bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The moral dilemma of normative economics
Authors: Sushentsova M.
Published: October 2018

During the 20th century the cyclic transition in forming of the key categories of normative economics was observed: from objective to subjective explanation of personal utility, and again - toward more general objective criteria (capabilities). The article is devoted to socio-philisophical background of these processes. In our opinion, behind this conversion the dominance of ethical subjectivism or objectivism, respectively, the values of individual freedom or of well-being was hidden, that can be estimated externally (by an “impartial spectator”, legislation or public discussion).
Stability in the informal value transfer systems: norms of trust or institutions of control?
Authors: Lyasko A.
Published: October 2018

Informal financial operations exist in the shadow of official regulation and cannot be protected by the formal legal instruments, therefore raising concerns about the enforcement of obligations taken by their participants. This paper analyzes two alternative types of auxiliary institutions, which can coordinate expectations of the members of informal value transfer systems, namely attitudes of trust and norms of social control. It offers some preliminary approaches to creating a game-theoretic model of partner interaction in the informal value transfer system. It also sheds light on the perspectives of further studies in this area of institutional economics.
Promoting the income-tested social support in Russia: Barriers and facilitators
Authors: Ovcharova L. , Gorina E.
Published: October 2018

The paper examines the capacity of further development of the targeted social support programs in Russia. The analysis shows the position of this income-tested social assistance in the federal and regional social support systems. On the basis of the revealed barriers to the income-tested programs three directions of changes necessary to their further promotion are suggested.
The impact of academic achievement on starting wages of russian university graduates
Authors: Rudakov V. , Chirikov I. , Roshchin S. , Drozhzhina D.
Published: October 2018

This paper analyzes the impact of student academic achievements on future wages of Russian university graduates by looking at GPA-earnings relationship for graduates of one Russian selective university, based on cross-sectional graduate survey data. The issue of how student academic achievement, measured by GPA (Grade Point Average) impact future labor market rewards is analyzed with reference to the set of academic, demographic, and labor market factors. Our results indicate that there is no significant impact of GPA on future earnings for male graduates and significant negative impact for female graduates. The effect of GPA on earnings is insignificant for both gender groups if we control for sectoral segregation. The existence of work experience before graduation is the most significant factor that positively affects future wages. Moreover, we observed high returns to current job tenure. We found no evidence that combining study and work negatively affects student academic achievements.
Does industrial policy need theoretical justifications?
Authors: Tambovtsev V.
Published: October 2018

Basing on the analysis of discussions around industrial policy definitions and justifications, the paper suggests a new conception of industrial policy: it is an assemblage of government’s intentions to make up good economy and tools to effectuate the intentions. The variety of the meanings of the term “good economy” and cognitive patterns that can influence the understanding adopted by government are analyzed. The results of recent positive researches which revealed some economies’ structural features that promote economic resilience and competitiveness are summarized. It is shown that the achievement of these structural features can contradict some governments’ political goals.
On the strategy for industrial development of Russia
Authors: Osmakov V. , Kalinin A.
Published: October 2018

The article considers the problems of industrial policy and, accordingly, the industrial development strategy from the standpoint of the challenges facing the industry, the conditions for the adoption of strategic decisions and possible answers - the key directions of state activities. The main principles and directions are analyzed: investment, foreign trade, technological policies, certain aspects of territorial planning, state corporate and social policies. Proposals on the prospective goal-setting and possible results of industrial policy have been formulated.
Jean Tirole: The political economy of corporate finance (On the book by J. Tirole “The theory of corporate finance”)
Authors: Ranneva N.
Published: October 2018

The present article undertakes a critical review of the new book of Jean Tirole, the winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Economics, “The theory of cor- porate finance”, which has recently been published in Russian. The book makes a real contribution to the profession by summarizing the whole field of corporate finance and bringing together a big body of research developed over the last thirty years. By simplifying modeling, using unified analytical apparatus, undertaking reinterpretation of many previously received results, and structuring the material in original way Tirole achieves a necessary unity and simplicity in exposition of extremely heterogeneous theoretical and empirical material. The book integrates the new institutional economic theory into classical corporate finance theory and by doing so contributes to making a new type of textbook, which is quite on time and is likely to become essential reading for all graduate students in corporate finance and microeconomics and for everyone interested in these disciplines.
Measuring inflation expectations ofthe Russian population with the help of machine learning
Authors: Goloshchapova I. , Andreev M.
Published: October 2018

The paper proposes a new approach to measure inflation expectations of the Russian population based on text mining of information on the Internet with the help of machine learning techniques. Two indicators were constructed on the base of readers’ comments to inflation news in major Russian economic media available in the web at the period from 2014 through 2016: with the help of words frequency and sentiment analysis of comments content. During the whole considered period of time both indicators were characterized by dynamics adequate to the development of macroeconomic situation and were also able to forecast dynamics of official Bank of Russia indicators of population inflation expectations for approximately one month in advance.
Robots and potential technological unemployment in the Russian regions: Review and preliminary results
Authors: Zemtsov S.
Published: October 2018

The use of unmanned technologies can cause a decrease in the level of employment. The article discusses the compensation mechanisms and conflicting results of empirical studies. On the basis of internationally comparable methods, it was estimated that about 44% of the workers in Russia can be replaced, which is lower than in most developed countries. In the regions, specializing in the manufacturing industry, this value is higher, the least values are in the least developed regions. Some people will not be ready for life-long learning, competition with robots, and accordingly there is a possibility of their social exclusion in the future.
Influence of CEO’s personal characteristicson stock returns of Russian companies
Authors: Ovanesova Y. , Zotov E.
Published: October 2018

Данная работа посвящена анализу влияния личностных характеристик генеральных директоров (CEO) на доходность акций российских компаний. В работе рассмотрены 100 руководителей компаний, акции которых прошли процедуру листинга на Московской бирже. Значимыми факторами оказались прежнее место работы генерального директора, количество детей, возраст и срок нахождения в должности.
An economist in the public space
Authors: Tirole J.
Published: October 2018

This third chapter of the book “The economy of the common good” considers the status of academic economists as public intellectuals. It discusses the pitfalls economists face when engaging in public debates, in providing expertise for businesses or governments. It also makes some normative claims as to the socially best form of interaction between economics and practice.
Import substitution of investment goods in Russia
Authors: Pavlov P. , Kaukin A.
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the sensitivity of the demand for imported capital goods to the influence of various factors of the investment dynamics with the aim to generate evidence-based recommendations for the import substitution policy in the Russian Federation. It provides a forecast of the dynamics of the demand for imported machinery, equipment, components and vehicles in various macroeconomic scenario conditions. The article estimates the influence of the EU and US sectoral sanctions on the volume of Russian imports of investment goods. We characterize different approaches to the import substitution policy in the Russian Federation and conditions for their implementation.
Can the demand stimulating policy be effectivein the period of sluggish growth of the Russian economy?
Authors: Berezinskaya O. , Vedev A.
Published: October 2018

The reaction of the manufacturing industry to changing demand is a key indicator of the effectiveness of related demand-boosting policy measures. The paper analyzes the industry response to shifts in demand from end consumers through a set of development models in times of vivid growth, turbulence, and deterioration of internal and external growth drivers in 2006-2016. The models employed during the period of sluggish growth are reviewed through a magnifying glass.
Geography and structure of the banking sector: Trends in the world and Russia
Authors: Ageeva S. , Mishura A.
Published: October 2018

The article analyzes trends in the evolution of the structure and geography of Russian banking industry. It shows how three types of distances (operational, functional, and those between offices of competing banks) change under the influence of the concentration in banking business and reduction of the number of banks. The authors also provide a typology of regions according to the availability of local banks and non-local branches. We test a well-known hypothesis about the existence of a connection between the structures of the economy and its banking sector and show that the focus of regional banks’ activities in Russia has shifted towards SMEs, but we have not found a correspondence between the structures of regional economies and their banking sectors. The parameters of regional banking systems differ, and although many regions have their own specifics, such differences are not related to the structures of regional economies.
Platform business models
Authors: Markova V. D.
Published: October 2018

This article presents the results of comparative analysis of platform business models based on a unique typology of platforms and proposed parameters of business models. It was concluded that in order to describe a platform business model, it is possible to use a series of parameters specific to business models of traditional non-platform companies, extending their contents. However, the specific character of platforms requires setting/introducing a new business model parameter, which will reflect an innovative component, and detailed analysis of possible solutions to a dilemma of monetization of value created by platforms without destroying the network effect.
Russia-2024: the strategy of social and economic development
Authors: Medvedev D. A.
Published: October 2018

The paper deals with the challenges and tasks of Russian social and economic policy for 2018—2024. Based on the analysis of global and national trends and conditions for years to come the author discusses the trajectory of economic, social, and technological break-through. Sustainable growth of well-being and competitiveness of individuals and the society as a whole and the state are the key elements of the Strategy of social and economic development of Russia.
On the effects of monetary policy in Russia: The role of the space of spanned shocks and the policy regime shifts
Authors: Pestova A. A.
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the influence of monetary policy shocks in Russia on the basic macroeconomic and financial indicators. To identify the shocks of monetary policy, the Bayesian approach to the estimation of vector autoregressions (VARs) is applied, followed by extraction of the unexplained dynamics of monetary policy instruments (shocks) using both recursive identification and sign restrictions approach. The estimates show that the monetary policy shocks, apparently, cannot be attributed to the key drivers of cyclical movements in Russia, as they explain only less than 10% of the output variation and from 5 to10% of the prices variation. When applying recursive identification, no restraining effect of monetary policy on prices is found. Respective impact on output is negative and statistically significant in all identification procedures employed; however, the relative contribution of monetary shocks to output is not large. In addition, no significant effect of monetary policy tightening on the stabilization of the ruble exchange rate was found.
Alcohol consumption externalities: An impact of alcohol policies on crime rates
Authors: Kolosnitsyna M. G. , Khorkina N. A. , Volkov A. Yu.
Published: October 2018

Alcohol is traditionally considered by economists as an addictive good. Its consumption is often connected to irrational behaviours as well as negative external effects: growth of crime rates, traffic, occupational, and home accidents, fires. That is why most countries with high levels of alcohol consumption introduce special policy measures to reduce it and, as a result, its negative impact on society. In recent decade these policies were also adopted in Russia. This paper analyzes an impact of alcohol policy measures on crime rates. Empirical study is based on econometric analysis of panel data on Russian regions in 2003-2015. The results confirm effectiveness of temporal restrictions on alcohol sales in regard to juvenile and adult crime. Increasing price of vodka due to higher rates of excise tax reduces a number of crimes by teenagers. Meanwhile, price measures do not influence crime rates among adults.
Actively managed Russian mutualfunds: Good or bad for investors?
Authors: Inozemtsev E. V. , Tarassov E. B.
Published: October 2018

The paper considers the degree of activity of Russian mutual funds. According to the results obtained, index funds on average deviate by 12% from their base index, while active funds deviate by 56%. It is shown that more active funds are more costly for the shareholders, but at the same time demonstrate a lower net profit adjusted for risk. The deviation of index funds from the base index leads to an even greater loss of profitability than in the case of active funds. The results show that active management of capital in Russia is experiencing difficulties both in terms of high fees and low profitability. Market underdevelopment and low competition create all the prerequisites for the existence of such a situation. As a solution, we propose to develop the market of passive capital management both by monitoring the prices of their products, and through measures aimed at increasing the understanding of the essence of passive management by the mass investor.
New technological revolution: Challenges and opportunities for Russia
Authors: Idrisov G. I. , Knyaginin V. N. , Kudrin A. L. , Rozhkova E. S.
Published: October 2018

The article discusses the core changes, called the “new industrial revolution”. It addresses the challenges that Russia faces in its technological transition. Based on the cross-country analysis of the readiness to transition, we bring the target vision of the technological revolution for Russia. Risks and action scenarios are also evaluated, the main measures are proposed and the stages of their implementation are indicated. The aim of the article is to put the accelerated technological transformation in the list of priority goals for Russian economic policy. The article is based on the Center for Strategic Research report.
On current state of economics: Subjective semi-sociological observations
Authors: Kapeliushnikov R. I.
Published: October 2018

The paper analyses recent sociological and epistemological trends in the evolution of economics as a scientific enterprise and as a social institution and tries to evaluate its current state and further perspectives. It concludes that now there is neither triumph nor crisis in modern economic science. Rather, economics is in an ordinary working state though not very promising since the period of big theoretical ideas seems to be over for it, since new atheoretical tendency in it is becoming stronger, and since it would become more and more interventionistic in the nearest future.
Quantitative easing operations as an instrument of monetary policy
Authors: Usoskin V. М.
Published: October 2018

Quantitative easing operations (QE) carried out during the last ten years by world central banks have become a reaction to the weakness of traditional instruments used to counteract the financial crisis of 2007-2009 and the following recession. This article reviews the peculiar features of QE, theoretical explanations of their influence on economic situation and the evidences of their efficiency as an instrument of monetary policy. The author concludes that QE exerted a considerable impact on financial markets processes but they were much less successful in reaching macroeconomic goals of monetary policy.
Analysis of debt burden and credit of corporate sector: Estimates for Russia and cross-country cases
Authors: Sheremeta S. V. , Mogilat A. N.
Published: October 2018

The paper discusses dynamics of private sector debt-to-GDP ratio and debt service ratio (DSR). We show that the level of DSR for developing countries is less than that of DSR for developed countries, and has a more volatile dynamics. Developing countries face significant risk from external sector of the economy due to high level of their dependence on external debt - through currency revaluation, on the one hand, and reciprocal growth of interest rates, on the other hand. This is illustrated, for example, by the situation in Russia in 2014-2016. We also show that countries with monetary policy based on inflation targeting face much more downplayed response of DSR shocks on their economic activity than countries with different regimes of monetary policy. That is why currency crises in several regions including South-East Asia and Russia, have led to significant growth in DSR and forwarded shift to inflation targeting in these countries. Along with shocks of DSR related to volatility of foreign currency, we explore those related to inflation and monetary conditions, abrupt changes in economic activity, etc. The paper also focuses on factors of DSR dynamics, including interest rates, terms, volumes, foreign currency revaluation, and its decomposition on the long period of time.
Atlas of economic complexity, Russian regional pages
Authors: Lyubimov I. L. , Lysyuk M. V. , Gvozdeva M. A.
Published: October 2018

Well-established results indicate that export diversification might be a better growth strategy for an emerging economy as long as its GDP per capita level is smaller than an empirically defined threshold. As average incomes in Russian regions are likely to be far below the threshold, it might be important to estimate their diversification potential. The paper discusses the Atlas of economic complexity for Russian regions created to visualize regional export baskets, to estimate their complexity and evaluate regional export potential. The paper’s results are consistent with previous findings: the complexity of export is substantially higher and diversification potential is larger in western and central regions of Russia. Their export potential might become larger if western and central regions, first, try to join global value added chains and second, cooperate and develop joint diversification strategies. Northern and eastern regions are by contrast much less complex and their diversification potential is small.
Drivers of price inertia: Survey evidence
Authors: Karlova N. A. , Bogacheva I. V. , Puzanova E. V.
Published: October 2018

The paper investigates the pricing behaviour of firms on the basis of a survey conducted by the Bank of Russia. The results show some price inertia factors which can be caused by inflation expectations adaptability, inflexible pricing policy and wage growth. These potential sources of price inertia can impede slowing down of inflation processes in the economy.
On the issue of crypto‑currency economic nature
Authors: Simanovskiy A. Yu.
Published: October 2018

The article deals with the analysis of the economic nature of cryptocurrency, risks that arise from its use for economic turnover servicing, and consequences of different options of its probable legalization. Crypto-currency is deemed a money surrogate, a new kind of fiduciary money, having essentially no ground for trust, and an instrument of national wealth redistribution. The major way of crypto-currency existence is Ponzi scheme. Proposals are provided for limiting negative economic and social costs of crypto-currency use.
FAKTOR KUNCI PENGEMBANGAN BIOETANOL AREN DI KABUPATEN BOALEMO PROVINSI GORONTALO
Authors: - Ritabulan , Hiola Abdul Samad
Published: October 2018

The potential of sugar palm spreading in Boalemo Regency strongly supports the development of paletan bioethanol in this area. However, these efforts face several interrelated and complex problems. This research aims to determine the key factors that influence the success of bioethanol development in Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo Province. This research uses Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM) approach. The results of the analysis indicate that the key factors of bioethanol development in Boalemo Regency consist of: (i) development objective, which is to increase community's income; (ii) development needs, namely; availability of raw materials and human resources; (iii) the institutions involved, ie UPTD KPHP V Boalemo and KLHK Research, Development and Innovation Center; (iv) obstacles in development, namely regulatory / regulatory constraints; and (v) indicators, namely the level of public income and the amount of bioethanol production
Disharmoni dalam Dinamika Penyelenggaraan Pemerintahan Daerah
Authors: Junus Dikson , Potabuga Sucipto
Published: October 2018

The dynamics of good governance at the central government level to the level of local government is inseparable from the conflict. Conflict usually occurs horizontally or vertically, causing disharmony in the administration. In the period 2014-2015 in the Province of Gorontalo had experienced dynamics in governance that led to poor inter-regional relations. This paper will discuss the disharmony of Governor and Mayor relationship with the focus of discussion on the function of coordination and supervision in the implementation of local government. The results show that the disinclination of government relations between provinces and municipalities due to unclear division of authority between governments so that structural and functional coordination is not effective and achievement of goals does not always work as expected. This research suggests changing the mindset of government apparatus in the management and administration of government and strengthening cooperation among local government, so that the dynamics of governance can run effectively and efficiently.
Manajemen Resiko Proyek Untuk Mencegah Terjadinya Pemutusan Kontrak Kerja Pada Proyek Abrasi Pantai Desa Biluhu Tengah
Authors: Djau Rahman Abdul
Published: October 2018

This reseach was conducted on the project construction of abrasion beach located in the village of Biluhu middle district biluhu. Data collection was performed by questionnaires. The results of the survey questionnaire collected the 30 responpondents, then the data is analyzed with statistical analysis. Based on the test reliability coefficient obtained Cronbach Alpha of 0,637, thus it can be concluded that this variable realibe. The results of this study conducted with the test statistics and performed the ranking over the factors that cause the termination of the employment contract.based on the ranking, there are 8 (eight) factorsthat cause the occurrence of the termination of the emplyment contract that the employment relationship that is not harmonious with the owner, the method of implementation, shortage of labor, delays the star of the work, materials delivered are not in accordance, the working relationship that is not harmonious with the supervision consultant, the shortage of funds in the implementation of and mistake to interpret the image.
Analisa Penerapan Resapan Biopori Pada Kawasan Rawan Banjir Di Kecamatan Telaga Biru
Authors: Ichsan Ilyas , Hulalata Zulkifli S.
Published: October 2018

Surface Runoff occurs due to high rainfall that falls in an area that is able to caused flooding. Infiltration Biopori Technology serves to reduce storm water runoff is to increase the water absorbing soil thus reducing surface runoff that often causes floods. This research aim was to get the value of infiltration without biopori infiltration and infiltration with infiltration biopori, as well as obtaining the presentation of discharge runoff can be reduced by 1 piece infiltration biopori on a plot of land with an area of 100 m2. The research methods used quantitative methods. Primary data obtained from testing on-site infiltration studies used Single Tool Infiltrometer Ring with a diameter of 25 cm, were analyzed used the method of Horton Curve. Secondary data, precipitation last 10 years from the year 2006 to 2015 obtained from BMKG Djalaludin Gorontalo Airport consists of three stations that BPP-Tapa, Talumelito, Slamet Djalaludin Gorontalo, then analyzed used rational methods to obtain discharge of the runoff. Analysis of the results obtained, infiltration without absorption biopori was 4.5 cm / hour, once created biopori infiltration infiltration rate rose to 38.1 cm / hour, and 1 absorption biopori on a plot of land with an area of 100 m2 can reduce runoff discharge at 10.82%
Identifikasi bentuk partisipasi masyarakat Dalam pelaksanaan program Peningkatan kualitas permukiman Studi Kasus : Pada Pelaksanaan Program PLPBK di Permukiman Masyarakat Berpenghasilan Rendah di Kelurahan Tenilo Kota Gorontalo
Authors: Jantu Mochamad Athar
Published: October 2018

The participation of the community in an implementation of the program or activity greatly affects the success of the program. This participation itself was born because of the factors from inside and outside the individual as members of that community group. This writing is based on a study that takes place in low-income community settlements in Tenilo RT II / RW II Kelota Kelota Gorontalo, Gorontalo Province with the aim of identifying the forms of community participation as well as the factors that influence the participation of the community in the implementation of the quality improvement program which is part of the Community-Based Settlement Environment Management (PLPBK) program by the government in the National Urban Empowerment Community Empowerment Program (PNPM-Mandiri Urban). The method used in this research is by qualitative analysis approach to analyze the primary and secondary data. The study finds that the form of community participation in the implementation of the program of improving the quality of settlements of low income community groups in Tenilo RT II / RW II Kelota District Gorontalo in the form of energy and goods . Internal factors that influence are gender, education, occupation, age, and income, while external factors as the incentive is the willingness, ability and opportunity.
Analisis Profitabilitas Pada PT. Fast Food Indonesia tbk
Authors: Rasid Ayub Usman
Published: October 2018

Profitability Analysis At PT. Gelael Praktis Makassar. This study aims to see the company's ability to generate profits by analyzing financial data for the last five years.           The expected result, the method of analysis used in this research is to use cross margin ratio analysis, profit margin ratio, return on asets and return on equity. The results of this study indicate that the profitability ratio owned by the company over the last five years fluctuated but still in good condition.
An assessment of progress in cancer control
Authors: Siegel Rebecca L. , Jemal Ahmedin , Wender Richard C. , Gansler Ted , Ma Jiemin , Brawley Otis W.
Published: October 2018

This article summarizes cancer mortality trends and disparities based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics. It is the first in a series of articles that will describe the American Cancer Society's vision for how cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment can be transformed to lower the cancer burden in the United States, and sets the stage for a national cancer control plan, or blueprint, for the American Cancer Society goals for reducing cancer mortality by the year 2035. Although steady progress in reducing cancer mortality has been made over the past few decades, it is clear that much more could, and should, be done to save lives through the comprehensive application of currently available evidence‐based public health and clinical interventions to all segments of the population. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;000:000‐000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Statistical Mechanics of On-Line Learning Under Concept Drift
Authors: Straat Michiel , Abadi Fthi , Göpfert Christina , Hammer Barbara , Biehl Michael
Published: October 2018

We introduce a modeling framework for the investigation of on-line machine learning processes in non-stationary environments. We exemplify the approach in terms of two specific model situations: In the first, we consider the learning of a classification scheme from clustered data by means of prototype-based Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ). In the second, we study the training of layered neural networks with sigmoidal activations for the purpose of regression. In both cases, the target, i.e., the classification or regression scheme, is considered to change continuously while the system is trained from a stream of labeled data. We extend and apply methods borrowed from statistical physics which have been used frequently for the exact description of training dynamics in stationary environments. Extensions of the approach allow for the computation of typical learning curves in the presence of concept drift in a variety of model situations. First results are presented and discussed for stochastic drift processes in classification and regression problems. They indicate that LVQ is capable of tracking a classification scheme under drift to a non-trivial extent. Furthermore, we show that concept drift can cause the persistence of sub-optimal plateau states in gradient based training of layered neural networks for regression.
Link Prediction in Bipartite Nested Networks
Authors: Medo Matúš , Mariani Manuel Sebastian , Lü Linyuan
Published: October 2018

Real networks typically studied in various research fields—ecology and economic complexity, for example—often exhibit a nested topology, which means that the neighborhoods of high-degree nodes tend to include the neighborhoods of low-degree nodes. Focusing on nested networks, we study the problem of link prediction in complex networks, which aims at identifying likely candidates for missing links. We find that a new method that takes network nestedness into account outperforms well-established link-prediction methods not only when the input networks are sufficiently nested, but also for networks where the nested structure is imperfect. Our study paves the way to search for optimal methods for link prediction in nested networks, which might be beneficial for World Trade and ecological network analysis.
Cooling Process Analysis of a 5-Drum System for Radioactive Waste Processing
Authors: Iranzo Alfredo , Pino Francisco Javier , Guerra José , Bernal Francisco , García Nicasio
Published: October 2018

A cooling system design for the processing of radioactive waste drums is investigated in this work, with the objective of providing insights for the determination of the air flow rate required to ensure an acceptable slag temperature (323 K or below) after 5 days. A methodology based on both 3D and 2D axisymmetric Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling is developed. Transient temperature distributions within the drums in time and space determined by the heat transfer characteristics are studied in detail. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out assuming different physical properties of the radioactive slag. It was found out that for all variations analyzed, the maximum temperature of slag at the end of five days cooling is below 323 K, where the maximum outlet air temperature for a minimum air inlet velocity of 1 m/s is between 320 K and 323 K depending on the radioactive slag properties. When glass-like radioactive slag properties are assumed, the internal heat conduction within the slag is limiting the overall heat transfer, therefore requiring significantly longer cooling times.
Translation and Test–Retest of the Spanish Podiatry Health Questionnaire (PHQ-S)
Authors: Navarro-Flores Emmanuel , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , López-López Daniel , Rodríguez-Sanz David , Palomo-López Patricia , Calvo-Lobo César
Published: October 2018

Background: The Podiatric Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a health-related questionnaire consisting of six questions designed for measuring foot health status. To date, the PHQ has only been validated in the English-language version. Thus, this study aimed to perform the Spanish translation and test–retest procedures of the PHQ (PHQ-S). Method: The forward/backward translation and test–retest reliability methods were applied from English to Spanish languages. Regarding the total score for each domain, internal consistency and reliability were determined by the Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: High internal consistency was shown for the six domains: (1) walking with a Cronbach α of 0.97; (2) hygiene and nail care with 0.93 and 093, respectively; (3) foot pain with 0.91; (4) worry and concern domain with 0.904; (5) quality of life with 0.87; and (6) the self-perception of how their feet are feeling measured by a visual analogic scale with 0.92. Excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.99 (95% CI = 0.96–0.98)) was shown for the total score. Conclusions: The PHQ-S was shown to be a valid and reliable tool for an acceptable use in the Spanish population.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus in Male Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Álvarez María Inmaculada , Gómez-Urquiza Jose L. , Husein-El Ahmed Husein , Albendín-García Luis , Gómez-Salgado Juan , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo A.
Published: October 2018

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections. Although the research focus has been on women, men are also affected. Thus, the aim was to estimate the prevalence of HPV in men and to analyse its risk factors. A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. The main health science databases were consulted. The search terms were was: “papilloma virus AND (prevalence OR risk factors) AND men”. The final sample of studies was n = 16 and the men sample for the meta-analysis was n = 18,106. The meta-analysis revealed a prevalence of 49% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 35–64%) of any type of human papillomavirus in men and 35% (95% CI: 26–45%) of high-risk human papillomavirus in men. The included studies showed that stable sexual habits, circumcision and condom use are protective factors against HPV. In addition, there is a certain positive association with tobacco use and the early initiation of sexual intercourse. In conclusion, the prevalence of HPV in men is high. The risk factors for HPV infection are sexual promiscuity, early sexual debut, absence of circumcision, lack of condom use and smoking. Further study in this field about the effectiveness of the vaccine and health education should be conducted.
Engaging with and Shaping Nature: A Nature-Based Intervention for Those with Mental Health and Behavioural Problems at the Westonbirt Arboretum in England
Authors: O’Brien Liz
Published: October 2018

Mental health problems have become one of the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. This study used qualitative mixed methods including in-situ ‘being and doing’ activities with participants, interviews, and participant observations to explore participant’s experiences of a multi-visit nature-based intervention at Westonbirt Arboretum in England. The research found that three engagement types: (1) social, (2) woodland craft, and (3) creative and sensory, provided a meaningful programme to engage those with mental health, addiction, autism and behavioural problems. These types of engagement conferred a wide range of well-being benefits on participants. The study highlights key elements of the programme that were effective including the importance of repeat visits to nature to enable familiarity, using creative, sensory and craft activities, creating a supportive environment, involving the volunteers, and understanding the needs of participants and the organisations that work with them. The research suggests that nature-based programmes can be designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet the needs of participants with mental health and behavioural problems. Small numbers of participants can be involved in an intensive and immersive way that encourages an emotional affinity with nature. Inclusive and supportive programmes are particularly important for those who are vulnerable, as they are less likely to engage with nature than the wider population.
A Protein Intrinsic Disorder Approach for Characterising Differentially Expressed Genes in Transcriptome Data: Analysis of Cell-Adhesion Regulated Gene Expression in Lymphoma Cells
Authors: Arvidsson Gustav , Wright Anthony P. H.
Published: October 2018

Conformational protein properties are coupled to protein functionality and could provide a useful parameter for functional annotation of differentially expressed genes in transcriptome studies. The aim was to determine whether predicted intrinsic protein disorder was differentially associated with proteins encoded by genes that are differentially regulated in lymphoma cells upon interaction with stromal cells, an interaction that occurs in microenvironments, such as lymph nodes that are protective for lymphoma cells during chemotherapy. Intrinsic disorder protein properties were extracted from the Database of Disordered Protein Prediction (D2P2), which contains data from nine intrinsic disorder predictors. Proteins encoded by differentially regulated cell-adhesion regulated genes were enriched in intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) compared to other genes both with regard to IDR number and length. The enrichment was further ascribed to down-regulated genes. Consistently, a higher proportion of proteins encoded by down-regulated genes contained at least one IDR or were completely disordered. We conclude that down-regulated genes in stromal cell-adherent lymphoma cells encode proteins that are characterized by elevated levels of intrinsically disordered conformation, indicating the importance of down-regulating functional mechanisms associated with intrinsically disordered proteins in these cells. Further, the approach provides a generally applicable and complementary alternative to classification of differentially regulated genes using gene ontology or pathway enrichment analysis.
Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated from Ishige okamurae Represses High Glucose-Induced Angiogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Fernando K. H. N. , Yang Hye-Won , Jiang Yunfei , Jeon You-Jin , Ryu BoMi
Published: October 2018

Diabetes mellitus causes abnormalities of angiogenesis leading to vascular dysfunction and serious pathologies. Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), which is isolated from Ishige okamurae, is well known for its bioactivities, including antihyperglycemic and protective functions against diabetes-related pathologies. In the present study, the inhibitory effect of DPHC on high glucose-induced angiogenesis was investigated on the human vascular endothelial cell line EA.hy926. DPHC inhibited the cell proliferation, cell migration, and tube formation in cells exposed to 30 mM of glucose to induce angiogenesis. Furthermore, the effect of DPHC against high glucose-induced angiogenesis was evaluated in zebrafish embryos. The treatment of embryos with DPHC suppressed high glucose-induced dilation in the retinal vessel diameter and vessel formation. Moreover, DPHC could inhibit high glucose-induced vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) expression and its downstream signaling cascade. Overall, these findings suggest that DPHC is actively involved in the suppression of high glucose-induced angiogenesis. Hence, DPHC is a potential agent for the development of therapeutics against angiogenesis induced by diabetes.
Study on Fabrication of ZnO Waveguide Layer for Love Wave Humidity Sensor Based on Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Wen Changbao , Niu Taotao , Ma Yue , Gao Nan , Ru Feng
Published: October 2018

The ZnO waveguide layer for the Love wave humidity sensor was fabricated by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering technique using ZnO as the target material. To investigate the effect of RF magnetron sputtering temperature on the ZnO waveguide layer and Love wave device, a series of Love wave devices with ZnO waveguide layer were fabricated at different sputtering temperatures. The crystal orientation and microstructure of ZnO waveguide was characterized and analyzed, and the response characteristics of the Love wave device were analyzed by network analyzer. Furthermore, a humidity measurement system is designed, and the performance of the Love wave humidity sensor was measured and analyzed. The research results illustrate that the performance of the ZnO waveguide layer is improved when the sputtering temperature changes from 25 °C to 150 °C. However, when the sputtering temperature increases from 150 °C to 200 °C, the performance of the ZnO waveguide layer is degraded. Compared with the other sputtering temperatures, the ZnO waveguide layer fabricated at 150 °C has the best c-axis orientation and the largest average grain size (53.36 nm). The Love wave device has the lowest insertion loss at 150 °C. In addition, when the temperature of the measurement chamber is 25 °C and the relative humidity is in the range of 10% to 80%, the fabricated Love wave humidity sensor with ZnO waveguide layer has good reproducibility and long-term stability. Moreover, the Love wave humidity sensor has high sensitivity of 6.43 kHz/RH and the largest hysteresis error of the sensor is 6%.
Multi-Target Detection Method Based on Variable Carrier Frequency Chirp Sequence
Authors: Wang Wei , Du Jinsong , Gao Jie
Published: October 2018

Continuous waveform (CW) radar is widely used in intelligent transportation systems, vehicle assisted driving, and other fields because of its simple structure, low cost and high integration. There are several waveforms which have been developed in the last years. The chirp sequence waveform has the ability to extract the range and velocity parameters of multiple targets. However, conventional chirp sequence waveforms suffer from the Doppler ambiguity problem. This paper proposes a new waveform that follows the practical application requirements, high precision requirements, and low system complexity requirements. The new waveform consists of two chirp sequences, which are intertwined to each other. Each chirp signal has the same frequency modulation, the same bandwidth and the same chirp duration. The carrier frequencies are different and there is a frequency shift which is large enough to ensure that the Doppler frequencies for the same moving target are different. According to the sign and numerical relationship of the Doppler frequencies (possibly frequency aliasing), the Doppler frequency ambiguity problem is solved in eight cases. Theoretical analysis and simulation results verify that the new radar waveform is capable of measuring range and radial velocity simultaneously and unambiguously, with high accuracy and resolution even in multi-target situations.
Odor Fingerprint Analysis Using Feature Mining Method Based on Olfactory Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Men Hong , Jiao Yanan , Shi Yan , Gong Furong , Chen Yizhou , Fang Hairui , Liu Jingjing
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we aim to use odor fingerprint analysis to identify and detect various odors. We obtained the olfactory sensory evaluation of eight different brands of Chinese liquor by a lab-developed intelligent nose. From the respective combination of the time domain and frequency domain, we extract features to reflect the samples comprehensively. However, the extracted feature combined time domain and frequency domain will bring redundant information that affects performance. Therefore, we proposed data by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Variable Importance Projection (VIP) to delete redundant information to construct a more precise odor fingerprint. Then, Random Forest (RF) and Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN) were built based on the above. Results showed that the VIP-based models achieved better classification performance than PCA-based models. In addition, the peak performance (92.5%) of the VIP-RF model had a higher classification rate than the VIP-PNN model (90%). In conclusion, odor fingerprint analysis using a feature mining method based on the olfactory sensory evaluation can be applied to monitor product quality in the actual process of industrialization.
A Joint Space-Time Array for Communication Signals-Based on a Moving Platform and Performance Analysis
Authors: Yang Bin , Wang Cheng , Yang Bin , Yin Jiexin
Published: October 2018

A joint space-time array for communication signals is constructed in this paper to settle the contradiction between the performance of angle estimation and the array aperture. It introduces Doppler information caused by platform motion into the signal processing to obtain favorable performance with limited array aperture. We analyze the theoretical performance in the aspects of distinguishable source number, spatial resolution and Cramér-Rao bound (CRB), respectively. Both theoretical analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed space-time array can give rise to a significant enhancement in achievable array performance.
A Vision-Based Approach to UAV Detection and Tracking in Cooperative Applications
Authors: Opromolla Roberto , Fasano Giancarmine , Accardo Domenico
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a visual-based approach that allows an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to detect and track a cooperative flying vehicle autonomously using a monocular camera. The algorithms are based on template matching and morphological filtering, thus being able to operate within a wide range of relative distances (i.e., from a few meters up to several tens of meters), while ensuring robustness against variations of illumination conditions, target scale and background. Furthermore, the image processing chain takes full advantage of navigation hints (i.e., relative positioning and own-ship attitude estimates) to improve the computational efficiency and optimize the trade-off between correct detections, false alarms and missed detections. Clearly, the required exchange of information is enabled by the cooperative nature of the formation through a reliable inter-vehicle data-link. Performance assessment is carried out by exploiting flight data collected during an ad hoc experimental campaign. The proposed approach is a key building block of cooperative architectures designed to improve UAV navigation performance either under nominal GNSS coverage or in GNSS-challenging environments.