Primary energy consumption and economic growth: the case of Greece

This paper examines the relationship between primary energy consumption and economic growth in Greece for the period 1965-2019 by using annual data. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between economic growth and energy consumption. In terms of econometric specificity, ordinary least squares regression (OLS) is used to determine the model in the first step, while the vector self-regulating model (VAR) and the Wald test are used to detect causality. The study differs from the literature in terms of examining the individual energy sources. Total primary energy consumption in Greece is examined in relation to economic growth and individual energy sources separately. According to the results, primary energy consumption in Greece has a big impact on economic growth. The energy derived from non-renewable energy sources has the highest consumption rates. Causality tests show that there is a causal relationship between wind energy consumption and the GDP per capita while causality is observed from the GDP per capita to oil, coal, solar and hydropower consumption

A novel continuous microfluidic reactor design for the controlled production of high-quality semiconductor nanocrystals

An innovative microfluidic reactor concept for the production of high quality semiconductor nanocrystals is presented. The reactor features a droplet-based, two phase flow design that eliminates the dispersion-induced broadening of the particle size distribution that is characteristic of other microfluidic designs. The flow channels in the design are arranged to spiral in and out of novel reaction coin structures that are designed to allow the thermal profile of the reactor to be tailored to the requirements of specific nanocrystal synthesis operations. A simplified prototype reactor has been constructed and tested to demonstrate the feasibility of the reactor concept. Broader impacts of the design concept with respect to the ability to permit unprecedented control over the size distribution of the particles are discussed

Endpoints for extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel disease trials: the EXTRA consensus from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

Extraintestinal manifestations occur frequently in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The aim of the Endpoints for Extraintestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Trials (EXTRA) initiative was to achieve international expert consensus on how to assess these manifestations in IBD trials. A systematic literature review was done to identify methods to diagnose extraintestinal manifestations in patients with IBD and measure treatment outcomes. A consensus meeting involving a panel of 41 attendees, including gastroenterologists and referral specialists, was held on March 31, 2021, as part of an International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases initiative. The panel agreed that a specialist's expertise is needed to confirm the diagnosis of extraintestinal manifestations before the inclusion of a patient in IBD trials, except for axial spondyloarthritis, for which typical symptoms and MRI can be sufficient. Easy-to-measure endpoints were identified to assess the response of extraintestinal manifestations to treatment without needing specialist involvement. For uveitis, peripheral spondyloarthritis, and arthralgia, endpoint measurements need specialist expertise. The timing of endpoint measurements was discussed for individual extraintestinal manifestations. The EXTRA consensus proposes guidelines on how to thoroughly evaluate extraintestinal manifestations within IBD trials, and recommends that these guidelines are implemented in future trials to enable prospective assessment of these manifestations and comparison between studies

Endoscopic Postoperative Recurrence In Crohn's Disease After Curative Ileocecal Resection With Early Prophylaxis By Anti-Tnf, Vedolizumab Or Ustekinumab: A Real-World Multicenter European Study

Background: Endoscopic-post-operative-recurrence [ePOR] in Crohn's disease [CD] after ileocecal resection [ICR] is a major concern. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early prophylaxis with biologics and to compare anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] therapy to vedolizumab [VDZ] and ustekinumab [UST] in a real-world setting.Methods: A retrospective multicentre study of CD-adults after curative ICR on early prophylaxis was undertaken. ePOR was defined as a Rutgeerts score [RS] >= i2 or colonic-segmental-SES-CD >= 6. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors, and inverse probability treatment weighting [IPTW] was applied to compare the effectiveness between agents.Results: The study included 297 patients (53.9% males, age at diagnosis 24 years [19-32], age at ICR 34 years 126-431, 18.5% smokers, 276% biologic-naive, 65.7% anti-TNF experienced, 28.6% two or more biologics and 17.2% previous surgery). Overall, 224, 39 and 34 patients received anti-TNF, VDZ or UST, respectively. Patients treated with VDZ and UST were more biologic experienced with higher rates of previous surgery. ePOR rates within 1 year were 41.8%. ePOR rates by treatment groups were: anti-TNF 40.2%, VDZ 33% and UST 61.8%. Risk factors for ePOR at 1 year were: past-infliximab (adjusted odds ratio [adj.OR] = 1.73 [95% confidence interval, CI: 1.01-2.97]), past-adalimumab [adj.OR = 2.32 [95% CI: 1.35-4.01] and surgical aspects. After IPTW, the risk of ePOR within 1 year of VDZ vs anti-TNF or UST vs anti-TNF was comparable (OR = 0.55 [95% CI: 0.25-1.19], OR = 1.86 [95% CI: 0.79-4.381), respectively.Conclusion. Prevention of ePOR within 1 year after surgery was successful in -60% of patients. Patients treated with VDZ or UST consisted of a more refractory group. After controlling for confounders, no differences in ePOR risk were seen between anti-TNF prophylaxis and other groups