bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability of water fittings in operating conditions
Authors: Svintsov Alexander , Alekseev Evgeniy , Shambina Svetlana , Fediuk Roman , Fominov Vladislav
Published: May 2021

Water fittings are an integral part of the internal water supply system. The reliability of their work under operating conditions largely influence on the continuity of water supply to the population. The reliability indicators of sanitary fittings allow the services responsible for the technical condition of the indoor water supply of houses to pay priority attention to the factors that determine the uninterrupted water supply of the population and reduce the loss of drinking water. In this study, the results of indicators of operational reliability of faucets for sinks in kitchens and washbasins in toilet rooms of apartments of multi-store residential buildings in a residential neighborhood are presented. The study was performed based on the analysis of records in the logs of data on valve failures for 2016-2018. The main malfunctions are established, the random coincidence of which leads to failures. The reliability of sanitary fittings is affected not only by their structure and the characteristics of the materials, as well as by the exploitation conditions. The probability of failure-free operation of sanitary fittings in exploitation conditions for a time not exceeding the duration of the reduction of water supply to consumers in residential buildings is the basic parameter of its reliability.
Application of the Energy Service Contract to Improve Energy Efficiency in Use of Resources in the Housing and Utility Complex
Authors: Shilkina Svetlana
Published: May 2021

The need for development of new efficient technologies in the modern world arises from growth in resource consumption. One of the main consumers of fuel and energy resources in Russia is a housing and utility complex. More than half of the buildings in the country were built more than 40 years ago. Despite the fact that the buildings, for the most part, have not yet their service life expired, the systems that provide electricity, heat and water to housing and utility services are in an unsatisfactory condition, they are morally outdated and do not meet modern needs. In recent decades, many developments that bring significant savings in resources appeared, both by reducing losses during their transportation, and by introducing technologies that optimize using of the resources. Implementation of such projects, although it brings tangible savings in resources, requires significant financial investments. Households and large municipalities often do not have an opportunity to find such significant money at a time. A solution to this problem can be involvement of an energy service company, which at its own expense implements a project to improve the energy efficiency of using resources, and then, within several years, it will receive some income for cost of saved resources. The article examines one of such projects, presents possible ways of implementing energy service activities, and presents the results of financial and economic calculations of consequences of a potential investor’s participation in such a project. As a result of implementation of the energy service project, electricity consumption will decrease by 15 %, the saved funds will allow the investor to have the return on investment from participation in the project in the amount of more than 25 % per annum, and the customer will significantly improve reliability and quality of providing the population with electricity. Results of the research conducted by the author demonstrate a great potential of practice of implementing energy service contracts for solving priority tasks of increasing the energy efficiency of the housing and utility complex.
Theoretical and experimental substantiation of the system of local removal of harmful substances during the combustion of candles in the worship hall of Orthodox churches and cathedrals
Authors: Eremkin Alexander , Ponomareva Inna
Published: May 2021

The analysis of the features of Orthodox churches, temples and cathedrals, elements of the design of the halls of worship, and their preservation. The types of hazards generated during the burning of candles and the parishioners and staff present are systematized. Thermal imaging surveys of convective flows formed during candle combustion were carried out. A technique for conducting experiments and a diagram of an experimental setup for measuring the temperature and air velocity in a convective jet have been developed. The diagram of the convective flow structure is presented, which consists of individual jets from each candle. The results of the study have been obtained, which make it possible to determine the area of stable convective flow and the place of installation of the exhaust hood above the candlestick, as well as the distance between the burning candles and the edge of the bottom of the umbrella. A local mechanical exhaust ventilation system with umbrellas has been developed to trap and remove harmful substances from the worship hall and provide comfortable conditions for parishioners and preserve the decoration elements of the halls. The characteristics and conditions for the efficient operation of the hoods in the local exhaust ventilation system and the factors influencing their operation are given.
Determination of the patch cords lengths distribution physical layer of the modern automation systems of smart city and smart home by the Monte Carlo method
Authors: Semenov Andrey
Published: May 2021

A method for determining the distribution of patch cord lengths for the formation of the physical layer of modern IP-control systems is proposed. Assuming the formation of the switching field on a regular basis and the equiprobable connection of individual ports, a procedure was developed for determining the probability density function of the cord lengths, taking into account the necessary margin in case of unevenness of the laying. The calculation of the distribution has been performed and it is shown that it is advisable to use patch cords with a length of 1–2 m in control systems.
Heat recovery by means of a ventilation unit
Authors: Khlopitsyn Dmitrii , Rymarov Andrey
Published: May 2021

Energy consumption all over the world is constantly growing. To save energy, new technologies are being developed for the efficient use of energy resources. The goal of all new developments is to use less energy to provide the same level of energy supply for technological processes or buildings. The problem of energy saving is relevant for the ventilation system. Together with the removed air, a large amount of heat is lost, which is not advisable. In order to avoid these losses, heat recuperators began to be used, heating the cold supply air due to the warm air removed from the room. This development belongs to the field of energy saving. The goal is to increase efficiency by reheating the air after the heater with the help of a recuperator for a given temperature difference in the supply air before and after the recuperative heat exchanger. The development is a design of a ventilation unit with air removal and supply air ducts, combined into one housing with a separate, according to the “screw” principle, heat transfer wall, for use in the ventilation system in order to ensure an optimal microclimate in the room. Thus, as a result of using the presented device, the efficiency of the room ventilation unit is increased by reducing the energy consumption for heating the supply air with a heater.
Construction machine scrubbing, water management
Authors: Dipotet Mollinedo Luis Guillermo
Published: May 2021

Faced with the pollution problem that they generate, the discharge of large volumes of wastewater, to the groundwater table, caused by cleaning operations in the machine scrubbing facilities and construction equipment in the network of workshops of the construction company in La Republic of Cuba.

The work for the solution of the proposed problem consists of the projection and execution of an installation, for the sedimentation of clay, dust, stones, heavy metals, as well as swimming fats, as a treatment, for the separation of solids, from the rest of the components of wastewater that result from the scrubbing process of construction equipment. The installation for the recovery of these important volumes of water; which is the essence of this article; its operation is based on the discrimination of waste, by its specific weights, resulting from scrubbing. For the processing of wastewater, a treatment system is conceived, with two multiple tanks placed in “cascades” where the settling of the solids is guaranteed, by undergoing two consecutive filtrations. At the end of the process, clean water is obtained, which will be reused for a new scrubbing, which accumulates in a clear water tank, thereby contributing to the saving of drinking water and energy, so necessary in human activity.
Modular greening technologies for buildings
Authors: Korol Elena , Shushunova Natalia , Nikitina Maria , Shushunova Tatiana
Published: May 2021

In this research we provide the analysis of the modern green wall technologies. The modular greening technology for the buildings is universal invention with respect to the purpose of the building and it is applicable for greening buildings intended for any spheres of «going into nature» aims. The complexity of installation work of this modular constructive greening system is quite low, which is one of the main advantages of the invention. Due to the fact that the system can be installed both vertically and horizontally, a single coating system of modules is formed. These modules can optimally fill the facades of the building due to the fact that their dimensions can vary. The constructive weight of the system is not large; for this, the technological process is optimized. This system is the most environmentally and technically efficient for the green buildings.
Organizational and technological computer-aided process of real estate management
Authors: Girya Lidiya , Zorenko Ekaterina , Ulianov Nikita , Egorov Dmitriy , Nechepurenko Aleksey
Published: May 2021

The relevance of the article consists in the most frequent use of computer-aided information systems in all human sectors, including building management. These measures implementation may entail more efficient resource use and make citizens lives easier and better. The study seeks to develop a model for computer-aided project managing residential complexes and business centers based on digital technologies. For this reason, the following tasks were completed: we studied the theoretical issues of computer- aided real estate management; defined the product requirements from the perspective management company; analyzed the usefulness of introducing a product for a management company; evaluated the economic efficiency. We have identified solutions that help save and optimize the use of resources. Under this study we identified the solutions enforcing careful and optimized use of resources.
A study of aspects of structural design based on application of complete modular units
Authors: Rybakova Angelina
Published: May 2021

In the middle of the 20th century, technical progress allowed to maximize the size of building units, which has led to the advent of new industrial construction systems and increased construction progress rates. However, today the problem remains not completely solved and is still a vexed one. Prefabrication is not widely used, though many structural design experts predict its widespread rollout in the near future. It makes it necessary to find out the obstacles in the way of further development. The purpose of this work is to study prefabrication aspects. The objective of the study is identification of fundamental attributes common to complete modular units (the ones that include equipment and furnishings). The improvement of such aspects is meant to drastically increase design quality. The paper envelops the basic concepts of prefabrication, describes characteristics of complete modular units and analyzes the prefabrication algorithm taking into account existing BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.
Elements contributing to the environ-urban dimension of a smart city concept
Authors: Sedova Anastasiia , Balakina Alevtina
Published: May 2021

Smart city concept concerns urban innovations based on but not limited by the wide application of IoT. Whereas, four dimensions encompass various elements of smart cities: governance dimension, environ-urban dimension, socio-institutional dimension, and techno-economic. The research focuses on the score of factors contributing to the environ-urban dimension. Based on the previous research of the authors, where the elements of the studied dimension were listed according to their importance, this paper uses QCA methodology in order to understand which elements should be proceeded first among the element of similar high importance when driving cities to the smart development. Fourteen cities in which smart practices are being realised, were retrieved among a top hundred cities around the globe from the heatmap which shows the places people like the most. The paper concludes with the recommendations what elements are able to fill environ-urban dimension effectively, that can support cities which have recently started the way to the smart city concept.
Organizational and technological parameters of facade works and influencing factors
Authors: Fakhratov Mukhammet , Fadhil Ibrahim
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the organizational and technological features of construction.

The organization of construction production for the installation of facade systems with an air gap during the construction of buildings is associated with coordination with general construction works. Often, construction management projects developed at the design stage are adjusted taking into account the current conditions. These changes can occur both before the start of work and during the production of work. The introduction of organizational and technological changes in the production process of work can lead to a significant decrease in technical and economic indicators. In this regard, it is relevant to resolve the issues of assessment and selection of effective organizational and technological solutions for the device of facade systems. The difficulty is the assessment of factors with different dimensions of quantitative and qualitative indicators. Installation of facade systems is a work performed in the open air, in connection with which there are factors that have a rather strong influence on the complexity of the work. In addition, as with any other construction work, it depends on the completion of other construction work. Another important feature of the organization of facade work is the orientation of the work front in the unfamiliar plane of the building. The study of this type of work is relevant and is of interest from a scientific point of view, not only in matters of constructive solutions for and organization of work and the use of appropriate machines and mechanisms. A well-grounded choice of technological equipment and the number and qualification of workers will increase the performance of work.
Open data formats in building information modeling
Authors: Baranova Olga
Published: May 2021

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is one of the most actively developing approaches to the digital representation of the design of buildings and structures, which makes it possible to ensure the relationship of both geometric and functional characteristics of a designed object. The organization of information exchange within the framework of the development of IM during various stages of the life cycle is a rather difficult task, since the historical development of software products used for the design of IM elements has led to the use of various data presentation formats for solving specialized design and calculation problems. In the documents analyzed in the work, two formats with an open specification — IFC and XML — are mentioned as a means of information exchange in the development of IM. In addition to the undoubted advantages of using the IFC using the EXPRESS data specification language as a means of ensuring the interoperability of information systems, there are currently difficulties with the practical application of this format in information modeling, including for organizing joint work. XML-schema can be used as an alternative to the representation of IM in the IFC for organizing data exchange between various information systems, including when implementing joint work on IM through web applications. The use of alternative to EXPRESS schemes for the definition of IM data makes it possible to simplify the organization of information transfer between participants in the information exchange, as well as to unify the presentation of design information.
Usage of additional coefficients for the cost of works during the engineering-technical investigation of buildings
Authors: Perunov Aleksandr , Doroshin Ivan
Published: May 2021

The questions of frequency of using for some correcting coefficients for definition of cost of works on the engineering technical investigation are presented in the article. These coefficients are specified in recommended cost documents. There suggested the using of some other coefficients, suiting for specific investigation organization, that are not recommended in sourcebooks.

The list of coefficients, considering the complicating factors and conditions of investigation are brought in regulatory document. The frequency of using for these coefficients in the specific laboratory is given. The conditions are described, at which the value of coefficients is correctly defined, that depends on the frequency of use of these coefficients in the explored organization.

The comparison is brought between different regulatory documents (sourcebooks) by which the cost of engineering-technical investigation is calculated. The coefficients are given, that consider complicating factors, used in the specific organization, that is explored, and absent in regulatory documents. The reasons are explained, by which these coefficients must be taken into account at engineering-technical investigation.
Simulation of aeration of buildings erected on complex terrain
Authors: Giyasov Adham , Kim Dmitry
Published: May 2021

The problem of improving the environment by rational use of natural resources is currently very relevant. By means of theoretical and experimental metrological and aerodynamic studies, the infiltration processes between the internal and external air environment during the wind flow around buildings of buildings erected on complex terrain, as well as the adjacent territories of residential development, are established, which allows us to assess the heat loss and ventilation conditions of buildings under wind pressure. A model of the formation of the circulation zone for different geometric parameters of buildings, wind flow velocity and slope steepness is developed, which allows preliminary forecasting of the aeration regime of the adjacent territories. Zones of backwater and calm wind in the adjacent territories were identified. A model of the wind shadow zone has been compiled, which allows the designer to zone the territory adjacent to the building at the design stage, taking into account the aeration regime of the development.
Application technology solar thermal power plant in Al-Kut
Authors: Sheina Svetlana , Muhsin Murtadha , Girya Lidiya
Published: May 2021

In this research, we study the operation and challenges of a renewable energy facility in the city of Kut, in central Iraq, which is common in Iraq, the electricity is generating from oil and gas which are harmful to the environment. In the article we have made a detailed study on power generation by relying on sunlight and the water of the Tigris River (the most famous river in Iraq). The article aims to develop detailed solutions to obtain energy without harming the environment by converting solar thermal energy into kinetic energy to generate the steam needed to rotate turbines during the day. And stored energy for use at night. The research shows the results of renewable energy evaluation and technology management in Iraq. To reduce the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels to maintain a safe and clean environment. The world today has already begun to turn to this type of energy, and Iraq is one of the first countries in the Middle East, which has a good climate and record conditions for the success of renewable energy projects, technology renewable energy projects in Iraq is a must, given our lack of such important projects in the public interest.
Protection of Indoor Air from Radioactive Gas Radon
Authors: Shubin Igor , Bakaeva Natalya , Kalaydo Alexander
Published: May 2021

A modern human receives most of the radioactive annual dose in buildings from radon and its progeny, which can cause lung cancer. In such conditions, the design of radon-safe buildings is an urgent task in the context of preserving the population collective health. The paper shows the inefficiency of using the radon flux density from the soil surface as a criterion for the potential radon hazard of a construction site due to its significant temporal and spatial variability. The design of an experimental device, which makes it possible to simulate the real conditions of radon transport in soil in laboratory conditions, is described, and the results of determining the dominant radon transport mechanism in soil by means of a laboratory experiment are presented. A method for determining the required radon resistance of the floor structure is proposed on the basis of the diffusion model of stationary transport.
Analysis of international experience in the field of building information modelling of transport infrastructure objects
Authors: Zheleznov Maxim , Adamtsevich Liubov , Vorobev Pavel , Filimonova Zoya
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the authors consider the current state and level of implementation of building information modeling applied to transport infrastructure at the stages of their life cycle in Russia and abroad. Possible prerequisites for the transfer of knowledge and technologies of building information modeling from the civil and industrial facilities to the field of transport construction are highlighted according to the accumulated experience in the design, construction and operation of such facilities in various countries and Russia. Special emphasis is placed on examples of the world’s largest implemented or ongoing projects for the construction of transport infrastructure. The experience of implementing these projects was analyzed from the point of view of the software used in relation to all stages of the life cycle of transport infrastructure objects: design, construction and subsequent operation. The prospects for the development of data exchange formats in the context of the existing problem of mutual integration of BIM and GIS for transport infrastructure objects to ensure their complementarity and compatibility are also considered. The functional levels of the use of various software within the framework of companies implementing project activities using information modeling technologies are highlighted. A list of criteria characterizing the level of information modeling technologies integration to transport infrastructure objects into the activities of participants in the life cycle of these objects is highlighted. A review of the regulatory framework of information modeling in construction in Russia is carried out, and the main differences in this area with the regulatory regulation of this area in the European Union are noted. Conclusions are made about the key reference points for the development of information modeling of transport infrastructure facilities on a national scale, leading customer companies and contractors.
Climate Change and Behavior Patterns of Urban Residents
Authors: Ivanova Zinaida , Naimavičienė Jurga
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study is to identify patterns of consumer’s behaviour related to climate change. Research method: sociological survey. The authors conducted sociological surveys among the architecture students of the National Research Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (NRU MGSU) concerning their attitude to the climate change and the sense of personal responsibility for the current events. The results converged with the results of the European Sociological Survey (2017-2018), and discrepancies were insignificant. Drawing on the findings the authors identified behaviour models with regard for the climate change. They concluded that consumer behaviour is influenced by numerous factors, including the system of traditional values, the attitude to nature, to its resources, the government policy in respect of the climate change, as well as the effort to promote pro-environmental behaviors. Author s expanded the scope of the research and analyzed the opinions of the architecture students about the regard for climate-related factors in architectural design. The conclusion is that the problem is not well clear to the students of the civil engineering university. Although 100% of the respondents acknowledged the need to take account of the climate-related factors in the course of urban design and construction, only 21.4% of respondents listed some elements of architecture capable of protecting the climate. The reasons for the unawareness include poor climate education, information unavailability and an overall lack of climatic culture.
Quan Ho cultural space
Authors: Ngo Thi Kim Dung
Published: May 2021

Quan Ho singing is a unique cultural practice originated in Bac Ninh, Northern Vietnam. Various aspects of this custom from historical values to cultural impacts have been thoroughly examined. There is, however, no comprehensive study explores Quan Ho under the scope of urban planning and architecture. In recent years, Bac Ninh has been increasingly urbanized, leading to changes in multiple elements of Quan Ho culture, especially cultural space. This paper focuses on such cultural space, presents publicly available data, and collects data along with qualitative, quantitative and comparative analysis to address the effects of urbanization on Quan Ho cultural space. The paper considers characteristics, factors and changing trends of this cultural space, therefore confirms how transformation of Quan Ho cultural space is unavoidable. The paper also addresses planning and architectural requirements to harmonize between preservation and development. Among these requirements, the paper discusses in detail proper programming to optimize green spaces and limit over-urbanization, as well as planning original Quan Ho villages based on two distinctive models: adaptive preservation and development of new facilities on the old foundation. Proper landuse is suggested to build new living space to accommodate the evolving Quan Ho culture in modern society.
The engineering and pedagogical workers’ professional development: lessons from training needs analysis
Authors: Tologonova Аida , Bekboeva Rahat , Alibaeva Damira
Published: May 2021

The article reflects the results of the needs analysis for training of engineering and pedagogical workers of construction educational institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic, based on the methodology for assessing the professional competencies of engineering and pedagogical workers for the compliance of their knowledge and skills with the criteria for performing work laid down in professional standards in the Specialty and in Pedagogy. It was revealed that there is a certain gap between the necessary (by professional standards) and available professional competencies of engineering and teaching workers. The methodology under consideration will allow the management of educational institutions to constantly monitor the level of professional competencies of engineering and pedagogical workers, to identify the missing competencies of engineering and pedagogical workers, and to form an individual trajectory of professional development.
Perspective tourism development on the European coast Russia
Authors: Poleshchuk Maxim , Klimenko Inna
Published: May 2021

The article is devoted to the potential for the development of tourism in the coastal territories of Russia. The text is to provide possible ways of create the new tourist centers in the several research regions. The coastal territories of the European part of the Russian Federation have great potential for the development as traditional forms of tourism, as innovative with creative technologies, original cruise routes. Territorial and transport accessibility, a variety of natural resourses, great historical potential, a combination of a significant local tourists flow from neighboring and other regions of the country, creates a durable economic base for development tourism in Russia, including the international level.
Reconstruction and restoration of monuments of white stone architecture on the example of the church of the Image of Edessa in Abramtsevo
Authors: Borovaya E.L. , Zommer T.V. , Chernyshev S.N. , Bartsits R.Ch. , Chistov P.D.
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the topic of preserving the historical appearance of objects during the reconstruction and restoration of architectural masterpieces. The analysis of the historical experience of recreating samples of ancient Russian architecture with elements of sculptural white stone reliefs is carried out on the example of the group method of work of members of the Abramtsevo art circle, imitating the activities of the national art collective. Based on the analysis of historical experience in the framework of the Abramtsevo Art Circle and their own research, the authors have established the basic principles of reconstruction and restoration of architectural monuments. When conveying of white stone works as masterpieces of ancient Russian architecture, technological techniques must be based on the ideological basis of creating an emotional and artistic atmosphere of collective creativity of folk masters. During the reconstruction and restoration of white stone architecture, it is also necessary to reproduce the natural irregularities of the walls themselves as a stylistic and functional feature of the historical time, designed to give originality to ancient buildings, taking into account the specifics of the perception of the relief of the walls of the monument as a similarity to the terrain.
Der venöse Schleifenshunt 1
Authors: Krönung Gerhard
Published: May 2021

Loop-Konfigurationen sind nicht auf Gefäßersatz-Shunts beschränkt. Auch autologe Shunts können spontan oder iatrogen eine Loop-Konfiguration zeigen. Das oft lange Venensegment und eine proximale AV-Anastomose (AV: arteriovenös) sind grundsätzlich stealprotektiv.
Schäden und Arzneimittelinteraktionen in der Niere gezielt vorhersagen
Authors: Dominik Alscher Mark
Published: May 2021

Fast ein Viertel aller akuten Nierenschäden sind medikamentös induziert. Die proximalen Tubulusepithelien (PTE) der Nieren reagieren diesbezüglich besonders empfindlich und sind deshalb ein guter Indikator für nephrotoxische Eigenschaften von Medikamenten. Pharmazeutische Unternehmen nutzen deshalb PTE-Zellen (PTEC), die als 2D-Modell in vitro auf einen Chip aufgebracht sind, um die Nephrotoxizität von Medikamenten vorherzusagen, noch bevor sie in klinischen Studien eingesetzt werden. Die Ergebnisse haben aber häufig wenig Vorhersagekraft. Eine Erklärung dafür ist, dass die 2D-Modelle keine physiologische Architektur aufweisen und die Mikroumgebung fehlt. Ein erweitertes Modell sind mikrofluidische Hochdurchsatz-3D-Plattformen, die ein genaueres Screeninginstrument sein könnten.
Gastrointestinal Ultrasound in Functional Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract - EFSUMB Consensus Statement
Authors: Maconi Giovanni , Hausken Trygve , Dietrich Christoph F. , Pallotta Nadia , Sporea Ioan , Nurnberg Dieter , Dirks Klaus , Romanini Laura , Serra Carla , Braden Barbara , Sparchez Zeno , Gilja Odd Helge
Published: May 2021

Abdominal ultrasonography and intestinal ultrasonography are widely used as first diagnostic tools for investigating patients with abdominal symptoms, mainly for excluding organic diseases. However, gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS), as a real-time diagnostic imaging method, can also provide information on motility, flow, perfusion, peristalsis, and organ filling and emptying, with high temporal and spatial resolution. Thanks to its noninvasiveness and high repeatability, GIUS can investigate functional gastrointestinal processes and functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGID) by studying their behavior over time and their response to therapy and providing insight into their pathophysiologic mechanisms. The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) has established a Task Force Group consisting of GIUS experts, which developed clinical recommendations and guidelines on the role of GIUS in several acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases. This review is dedicated to the role of GIUS in assisting the diagnosis of FGID and particularly in investigating patients with symptoms of functional disorders, such as dysphagia, reflux disorders, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. The available scientific evidence of GIUS in detecting, assessing, and investigating FGID are reported here, while highlighting sonographic findings and its usefulness in a clinical setting, defining the actual and potential role of GIUS in the management of patients, and providing information regarding future applications and research.
Chemotherapy Delays Are Associated with Inferior Outcome in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Cancer Center in South India
Authors: Agrawal Vineet , Kayal Smita , Ganesan Prasanth , Dubashi Biswajit
Published: May 2021

Background Treatment protocols for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have evolved over time to give excellent cure rates in children and moderate outcomes in adults; however, little is known how delays in chemotherapy affect long-term survival.

Objectives To find the association of delays during different treatment phases on the survival outcomes.

Materials and Methods Data from 149 ALL cases treated between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment course in commonly used protocols was divided into three phases—induction, consolidation (postremission), maintenance, and also a combined intensive phase (induction plus consolidation) for the purpose of analysis, and delay in each phase was defined based on clinically acceptable breaks. Analysis was done to find the impact of treatment delay in each phase on the survival outcomes.

Results The median age was 12 years (range, 1–57). Multi-center Protocol-841 (MCP-841) was used for 72%, German Multicenter Study Group for Adult ALL (GMALL) for 19%, and Berlin, Frankfurt, Muenster, 95 protocol (BFM-95) for 9% of patients. Delay in induction was seen in 52%, consolidation in 66%, and during maintenance in 42% of patients. The median follow-up was 41 months, and 3-year survival outcomes for the entire cohort were event-free survival (EFS)—60%, relapse-free survival (RFS)—72%, and overall survival (OS)—68%. On univariate analysis, delay in induction adversely affected EFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.78, p = 0.04), while delay in intensive phase had significantly worse EFS and RFS (HR = 2.41 [p = 0.03] and HR = 2.57 [p = 0.03], respectively). On separate analysis of MCP-841 cohort, delay in intensive phase affected both EFS (HR = 3.85, p = 0.02) and RFS (HR = 3.42, p = 0.04), whereas delay in consolidation significantly affected OS with (HR = 4.74, p = 0.04) independently.

Conclusion Treatment delays mostly in intensive phase are associated with worse survival in ALL; attempts should be made to maintain protocol-defined treatment intensity while adequately managing toxicities.
kma Entscheider Blog: Wie Annalena Baerbock das Gesundheitswesen verändern würde
Authors: Köbe Philipp
Published: May 2021

Annalena Baerbock ist die erste Kanzlerkandidatin der Grünen. Ihre Chancen stehen sehr gut, die nächste Bundesregierung anzuführen. Doch welche Pläne hat ihre Partei für das deutsche Gesundheitssystem?
Microscratch of copper by a Rockwell C diamond indenter under a constant load
Authors: Liu Ming
Published: May 2021

The scratch test is used for quality control mostly in phenomenological ways, and whether fracture toughness can be obtained from this test is still a matter of debate requiring further elucidation. In this paper, values of the fracture toughness of copper obtained by different scratch-based approaches are compared in order to examine the applicability of scratch-based methodologies to characterize the fracture toughness of soft metals. The scratch response of copper to a Rockwell C diamond indenter is studied under a constant normal load condition. The variations of penetration depth, residual depth, and residual scratch width with applied normal load are quantified from spherical to sphero-conical contact regimes by piecewise functions. A newly proposed size effect law is found to be the most suitable for scratch-based approaches to characterizing the fracture toughness of soft metallic materials with significant plasticity. A simple expression relating the nominal stress to the penetration depth is proposed for the spherical contact regime and gives almost the same value of fracture toughness. The residual scratch width provides useful information on pile-up of material and on the spherical tip radius of the indenter. It is found that the values of the fracture toughness obtained from the microscratch test are influenced by the data range for analysis.
Achyranthes aspera (devil's horsewhip).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: May 2021

Physiology and Phenology: A. aspera is a coarse herb or shrub, sometimes growing in arable land as an annual, but under suitable conditions lasting for a number of years and reaching a height of 4 m. There are sun and shade adapted types (Vora et al., 1989). Reproductive Biology: In germination studies of desert plants, Khan et al. (1984) noted little seed dormancy in this species. Associations: A. aspera displays anti-feedant activity against gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera; Singh et al., 2001).
Objective performance assessment on trainees of a VATS simulation program: A prospective single center study
Authors: Koliakos E , Bedat B , Caput B , Hasenauer A , Federici S , Ojanguren-Arranz A , Gonzalez M , Krueger T , Perentes J Y
Published: May 2021

Objective

A prospective single center study to assess the objective impact on motion performance of a VATS simulation program on thoracic surgery trainees.

Methods

We developed a 6-month VATS simulation training program including exercises of progressive complexity on 3 different black box simulators: a 2D and 3D lobectomy model (Stupnik®) and a 3D perfused lobectomy model (Crabtree®). Between November 2019 and 2020, all consecutive thoracic surgery residents (study group) were prospectively enrolled in this weekly training program that was supervised by a board certified thoracic surgeon. We compared an objective performance evaluation of the study group before and after the training program by assessing movement parameters (distance in cm, time in sec) and absence of shock/extreme motion (%) on 3 simple standardized thoracoscopic exercises (peg placement on a board, rope insertion in loops and precision circle cutting) using the Simball®. Also, we determined the objective performance 6 months apart of 5 final year medical students (unexperienced controls) that were not trained.

Results

There were 7 residents (2 female and 5 male, median age: 29 [range: 26-34] years) who completed the 6-month VATS simulation training program. Five residents were in their first year while two had >3 year experience. The study group's objective performance improved significantly for all three movement parameters in all standardized exercises (Figure 1) after the training program. The objective performance of the unexperienced control group was comparable to the study group before training, but it remained unchanged at 6 months (p > 0.05). When comparing unexperienced and advanced residents, we observed that the training program had more impact on improving the performance for unexperienced residents (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the implementation of a VATS simulation training program improves the objective performance of trainees compared to controls. Such programs could be interesting adjuncts for residents.
Why Does Social Work Work? A Proposal for a Social Work Understanding of Causality
Authors: Dollinger Bernd
Published: May 2021

In a critical examination of evidence-based approaches, the contribution argues for the development of a concept of causality that is sustainable for social work in order to explain why it has an impact. Two special features of social work are important in this respect: it is confronted with relatively high complexity and service users shape the effects of social work in their interactions with professionals. A social work conceptualisation of causality should consider both aspects, and it should be analytically grounded in interactions between professionals and service users. However, their interrelated practices do not stand alone. Interactions are always reflexively accompanied by the participants. The awareness and expectation that social work measures (should) have consequences is part of the practice of social work and its effects.
Uncertainty and general equilibrium: an evaluation of Professor Knight’s contributions to economics
Authors: Brooke Geoffrey T F , Cheung Lydia
Published: May 2021

One hundred years ago Frank Hyneman Knight made a distinction between risk and uncertainty. The distinction, and the theories of profit and entrepreneurship that followed from it, are widely considered his most important contributions to economic theory. In this paper, we ask why they have not had more impact on economic theory and whether they are indeed his most important contributions. The distinction between risk and uncertainty has been of limited use; in making it, Knight overlooked all forms of partial information. The uncertainty theory of profit in turn has been superseded by theories of imperfect competition based on oligopoly and monopolistic competition. Rather than these innovations, Knight’s real contribution to economics was promoting the model of perfect competition.
DOP07 Ulcerative Colitis associated single nucleotide polymorphisms found in transcription factor binding sites effect key pathogenesis pathways and facilitate patient stratification
Authors: Modos D , Brooks-Warburton J , Sudhakar P , Madgwick M , Fazekas D , Szalay-Beko M , Thomas J P , Verstockt B , Watson A , Tremelling M , Parkes M , Vermeire S , Bender A , Carding S R , Korcsmaros T
Published: May 2021

Background

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) are mostly in non-coding regions of the genome. Because of that, it has been challenging to determine their role in the disease onset and severity. We have previously developed an integrative workflow (termed iSNP) to understand better how these SNPs are involved in the pathogenesis of UC. Here we present a recent update both in the methodology and new results, including a new player for prediction of therapeutic escalation in UC.

Methods

From immunochip data of 376 UC patients of an East-Anglian, UK cohort, the SNPs were filtered for only the UC-associated ones. Then we predicted the SNPs’ effect on regulatory interactions using two complementary transcription factor-target gene prediction methods, RSAT and FIMO. SNPs were considered if the SNP was located in the promoter region of a gene or in an enhancer region of a gene defined by the HEDD database. We considered a gene ‘SNP-affected’ if the risk allele and the non-risk allele had different transcription factor binding sites detected by any of the two methods. The proteins encoded by the SNP-affected genes were mapped to the integrated and high-confidence signaling network resource OmniPath. We also identified the direct physical interactors (first-neighbours) of these SNP affected genes/proteins. We created networks for each patient separately using their individual SNP-profiles. Finally, based on these patient-specific networks, we clustered patients in an unsupervised manner.

Results

We found 15 UC-associated SNPs which affected transcription factor binding sites, which in turn were modulating 54 genes. From these 54 SNP affected genes, 29 coded proteins that were present in the OmniPath signaling network. The patients formed five clusters, which were significantly correlated with therapeutic escalation defined by mesalazine or other more advanced therapy (p <0.05). Patients requiring immunomodulatory treatment have a greater prevalence of SNP RS943072 (G), corresponding to the transcriptional regulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor). VEGF is elevated in UC and stimulates angiogenesis, which is involved both in tissue regeneration and inflammation. VEGF is upregulated in the presence of this risk SNP causing increased inflammatory phenotype.

Conclusion

We updated the iSNP method by including enhancer regions and multiple transcription factor binding site prediction methods, and were able to predict that those UC patients who have a VEGF-affecting SNP require therapeutic upscaling.
DOP50 Recommencement of Inflammatory Bowel Disease medications following colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Ledder O , Lujan R , Orlanski-Meyer E , Friss C , Loewenberg Weisband Y , Greenfeld S , Kariv R , Lederman N , Matz E , Focht G , Yanai H , Ollech Y , Dotan I , Turner D
Published: May 2021

Background

Total colectomy (TC) is often considered a curative procedure for patients with chronic refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) or acute severe colitis. Chronic pouchitis and de novo Crohn’s disease (CD) are well recognized sequelae following TC, yet the true incidence of these are poorly characterized in large population models. We assessed the rate of subsequent utilization of IBD medications as a proxy marker of clinically significant pouchitis or de novo CD following TC for UC.

Methods

This study utilized data from the Epi-IIRN project, a meta-database incorporating patient data from all four health maintenance organisations (HMO) in Israel, representing 98% of the population. We included all patients identified in the prevalence cohort with an initial diagnosis of UC who underwent TC from January 2000, with ≥ 6 month follow-up. Primary outcome was utilization of IBD medications (including thiopurines, methotrexate, infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab and tofacitinib) following TC. Secondary outcomes were time to commencement of medications, hospitalizations and repeated surgery. Potential predictors of IBD medication use were identified using multivariable models.

Results

Overall 23,506 patients with UC were identified in the prevalence cohort of whom 456 patients underwent TC for UC and were included in our analysis. 51% of our sample were female, with a median follow up of 8.5 years (IQR 3.8–13.2) and 3956 patient-years. Median age at UC diagnosis was 44.1 (26.5–56.2) years and at TC was 50.2 (34.2–61.7). IBD medications were commenced in 88 (19%) of patients, including 54 (12%) biologics, 56 (12%) immunomodulators and 3 (1%) tofacitinib. A diagnosis of CD was formally assigned to 65 (75%) of these patients. The need for IBD medications was gradual (figure 1).

Patients recommenced on IBD medications were younger at diagnosis (30.3 years (18.3–49.7) vs 41.4 (24.2–55.6), p<0.001), at colectomy (34.3 (21.5–54.1) vs 47.5 (30.4–60.6), p<0.001) and with shorter interval from UC diagnosis to TC (2.2 years (1.0–3.3) vs 2.8 (1.4–5.1), p=0.03). TC during childhood was performed in 33 (7%) patients and these had higher utilization of IBD medications post TC (16/33 (49%) vs 72/423 (17%), p=0.001).

Conclusion

In this nationwide analysis we show that almost 20% of patients require ongoing IBD medications following TC for UC. Younger age is associated with higher rate of subsequent medication use. Patient expectations need be adjusted to account for the potential ongoing requirement of long-term medication following TC.