bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Working mechanism evaluations and simplified models of corner bracket type inter‐module connections
Authors: Zhao Fengtao , Yu Yujie , Lin Siwen , Man Mengke , Ding Faxing 
Published: April 2021

SummaryIn modular steel buildings, the corner bracket type inter‐module connection is a commonly used way of connecting adjacent modules together. However, the detailed working mechanisms of this connection are still not well known. In this study, the mechanical properties of two corner bracket type inter‐module connections were identified based on reported tests and refined finite element simulations. A simplified multi‐spring model of the corner bracket type inter‐module connections was proposed and was then incorporated into the two‐dimensional analysis of a framed modular building and a braced modular building to investigate the effect of connection properties on lateral sway performance of modular structures. Results indicated that the corner bracket type inter‐module connection had a lower tensile stiffness and resistance than compressive ones. Tensile and bending resistances of the connection were correlated with each other and were determined by the out‐of‐plane prying deformation of bracket endplates. The inter‐module connection possessed the extrusion‐resisting and separation‐permitting behavior between assembled brackets. The lateral sway performance of the pure framed modular building was closely related to the vertical shear stiffness of inter‐module connections. However, in the braced modular building, the tension and horizontal shear stiffnesses of inter‐module connections were the critical aspects.
Just Societal Transformation: Perspectives of Pastoralists in the Lower Omo Valley in Ethiopia
Authors: Troeger Sabine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPastoralists’ livelihoods in Africa are highly endangered by adverse forces – the climate change being one among those. Against this background, climate change adaptation is conceptualized as strategic agency in the field of risk-laden livelihood environments, that is, agency in the face of risky options and non-calculable uncertainties.The chapter conceptualizes pastoralists’ livelihoods exposed to a four-fold hierarchy of environmental risks and forces defining the actors’ arena of strategic decision making: From the global scale of ever extending impacts by the climate change imperative, to the national scale of government policies in terms of decentralization, challenging people to govern and define their communal efforts in terms of climate change adaptation, and down to the regional scale, which in the presented case is dominated by a large-scale investment, the Kuraz Sugar Development Project, which again confronts local actors with adverse forces toward villagization and eviction from pasture grounds. Right at the end of this hierarchy and in accordance with discourses on “climate services,” the end-users and local actors, the pastoralists, are confronted with and offered a product that they can input into their decision making: cattle feed from the residues of the irrigated sugar cane. The question remains whether substantive aspects of processes turning into true environmental and social justice in terms of recognition, procedures, and distribution will be paid attention to.
Rescuing a black hole in the large-q coupled SYK model
Authors: Lensky Yuri D. , Qi Xiao-Liang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a general effective theory for two copies of the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev (SYK) model with a time-dependent bilinear coupling. For a quantum quench problem with an initial state of the thermofield double state, we show how the evolution of the system is described by a complex reparametrization field with a classical Hamiltonian. We study correlation functions in this system and compare the large-qtheory with the bulk low energy effective theory. In particular, we study the special case of a “rescued black hole”, which describes how a time-evolved thermofield double state can evolve to the ground state of a coupled SYK model by a carefully tuned time-dependent coupling. In the low energy region, there is a holographic dual interpretation, which is a geometry that crosses over from an eternal black hole to a global AdS2vacuum. This family of geometries allow us to access the bulk region that would be the black hole interior without the rescue process. By comparing the large-qand low energy theory, we find that even in the low energy region the deviation from the low energy theory cannot be neglected if the rescue process starts late. This provides evidence that the low energy effective theory of the bulk fails near the inner horizon of the black hole. We note the possibility of a connection to a two-dimensional analog of the higher-dimensional black hole singularity.
Revisit on two-dimensional self-gravitating kinks: superpotential formalism and linear stability
Authors: Zhong Yuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Self-gravitating kink solutions of a two-dimensional dilaton gravity are revisited in this work. Analytical kink solutions are derived from a concise superpotential formalism of the dynamical equations. A general analysis on the linear stability is conducted for an arbitrary static solution of the model. After gauge fixing, a Schrödinger-like equation with factorizable Hamiltonian operator is obtained, which ensures the linear stability of the solution.
Evidenzbasierte Public Health: Perspektiven und spezifische Umsetzungsfaktoren
Authors: Rehfuess Eva A. , Zhelyazkova Ana , von Philipsborn Peter , Griebler Ursula , De Bock Freia 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungEvidenzbasierung stellt auch im öffentlichen Gesundheitswesen eine zentrale Anforderung dar. 5 allgemeine Prinzipien gelten in der evidenzbasierten Medizin wie in der evidenzbasierten Public Health (EBPH). Sie umfassen Systematik, Transparenz im Umgang mit Unsicherheit, Integration und Partizipation, Umgang mit Interessenkonflikten sowie einen strukturierten, reflektierten Prozess. Dieser Artikel hat das Ziel, ein gemeinsames Verständnis von evidenzbasierter Public Health zu fördern.Mit einer systematischen Literaturrecherche zu Perspektiven der Evidenzbasierung in Public Health wurde das internationale Verständnis von EBPH beleuchtet. So wurden 20 englischsprachige und eine deutschsprachige Quelle identifiziert und einer Inhaltsanalyse unterzogen. Über die allgemeinen Prinzipien hinausgehende Charakteristika dieser Perspektiven befassen sich mit Aspekten der Bevölkerungsorientierung, dem zugrunde liegenden Verständnis von Evidenz, zu beteiligenden Disziplinen und Interessengruppen sowie relevanten Kriterien und notwendigen Kompetenzen für eine Umsetzung von Evidenzbasierung.Darauf aufbauend und unter Berücksichtigung methodischer Entwicklungen im Umgang mit Komplexität lassen sich 4 spezifische Umsetzungsfaktoren der EBPH ableiten. Sie umfassen Theorie, Interdisziplinarität, Kontextabhängigkeit und Komplexität sowie allgemeine gesellschaftliche Aspekte.Die praktische Umsetzung von EBPH erfordert personelle und finanzielle Ressourcen sowie Kompetenzen – unter anderem für die Durchführung systematischer Übersichtsarbeiten zur Wirksamkeit von Maßnahmen unter Alltagsbedingungen, für die wissenschaftliche Betrachtung weiterer relevanter Fragestellungen sowie für die Etablierung transparenter Prozesse zur Formulierung von Empfehlungen.
HPV-Impfung zur Prävention von Genitalwarzen und Krebsvorstufen – Evidenzlage und Bewertung
Authors: Osmani Vanesa , Klug Stefanie J. 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungHumane Papillomviren (HPV) verursachen benigne und maligne Tumorerkrankungen. Bisher wurden mehr als 200 HPV-Typen entdeckt, von denen aktuell 12 als Hochrisiko für das Zervixkarzinom klassifiziert werden. HPV-Typen, die den Anogenitaltrakt befallen, werden sexuell übertragen. Seit 2006 sind prophylaktische HPV-Impfstoffe erhältlich. Die Impfung soll vor dem ersten sexuellen Kontakt erfolgen.HPV infizieren Epithelzellen und sind die häufigsten sexuell übertragenen Viren weltweit. Neben dem Zervixkarzinom verursachen HPV auch andere anogenitale Tumore, wie Vulva‑, Vagina- und Analkarzinom, aber auch Oropharynxkarzinome. Vor allem die Hochrisiko-HPV-Typen 16 und 18 werden hier gefunden. Des Weiteren sind die HPV-Typen 6 und 11 ursächlich für die Entstehung von genitalen Warzen. Aber auch harmlose Hautwarzen werden von HPV verursacht.HPV-Impfstoffe sind sicher und hochwirksam, wenn vor der Impfung noch keine HPV-Infektion vorliegt. Systematische Reviews und Metaanalysen haben gezeigt, dass die HPV-Impfung eine HPV-Infektion, aber auch präkanzeröse Läsionen im Anogenitaltrakt und Genitalwarzen wirksam verhindert. Mittlerweile liegen erste direkte Hinweise vor, dass die HPV-Impfung die Inzidenz des Zervixkarzinoms reduziert.Die Impfquoten variieren weltweit je nach Impfprogramm und Akzeptanz des HPV-Impfstoffs in der Bevölkerung. Deutschland hat im Vergleich zu anderen europäischen Ländern niedrige Impfquoten. Die Ständige Impfkommission (STIKO) empfiehlt die HPV-Impfung in Deutschland für alle Mädchen und Jungen im Alter von 9 bis 14 Jahren. Im Jahr 2018 waren nur die Hälfte aller 18-jährigen Mädchen in Deutschland vollständig gegen HPV geimpft.Organisierte Impfprogramme, bevölkerungsbezogen oder schulbasiert, sind notwendig, um hohe Impfquoten zu erreichen.
The ethical application of biometric facial recognition technology
Authors: Smith Marcus , Miller Seumas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBiometric facial recognition is an artificial intelligence technology involving the automated comparison of facial features, used by law enforcement to identify unknown suspects from photographs and closed circuit television. Its capability is expanding rapidly in association with artificial intelligence and has great potential to solve crime. However, it also carries significant privacy and other ethical implications that require law and regulation. This article examines the rise of biometric facial recognition, current applications and legal developments, and conducts an ethical analysis of the issues that arise. Ethical principles are applied to mediate the potential conflicts in relation to this information technology that arise between security, on the one hand, and individual privacy and autonomy, and democratic accountability, on the other. These can be used to support appropriate law and regulation for the technology as it continues to develop.
A posteriori error bounds for fully-discrete hp-discontinuous Galerkin timestepping methods for parabolic problems
Authors: Georgoulis Emmanuil H. , Lakkis Omar , Wihler Thomas P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe consider fully discrete time-space approximations of abstract linear parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs) consisting of an hp-version discontinuous Galerkin (DG) time stepping scheme in conjunction with standard (conforming) Galerkin discretizations in space. We derive abstract computable a posteriori error bounds resulting, for instance, in concrete bounds in "Equation missing"- and "Equation missing"-type norms when I is the temporal and "Equation missing" the spatial domain for the PDE. We base our methodology for the analysis on a novel space-time reconstruction approach. Our approach is flexible as it works for any type of elliptic error estimator and leaves their choice to the user. It also exhibits mesh-change estimators in a clear and concise way. We also show how our approach allows the derivation of such bounds in the "Equation missing" norm.
SKI activates the Hippo pathway via LIMD1 to inhibit cardiac fibroblast activation
Authors: Landry Natalie M. , Rattan Sunil G. , Filomeno Krista L. , Meier Thomas W. , Meier Simon C. , Foran Sarah J. , Meier Claire F. , Koleini Navid , Fandrich Robert R. , Kardami Elissavet , Duhamel Todd A. , Dixon Ian M. C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe have previously shown that overexpression of SKI, an endogenous TGF-β1 repressor, deactivates the pro-fibrotic myofibroblast phenotype in the heart. We now show that SKI also functions independently of SMAD/TGF-β signaling, by activating the Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway and inhibiting the Transcriptional co-Activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ or WWTR1). The mechanism(s) by which SKI targets TAZ to inhibit cardiac fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis remain undefined. A rat model of post-myocardial infarction was used to examine the expression of TAZ during acute fibrogenesis and chronic heart failure. Results were then corroborated with primary rat cardiac fibroblast cell culture performed both on plastic and on inert elastic substrates, along with the use of siRNA and adenoviral expression vectors for active forms of SKI, YAP, and TAZ. Gene expression was examined by qPCR and luciferase assays, while protein expression was examined by immunoblotting and fluorescence microscopy. Cell phenotype was further assessed by functional assays. Finally, to elucidate SKI’s effects on Hippo signaling, the SKI and TAZ interactomes were captured in human cardiac fibroblasts using BioID2 and mass spectrometry. Potential interactors were investigated in vitro to reveal novel mechanisms of action for SKI. In vitro assays on elastic substrates revealed the ability of TAZ to overcome environmental stimuli and induce the activation of hypersynthetic cardiac myofibroblasts. Further cell-based assays demonstrated that SKI causes specific proteasomal degradation of TAZ, but not YAP, and shifts actin cytoskeleton dynamics to inhibit myofibroblast activation. These findings were supported by identifying the bi-phasic expression of TAZ in vivo during post-MI remodeling and fibrosis. BioID2-based interactomics in human cardiac fibroblasts suggest that SKI interacts with actin-modifying proteins and with LIM Domain-containing protein 1 (LIMD1), a negative regulator of Hippo signaling. Furthermore, we found that LATS2 interacts with TAZ, whereas LATS1 does not, and that LATS2 knockdown prevented TAZ downregulation with SKI overexpression. Our findings indicate that SKI’s capacity to regulate cardiac fibroblast activation is mediated, in part, by Hippo signaling. We postulate that the interaction between SKI and TAZ in cardiac fibroblasts is arbitrated by LIMD1, an important intermediary in focal adhesion-associated signaling pathways. This study contributes to the understanding of the unique physiology of cardiac fibroblasts, and of the relationship between SKI expression and cell phenotype.
Progress in the implementation of massively parallel sequencing for forensic genetics: results of a European-wide survey among professional users
Authors: Gross Theresa E. , Fleckhaus Jan , Schneider Peter M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA European-wide online survey was conducted to generate an overview on the state-of-the-art using massively parallel sequencing (MPS) platforms for forensic DNA analysis and DNA phenotyping among forensic practitioners in Europe. The survey was part of the dissemination activities of the “VISible Attributes through GEnomics – VISAGE” Horizon 2020 funded European research project [30], in preparation of a series of educational training activities. A total of 105 replies from 32 European countries representing participants from police, governmental, academic, and private laboratories providing professional services in the field of forensic genetics were included in the final analysis. Of these, 73% already own an MPS platform or are planning to acquire one within the next 1–2 years. One-third of the participants have already carried out MPS-based STR sequencing, identity, or ancestry SNP typing. A total of 23–40% of participants are planning to explore all FDP applications showing the overall very high interest in using MPS for the whole range of forensic MPS markers and applications. About 50% of the participants have previously gathered experience using forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP) markers based on conventional (i.e., not MPS-based) DNA typing methods. A total of 55% of the participants have attended training on the general use of MPS technology, but 36% have received no training whatsoever. Accordingly, 90% have expressed high or medium interest to attend training on the analysis and interpretation of DNA phenotyping data for predicting appearance, ancestry, and age. The results of our survey will provide valuable information for organizing relevant training workshops on all aspects of MPS-based DNA phenotyping for the forensic genetics scientific community.
Clinical efficacy of the enzyme replacement therapy in patients with late-onset Pompe disease: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Sarah Berli , Giovanna Brandi , Emanuela Keller , Nadi Najia , Josè Vitale , Alberto Pagnamenta 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), the efficacy of the enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with recombinant human alpha-glucosidase (rhGAA) is difficult to evaluate, due to the clinical heterogeneity and the small sample sizes in published studies. Therefore, we conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the efficacy of ERT in LOPD patients considering the walking distance, respiratory function and muscle strength. Particularly, six-minute walk test (6MWT), forced vital capacity (FVC), medical research council (MRC) grading, quantitative muscle testing (QMT), and quick motor function test (QMFT) were outcomes of interest. Overall, 619 studies were identified in PubMed, EMBASE and by manual search on July 18th, 2020. After an initial assessment, 16 studies were included in the meta-analysis, containing clinical data from 589 patients with LOPD. For the 6MWT, 419 patients were analyzed. Walking distance improved on average, 32.2 m greater during the observed period (p = 0.0003), compared to the distance at the baseline. The meta-analysis did not show any improvement in FVC and only a tendency towards better muscle strength after treatment with ERT, but the difference was not statistically significant. In conclusion, the available data showed that ERT has a significant beneficial efficacy in the improvement of walking distance in LOPD patients and a non-significant improvement of muscle strength. No improvement in respiratory capacity was found. More prospective and controlled trials are needed to demonstrate a clear clinical benefit of ERT.
Modular megaprostheses in the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur
Authors: Apprich Sebastian R. , Nia Arastoo , Schreiner Markus M. , Jesch Maximilian , Böhler Christoph , Windhager Reinhard 
Published: April 2021

Summary
Background
Periprosthetic fractures (PPF) of the femur remain challenging, especially in patients with previous multiple revisions. Modular megaprostheses (mMPs) are rarely used in this indication; however, in some cases mMPs seem to be the last chance for limb salvage. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of PPFs of the femur treated by modular mMPs at our institution.

Patients and methods
In this study 33 patients (27 female; mean age 79 years) with a PPF after total hip or total knee arthroplasty (no tumor indications) were treated using modular proximal (mPFR; n = 12), distal (mDFR; n = 14) or total (mTFR; n = 7) femur replacement. A retrospective evaluation regarding mortality and revision rates was performed. Failures with need for revision were classified.

Results
At a mean follow up of 60 months (range 0–178 months), the total mortality rate as well as total revision rate were both found to be 39%. At 1 year follow-up the mortality rate was highest within the mDFR group, and less revisions were necessary in the mPFR group, however both findings were not significantly. Those patients, who had revision surgery before PPF, were found to have higher revision rate after implantation of mMP. In the mPFR group, dislocation was the most frequent failure, within the mDFR and the mTFR group infection. In one case amputation of the lower limb was necessary.

Conclusion
mMPs represent a valuable option in PPFs of the femur. Infection and dislocation remain the most frequent complications. Prospective clinical studies are required to further define the outcome of mMPs in PPFs of the femur.
A Bayesian bivariate hierarchical model with correlated parameters for the analysis of road crashes in Italian tunnels
Authors: Caliendo Ciro , Guida Maurizio , Postiglione Fabio , Russo Isidoro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn analysis of crashes occurring in 252 unidirectional Italian motorway tunnels over a 4-year monitoring period is provided to identify the main causes of crashes in tunnels. In this paper, we propose a full Bayesian bivariate Poisson lognormal hierarchical model with correlated parameters for the joint analysis of crashes of two levels of severity, namely severe (including fatality and injury accidents only) and non-severe (property damage only), providing better insight on the available data with respect to an analysis based on severe and non-severe independent univariate models. In particular, the proposed model shows that for both of severity levels the crash frequency increases with some parameters: the average annual daily traffic per lane, the tunnel length, and the percentage of trucks, while the presence of the sidewalk provides a reduction in severe accidents. Also the presence of the third lane induces a reduction in severe accidents. Moreover, a reduction in the crash frequency of the two crash-types over years is present. The correlation between the parameters might offer additional insights into how some combinations can affect safety in tunnels. The results are critically discussed by highlighting strength and weakness of the proposed methodology.
Can a prison be self-managed? A study of the informal organisation of a bolivian prison
Authors: Iudici Antonio 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the unique prisons of Bolivia. Their main features include the presence of wives and children, self-management of activities within the prison and the opportunity for inmates to take part in various activities. In particular, the general organisation of the prisons and the inmates’ experience, especially on an interpersonal level, is described in this study. The obtained data shows that functional and effective experiences of social rehabilitation can be promoted even under extreme conditions and, in some cases, this provides important insights into the prison systems of most developed countries.
Impacts of course type and student gender on distance learning performance: A case study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Chen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe global outbreak of COVID-19 since January 2020 has forced the closure of schools and universities in over 180 countries to control the pandemic, affecting approximately 90% of students worldwide. Distance teaching has been adopted during school closures to suspend classes without suspending learning. Scholars have claimed that distance teaching is more effective than face-to-face teaching and can replace face-to-face courses. However, further investigation is required to confirm whether distance learning is suitable for all types of courses and all students. Thanks to the effective containment of COVID-19 outbreaks in Taiwan, universities in Taiwan face a less problematic situation than do those in other countries; however, plans and preparations remain essential. The present study recruited 18,085 students from a technology university in Taiwan and used the baseline data of the past three academic years before COVID-19 (2016–2018) to explore the influences of course type and gender on distance learning performance. The results revealed that compulsory courses are more suitable for distance learning courses, whereas face-to-face teaching is more suitable for elective and general education courses. The learning performance of males and females is also different: face-to-face courses are more suitable for males, whereas no significant difference between teaching methods was observed in females. This result suggests that not all courses offered by the university are suitable for distance learning courses, and not all students are adept at distance learning. Based on these results, it is recommended that a new teaching model be established for the post-COVID-19 era.