; Kaeding und Scholz 2012). Datengrundlage der Analyse bilden Publikationen aus der Datenbank Scopus, die sich mit digitaler Hochschulbildung beschäftigen. Im Ergebnis zeigen sich punktuelle Unterschiede zwischen den Fächergruppen im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs zur digitalen Hochschulbildung. So sind beispielsweise Publikationen zu MOOCs besonders im Bereich der Mathematik und Naturwissenschaften zu finden. Gamification ist besonders in den Ingenieurwissenschaften ein Thema und problem based learning im Bereich Humanmedizin/Gesundheitswissenschaften. Diese fachspezifischen Besonderheiten lassen sich jedoch in deutlich geringerem Ausmaß nachweisen als erwartet. Die Ergebnisse ließen sich so interpretieren, dass die Chancen der Digitalisierung, die sich insbesondere in der Verknüpfung mit den Besonderheiten der jeweiligen Fachkultur für die Hochschullehre ergeben, noch nicht genügend ergriffen werden.
Landeshochschulverbünde in der digitalen Hochschulbildung. Ziele, Leitideen, Synergiepotenziale
Authors: Ladwig Tina , Arndt Christiane
Published: October 2021

Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt Einblick in das Forschungsprojekt BRIDGING. Im Fokus stehen formalisierte Hochschulverbünde auf Bundeslandebene im Themenfeld Digitalisierung in Studium und Lehre. Ausgehend von einem kurzen (historischen) Überblick über aktuelle Landesinitiativen in Deutschland, werden Motive, Ziele und Leitideen vorgestellt. Danach werden Einschätzungen von Akteur*innen zu möglichen Synergien hinsichtlich einer Bundesland- und damit netzwerkübergreifenden Zusammenarbeit dargelegt. Ziel ist es, eine empirische Annäherung an einen ganzheitlichen bundesweiten Überblick über Motive, Leitideen und Umsetzungsansätze im Rahmen bestehender Netzwerke und Landesinitiativen zu geben. Die Basis hierfür bilden sowohl Expert*inneninterviews als auch eine nicht repräsentative Umfrage in den unterschiedlichen Netzwerken.
Model theory of monadic predicate logic with the infinity quantifier
Authors: Carreiro Facundo , Facchini Alessandro , Venema Yde , Zanasi Fabio
Published: October 2021

This paper establishes model-theoretic properties of$$\texttt {M} \texttt {E} ^{\infty }$$ME∞, a variation of monadic first-order logic that features the generalised quantifier$$\exists ^\infty $$∃∞(‘there are infinitely many’). We will also prove analogous versions of these results in the simpler setting of monadic first-order logic with and without equality ($$\texttt {M} \texttt {E} $$MEand$$\texttt {M} $$M, respectively). For each logic$$\texttt {L} \in \{ \texttt {M} , \texttt {M} \texttt {E} , \texttt {M} \texttt {E} ^{\infty }\}$$L∈{M,ME,ME∞}we will show the following. We provide syntactically defined fragments of$$\texttt {L} $$Lcharacterising four different semantic properties of$$\texttt {L} $$L-sentences: (1) being monotone and (2) (Scott) continuous in a given set of monadic predicates; (3) having truth preserved under taking submodels or (4) being truth invariant under taking quotients. In each case, we produce an effectively defined map that translates an arbitrary sentence$$\varphi $$φto a sentence$$\varphi ^\mathsf{p}$$φpbelonging to the corresponding syntactic fragment, with the property that$$\varphi $$φis equivalent to$$\varphi ^\mathsf{p}$$φpprecisely when it has the associated semantic property. As a corollary of our developments, we obtain that the four semantic properties above are decidable for$$\texttt {L} $$L-sentences.
Effective Technique for Pancreas Transplantation by Iliac Vascular Transposition, Without Heparin‐Based Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Sato Yu , Hisadome Yu , Mei Takanori , Noguchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: October 2021

Background

To evaluate patients undergoing a new procedure, iliac vascular transposition, in pancreas transplantation regarding the risk of thrombosis and graft survival without heparin‐based anticoagulation therapy.

Methods

Iliac vascular transposition (IVT) involves changing the positions of the external iliac artery and vein relative to each other. In this study, this technique was evaluated in patients undergoing the procedure compared with patients not undergoing the procedure (iliac vascular parallel (IVP) group).

Results

No patients received prophylactic heparin therapy. Two patients in the IVP group (n = 26) developed complete thrombosis and six developed partial thrombosis, compared with no patients with complete thrombosis and one with partial thrombosis in the IVT group (n = 29). The cumulative incidence of thrombosis was significantly higher in the IVP group (p < 0.01). Cox regression revealed that not receiving iliac vascular transposition was the only significant risk factor for thrombosis (odds ratio: 10.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.27–81.2; p = 0.03). One‐year graft survival was significantly better in the IVT group vs IVP group (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

IVT in pancreas transplantation is a simple technique that results in a lower thrombosis risk and better graft survival rates without heparin‐based anticoagulation therapy.
The influence of direct radiative forcing versus indirect sea surface temperature warming on southern hemisphere subtropical anticyclones under global warming
Authors: Fahad Abdullah A. , Burls Natalie J.
Published: October 2021

Southern hemisphere subtropical anticyclones are projected to change in a warmer climate during both austral summer and winter. A recent study of CMIP 5 & 6 projections found a combination of local diabatic heating changes and static-stability-induced changes in baroclinic eddy growth as the dominant drivers. Yet the underlying mechanisms forcing these changes still remain uninvestigated. This study aims to enhance our mechanistic understanding of what drives these Southern Hemisphere anticyclones changes during both seasons. Using an AGCM, we decompose the response to CO2-induced warming into two components: (1) the fast atmospheric response to direct CO2radiative forcing, and (2) the slow atmospheric response due to indirect sea surface temperature warming. Additionally, we isolate the influence of tropical diabatic heating with AGCM added heating experiments. As a complement to our numerical AGCM experiments, we analyze the Atmospheric and Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project experiments. Results from sensitivity experiments show that slow subtropical sea surface temperature warming primarily forces the projected changes in subtropical anticyclones through baroclinicity change. Fast CO2atmospheric radiative forcing on the other hand plays a secondary role, with the most notable exception being the South Atlantic subtropical anticyclone in austral winter, where it opposes the forcing by sea surface temperature changes resulting in a muted net response. Lastly, we find that tropical diabatic heating changes only significantly influence Southern Hemisphere subtropical anticyclone changes through tropospheric wind shear changes during austral winter.