bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of the literature assessing the outcomes of stapled haemorrhoidopexy versus open haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Ruan Q. Z. , English W. , Hotouras A. , Bryant C. , Taylor F. , Andreani S. , Wexner S. D. , Banerjee S.
Published: October 2020

Background

Symptomatic haemorrhoids affect a large number of patients throughout the world. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the surgical outcomes of stapled haemorrhoidopexy (SH) versus open haemorrhoidectomy (OH) over a 20-year period.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials published between January 1998 and January 2019 were extracted from Pubmed using defined search criteria. Study characteristics and outcomes in the form of short-term and long-term complications of the two techniques were analyzed. Any changes in trend of outcomes over time were assessed by comparing article groups 1998–2008 and 2009–2019.

Results

Twenty-nine and 9 relevant articles were extracted for the 1998–2008 (period 1) and 2009–2019 (period 2) cohorts, respectively. Over the two time periods, SH was found to be a safe procedure, associated with statistically reduced operative time (in 13/21 studies during period 1 and in 3/8 studies during period 2), statistically less intraoperative bleeding (3/7 studies in period 1 and 1/1 study in period 2) and consistently less early postoperative pain on the visual analogue scale (12/15 studies in period 1 and 4/5 studies in period 2) resulting in shorter hospital stay (12/20 studies in period 1 and 2/2 studies in period 2) at the expense of a higher cost. In the longer term, although chronic pain in SH and OH patents is comparable, patient satisfaction with SH may decline with time and at 2-year follow-up OH appeared to be associated with greater patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

SH appears to be safe with potential advantages, at least in the short term, but the evidence is lacking at the moment to suggest its routine use in clinical practice.
After COVID-19: Rethinking Fiscal Rules in Europe
Authors:   Forum Introduction
Published: October 2020

Following the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe this spring and subsequent measures to contain the pandemic, the European Commission drastically revised its economic and fiscal forecasts. The Summer 2020 Economic Forecast projects that the euro area economy will contract by 8.7% in 2020. The coronavirus crisis is expected to push the general government deficit to about 8.5% of GDP this year. Even in an optimistic V-shaped recovery scenario with a GDP growth rate of 6.1% in 2021 due to the temporary nature of lockdown measures taken in 2020, the headline deficit is expected to decrease to about 3.5% of GDP. Furthermore, both the downturn and the rebound of economic activity are expected to be asymmetric across member states, exposing entrenched divergences. The recent outlook highlights the problem of pro-cyclical revisions of potential output and output gap estimates. Some economists warn that the current fiscal framework may lead to pro-cyclical and thus destabilising fiscal policies, a problem encountered in Southern Europe during the European sovereign debt crisis that has implications for the entire European Union. In order to avoid repeating past mistakes, the debate on how to reform European fiscal policy should be settled before the rules are re-enacted when the coronavirus crisis has passed.
Adapting the EU Economic Governance to New Macroeconomic and Political Realities
Authors: Fargnoli Raffaele
Published: October 2020

There was a widespread consensus on the need to modify fiscal rules in the EU even before the COVID-19 crisis. The aim of this article is to reflect on the reform of fiscal rules from a broader perspective, looking at three different dimensions: the political economy of fiscal rules in the current political and economic environment, the renewed debate about fiscal policy roles and objectives, as well as the current incomplete nature of the European Monetary Union and the prospects for its completion. The main contribution of this paper is to analyse EMU fiscal policy and the related governance modes from a broader perspective. Furthermore, the article briefly discusses ideas for a new model of fiscal and economc surveillance based on a cooperative governance system in order to better fit with with current macroeconomic and political realities.
Spillover Effects From Next Generation EU
Authors: Picek Oliver
Published: October 2020

In July 2020, the European Commission announced its €750 billion package to revive the postpandemic European economy, Next Generation EU. The programme comprises a number of loans and grants that will be funded by taking out European debt. Although the rules on liability sharing for Next Generation EU prevent a significant mutualisation of the debt, European leaders have taken the long-recognised significant first step towards European financial and political unification that stands in stark contrast to the misguided austerity programmes during the European sovereign debt crisis.
Zukunft des deutschen Wirtschaftsmodells
Authors:   Überblick
Published: October 2020

30 Jahre nach der Deutschen Wiedervereinigung — und unter dem Eindruck der akuten Corona-Krise — fand der siebte New Paradigm Workshop des Forum New Economy zur Zukunft des deutschen Modells vom 28. bis 30. September in Berlin statt. Renommierte deutsche und internationale Experten diskutierten die „Zukunft des deutschen Wirtschaftsmodells”. Wie gut ist Deutschland noch auf die kommenden Herausforderungen vorbereitet? In diesem Zeitgespräch sollen die auf dem Workshop präsentierten Studien vorgestellt werden, die mit Unterstützung des Forum New Economy erstellten wurden, unter anderem zur Entwicklung der Ungleichheit in Deutschland, einer neuen Industriepolitik, der Relevanz fi skalpolitischer Regeln und den Tücken des deutschen Exportmodells. Ergänzt werden diese Beiträge durch eine Übersetzung des Konferenzbeitrags von Thomas Piketty.
Keynes: die erneute Rückkehr des Meisters
Authors: Skidelsky Robert
Published: October 2020

In der aktuellen Corona-Krise wiederholen sich die Muster früherer Krisen. Vor dem Hintergrund sinkender Produktion und steigender Arbeitslosigkeit versuchen Notenbanken und Staaten weltweit ihre Ökonomien vor einem größeren Absturz zu bewahren. Die Rezeptur für diese Stabilisierungspolitik basiert auf der Lehre des britischen Ökonomen John Maynard Keynes, die dieser vor dem Hintergrund der Großen Depression im Jahr 1936 in seiner „Allgemeinen Theorie der Beschäftigung, des Zinses und des Geldes“ beschrieb. Doch nicht nur in der Krise, auch darüber hinaus empfehlen sich die wirtschaftspolitischen Ansätze von Keynes für das 21. Jahrhundert.
Steuerpolitik in der COVID-19-Krise
Authors: Eichfelder Sebastian , Hoke Jonathan
Published: October 2020

Die Corona-Krise hat die Debatte über eine steuerliche Entlastung von Unternehmen neu belebt. Tatsächlich haben Reformen in Deutschland bereits seit 20 Jahren die Unternehmensbesteuerung deutlich gesenkt. Ziel ist es, im internationalen Steuerwettbewerb zu bestehen. Allerdings geht die neue ökonomische Geografie davon aus, dass es sich Volkswirtschaften mit hoher Standortattraktivität leisten können, hohe Steuern zu erheben. Für die Standortwahl der Unternehmen sind stabile wirtschaftliche Rahmenbedingungen, eine ausgebaute Infrastruktur und gut ausgebildete Arbeitskräfte wesentlich wichtiger. Die Steuerpolitik in der COVID-19-Pandemie sollte sich dementsprechend darauf konzentrieren, diese Standortfaktoren zu verbessern.
Wissenschaft und Rentenpolitik
Authors: Blank Florian
Published: October 2020

Die von der Bundesregierung eingesetzte Kommission „Verlässlicher Generationenvertrag“ aus Politiker*innen und Expert*innen hat im März 2020 ihren Bericht vorgelegt. Daraus ergeben sich Fragen zum Verhältnis von Wissenschaft und Politik: Welchen Einfluss sollten Wissenschaftler*innen auf die Rentenpolitik nehmen dürfen? Sollten sogar rentenpolitische Kompetenzen an ein Experten-Gremium übertragen werden? Zu bedenken ist, dass nicht nur der Nutzen wissenschaftlicher Politikberatung wertgeschätzt werden sollte, sondern auch die Beschränkungen wissenschaftlicher Expertise ernstgenommen werden müssen.
Deutsche Bahn: Schienennetzmonopol, Heuschrecken und der Staat
Authors: Ehrmann Thomas , Prinz Aloys
Published: October 2020

Die Deutsche Bahn musste in den vergangenen sechs Jahren eine Gesamtdividende von 2,85 Mrd. Euro bei einem kumulierten Jahresergebnis von knapp 2,35 Mrd. Euro zahlen. Die DB Netz verfolgte in diesem Zeitraum eine monopolistische Preispolitik für die Verkehrsunternehmen auf den nachgelagerten Wettbewerbsmärkten, die gravierende Folgen sowohl für die eigenen als auch für die konkurrierenden Verkehrsunternehmen hatte. Dieser Beitrag erläutert, warum das Unternehmen wirtschaftlich gezwungen war, genau diese Strategien anzuwenden. Im Koalitionsvertrag heißt es aber, dass „die Erhöhung des Marktanteils der Eisenbahnen“ angestrebt wird, wobei „nicht die Gewinnmaximierung, sondern die sinnvolle Maximierung des Verkehrsaufkommens auf der Schiene im Vordergrund steht“. Es soll also nicht der Gewinn, sondern der Transportoutput auf der Schiene maximiert werden.
Wie hängen Lohnhöhe und Beschäftigung zusammen?
Authors: Theobald Thomas , Zwiener Rudolf , Logeay Camille
Published: October 2020

Der Zusammenhang zwischen Lohn- und Beschäftigungsentwicklung ist eine theoretisch umstrittene Frage. Die verschiedenen Denkschulen stimmen nicht nur bezüglich der Größenordnungen der Effekte nicht überein, sondern ziehen zum Teil auch unterschiedliche Wirkungskanäle heran und betrachten unterschiedliche Zeiträume. Daher wird sogenannten evidenzbasierten Studien besondere Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt, um die Frage zu beantworten, wie sich eine Lohnerhöhung letztendlich auf die Beschäftigung auswirkt. Das makroökonometrische Mehr-Länder-Modell NiGEM wurde in den letzten Jahrzehnten in der wirtschaftspolitischen Beratung in diesem Kontext vielfach genutzt, auch von der Deutschen Bundesbank und dem Sachverständigenrat zur Begutachtung der gesamtwirtschaftlichen Entwicklung (SVR). Dieser Beitrag knüpft an die Bedeutung des NiGEM-Modells in der wirtschaftspolitischen Beratung an und prüft, inwieweit der dort modellierte Zusammenhang zwischen Lohnhöhe und Beschäftigung empirisch valide ist.
GLONASS FDMA data for RTK positioning: a five-system analysis
Authors: Brack Andreas , Männel Benjamin , Schuh Harald
Published: October 2020

The use of the GLONASS legacy signals for real-time kinematic positioning is considered. Due to the FDMA multiplexing scheme, the conventional CDMA observation model has to be modified to restore the integer estimability of the ambiguities. This modification has a strong impact on positioning capabilities. In particular, the ambiguity resolution performance of this model is clearly weaker than for CDMA systems, so that fast and reliable full ambiguity resolution is usually not feasible for standalone GLONASS, and adding GLONASS data in a multi-GNSS approach can reduce the ambiguity resolution performance of the combined model. Partial ambiguity resolution was demonstrated to be a suitable tool to overcome this weakness (Teunissen in GPS Solut 23(4):100, 2019). We provide an exhaustive formal analysis of the positioning precision and ambiguity resolution capabilities for short, medium, and long baselines in a multi-GNSS environment with GPS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, and GLONASS. Simulations are used to show that with a difference test-based partial ambiguity resolution method, adding GLONASS data improves the positioning performance in all considered cases. Real data from different baselines are used to verify these findings. When using all five available systems, instantaneous centimeter-level positioning is possible on an 88.5 km baseline with the ionosphere weighted model, and on average, only 3.27 epochs are required for a long baseline with the ionosphere float model, thereby enabling near instantaneous solutions.
Sparse Reconstruction and Damage Imaging Method Based on Uniform Sparse Sampling
Authors: Li Pengfei , Luo Ying , Feng Kan , Zhou Yang , Xu Chenguang
Published: October 2020

The full wavefield detection method based on guided waves can efficiently detect and locate damages relying on the collection of large amounts of wavefield data. The acquisition process by scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) is generally time-consuming, which is limited by Nyquist sampling theorem. To reduce the acquisition time, full wavefield data can be reconstructed from a small number of random sampling point signals combining with compressed sensing. However, the random sampling point signals need to be obtained by adding additional components to the SLDV system or offline processing. Because the random sparse sampling is difficult to achieve via the SLDV system, a new uniform sparse sampling strategy is proposed in this paper. By using the uniform sparse sampling coordinates instead of the random spatial sampling point coordinates, sparse sampling can be applied to SLDV without adding additional components or offline processing. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed strategy can reduce the measurement locations required for accurate signal recovery to less than 90% of the Nyquist sampling grid, and the damage location error is within the minimum half wavelength. Compared with the conventional jittered sampling strategy, the proposed sampling strategy can directly reduce the sampling time of the SLDV system by more than 90% without adding additional components and achieve the same accuracy of guided wavefield reconstruction and damage location as the jittered sampling strategy. The research results can greatly improve the efficiency of damage detection technology based on wavefield analysis.
Bear trade in the Czech Republic: an analysis of legal and illegal international trade from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Shepherd Chris R. , Kufnerová Jitka , Cajthaml Tomáš , Frouzová Jaroslava , Gomez Lalita
Published: October 2020

There is a large demand for bear parts in the Czech Republic, and this drives legal and illegal trade in various bear species sourced from outside the country. From 2010 to 2018, the Czech Republic reported legal imports of 495 bear parts, mostly as trophies from Canada and Russia. Illegal trade in bear parts and derivatives for medicine as well as trophies persists as evidenced by the number of seizures made by the Czech Environmental Inspectorate during this same period. From January 2005 to February 2020, 36 seizures involving bears, their parts and derivatives, were made totalling 346 items. Most cases involved trophies (skins, skulls, taxidermies) predominantly from Canada, Russia and the USA, followed by traditional medicines claiming to contain bear parts mostly from Vietnam and China. Three cases involved souvenirs or jewellery, and one case involved live bear cubs. The greatest number of seizures made originated from Vietnam, followed by Canada and Russia. As all countries involved in these incidents are Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), there is a mechanism in place to jointly tackle this illegal trade. International collaboration is essential if efforts to end the illegal international trade in bear parts and derivatives are to succeed.
Underground diversity: Uropodina mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) from European badger (Meles meles) nests
Authors: Kurek Przemysław , Nowakowski Krzysztof , Rutkowski Tomasz , Ważna Agnieszka , Cichocki Jan , Zacharyasiewicz Michał , Błoszyk Jerzy
Published: October 2020

Badgers can gather huge quantities of organic material to build their nests for winter time and to rear their cubs. Moreover, badger burrows (setts) are characterized by specific microclimate with quite stable temperature and humidity. Their fauna is poorly studied, especially in respect of saprobiontic Uropodina mites. In 2018–2019, we monitored 94 badger setts to search for nest material that had been thrown away during cleaning of the chambers after mating and winter sleep. In the collected material from 32 badger nests, we found 413 Uropodina mites of 16 species, in various stages of development (adults, protonymphs, and deutonymphs). The community was dominated by three mite species: Trematura patavina (22.5%, n = 93), Oodinychus ovalis (17.2%, n = 71), and Olodiscus minima (15.5%, n = 64). Other nidicolous—i.e., nest-dwelling—species included: Nenteria oudemansi (14.8%, n = 61), Phaulodiaspis borealis (7.0%, n = 29), Phaulodiaspis rackei (4.6%, n = 19), Uroseius hunzikeri (1.7%, n = 7), Uropoda orbicularis (1.5%, n = 6), and Apionoseius infirmus (1.0%, n = 4). The most frequent species were: Oodinychus ovalis (62.5%, 20 nests), N. oudemansi (46.9%, 15 nests), and Olodiscus minima (40.6%, 13 nests). Detrended correspondence analysis indicated that the Uropodina community from badger nests differed from that of mole nests, studied earlier. In setts, the Uropodina community included T. patavina and N. oudemansi, which were for the first time recorded from underground badger nests. This is the first record of N. oudemansi from Poland.
Correction to: On the need of preserving order of data when validating within-project defect classifiers
Authors: Falessi Davide , Huang Jacky , Narayana Likhita , Thai Jennifer Fong , Turhan Burak
Published: October 2020

To fulfill the contractual requirement of the Compact agreement, the following funding note has to be added and placed in the Funding section of the original article: Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.
RING NMR dynamics: software for analysis of multiple NMR relaxation experiments
Authors: Beckwith Martha A. , Erazo-Colon Teddy , Johnson Bruce A.
Published: October 2020

Molecular motions are fundamental to the existence of life, and NMR spectroscopy remains one of the most useful and powerful methods to measure their rates and molecular characteristics. Multiple experimental methods are available for measuring the NMR relaxation properties and these can require different methods for extracting model parameters. We present here a new software application, RING NMR Dynamics, that is designed to support analysis of multiple relaxation types. The initial release of RING NMR Dynamics supports the analysis of exponential decay experiments such as T1 and T2, as well as CEST and R2 and R1ρ relaxation dispersion. The software runs on multiple operating systems in both a command line mode and a user-friendly GUI that allows visualizing and simulating relaxation data. Interaction with another program, NMRFx Analyst, allows drilling down from the derived relaxation parameters to the raw spectral data.
Effect of a Small Amount of Thermoplastic Starch Blend on the Mechanical Recycling of Conventional Plastics
Authors: Åkesson Dan , Kuzhanthaivelu Gauthaman , Bohlén Martin
Published: October 2020

The usage of bioplastics could increase in the future which may cause contamination of the waste streams of conventional plastics. The objective of this study was to investigate if a small amount of biopolymer contaminating conventional polymers would significantly affect mechanical and thermal properties. A starch-based plastic was first compounded by blending plasticised starch with PLA (polylactic acid). This polymer blend was subsequently compounded with HDPE (high density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) at 0%, 1% and 5% of the biopolymer. The compounds were characterised by tensile tests, Charpy impact tests, DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy). Tests showed that PE and PP were not significantly affected in terms of tensile strength and modulus but the elongation at break showed a strong reduction. PET was, on the other hand, incompatible with the starch-based plastic. Already at 1% contamination, PET had lost most of its impact strength.
Complex Formation Between Zinc(II) and Alkyl-N-iminodiacetic Acids in Aqueous Solution and Solid State
Authors: Häggman Leif , Lindblad Cecilia , Cassel Anders , Persson Ingmar
Published: October 2020

Removal of metal compounds from wastewater using processes where metals can be removed and valuable chemicals recycled is of significant industrial importance. Chelating surfactants are an interesting group of chemicals to be used in such applications. Carboxylated polyamines are a promising group to be used in such processes. To apply carboxylated polyamines as chelating surfactants, detailed knowledge of the solution chemistry, including complex formation, kinetics and structures of pure fundamental systems, is required. In this study zinc(II) alkyl-N-iminodiacetate systems with varying length of the alkyl chain have been studied. Acidic and stability constants have been studied by potentiometry, and the structures of both solids and aqueous solutions have been determined by EXAFS. Zinc(II) forms two strong complexes with alkyl-N-iminodiacetates in aqueous solution. In an attempt to determine the acidic constants of these complexes, the deprotonation of the nitrogen atom in the complex bound ligands, it was observed that this reaction is very slow and no accurate values could be obtained. The bis(alkyl-N-iminodiacetato)zincate(II) complexes take, however, up two protons in the pH region 3–7, which means that this complex is approximately singly protonated in the pH region 3–7 and doubly protonated at pH < 3. The bis(n-hexyl-N-iminodiacetato)zincate(II) complex at pH = 13 has a distorted octahedral configuration with four short strong Zn–O bonds at 2.08(1) Å, while the Zn–N bonds are weaker at much longer distance, 2.28(2) Å. Similar configurations are also found in most reported structures of zinc(II) complexes with carboxylated amines/polyamines. The singly protonated complex seems to be five-coordinate, with four Zn–O bond distances at ca. 2.03 Å, and a single Zn–N bond distance in the range 2.15–2.25 Å. The relationship between the structure of the protonated bis(n-hexyl-N-iminodiacetato)zincate(II) complex and the slow kinetics in the region pH = 3–7 are discussed.
Population dynamics and natural hazard risk management: conceptual and practical linkages for the case of Austrian policy making
Authors: Clar Christoph , Löschner Lukas , Nordbeck Ralf , Fischer Tatjana , Thaler Thomas
Published: October 2020

This contribution explores the conceptual and empirical linkages between population dynamics and natural hazard risk management (NHRM). Following a review of the international scholarly literature, we conduct a mixed-methods approach in Austria, combining an online survey among policy makers and other stakeholders with a thematic analysis of policy documents. The aim is to investigate the practical relevance of socio-demographic change in Austria’s NHRM. The study shows that many hazard-prone regions in Austria face population change, in particular demographic ageing and population decline. In addition, our findings from the online survey demonstrate the relevance of population dynamics in NHRM, especially with regard to hazard response and recovery. Nonetheless, policy formulation in NHRM overwhelmingly disregards demographic change as a relevant factor. Accordingly, the study underscores the importance of future-oriented risk management strategies to better account for ongoing and expected socio-demographic changes.
Interactive editing of virtual chordae tendineae for the simulation of the mitral valve in a decision support system
Authors: Walczak Lars , Tautz Lennart , Neugebauer Mathias , Georgii Joachim , Wamala Isaac , Sündermann Simon , Falk Volkmar , Hennemuth Anja
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Decision support systems for mitral valve disease are an important step toward personalized surgery planning. A simulation of the mitral valve apparatus is required for decision support. Building a model of the chordae tendineae is an essential component of a mitral valve simulation. Due to image quality and artifacts, the chordae tendineae cannot be reliably detected in medical imaging.

Methods

Using the position-based dynamics framework, we are able to realistically simulate the opening and closing of the mitral valve. Here, we present a heuristic method for building an initial chordae model needed for a successful simulation. In addition to the heuristic, we present an interactive editor to refine the chordae model and to further improve pathology reproduction as well as geometric approximation of the closed valve.

Results

For evaluation, five mitral valves were reconstructed based on image sequences of patients scheduled for mitral valve surgery. We evaluated the approximation of the closed valves using either just the heuristic chordae model or a manually refined model. Using the manually refined models, prolapse was correctly reproduced in four of the five cases compared to two of the five cases when using the heuristic. In addition, using the editor improved the approximation in four cases.

Conclusions

Our approach is suitable to create realistically parameterized mitral valve apparatus reconstructions for the simulation of normally and abnormally closing valves in a decision support system.
Valuation of firms with multiple business units
Authors: Dierkes Stefan , Schäfer Ulrich
Published: October 2020

Corporate valuation often relies on the assumption of a constant and homogenous growth rate. However, large firms frequently (re)balance their activities by diverting cash flows from some business units to fund investments in other units. We develop a value driver model of terminal value for a firm with two units. The model relaxes common assumptions and allows for cross-unit differences in the return on invested capital. We consider intra-unit and cross-unit investments and show their implications for firm value and the long-term development of key accounting variables. Our results help characterize business unit strategies that can be reconciled with popular firm strategies such as the constant payout and constant growth strategies. We find that popular valuation methods that assume both constant payout ratios and constant growth rates (e.g., Gordon and Shapiro, Manage Sci 3:102–110, 1956) constitute a restrictive special case of our model and should only be applied to firms with homogenous business units. We use a simulation analysis to compare our results with alternative valuation models and to illustrate the economic relevance of our findings. The simulation shows that an accurate depiction of business unit strategy is particularly useful if firms plan large-scale cross-unit investments into business units with high returns and if the cost of capital is low.
Participatory multi-modelling as the creation of a boundary object ecology: the case of future energy infrastructures in the Rotterdam Port Industrial Cluster
Authors: Cuppen Eefje , Nikolic Igor , Kwakkel Jan , Quist Jaco
Published: October 2020

Finding leverage points for sustainability transformation of industrial and infrastructure systems is challenging, given that transformation is emergent from the complex interactions among socio-technical system elements over time within a specific social, technical and geographical context. Participatory multi-modelling, in which modellers and stakeholders collaborate to develop multiple interacting models to support a shared understanding of systems, is a promising approach to support sustainability transformations. Theparticipatory processof modeling can serve as a leverage point by facilitating social learning amongst stakeholders, in which models can function as boundary objects that facilitate dialogue between stakeholders from different social worlds. We propose that participatory multi-modeling allows for the creation ofa boundary object ecology, which involves a set of interacting and co-evolving boundary objects emerging throughout the modeling process. To explore this, we analyse the participatory multi-modelling process in the Windmaster project in the Rotterdam Port industrial cluster to understand which design choices were key to the creation of boundary objects. Our analysis shows that two types of design choices were key: design choices that enabled translations between participants, and those between participants and their organisation. We conclude that conceptualising participatory multi-modelling as a process of an evolving boundary object ecology, creating and adaptingmultipleinteracting boundary objects provides a novel perspective that is useful for analysis and design of future participatory multi-modeling processes.
A NURBS-based solid modeling to enhance rapid prototyping in the restoration of decorative elements
Authors: Calì Michele , Oliveri Salvatore Massimo , Calì Placido , Ambu Rita
Published: October 2020

In this research, we describe a computer-aided approach to improve the reconstruction method of decorum in architectural surfaces and sculpture. The effects of withdrawal caused by catalysis of mold in silicone was evaluated and simulated by a NURBS-based solid modelling. A tolerance analysis model was developed to predict manufacturing precision levels. In particular, differential increment along three dimensions was performed considering different volume distributions. The methodology was validated by experimental data obtained during the coffered ceiling restoration of Teatro Massimo Vittorio Emanuele in Palermo. The proposed methodology allowed the reconstruction of decorations or fragments of decoration with high accuracy.
Protective Role of Low Ethanol Administration Following Ischemic Stroke via Recovery of KCC2 and p75NTR Expression
Authors: Khirug Stanislav , Soni Shetal , Saez Garcia Marta , Tessier Marine , Zhou Liang , Kulesskaya Natalia , Rauvala Heikki , Lindholm Dan , Ludwig Anastasia , Molinari Florence , Rivera Claudio
Published: October 2020

A striking result from epidemiological studies show a correlation between low alcohol intake and lower incidence for ischemic stroke and severity of derived brain injury. Although reduced apoptosis and inflammation has been suggested to be involved, little is known about the mechanism mediating this effect in vivo. Increase in intracellular chloride concentration and derived depolarizing GABAAR-mediated transmission are common consequences following various brain injuries and are caused by the abnormal expression levels of the chloride cotransporters NKCC1 and KCC2. Downstream pro-apoptotic signaling through p75NTR may link GABAA depolarization with post-injury neuronal apoptosis. Here, we show that changes in GABAergic signaling, Cl− homeostasis, and expression of chloride cotransporters in the post-traumatic mouse brain can be significantly reduced by administration of 3% ethanol to the drinking water. Ethanol-induced upregulation of KCC2 has a positive impact on neuronal survival, preserving a large part of the cortical peri-infarct zone, as well as preventing the massive post-ischemic upregulation of the pro-apoptotic protein p75NTR. Importantly, intracortical multisite in vivo recordings showed that ethanol treatment could significantly ameliorate stroke-induced reduction in cortical activity. This surprising finding discloses a pathway triggered by low concentration of ethanol as a novel therapeutically relevant target.
Immunosuppressive regimens for adult liver transplant recipients in real-life practice: consensus recommendations from an Italian Working Group
Authors: Cillo Umberto , De Carlis Luciano , Del Gaudio Massimo , De Simone Paolo , Fagiuoli Stefano , Lupo Francesco , Tisone Giuseppe , Volpes Riccardo
Published: October 2020

It is a well-recognized fact that implementing new guidelines in clinical practice may be difficult; therefore the Italian Society for Organ and Tissue Transplantation (SITO) set out to define practical immunosuppression tools for the management of liver transplantation patients. In 2017, an Italian Working Group of liver transplant experts and hepatologists issued a set of consensus statements along with evidence-based recommendations on the use of everolimus after liver transplantation. This article presents the evidence- and consensus-based algorithms developed within the Italian Working Group, which are aimed towards guiding clinicians in the selection of immunosuppressive regimens for the management of adult liver transplant recipients in real-life practice. The liver transplant recipient population, typically managed in clinical practice, was divided into the following categories: (1) standard patients; (2) critically ill patients; (3) patients with a specific etiology; (4) patients with hepatocellular carcinoma; (5) and patients with de novo malignancies. The algorithms are divided into two parts, according to the time from transplantation (0–3 months and > 3 months) and are discussed here along with relevant supporting literature, when available. Ultimately, it is hoped that the evidence- and consensus-based algorithms developed within the Italian Working Group, and presented here, contribute to simplify, personalize, and optimize immunosuppression of liver transplantation recipients in clinical practice.
Ropeginterferon alfa-2b every 2 weeks as a novel pegylated interferon for patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Huang Yi-Wen , Hsu Chao-Wei , Lu Sheng-Nan , Yu Ming-Lung , Su Chien-Wei , Su Wei-Wen , Chien Rong-Nan , Hsu Ching-Sheng , Hsu Shih-Jer , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Qin Albert , Tseng Kuan-Chiao , Chen Pei-Jer
Published: October 2020

Background

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel mono-pegylated interferon that has only one major form as opposed to 8–14 isomers of other on-market pegylated interferon, allowing injection every two or more weeks with higher tolerability. It received European Medicines Agency and Taiwan marketing authorization in 2019 and 2020, for treatment of polycythemia vera. This phase I/II study aimed to have preliminary evaluation of safety and efficacy in chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

Thirty-one HBeAg-positive and 31 HBeAg-negative were stratified by HBeAg status and randomized at 1:1:1 ratio to q2w ropeginterferon alfa-2b 350 μg (group 1), q2w 450 μg (group 2) or q1w PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg (group 3). Each patient received 48-week treatment (TW48) and 24-week post-treatment follow-up (FW24).

Results

The baseline demographics were comparable among the three groups, except for mean HBeAg in HBeAg-positive patients (2.90, 2.23, 2.99 log10 S/CO, respectively). Cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate at follow-up period was 27.3% (3/11), 36.4% (4/11), and 11.1% (1/9) with time to HBeAg seroconversion starting from TW24, TW16, and TW48 in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The rate of HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and HBsAg levels < 1500 IU/mL at FW24 were comparable in all groups. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (group 1 & 2) had numerically lower incidence of rash (9.5% and 4.5%) as compared to PEG-IFN alfa-2a (36.8%). Ropeginterferon alfa-2b 350 μg (group 1) had more ALT elevation (38.1%), however the rate was comparable in group 2 (9.1%) and group 3 (10.5%).

Conclusion

In this preliminary study, ropeginterferon alfa-2b, although in only half the number of injections, is as safe and effective as pegylated interferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis B.

Graphic abstract
Environmental-Economic Assessment of the Pressure Swing Adsorption Biogas Upgrading Technology
Authors: Kohlheb Norbert , Wluka Mathias , Bezama Alberto , Thrän Daniela , Aurich Andreas , Müller Roland Arno
Published: October 2020

A large-scale biogas upgrading plant using the CarboTech® technology with a treatment capacity of 1333 Nm3 biogas per hour was analyzed. Our scope of evaluation encompasses all technology steps that are necessary for upgrading biogas, i.e., both pretreatment and biogas upgrade. A cradle-to-gate life-cycle and life-cycle cost assessment (LCA and LCCA) methodology was used with the functional unit (FU) of 1 Nm3 of biogas upgraded in order to ease comparison with other biogas upgrading technologies. The calculation was made using the GaBi8 LCA software and databases of GaBi Professional, Construction materials, Food&Feed, and the ecoinvent3. We applied the CML characterization model with all its mid-point indicators. The mid-point indicators of the CML characterization model were aggregated after normalization by the CML2001 - Jan.2016 normalization factors. The normalized environmental impact was 541.74·10−15/Nm3 raw biogas. The highest environmental impacts were the marine aquatic ecotoxicity potential (15.705 kg dichlorobenzene-equiv./Nm3 raw biogas), the abiotic depletion potential (1.037 MJ/Nm3 raw biogas), and global warming potential (0.113 kg CO2-equiv./Nm3 raw biogas). The unit production cost of the PSA technology was 0.05-0.063 €/Nm3 raw biogas. The most considerable source of expenses was the operational cost from which 77% was spent on electricity. The initial investment, personal costs, and the reinvestment amounted to only 34% of the total costs for the whole life cycle. Strategies to lower the environmental burden of the PSA technology are to use green electricity and to optimize the size of the plant in order to reduce unnecessary material flows of building material and their indirect energy use. This can also lower investment expenditures while automatization and remote control may spare personnel costs.
Effect of a yeast autolysate produced by high pressure homogenization on white wine evolution during ageing
Authors: Voce Sabrina , Calligaris Sonia , Comuzzo Piergiorgio
Published: October 2020

The enological characteristics and the performances of a yeast autolysate produced by high pressure homogenization (HPH-YD) were investigated for the first time in white wine and model solution, in comparison with a thermolysate (T-YD) and a commercial yeast derivative (COMM). In wine-like medium, HPH-YD showed a significant release of glucidic colloids (on average, slightly higher than the other products), also leading to a greater glutathione solubilization with respect to T-YD. Concerning the volatile composition of the autolysates, HPH-YD was characterized by the highest concentration of alcohols and esters, while showing an average amount of fatty acids, carbonyls and heterocyclic compounds lower than COMM. These features are potentially linked to a more favorable impact of this product on the composition of wine aroma, should these compounds be released into the wine itself. HPH-YD determined minor modifications on wine volatile profile when added for short contact times, without releasing unwanted compounds and with a slightly lower binding capacity towards wine esters. The effects of the three yeast derivatives (YDs) on wine color during ageing was also investigated in comparison with sulfur dioxide (SO2). HPH-YD was the most efficient preparation, limiting wine color changes due to oxidation during four months and behaving more similarly to SO2. The use of HPH for the production of yeast autolysates for winemaking may represent an interesting alternative to thermal treatments, improving the enological characteristics of these additives, particularly their antioxidant capacity, leading anyhow a significant release of colloidal molecules and a limited impact on wine aroma composition.
miR-224 targets BTRC and promotes cell migration and invasion in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zheng Qi , Yu Jane J. , Li Chenggang , Li Jiali , Wang Jiping , Wang Shuyang
Published: October 2020

Our study aims to investigate the impact of miR-224 on cell migration and invasion in colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as its molecular mechanisms. The results showed that miR-224 was significantly upregulated in CRC compared to normal tissues via the TCGA database. Overexpression of miR-224 promoted CRC cell migration and invasion, while inhibition of miR-224 demonstrated the opposite result via transwell assays. In addition, we found that BTRC was a target gene of miR-224 through the miRecords database and dual-luciferase assay, while western blot together with RT-qPCR showed that inhibition of miR-224 led to elevated BTRC expression in protein level but not in mRNA level, and also decreased the expression of β-catenin. In reference to the Human Protein Atlas, BTRC protein expression was higher in normal tissues than in CRC tissues. In conclusion, miR-224 regulates its target BTRC protein expression and its related Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Its impact on cell migration and invasion in CRC cells suggested that miR-224 could be a prospective therapeutic target for early-stage non-metastatic CRC.
Older age groups and country-specific case fatality rates of COVID-19 in Europe, USA and Canada
Authors: Hoffmann Christian , Wolf Eva
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the association between the percentages of older age groups among confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections and the country-specific case fatality rate (CFR).

Methods

This ecological study analyzed data from the 20 most severely affected European countries, USA and Canada, in which national health authorities provided data on age distribution and gender among confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths.

Results

The proportion of individuals older than 70 years among confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases differed markedly between the countries, ranging from 4.9 to 40.4%. There was a strong linear association between the proportion of individuals older than 75 years and the country-specific CFRs (R2 = 0.803 for all countries,R2 = 0.961 after exclusion of three countries with incongruent data). Each 5% point increase of this older age group among confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases was associated with an increase in CFR of 2.5% points (95% CI 1.9–3.1).

Conclusion

Data from 20 European countries and the USA and Canada showed that the variance of crude CFR of COVID-19 is predominantly (80–96%) determined by the proportion of older individuals who are diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. The age distribution of SARS-CoV-2 infections is still far from being homogeneous. Detailed demographic data have to be taken into account in all the analyses on COVID-19-associated mortality. We urgently call for standardized data collection by national health authorities.
Current Approach to Successful Liberation from Renal Replacement Therapy in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Acute Kidney Injury: The Quest for Biomarkers Continues
Authors: Schiffl Helmut , Lang Susanne M.
Published: October 2020

Recovery of sufficient kidney function to liberate patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI-D) from renal replacement therapy (RRT) is recognized as a vital patient-centred outcome. However, no clinical consensus guideline provides specific recommendations on when and how to stop RRT in anticipation of renal recovery from AKI-D. Currently, wide variations in clinical practice regarding liberation from RRT result in early re-start of RRT to treat uraemia after premature liberation or in the unnecessary prolonged exposure of unwell patients after late liberation. Observational studies, predominantly retrospective in nature, have attempted to assess numerous surrogate markers of kidney function or of biomarkers of kidney damage to predict successful liberation from RRT. However, a substantial heterogeneity in the timing of measurement and cut-off values of most biomarkers across studies allows no pooling of data, and impedes the comparison of outcomes from such studies. The accuracy of most traditional and novel biomarkers cannot be assessed reliably. Currently, the decision to discontinue RRT in AKI-D patients relies on daily clinical assessments of the patient’s status supplemented by measurement of creatinine clearance (> 15 ml/min) and 24-h urine output (> 2000 ml/min with diuretics). Clinical trials objectively comparing the success of validated biomarkers for guiding optimal timed liberation from RRT in AKI-D will be required to provide high-quality evidence for guidelines.
Compulsory treatments in eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atti Anna Rita , Mastellari Tomas , Valente Stefano , Speciani Maurizio , Panariello Fabio , De Ronchi Diana
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to provide a summary of the current literature concerning compulsory treatments in patients with eating disorders (ED) and to understand whether compulsorily and involuntarily treated patients differ in terms of baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes.

Methods

Relevant articles were identified following the PRISMA guidelines by searching the following terms: “treatment refusal”, “forced feeding”, “compulsory/coercive/involuntary/forced treatment/admission”, “eating disorders”, “feeding and eating disorders”, “anorexia nervosa”, “bulimia nervosa”. Research was restricted to articles concerning humans and published between 1975 and 2020 in English.

Results

Out of 905 articles retrieved, nine were included for the analyses allowing the comparisons between 242 compulsorily and 738 voluntarily treated patients. Mean body mass index (BMI) was slightly lower in patients compelled to treatments. Mean illness duration, BMI at discharge and BMI variation showed no significant differences between the two groups. Average length of hospitalization was 3 weeks longer among compulsory-treated patients, but this did not result in a higher increase in BMI. No significant risk difference on mortality was estimated (three studies).

Conclusions

Compulsory treatments are usually intended for patients having worse baseline conditions than voluntary ones. Those patients are unlikely to engage in treatments without being compelled but, after the treatments, albeit with longer hospitalisations, they do achieve similar outcomes. Therefore, we can conclude that forcing patients to treatment is a conceivable option.

Level of evidence

Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis.
Relationship between the real contact behavior and tribological characteristics of cotton fabric
Authors: Chen Rongxin , Ye Jiaxin , Zhang Wei , Wei Jiang , Zhang Yan , Liu Kun
Published: October 2020

The tribological characteristics of cotton fibers play an important role in engineering and materials science, and real contact behavior is a significant aspect in the friction behavior of cotton fibers. In this study, the tribological characteristics of cotton fibers and their relationship with the real contact behavior are investigated through reciprocating linear tribotesting and real contact analysis. Results show that the friction coefficient decreases with a general increase in load or velocity, and the load and velocity exhibit a co-influence on the friction coefficient. The dynamic change in the real contact area is recorded clearly during the experiments and corresponds to the fluctuations observed in the friction coefficient. Moreover, the friction coefficient is positively correlated with the real contact area based on a quantitative analysis of the evolution of friction behavior and the real contact area at different loads and velocities. This correlation is evident at low velocities and medium load.
Microstructures, mechanical properties, and grease-lubricated sliding wear behavior of Cu-15Ni-8Sn-0.8Nb alloy with high strength and toughness
Authors: Cheng Jinjuan , Mao Mincong , Gan Xueping , Lei Qian , Li Zhou , Zhou Kechao
Published: October 2020

Alloys used as bearings in aircraft landing gear are required to reduce friction and wear as well as improve the load-carrying capability due to the increased aircraft weights. Cu-15Ni-8Sn-0.8Nb alloy is well known for possessing good mechanical and wear properties that satisfy such requirements. In this study, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and grease-lubricated sliding wear behavior of Cu-15Ni-8Sn-0.8Nb alloy with 0.8 wt% Nb are investigated. The nanoscale NbNi3and NbNi2Sn compounds can strengthen the alloy through the Orowan strengthening mechanism. A Stribeck-like curve is plotted to illustrate the relationship among friction coefficient, normal load, and sliding velocity and to analyze the grease-lubricated mechanism. The wear rate increases with normal load and decreases with sliding velocity, except at 2.58 m/s. A wear mechanism map has been developed to exhibit the dominant wear mechanisms under various friction conditions. When the normal load is 700 N and the sliding velocity is 2.58 m/s, a chemical reaction between the lubricating grease and friction pairs occurs, resulting in the failure of lubricating grease and an increase in wear.