bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-velocity impact, bending, and compression response of carbon fiber/epoxy-based sandwich composites with different types of core materials
Authors: Dogan Akar
Published: February 2020

This study focuses on the investigation of the effects of different core types on the low velocity impact, three-point bending and out-of-plane compression loading performance of sandwich composites. Three core materials were selected: Balsa wood, PVC foam, and Ayous wood. The facesheets of sandwich composites were produced by woven carbon/epoxy. Balsa and PVC foam are widely used in sandwich composites as core materials. In this study, Ayous wood, which is the lightest tree after Balsa, was used as core material in addition to traditional core materials. Woven carbon fiber fabrics with an areal density 200 g/m2 as reinforcement and epoxy matrix were used to produce the sandwich composite. Vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding method was used to manufacture composite panels. A number of tests under various impact energy levels for three different sandwich composites were conducted with Fractovis Plus impact testing machine in order to investigate the energy absorption capacity of sandwich composites. Maximum contact forces, absorbed energies, and the maximum deflections of sandwich panels were obtained for each impact energy level. Despite having the same facesheets, Ayous core sandwich composites possess a higher perforation threshold than Balsa and PVC foam sandwich composites. The perforation threshold of Balsa, PVC foam, and Ayous sandwich composites are 85, 72, and 170 J, respectively. In addition, the Ayous core sandwich composites have better bending and compression strengths. The bending strength of the Ayous sandwich composite is higher about six times than PVC sandwich composite and about two times than Balsa sandwich composite.
Macular atrophy development in neovascular age-related macular degeneration during first year of treatment: Incidence and risk factors
Authors: Oliveira Mariana A , Farinha Cláudia , Rodrigues Tiago M , Martins Amélia , Cachulo Maria da Luz , Marques João Pedro , Pires Isabel , Silva Rufino
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To assess the development of macular atrophy, according to the new Classification of Atrophy Meetings criteria, in patients with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration during the first year of treatment with ranibizumab or aflibercept, and to determine baseline factors predictive of atrophy development.

Methods:

Retrospective subanalysis of three prospective clinical trials that included eyes with treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Multimodal evaluation was performed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence and color fundus photography at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. The main outcome was the macular atrophy type, classified according to Classification of Atrophy Meeting criteria. Logistic regression models were built to test predictors of macular atrophy development.

Results:

A total of 85 eyes of 85 patients (63% female; mean age: 78.5 ± 6.3 years old) were included. After 12 months of antiangiogenic therapy, all four Classification of Atrophy Meeting types of macular atrophy developed de novo. The atrophy type with highest incidence at end of follow-up was incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy (63.6%; 95% confidence interval: 45.9%–86.0%). A significant association was observed between development at 12 months and the presence of incomplete retinal pigment epithelium and outer retinal atrophy at baseline (odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 22.4 (1.6, 323.5)). The number of injections was predictive of complete outer retinal atrophy development at end of follow-up (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.5 (1.1, 2.1), p = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Predictors of atrophy development have the potential to change treatment practices. Further research is warranted.
En-face choroidal vascularity in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Wong Raymond Lai-Man , Singh Sumit Randhir , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul , Goud Abhilash , Chhablani Gunjan , Samantaray Srujanika , AnkiReddy Samantha , Vupparaboina Kiran Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To evaluate the choroidal vascularity index of eyes for acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy patients using swept-source optical coherence tomography generated en-face scans.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study, in which slabs of en-face optical coherence tomography scans, at 5 μm intervals, spanning from the retina to choroid, were binarized using a validated algorithm to calculate choroidal vascularity index. The choroidal vascularity index was defined as the ratio between the choroidal vascular luminal area and the total choroidal area. Choroidal vascularity index was calculated for all the slabs of every subject in both the groups.

Results:

A total of 30 eyes for each acute and chronic central serous chorioretinopathy groups were recruited. The mean choroidal vascularity index of the acute group was 45.21% ± 2.25% at the choriocapillaris, which increased to the maximal value of 48.35% ± 2.06% at 75% depth of the choroidal thickness and 45.31% ± 3.27% at the choroidoscleral interface; whereas for the chronic group, the mean choroidal vascularity index was 44.76% ± 2.60% at the choriocapillaris, which maximized at 50% choroidal depth (48.70% ± 1.32%) and then returned to 45.41% ± 6.02% at the choroidoscleral interface.

Conclusion:

For both groups, the choroidal vascularity index increased from choriocapillaris to maximum values at mid-choroid and returned to almost the choriocapillaris value at the choroidoscleral interface.
Influence of pulsed current arc welding to preclude the topological phases in the aerospace grade Alloy X
Authors: Sathishkumar M , Manikandan M
Published: February 2020

Alloy X is prone to liquation and solidification cracks in the weldments, because of the development of topologically close-packed precipitates such as σ, P, M6C, and M23C6 carbides during arc welding methods. The present work examines the possibility of alleviating the segregation of Cr and Mo content to eliminate the development of topologically close-packed phases using a conventional arc welding technique. The welding of Alloy X has been achieved with ERNiCrMo-2 filler material by gas tungsten arc welding and pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding technique. The optical microscope shows the refined microstructure in pulsed current gas tungsten arc with respect to gas tungsten arc welding. The Mo-rich segregation was identified in gas tungsten arc weldment, and the same was absent in pulsed current gas tungsten arc. These segregations of Mo-rich content encourage the development of M3C and M6C secondary precipitates in gas tungsten arc welding. Pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding shows the existence of NiCrCoMo precipitate. The present work confirmed the absence of P, σ, and M23C6 in both the weldments of Alloy X. The ultimate tensile strength, microhardness, and impact strength of pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding are increased by 3.39, 9.17, and 21.62%, respectively, with gas tungsten arc welding. The observed Mo-rich M3C and M6C secondary phases in the gas tungsten arc welding affect the tensile strength of the weldments.
Turning a Blind or Critical Eye to Leader Value Breaches: The Role of Value Congruence in Employee Perceptions of Leader Integrity
Authors: Cha Sandra E. , Kim Sung Soo , Hewlin Patricia Faison , DeRue D. Scott
Published: February 2020

How do employees react when an organizational leader commits a value breach (i.e., behaves in a way that employees perceive as inconsistent with the organization’s espoused values)? Prior research provides a mixed view: Employees may conclude that the leader lacks integrity, or they may maintain their perception of the leader’s integrity, despite the breach. We focus on the role of person–organization value congruence in determining employee reactions and propose competing predictions that value congruence is positively (“blind eye effect”) or negatively (“critical eye effect”) associated with employee perceptions of leader behavioral integrity following a breach. In Study 1, field survey data suggested that value congruence was positively associated with the perceived integrity of a leader who had committed a breach. However, two follow-up studies using an experimental vignette methodology revealed additional nuance. An integration of our three studies indicated that before the occurrence of any breaches, employees with high value congruence perceive leaders as higher in integrity than do employees with low value congruence (pre-breach sacralization), but when leaders commit one or more value breaches, high value congruence employees react more harshly—lowering their integrity perceptions to a greater extent (the critical eye effect). As a result, as leaders commit more and more breaches, the initially positive relationship between value congruence and perceived leader integrity weakens and eventually becomes negative. Our findings offer important contributions to theory, research, and practice related to organizational values and leadership.
Climate geopoetics (the earth is a composted poem)
Authors: Magrane Eric
Published: February 2020

This article begins with a climate poem and ends with a climate poem. In between, I explore what it means to do climate geopoetics. The first section addresses recent literary work that engages with climate change and the Anthropocene and outlines the geopoetic field as it is currently emerging as a subfield of the geohumanities. Next, I turn to examining climate narratives and frames; following the lead of many human geographers and environmental humanities scholars, I approach climate change as a social and cultural issue. I then discuss the methodology of this particular climate geopoetics project, commenting on and contextualizing some of my writing and thinking process for the climate poems that are woven throughout the article. By centering this article around three poems, I explore what it means to do climate geopoetics, the curious nature of the Anthropocene/Anthroposcene as a concept that both centers and de-centers the human, and the tensions on textual form that geopoetic practices create. It is my hope that this project may offer a fresh and unconventional approach to examining the multiple ways that climate change is framed, engaged, and contested.
Clinical management of type C hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Ridola Lorenzo , Riggio Oliviero , Gioia Stefania , Faccioli Jessica , Nardelli Silvia
Published: February 2020

Type‐C hepatic encephalopathy is a complex neurological syndrome, characteristic of patients with liver disease, causing a wide and complex spectrum of nonspecific neurological and psychiatric manifestations, ranging from a subclinical entity, minimal hepatic encephalopathy, to a deep form in which a complete alteration of consciousness can be observed: overt hepatic encephalopathy. Overt hepatic encephalopathy occurs in 30–40% of patients. According to the time course, hepatic encephalopathy is subdivided into episodic, recurrent and persistent. Diagnostic strategies range from simple clinical scales to more complex psychometric and neurophysiological tools. Therapeutic options may vary between episodic hepatic encephalopathy, in which it is important to define and treat the precipitating factor and hepatic encephalopathy and secondary prophylaxis, where the standard of care is non‐absorbable disaccharides and rifaximin. Grey areas and future needs remain the therapeutic approach to minimal hepatic encephalopathy and issues in the design of therapeutic studies for hepatic encephalopathy.
A biomechanical comparison of the main anterolateral procedures used in combination with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Neri Thomas , Dabirrahmani Dane , Beach Aaron , Putnis Sven , Oshima Takeshi , Cadman Joseph , Coolican Myles , Fritsch Brett , Devitt Brian , Appleyard Richard , Parker David
Published: February 2020

Background:

None of the anterolateral procedures used in combination with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) to control rotational laxity have demonstrated superiority. The objective was to compare the capacity of the main anterolateral procedures associated with ACLR to restore intact knee kinematics in case of combined ACL and anterolateral structure injury.

Methods:

The complete kinematics of 10 cadaveric knees, previously modelled by TDM, were recorded using a 3D Motion Analysis® system. Intact knee kinematics, including internal rotation (IR) of the tibial and anterior-posterior (AP) laxity at 30 and 90° flexion were initially assessed, followed by a sequential section of the ACL and anterolateral complex (ALC) (anterolateral ligament (ALL), ALL capsule and Kaplan fibers). After the ACLR, 5 anterolateral procedures were performed consecutively on the same knee: ALLR; Ellison; Deep Lemaire; Superficial Lemaire; and MacIntosh. The last three procedures were randomized. For each procedure, the graft was fixed in neutral rotation at 30° flexion with a tension of 20 N.

Results:

ACLR alone did not restore overall knee kinematics when there was an ACL+ALC injury, and resulted in residual rotational laxity of the tibia (p > 0.001). Only the ALLR (p=0.262) and modified Ellison (p=0.081) procedures restored normal global IR kinematics. Superficial/deep Lemaire and MacIntosh procedures resulted in over-constrained kinematic profiles (respectively: p=0.013, p=0.018 and p=0.030). In terms of ACLR, the addition of an anterolateral procedure did not provide additional control over AP translation at 30 and 90° (p > 0.05), exception for the surficial Lemaire procedure at 90° (p = 0.032).

Discussion:

ACLR alone was not sufficient to restore normal kinematics in ACL and ALC-deficient knees. ALLR and Ellison procedures restored physiological kinematics, unlike the MacIntosh procedure which caused additional control of IR and thereby induced over-constraint.

Conclusion:

The addition of ALLR or the modified Ellison procedure, which restore intrinsic kinematics, might be useful during primary ACL reconstruction to avoid repeated injury without a risk of over-constraint. The superficial/deep Lemaire and MacIntosh procedures resulted in over-constrained kinetics but provided additional rotation control that could be useful in revision surgery.
A biomechanical study after combined reconstruction of the anterior cruciate and anterolateral ligaments: Comparison between anatomic anterolateral ligament reconstruction and lateral tenodesis using the modified Lemaire technique
Authors: Delaloye Jean-Romain , Hartog christoph , Blatter Samuel , Müller Dominik , Schläppi Michel , Denzler Dario , Murar Jozef , Koch Peter
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

To determine the stabilizing role of the anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) and the modified Lemaire lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) performed in combination with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and to determine if one of these two procedures was superior to the other.

Methods:

Six non paired cadaveric knees were tested with a 6 degrees of freedom robotic system (KUKA Robotics). Internal rotation and anterior tibial translation were measured between 0 and 90° knee flexion after applying 5 N-m Torque and a 134-N anterior load, respectively. A full kinematics assessment was performed in each following conditions: intact knee, after section of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), after section of the ACL and anterolateral ligament (ALL) and Kaplan fibers, after isolated ACLR, after combined ACLR+LET and ACLR+ALLR. ALLR was performed using Gracilis tendon while central strip of the ilio-tibial band was used for the modified Lemaire procedure. These different states were compared using a Tukey paired comparison test.

Results:

In combined ACL and anterolateral deficient knee, anterior translation and internal rotation remained significantly increased after isolated ACLR compared to intact knee (+2.33 ± 1.44 mm and +1.98 ± 1.06°; p > 0.01). On the other hand, the addition of an ALLR or a modified Lemaire LET to the ACLR allowed to restore anterior translation and internal rotation to values similar to the intact knee. Finally, the two anterolateral procedures had not significantly different values in both tests. This difference was 0.67 ± 1.46 mm for anterior translation (p=0.79) and 0.11 ± 1.11° for internal rotation (p=0.99).

Conclusion:

In ACL and anterolateral deficient knee, combined ACLR and anterolateral reconstruction allowed restoration of native stability of the knee in anterior translation and internal rotation contrary to isolated ACLR. Additionally, both types of extra-articular reconstruction, ALLR or modified Lemaire procedure, were similar in terms of restoring knee kinematics and neither overconstrained the knee.
Great Arches Viewed from the Coasts of Bohemia: Reflections Inspired by Tables of Kings1
Authors: Sayer Derek
Published: February 2020

Considering the differences between the superficial orderliness of the English/British table of royal succession and the apparent anarchy of its Bohemian counterpart, this essay questions aspects of the analysis of English state formation offered in Philip Corrigan and Derek Sayer's 1985 study The Great Arch: English State Formation as Cultural Revolution. Rather than providing a contrast to England's institutional political continuities over centuries, Bohemia's manifestly fractured history furnishes a vantage point from which the ideological character of such claimed historical continuities becomes clear. E. P. Thompson's image of a “great arch” of state formation attributes far too much shape, solidity, and coherence to a process that was always, whether in England or Bohemia, a matter of flux and fluidity – a landscape in constant erosion, upon which coherence is only ever imposed in momentary retrospect.
The Fourth Generation: From Anti-Establishment to Anti-System Parties in Slovakia1
Authors: Gyárfášová Oľga
Published: February 2020

The party systems in many democracies are in flux due to the emergence and electoral successes of new, alternative political parties. This phenomenon has a particular dynamic and, drawing on a case study from Slovakia, it is argued that compared to their predecessors the most recent political newcomers may have a more radical, even anti-system character. The paper deals with theories of new political parties and the conceptual definitions of anti-system parties in general while the empirical part focuses on the developments, characteristics and profiles of two political parties in Slovakia, namely the anti-establishment group Ordinary People and Independent Personalities (OĽaNO) and the extreme right-wing People's Party – Our Slovakia (ĽSNS), which represents an anti-system party. Based on empirical data from several surveys the study points to variance in the profiles of anti-establishment and anti-system voters. It is argued that the voters of the anti-system party (ĽSNS) show an ideological distance from other political parties, as well as a strong identification with the party of their electoral choice as opposed to the voters of OĽaNO. The concluding discussion displays the differences between anti-establishment and anti-system parties in general, and in this specific perspective the Slovak case fits into the much broader debate about illiberal tendencies in Central and Eastern Europe. Anti-system political parties – the next generation of the new alternative parties – could be a real threat to liberal democracy in the region.
The (Small) State of the Union: Assessing the EU's Ability to Implement Its Global Strategy
Authors: Pedi Revecca
Published: February 2020

The European Global Strategy (EUGS) is a significant document that came out at a critical time. Decision makers and scholars need to identify and assess the challenges the EU is facing in its effort to pursue its new Strategy. This paper addresses the lack of a tool for identifying those challenges and assessing the EU's ability to respond to them by introducing a new analytical framework based on the conceptualization of the EU as a small power in the international system, and the literature about the international relations of small states. The framework combines the factors that impact upon a small state's behaviour and performance in the international system and consists of the following elements: a) the EU's relations with the great powers in the system, b) developments in the EU's neighbourhood, c) the EU's politics, and d) the EU's reputation. After discussing each one of them, the paper contributes a comprehensive assessment of the EU's ability to implement its Strategy. It concludes that in order to implement its Strategy, the EU should respond to specific challenges. Therefore, the framework this paper introduces can improve our understanding of both the EUGS and the Union's strengths and weaknesses, shed some light on what measures should be taken for the Union to respond to challenges that lie ahead and be used as a yardstick to assess the Union's progress. Moreover, the framework can be applied to other areas of the EU's external action and contribute to both drafting better informed strategic documents and supporting their implementation.
Perspectives of Nursing Homes Staff on the Nature of Residents-Initiated Call Lights
Authors: Ali Haneen , Cole Astin , Sienkiewicz Adam , Ho Tori
Published: February 2020

Little research has been conducted to capture the perceptions of nursing home staff when using the call light system. There is also a lack of information regarding the effects that these perceptions of the call light system have on their workload, safety, quality of care, or overall satisfaction. In response to the high volume of complaints from residents and their families regarding long response times to call light alarms, we developed this exploratory cross-sectional survey study. This study aims to capture nursing home staff experiences while using a call light system; to investigate the challenges the staff face when using the system; and to determine how these challenges contribute to their workload, performance, and satisfaction. A survey instrument was developed and distributed to all 153 of the nursing staff, certified nursing assistants, and licensed practical nurses in a nursing home in upstate New York. A total of 105 completed surveys were retrieved for an overall response rate of 68.63%. Descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to analyze the collected data. The results showed a significant correlation between the processes of being notified and locating call light alarms and workload. The staff reported many usability challenges that may contribute to longer response time such as lack of prioritization, low/no discriminability, noise, and overwrite previous alarm. In addition, 78% of the staff agreed that responding to a call light can prevent serious harm; however, 56% of the staff agreed that call light system is not meaningful; and around 78% think that call light system is disruptive in the environment and source for constant noise. The study finds that incorporating the insights provided by nursing home staff may improve the acceptance of new and existing technology, which ultimately improves the delivery of care through greater usability.
Quantitative analysis of airway obstruction in lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Authors: Verleden Stijn E. , Vanstapel Arno , De Sadeleer Laurens , Weynand Birgit , Boone Matthieu , Verbeken Erik , Piloni Davide , Van Raemdonck Dirk , Ackermann Maximilian , Jonigk Danny D. , Verschakelen Johny , Wuyts Wim A.
Published: February 2020

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, cystic lung disease with progressive pulmonary function loss caused by progressively proliferating LAM cells. The degree of airway obstruction has not been well investigated within the pathogenesis of LAM.

Using a combination ofex vivocomputed tomography (CT), microCT and histology, the site and nature of airway obstruction in LAM explant lungs was compared with matched control lungs (n=5 each). The total number of airways per generation, total airway counts, terminal bronchioles number and surface density were compared in LAMversuscontrol.

Ex vivoCT analysis demonstrated a reduced number of airways from generation 7 on (p<0.0001) in LAM compared with control, whereas whole-lung microCT analysis confirmed the three- to four-fold reduction in the number of airways. Specimen microCT analysis further demonstrated a four-fold decrease in the number of terminal bronchioles (p=0.0079) and a decreased surface density (p=0.0079). Serial microCT and histology images directly showed the loss of functional airways by collapse of airways on the cysts and filling of the airway by exudate.

LAM lungs show a three- to four-fold decrease in the number of (small) airways, caused by cystic destruction which is the likely culprit for the progressive loss of pulmonary function.
Aberrant anti-viral response of natural killer cells in severe asthma
Authors: Devulder Justine , Chenivesse Cécile , Ledroit Valérie , Fry Stéphanie , Lobert Pierre-Emmanuel , Hober Didier , Tsicopoulos Anne , Duez Catherine
Published: February 2020

Rhinovirus infections are the main cause of asthma exacerbations. As natural killer (NK) cells are important actors of the antiviral innate response, we aimed at evaluating the functions of NK cells from severe asthma patients in response to rhinovirus-like molecules or rhinoviruses.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with severe asthma and healthy donors were stimulated with pathogen-like molecules or with the rhinoviruses (RV)-A9 and RV-2. NK cell activation, degranulation and interferon (IFN)-γ expression were analysed.

NK cells from severe asthma patients were less cytotoxic than those from healthy donors in response to toll-like receptor (TLR)3, TLR7/8 or RV-A9 but not in response to RV-2 stimulation. Furthermore, when cultured with interleukin (IL)-12+IL-15, cytokines which are produced during viral infections, NK cells from patients with severe asthma were less cytotoxic and expressed less IFN-γ than NK cells from healthy donors. NK cells from severe asthmatics exhibited an exhausted phenotype, with an increased expression of the checkpoint molecule Tim-3.

Together, our findings indicate that the activation of NK cells from patients with severe asthma may be insufficient during some but not all respiratory infections. The exhausted phenotype may participate in NK cell impairment and aggravation of viral-induced asthma exacerbation in these patients.
High-dose nitrate therapy recovers the expression of subtypes α1 and β-adrenoceptors and Ang II receptors of the renal cortex in rats with myocardial infarction-induced heart failures
Authors: Peng Yubo , Li Yanfang , Chen Mengmeng , Song Junying , Jiang Zhili , Shi Shutian
Published: February 2020

Background

Few studies examined the effect of long-acting nitrates on renal function in chronic heart failure (CHF). Thus, we aimed to investigate the effect of long-acting nitrate on the expression of adrenoceptors (AR) and angiotensin II receptor (ATR) subtypes of the renal cortex, in rats with myocardial infarction-induced CHF.

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control, sham-operated, CHF, low- and high-dose nitrate, positive drug control (olmesartan), and high-dose of long-acting nitrate + olmesartan. Ultrasound echocardiography markers were compared, and the levels of AR subtypes, AT1R, and AT2R were measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Histopathology of the kidney was determined on hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections.

Results

CHF significantly increased plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin II levels, upregulated AT1R expression and downregulated α1A-, β1-, β2-AR, and AT2R expression compared to the sham control. High-dose nitrate or olmesartan alone, and especially in combination, decreased the levels of PRA and angiotensin II and downregulated the CHF-induced expression of AT1R, α1A-, β1-, and β2-AR, and AT2R. CHF resulted in significant impairment of the renal tissue, including inflammatory cells infiltration to the tubular interstitium and surrounding the renal glomerulus, and tubular necrosis, which was alleviated in all treatment groups to different degrees.

Conclusions

Long-acting nitrates could reverse CHF-induced changes in AR and ATR subtypes in the kidney, and improve cardiac function to protect renal function. Compared with monotherapy, the combination of nitrates and olmesartan shows more significant benefits in regulating AR and ATR subtypes.
Dynamic structural impacts of oil shocks on exchange rates: lessons to learn
Authors: Ji Qiang , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Bouri Elie , Suleman Muhammad Tahir
Published: February 2020

This study explores the dynamic effects of different oil shocks on real exchange rates in net oil importers and exporters. Specifically, the connectedness measures are combined with the structural vector autoregressive model. The findings show that oil supply shocks have a larger depreciating influence on exchange rates in oil exporters than in importers. All countries are generally more sensitive to oil-specific demand shocks, and this sensitivity can lead to a significant appreciation in real exchange rates, except in Japan and the United Kingdom. Further, the spillover effect between oil shocks and exchange rates has strengthened after the global financial crisis of 2007–08. Our findings provide useful implications for the policy-makers and market risk managers to effectively avoid exchange rate risk induced by oil shocks.
A trans‐ethnic two‐stage polygenetic scoring analysis detects genetic correlation between osteoporosis and schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Li , Wen Yan , Ning Yujie , Li Ping , Cheng Bolun , Cheng Shiqiang , Zhang Lu , Ma Mei , Qi Xin , Liang Chujun , Yang Tielin , Chen Xiangding , Tan Lijun , Shen Hui , Tian Qing , Deng Hong‐Wen , Ma Xiancang , Zhang Feng , Zhu Feng
Published: February 2020

Backgrounds

To explore the genetic correlation between schizophrenia (SCZ) and osteoporosis (OP).

Design, setting, participants, measurements

We conducted a trans‐ethnic two‐stage genetic correlation analysis of OP and SCZ, totally invoking 2286 Caucasia subjects in discovery stage and 4124 Chinese subjects in replication stage. The bone mineral density (BMD) and bone area values of ulna & radius, hip and spine were measured using Hologic 4500W dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry machine. SCZ was diagnosed according to DSM‐IV criteria. For the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of Caucasian OP, Chinese OP and Chinese SCZ, SNP genotyping was performed using Affymetrix SNP 6.0 array. For the GWAS of Caucasian SCZ, SNP genotyping was conducted using the Affymetrix 5.0 array, Affymetrix 6.0 array and Illumina 550 K array. Polygenetic risk scoring (PRS) analysis was conducted by PRSice software. Also, Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LD Score regression) analysis was performed to evaluate the genetic correlation between OP and SCZ. Multi‐trait analysis of GWAS (MTAG) was performed to detect novel candidate genes for osteoporosis and SCZ.

Results

In the Caucasia discovery samples, significant genetic correlations were observed for ulna & radius BMD vs. SCZ (P value = 0.010), ulna & radius area vs. SCZ (P value = 0.031). In the Chinese replication samples, we observed significant correlation for ulna & radius area vs. SCZ (P value = 0.019). In addition, LD Score regression also identified significant genetic correlations between SCZ and bone phenotypes in Caucasian and Chinese sample respectively. MTAG analysis identified several novel candidate genes, such as CTNNA2 (MTAG P value = 2.24 × 10−6) for SCZ and FADS2 (MTAG P value = 2.66 × 10−7) for osteoporosis.

Conclusions

Our study results support the overlapped genetic basis for osteoporosis and SCZ, and provide novel clues for elucidating the biological mechanism of increased osteoporosis risk in SCZ patients.
Differential synapse density between Purkinje cell dendritic spine and parallel fiber varicosity in the rat cerebellum among the phylogenic lobules
Authors: Kim Hyun-Wook , Oh Seung Hak , Lee Se Jeong , Na Ji eun , Rhyu Im Joo
Published: February 2020

The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor control. It is classified phylogenetically into archicerebellum, paleocerebellum and neocerebellum. The Purkinje cells are lined in a row called Purkinje cell layer and it has a unique dendritic branches with many spines.

The previous study reported that there is a difference of synapse density according to the lobules based on large two-dimensional data. However, recent study with high voltage electron microscopy showed there was no differences in dendritic spine density of the Purkinje cell according to its phylogenetic lobule. We analyzed Purkinje cell density in the II, VI and X lobules by stereological modules and synaptic density was estimated by double disector based on Purkinje cell density in the molecular layer of each lobule.

The results showed that there was significant difference in the Purkinje cell density and synapse number according to their phylogenetic lobules. The number of Purkinje cell in a given volume was larger in the archicerebellum, but synapse density was higher in the neocerebellum.

These data suggest that cellular and synaptic organization of the Purkinje cell is different according to their phylogenetic background.
Autonomous vans - the planning process of transport tasks
Authors: Nieoczym Aleksander , Caban Jacek , Dudziak Agnieszka , Stoma Monika
Published: February 2020

Autonomous vehicles are gaining more and more followers and are becoming a reality. Although the total change of the transport system to an autonomous one still remains a big challenge, the development of navigation, control and supervision systems for vehicles gives hope for an autonomous future. The article describes the rules for choosing a route and the process of outsourcing transport tasks. The formulas for calculating the values of indicators characterizing the transport process are provided in the simple case when vehicles move along a fixed route where there are no disturbances. Additionally, the theory of Markov random systems was used to determine the system capacity, average queue length for servicing and the average number of requests.
Application of virtual and augmented reality in automotive
Authors: Čujan Zdeněk , Fedorko Gabriel , Mikušová Nikoleta
Published: February 2020

Nowadays, virtual reality enters engineering work. It is widely used in various sectors. It brings new possibilities that result is increasing of productivity and reliability of production, quality of products and processes. One of the areas where virtual reality has been used more and more is logistics. Virtual reality and especially augmented reality offer above all in the area of logistics a perspective related with increasing of effectiveness of processes.Wide possibilities for virtual reality use in logistics can be found in the automotive industry. The paper describes an application of the method of video-mapping in storage logistics. The paper also describes its practical use as a tool for increasing the efficiency of logistics processes, which was presented by a reduction of the processing time of the shipment picking by 10%. The paper also points out the possibilities for applying this method in other industrial areas, it is possible to use the experience gained in automotive and described in this paper.
Aerodynamic analysis of an unmanned aerial vehicle with infrared camera for monitoring oil leakage in pipeline networks
Authors: Elvira-Hernández Ernesto A. , López-Huerta Francisco , Vázquez-Leal Héctor , Hernández-Escobedo Quetzalcoatl , Herrera-May Agustín Leobardo
Published: February 2020

Oil pipeline networks require periodic inspection to detect damages that can generate oil leakage in natural and human environments. These damages can be caused by geological hazard and interference from third party. In order to detect these damages, low-cost techniques that consider both the oil pipeline networks and the environment are required. In this paper, the aerodynamic analysis of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with Eppler 748 sailplane airfoil (wingspan of 1.635 m) is presented. The UAV can include a small infrared camera for monitoring oil leakage of a pipeline network using the infrared radiation related to oil. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the UAV is developed to predict its lift and drag coefficients as a function of the Reynolds number and the angle of attack (AoA). The air velocity profile around UAV is estimated with the CFD simulations. In addition, a scale model (1:6.5) of the UAV is fabricated using a 3D printer, which is tested employing a subsonic wind tunnel. For the UAV with AoA of 0, the drag and lift coefficients obtained with the CFD model have a similar behavior with respect to those measured through the subsonic wind tunnel. The designed UAV could be used for low-cost inspections of damages in oil pipeline networks in comparison with the use of helicopters or light aircraft.
Single-Pulse TMS over the Parietal Cortex Does Not Impair Sensorimotor Perturbation-Induced Changes in Motor Commands
Authors: Savoie Félix-Antoine , Dallaire-Jean Lauranne , Thénault François , Whittingstall Kevin , Bernier Pierre-Michel
Published: February 2020

Intermittent exposure to a sensorimotor perturbation, such as a visuomotor rotation, is known to cause a directional bias on the subsequent movement that opposes the previously experienced perturbation. To date, it is unclear whether the parietal cortex is causally involved in this postperturbation movement bias. In a recent electroencephalogram study, Savoie et al. (2018) observed increased parietal activity in response to an intermittent visuomotor perturbation, raising the possibility that the parietal cortex could subserve this change in motor behavior. The goal of the present study was to causally test this hypothesis. Human participants (N = 28) reached toward one of two visual targets located on either side of a fixation point, while being pseudorandomly submitted to a visuomotor rotation. On half of all rotation trials, single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the right (N = 14) or left (N = 14) parietal cortex 150 ms after visual feedback provision. To determine whether TMS influenced the postperturbation bias, reach direction was compared on trials that followed rotation with (RS + 1) and without (R + 1) TMS. It was hypothesized that interfering with parietal activity would reduce the movement bias following rotated trials. Results revealed a significant and robust postrotation directional bias compared with both rotation and null rotation trials. Contrary to our hypothesis, however, neither left nor right parietal stimulation significantly impacted the postrotation bias. These data suggest that the parietal areas targeted here may not be critical for perturbation-induced motor output changes to emerge.
Belén Salvatierra y la Psicología en Arequipa
Authors: Arias Gallegos Walter L.
Published: February 2020

En este trabajo de corte histórico, se revisa y analiza la vida y obra de Belén Salvatierra, una de las psicólogas más destacadas del país. Su vida familiar, su formación profesional y su activa producción académica son nuestro objeto de estudio, dado que no existen trabajos previos que aborden las contribuciones que ha hecho a la psicología peruana. Se revisan sus libros, ponencias y artículos de investigación; así como su gestión como Decana de la Facultad de Psicología y Relaciones Industriales y Públicas que fortaleció la profesionalización de la carrera en Arequipa. También se revisan sus líneas de investigación en familia, neuropsicología y salud ocupacional.
Soviet Social Insurance Model in Lithuania: Structure and Ideology
Authors: Guogis Arvydas , Bogdanova Natalija
Published: February 2020

This article analyses the structure and ideology of the Soviet social insurance system. In the whole territory of theUSSR the same principles and laws of social insurance were applied. However, in several Soviet republics, for example Lithuania,some specific elements were observed which influenced the administrative methods in social security, social insurance and socialsupport. The article explains the nature of social insurance expenditure. We define and explain the branches of social insurance in the USSR: old age and disability pensions, illness, maternity, funeral and unemployment benefits (the latter were paid in the early Sovietperiod only). The article deals with official USSR and Lithuanian SSR statistics, mainly from the last Soviet period (beginning 1975), when Soviet social insurance reached its limits and showed its potential. Although Soviet social insurance was related to theprinciples of the Bismarckian work record and former earnings, it was however financed from Moscow's centrally organised budgetand was not related to meaningful contributions of employers and employees. The one-party communist system had a big role in thefunctioning of social insurance in the USSR and the Lithuanian SSR.
On Premium Estimation Using the C&RT/Poisson Model and Its Extensions
Authors: K¨a¨arik Meelis , Kaasik Ants
Published: February 2020

Premium estimation is a key concept in insurance mathematics. Estimation of the mean andvariance of a total claim amount of a portfolio can be considered as necessary prerequisites for this. Inturn, dividing the portfolio into homogeneous subportfolios can be considered as a rst step towards ndingthose estimates. We consider the problem of estimating the claim intensity and propose a regressiontrees based approach for clustering the portfolio into homogeneous subportfolios in a situation where thedurations of the policies dier and overdispersion is present. Several other generalizations are discussed.A case study involving Estonian casco insurance is included.
Application of Analysis of the Statistical Data to Formation of the State Order for the Teacher Training
Authors: Januškevičius Romanas , Pumputis Dalius
Published: February 2020

As a source of socially significant information, statistics plays an important role in the modern society. Inability to value and understand this role can be referred to as statistical illiteracy, which can cause some negative tendencies in the development of social processes. In such activities, a disregard of statistical data analysis can lead to an inefficient use of public funds. The paper deals with the illustration of the application of statistical regularities in such an important area of education as the formation of the state order in the process of teacher training. However, the main purpose of this paper is not only to show that the reduced number of study vouchers is not proportional to the reduced number of teachers working at secondary schools but also to emphasise that the structure of the state order for teacher training is totally unbalanced, and, in fact, is being formed without training of a young generation of mathematics, informatics, biology, geography, chemistry, physics and astronomy teachers.
Family Benefit Reform in Lithuania: Microsimulation of Its Distributional Impacts
Authors: Salanauskaitė Lina , Verbist Gerlinde
Published: February 2020

The paper explores to what extent the Lithuanian family benefit system is able to reduce inequality and poverty among families with children, with poverty reduction being one of the major aims. Family benefits underwent a major reform in2004, which entailed a shift from means-tested benefits to a more universal system. Due to budget constraints, the implementation of the full reform design has been postponed until 2008. No distributional impact analysis of this reform, either of its initial or of its final designs, has been implemented yet. Furthermore, we analyse whether the gains from the newly designed system of family benefits are not outweighed by respective losses in social assistance benefits. To conduct such an analysis, we develop a partial static microsimulation model based on the EU-SILC (household income and living conditions) survey. The model is programmed in STATA statistical software. Our findings show that, despite small income improvements brought by the reform, its overall child poverty reduction effectiveness is limited. Moreover, the interaction of a family benefit with the social assistance system implies that some household types are relatively “bigger” winners compared to others. For example, our research reveals that single-parent households would obtain income gains comparable to those of large families only when the full reform scenario is implemented. If considering indirect effects (i.e. the loss of social assistance benefits), their relative gains become even smaller.
Harald Cramér – A Great Statistician
Authors: Thorburn Daniel
Published: February 2020

Harald Cramér is one of the great persons in the history of mathematical statistics and insurance mathematics in the twentieth century. He is perhaps the most well known Swedish statistician in modern time. The editor of “Lithuanian Journal of Statistics” has kindly asked me to write some notes on Harald Cramér, may be because my supervisor was one of Cramér’s pupils. I am not the best person to do so, but I will do my best. At the end I will also give some references for those who want to read more about Cramér.
Model Kegiatan Dakwah di Instansi TNI AU
Authors: Putri Nurhamidah Garini , Sulthonie Ahmad Agus , Solahudin Dindin
Published: February 2020

Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui model kegiatan dakwah dengan ragam kegiatan khithobah di Lanud Wiriadinata Tasikmalaya melalui proses, bentuk dan faktor pendukung yang bisa dijadikan contoh oleh instansi lain di Indonesia, khususnya instansi TNI AU. Penelitian yang dilakukan menggunakan metode deskriptif pendekatan kualitatif. Metode ini digunakan untuk memaparkan dan menceritakan fakta-fakta yang terjadi pada kegiatan khithobah di Lanud Wiriadinata melalui tahap observasi dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian proses kegiatan khithobah di Lanud Wiriadinata dilakukan secara bertahap yaitu: perencanaan, pengorganisasian, pelaksanaan dan evaluasi. Bentuk dakwah yang digunakan dalam kegiatan tersebut dengan cara pembinaan yang disampaikan melalui Tabligh Khithobah. Dan yang menjadi faktor pendukung kegiatan tersebut secara internal dari Personel Lanud Wiriadinata dan secara eksternal dari lingkungan sekitar.

The purpose of this paper is to know the model of dakwah activities with various khithobah activity in Lanud Wiriadinata Tasikmalaya through the process, shape and supporting factors that can be used as examples by other agencies in Indonesia, especially for TNI AU. This research conducted using descriptive qualitative approach method. This method is used to explain and tell facts about the facts that occurred in the activity of khithobah in Lanud Wiriadinata through the observation and interview stages. The research’s result of khithobah activity process in Lanud Wiriadinata is done gradually, that is: planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating. The form of dakwah used in the activity by means of coaching through Tabligh Khithobah. And the supporting factors in this activity internally are the personnel of Lanud Wiriadinata and externally is the surrounding environment.