bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of Intrinsically Disordered DKK2 Protein by Fusion to RNA-Binding Domain
Authors: Lee Hye Min , Kwon Soon Bin , Son Ahyun , Kim Doo Hyun , Kim Kyun-Hwan , Lim Jonghyo , Kwon Young-Guen , Kang Jin Sun , Lee Byung Kyu , Byun Young Ho , Seong Baik L.
Published: June 2019

Intrinsic disorders are a common feature of hub proteins in eukaryotic interactomes controlling the signaling pathways. The intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are prone to misfolding, and maintaining their functional stability remains a major challenge in validating their therapeutic potentials. Considering that IDPs are highly enriched in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), here we reasoned and confirmed that IDPs could be stabilized by fusion to RBPs. Dickkopf2 (DKK2), Wnt antagonist and a prototype IDP, was fused with lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS), with or without the fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain of an immunoglobulin and expressed predominantly as a soluble form from a bacterial host. The functional competence was confirmed by in vitro Wnt signaling reporter and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and in vivo Matrigel plug assay. The removal of LysRS by site-specific protease cleavage prompted the insoluble aggregation, confirming that the linkage to RBP chaperones the functional competence of IDPs. While addressing to DKK2 as a key modulator for cancer and ischemic vascular diseases, our results suggest the use of RBPs as stabilizers of disordered proteinaceous materials for acquiring and maintaining the structural stability and functional competence, which would impact the druggability of a variety of IDPs from human proteome.
Post-Infectious Myocardial Infarction: New Insights for Improved Screening
Authors: Putot Alain , Chague Frédéric , Manckoundia Patrick , Cottin Yves , Zeller Marianne
Published: June 2019

Acute infection is suspected of involvement in the onset of acute myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to assess the incidence, pathogenesis and prognosis of post-infectious MI. All consecutive patients hospitalized for an acute MI in coronary care units were prospectively included. Post-infectious MI was defined by a concurrent diagnosis of acute infection at admission. Type 1 MI (acute plaque disruption) or Type 2 MI (imbalance in oxygen supply/demand) were adjudicated according to the universal definition of MI. From the 4573 patients admitted for acute MI, 466 (10%) had a concurrent acute infection (median age 78 (66–85) y, 60% male), of whom 313 (67%) had a respiratory tract infection. Type 2 MI was identified in 72% of post-infectious MI. Compared with other MI, post-infectious MI had a worse in-hospital outcome (11 vs. 6% mortality, p < 0.01), mostly from cardiovascular causes. After adjusting for confounders, acute infections were no more associated with mortality (odds ratio 0.72; 95% confidence interval 0.43–1.20). In the group of post-infectious MI, Type 1 MI and respiratory tract infection were associated with a worse prognosis (respective odds ratio 2.44; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–5.29, and 2.89; 1.19–6.99). In this large MI survey, post-infectious MI was common, accounting for 10% of all MI, and doubled in-hospital mortality. Respiratory tract infection and Type 1 post-infectious MI were associated with a worse prognosis.
Intelligence in Tourism Management: A Hybrid FOA-BP Method on Daily Tourism Demand Forecasting with Web Search Data
Authors: Li Keqing , Lu Wenxing , Liang Changyong , Wang Binyou
Published: June 2019

The Chinese tourism industry has been developing rapidly for the past several years, and the number of people traveling has been increasing year by year. However, many problems still beset current tourism management. Lack of effective management has caused numerous problems, such as tourists stranded during tourist season and the declining service quality of scenic spots, which have become the focus of tourists’ attention. Network search data can intuitively reflect the attention of most users through the combination of the network search index and the back propagation (BP) neural network model. This study predicts the daily tourism demand in the Huangshan scenic spot in China. The filtered keyword in the Baidu index is added to the hybrid neural network, and a BP neural network model optimized by a fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA) based on the web search data is established in this study. Different forecasting methods are compared in this paper; the results prove that compared with other prediction models, higher accuracy can be obtained when it comes to the peak season using the FOA-BP method that includes web search data, which is a sustainable means of practically solving the tourism management problem by a more accurate prediction of tourism demand of scenic spots.
The Langevin Equation in Terms of Generalized Liouville–Caputo Derivatives with Nonlocal Boundary Conditions Involving a Generalized Fractional Integral
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Alghanmi Madeaha , Alsaedi Ahmed , Srivastava Hari M. , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence of solutions for a nonlinear Langevin equation based on Liouville-Caputo-type generalized fractional differential operators of different orders, supplemented with nonlocal boundary conditions involving a generalized integral operator. The modern techniques of functional analysis are employed to obtain the desired results. The paper concludes with illustrative examples.
Effect of Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Protein Hydrolysate-Calcium Chelate on Calcium Absorption Metabolism and Gut Microbiota Composition in Low-Calcium Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Hua Pengpeng , Xiong Yu , Yu Zhiying , Liu Bin , Zhao Lina
Published: June 2019

In our current investigation, we evaluated the effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa protein hydrolysate (CPPH) and Chlorella pyrenoidosa protein hydrolysate-calcium chelate (CPPH-Ca) on calcium absorption and gut microbiota composition, as well as their in vivo regulatory mechanism in SD rats fed low-calcium diets. Potent major compounds in CPPH were characterized by HPLC-MS/MS, and the calcium-binding mechanism was investigated through ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. Using high-throughput next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed the composition of gut microbiota in rats. Our study showed that HCPPH-Ca increased the levels of body weight gain, serum Ca, bone activity, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), while decreased serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and inhibited the morphological changes of bone. HCPPH-Ca up-regulated the gene expressions of transient receptor potential cation V5 (TRPV5), TRPV6, calcium-binding protein-D9k (CaBP-D9k) and a calcium pump (plasma membrane Ca-ATPase, PMCA1b). It also improved the abundances of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus. Bifidobacterium and Sutterella were both positively correlated with calcium absorption. Collectively, these findings illustrate the potential of HCPPH-Ca as an effective calcium supplement.
Sulfur-Containing Carotenoids from A Marine Coral Symbiont Erythrobacter flavus Strain KJ5
Authors: Setiyono Edi , Heriyanto  , Pringgenies Delianis , Shioi Yuzo , Kanesaki Yu , Awai Koichiro , Brotosudarmo Tatas Hardo Panintingjati
Published: June 2019

Erythrobacter flavus strain KJ5 (formerly called Erythrobacter sp. strain KJ5) is a yellowish marine bacterium that was isolated from a hard coral Acropora nasuta in the Karimunjawa Islands, Indonesia. The complete genome sequence of the bacterium has been reported recently. In this study, we examined the carotenoid composition of this bacterium using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ESI-MS/MS. We found that the bacterium produced sulfur-containing carotenoids, i.e., caloxanthin sulfate and nostoxanthin sulfate, as the most abundant carotenoids. A new carotenoid zeaxanthin sulfate was detected based on its ESI-MS/MS spectrum. The unique presence of sulfated carotenoids found among the currently known species of the Erythrobacter genus were discussed.
The Automatic Assessment of Strength and Mobility in Older Adults: A Test-Retest Reliability Study
Authors: Collado-Mateo Daniel , Madeira Pedro , Dominguez-Muñoz Francisco J. , Villafaina Santos , Tomas-Carus Pablo , Parraca José A.
Published: June 2019

Background: Simple field tests such as the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and 30 s Chair Stand test are commonly used to evaluate physical function in the elderly, providing crude outcome measures. Using an automatic chronometer, it is possible to obtain additional kinematic parameters that may lead to obtaining extra information and drawing further conclusions. However, there is a lack of studies that evaluate the test-retest reliability of these parameters, which may help to judge and interpret changes caused by an intervention or differences between populations. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and 30 s Chair Stand test in healthy older adults. Methods: A total of 99 healthy older adults participated in this cross-sectional study. The TUG and the 30 s Chair Stand test were performed five times and twice, respectively, using an automatic chronometer. The sit-to-stand-to-sit cycle from the 30 s Chair Stand test was divided into two phases. Results: Overall, reliability for the 30 s Chair Stand test was good for almost each variable (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.70). Furthermore, the use of an automatic chronometer improved the reliability for the TUG (ICC >0.86 for a manual chronometer and ICC >0.88 for an automatic chronometer). Conclusions: The TUG and the 30 s Chair Stand test are reliable in older adults. The use of an automatic chronometer in the TUG is strongly recommended as it increased the reliability of the test. This device enables researchers to obtain relevant and reliable data from the 30 s Chair Stand test, such as the duration of the sit-to-stand-to-sit cycles and phases.
Systematic Studies on the Protocol and Criteria for Selecting a Covalent Docking Tool
Authors: Wen Chang , Yan Xin , Gu Qiong , Du Jiewen , Wu Di , Lu Yutong , Zhou Huihao , Xu Jun
Published: June 2019

With the resurgence of drugs with covalent binding mechanisms, much attention has been paid to docking methods for the discovery of targeted covalent inhibitors. The existence of many available covalent docking tools has inspired development of a systematic and objective procedure and criteria with which to evaluate these programs. In order to find a tool appropriate to studies of a covalently binding system, protocols and criteria are proposed for protein–ligand covalent docking studies. This paper consists of three sections: (1) curating a standard data set to evaluate covalent docking tools objectively; (2) establishing criteria to measure the performance of a tool applied for docking ligands into a complex system; and (3) creating a protocol to evaluate and select covalent binding tools. The protocols were applied to evaluate four covalent docking tools (MOE, GOLD, CovDock, and ICM-Pro) and parameters affecting covalent docking performance were investigated.
The Versatile Applications of DES and Their Influence on Oxidoreductase-Mediated Transformations
Authors: Ibn Majdoub Hassani Fatima Zohra , Amzazi Saaid , Lavandera Iván
Published: June 2019

In the last decade, new types of solvents called deep eutectic solvents (DES) have been synthesized and commercialized. Among their main advantages, they can be eco-friendly and are easy to synthesize at different molar ratios depending on the desired solvent properties. This review aims to show the different uses of DES in some relevant biocatalytic redox reactions. Here we analyze oxidoreductase-mediated transformations that are performed in the presence of DES and compare them with the ones that avoided those solvents. DES were found to present advantages such as the increase in the product yield and enantiomeric excess in many reactions.
In Vitro Human Metabolism and Inhibition Potency of Verbascoside for CYP Enzymes
Authors: Reid Anna-Mari , Juvonen Risto , Huuskonen Pasi , Lehtonen Marko , Pasanen Markku , Lall Namrita
Published: June 2019

Verbascoside is found in many medicinal plant families such as Verbenaceae. Important biological activities have been ascribed to verbascoside. Investigated in this study is the potential of verbascoside as an adjuvant during tuberculosis treatment. The present study reports on the in vitro metabolism in human hepatic microsomes and cytosol incubations as well as the presence and quantity of verbascoside within Lippia scaberrima. Additionally, studied are the inhibitory properties on human hepatic CYP enzymes together with antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The results yielded no metabolites in the hydrolysis or cytochrome P450 (CYP) oxidation incubations. However, five different methylated conjugates of verbascoside could be found in S-adenosylmethionine incubation, three different sulphate conjugates with 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) incubation with human liver samples, and very low levels of glucuronide metabolites after incubation with recombinant human uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A7, UGT1A8, and UGT1A10. Additionally, verbascoside showed weak inhibitory potency against CYP1A2 and CYP1B1 with IC50 values of 83 µM and 86 µM, respectively. Potent antioxidant and low cytotoxic potential were observed. Based on these data, verbascoside does not possess any clinically relevant CYP-mediated interaction potential, but it has effective biological activity. Therefore, verbascoside could be considered as a lead compound for further drug development and as an adjuvant during tuberculosis treatment.
Improvement of Attention, Executive Functions, and Processing Speed in Elderly Women as a Result of Involvement in the Nordic Walking Training Program and Vitamin D Supplementation
Authors: Lipowski Mariusz , Walczak-Kozłowska Tamara , Lipowska Małgorzata , Kortas Jakub , Antosiewicz Jędrzej , Falcioni Giancarlo , Ziemann Ewa
Published: June 2019

Research indicates that life satisfaction declines with age, and cognitive abilities are gradually reduced—mainly attentional functioning and cognitive processing speed. Therefore, scientists seek to find protective factors and test possible intervention programs; moderately intensive physical activity stands out as particularly promising. In this context, we evaluated the influence of Nordic Walking training supported by vitamin D supplementation (as this nutrient is especially deficient in older people in Poland) on the cognitive and psychological functioning of elderly women. A total of 52 healthy elderly women took part in a Nordic Walking training program complemented by vitamin D supplementation. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Trail Making Test and the D2 Test of Attention. Quality of life and severity of depressive symptoms were measured with the Short Form Health Survey and the Beck Depression Inventory 2. Significant improvements in all aspects of cognitive functioning was observed (p = 0.01–0.47). The study also showed a decrease in depressive symptoms (p = 0.026). Physical activity and adequate levels of vitamin D can be the key factors in maintaining self-reliance in old age. Involvement in Nordic Walking training, supported by vitamin D supplementation, can strengthen the cognitive functioning of older people—reflected in higher attentional capabilities, better executive functions, and improved cognitive processing speed.
Tripling the Bioavailability of Rosuvastatin Calcium Through Development and Optimization of an In-Situ Forming Nanovesicular System
Authors: Elsayed Ibrahim , El-Dahmy Rania Moataz , Elshafeey Ahmed Hassen , Abd El Gawad Nabaweya Abdelaziz , El Gazayerly Omaima Naim
Published: June 2019

In situ forming nanovesicular systems (IFNs) were prepared and optimized to improve Rosuvastatin calcium (RC) oral bioavailability through increasing its solubility and dissolution rate. The IFN was composed of Tween® 80 (T80), cetyl alcohol (CA), in addition to mannitol or Aerosil 200. A single simple step was adopted for preparation, then the prepared formulations were investigated by analyzing their particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), and flowability properties. D-optimal design was applied to choose the optimized formulations. The maximum desirability values were 0.754 and 0.478 for the optimized formulations containing 0.05 g CA, 0.18 g T80, and 0.5 g mannitol (OFM) or Aerosil (OFA), respectively. In vitro drug release from the optimized formulations showed a significantly faster dissolution rate when compared to the market product. In vivo performance of the optimized formulations in rabbits was investigated after filling them into enteric-coated capsules. Ultimately, OFA formulation achieved a 3 times increase in RC oral bioavailability in comparison with the market product, supporting the hypothesis of considering IFNs as promising nanocarriers able to boost the bioavailability of BCS class II drugs.
A New Empirical Model of NmF2 Based on CHAMP, GRACE, and COSMIC Radio Occultation
Authors: Liu Zhendi , Fang Hanxian , Hoque M. M. , Weng Libin , Yang Shenggao , Gao Ze
Published: June 2019

To facilitate F2-layer peak density (NmF2) modeling, a nonlinear polynomial model approach based on global NmF2 observational data from ionospheric radio occultation (IRO) measurements onboard the CHAMP, GRACE, and COSMIC satellites, is presented in this paper. We divided the globe into 63 slices from 80°S to 80°N according to geomagnetic latitude. A Nonlinear Polynomial Peak Density Model (NPPDM) was constructed by a multivariable least squares fitting to NmF2 measurements in each latitude slice and the dependencies of NmF2 on solar activity, geographical longitude, universal time, and day of year were described. The model was designed for quiet and moderate geomagnetic conditions (Ap ≤ 32). Using independent radio occultation data, quantitative analysis was made. The correlation coefficients between NPPDM predictions and IRO data were 0.91 in 2002 and 0.82 in 2005. The results show that NPPDM performs better than IRI2016 and Neustrelitz Peak Density Model (NPDM) under low solar activity, while it undergoes performance degradation under high solar activity. Using data from twelve ionosonde stations, the accuracy of NPPDM was found to be better than that of NPDM and comparable to that of IRI2016. Additionally, NPPDM can well simulate the variations and distributions of NmF2 and describe some ionospheric features, including the equatorial ionization anomaly, the mid-latitude trough, and the wavenumber-four longitudinal structure.
User-Oriented ICT Cloud Architecture for High-Accuracy GNSS-Based Services
Authors: Ghobadi Hossein , Testa Paola , Spogli Luca , Cafaro Massimo , Alfonsi Lucilla , Romano Vincenzo , Bru Richard
Published: June 2019

We introduce a new information and communication technology (ICT) cloud-based architecture for Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) high-accuracy solutions, offering also a commercial overview of GNSS downstream market to show how the developed innovation is thought to fit in the real context. The designed architecture is featured by dynamic scalability, increased integrity, and greater agility of the ICT system. The novelty of the solution developed is a customized ICT architecture, obtained through unique and privileged access to user communities in the frame of the H2020 project TREASURE, allowing the development of a solution entirely driven by user needs. The economic outlook of GNSS downstream markets evolution highlights how the technology proposed effectively matches the evolving business environment, specifically in regard to the increasing need for flexibility and competitive advantage deriving from services. The simultaneous adoption of the technical and commercial perspective is meant to offer interesting findings to both the scientific community and GNSS industry, creating synergies previously unexplored.
An Industrial Micro-Defect Diagnosis System via Intelligent Segmentation Region
Authors: Fang Xia , Jie Wang , Feng Tao
Published: June 2019

In the field of machine vision defect detection for a micro workpiece, it is very important to make the neural network realize the integrity of the mask in analyte segmentation regions. In the process of the recognition of small workpieces, fatal defects are always contained in borderline areas that are difficult to demarcate. The non-maximum suppression (NMS) of intersection over union (IOU) will lose crucial texture information especially in the clutter and occlusion detection areas. In this paper, simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) is used to augment the mask as well as calibrate the score of the mask. We propose an SLIC head of object instance segmentation in proposal regions (Mask R-CNN) containing a network block to learn the quality of the predict masks. It is found that parallel K-means in the limited region mechanism in the SLIC head improved the confidence of the mask score, in the context of our workpiece. A continuous fine-tune mechanism was utilized to continuously improve the model robustness in a large-scale production line. We established a detection system, which included an optical fiber locator, telecentric lens system, matrix stereoscopic light, a rotating platform, and a neural network with an SLIC head. The accuracy of defect detection is effectively improved for micro workpieces with clutter and borderline areas.
Accurate Driver Detection Exploiting Invariant Characteristics of Smartphone Sensors
Authors: Ahn DaeHan , Park Homin , Shin Kyoosik , Park Taejoon
Published: June 2019

Distracted driving jeopardizes the safety of the driver and others. Numerous solutions have been proposed to prevent distracted driving, but the number of related accidents has not decreased. Such a deficiency comes from fragile system designs where drivers are detected exploiting sensory features from strictly controlled vehicle-riding actions and unreliable driving events. We propose a system called ADDICT (Accurate Driver Detection exploiting Invariant Characteristics of smarTphone sensors), which identifies the driver utilizing the inconsistency between gyroscope and magnetometer dynamics and the interplay between electromagnetic field emissions and engine startup vibrations. These features are invariantly observable regardless of smartphone positions and vehicle-riding actions. To evaluate the feasibility of ADDICT, we conducted extensive experiments with four participants and three different vehicles by varying vehicle-riding scenarios. Our evaluation results demonstrated that ADDICT identifies the driver’s smartphone with 89.1% average accuracy for all scenarios and >85% under the extreme scenario, at a marginal cost of battery consumption.
Approaching the Communication Constraints of Ethereum-Based Decentralized Applications
Authors: Pustišek Matevž , Umek Anton , Kos Andrej
Published: June 2019

Those working on Blockchain technologies have described several new innovative directions and novel services in the Internet of things (IoT), including decentralized trust, trusted and verifiable execution of smart contracts, and machine-to-machine communications and automation that reach beyond the mere exchange of data. However, applying blockchain principles in the IoT is a challenge due to the constraints of the end devices. Because of fierce cost pressure, the hardware resources in these devices are usually reduced to the minimum necessary for operation. To achieve the high coverage needed, low bitrate mobile or wireless technologies are frequently applied, so the communication is often constrained, too. These constraints make the implementation of blockchain nodes for IoT as standalone end-devices impractical or even impossible. We therefore investigated possible design approaches to decentralized applications based on the Ethereum blockchain for the IoT. We proposed and evaluated three application architectures differing in communication, computation, storage, and security requirements. In a pilot setup we measured and analyzed the data traffic needed to run the blockchain clients and their applications. We found out that with the appropriate designs and the remote server architecture we can strongly reduce the storage and communication requirements imposed on devices, with predictable security implications. Periodic device traffic is reduced to 2400 B/s (HTTP) and 170 B/s (Websocket) from about 18 kB/s in the standalone-device full client architecture. A notification about a captured blockchain event and the corresponding verification resulted in about 2000 B of data. A transaction sent from the application to the client resulted in an about 500 B (HTTP) and 300 B message (Websocket). The key store location, which affects the serialization of a transaction, only had a small influence on the transaction-related data. Raw transaction messages were 45 B larger than when passing the JSON transaction objects. These findings provide directions for fog/cloud IoT application designers to avoid unrealistic expectations imposed upon their IoT devices and blockchain technologies, and enable them to select the appropriate system design according to the intended use case and system constraints. However, for very low bit-rate communication networks, new communication protocols for device to blockchain-client need to be considered.
Evaluation of Natural Extracts in Animal Models of Pain and Inflammation for a Potential Therapy of Hemorrhoidal Disease
Authors: Mihai Dragos Paul , Seremet Oana Cristina , Nitulescu Georgiana , Ivopol Maria , Sevastre Ani-Simona , Negres Simona , Ivopol Gabriel , Nitulescu George Mihai , Olaru Octavian Tudorel
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to assess the analgesic effect of three Vitis vinifera L. leaf extracts and the anti-inflammatory effect of three gels obtained from Aesculus hippocastanum L. seed extracts using animal models, as a preliminary study for the future development of topical preparations based on the combination of extracts with synergistic therapeutic effects on hemorrhoid disease. The analgesic effect was determined by means of the writhing test in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was determined after administration of carrageenan or kaolin in the rat paw. Extraction using glycerol yielded the highest amounts of flavonoids for both V. vinifera leaves (37.27 ± 1.174 mg/L) and A. hippocastanum seeds (53.48 ± 0.212 mg/L). The highest total phenolic contents were registered for the V. vinifera 20% ethanolic extract (615.3 ± 34.44 mg/L) and for the A. hippocastanum glycerolic extract (247.8 ± 6.991 mg/L). The writhing test revealed that the V. vinifera ethanolic extract induced the most efficient analgesia (57.20%, p < 0.01), better than that induced by the positive control. In the carrageenan inflammation model, only the gel obtained from the A. hippocastanum glycerolic extract significantly reduced paw edema (17.27%, p < 0.05). An anti-inflammatory effect was also observed in the kaolin inflammation model but was not statistically significant (10.12%, p > 0.05). Our findings indicate that V. vinifera and A. hippocastanum extracts may have potential uses for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with hemorrhoid disease.
Public Preferences and Willingness to Pay for Shared Autonomous Vehicles Services in Nagoya, Japan
Authors: Hao Mingyang , Li Yanyan , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: June 2019

Shared autonomous vehicle systems are anticipated to offer cleaner, safer, and cheaper mobility services when autonomous vehicles are finally implemented on the roads. The evaluation of people’s intentions regarding shared autonomous vehicle services appears to be critical prior to the promotion of this emerging mobility on demand approach. Based on a stated preference survey in Nagoya, Japan, the preference for shared autonomous vehicle services as well as willingness to pay for these services were examined among 1036 respondents in order to understand the relationship between people’s socioeconomic characteristics and their preferred shared autonomous vehicle services. For this purpose, k-modes clustering technique was selected and six clusters were obtained. Six groups with respect to different interests on shared autonomous vehicle services were clustered. The result of correlation analysis and discussion of willingness to pay on services provided insightful results for the future shared autonomous vehicle services. This study not only aids in revealing the demands of customer different clusters, but also states the prospective needs of users for stakeholders from research, policymaker and industry field, who are preparing to work on promoting shared autonomous vehicle systems, and subsequently, develops an optimum transportation mode by considering both demand and services as a whole.
Denying the Darkness: Exploring the Discourses of Neutralization of Bundy, Gacy, and Dahmer
Authors: James Veronyka
Published: June 2019

This exploratory study analyzed how three serial killers (i.e., Bundy, Gacy, and Dahmer) potentially rationalized and justified their murders by applying techniques of neutralization. This paper discusses how the use of these neutralizations also functions as a form of stigma management assisting in the maintenance of a positive presentation of self, thus mitigating responsibility for their crimes. This study conducted a content analysis of data comprised from interviews and case histories of these three serial killers. Based on these analyses, the impression is conveyed that these killers used neutralizations to manage their identities (i.e., present “normal” selves), mitigate responsibility for their actions, and minimize the stigma associated with being labeled a serial killer.
Arrest and Referral Decisions in Sexual Assault Cases: The Influence of Police Discretion on Case Attrition
Authors: Wentz Ericka , Keimig Kelsey
Published: June 2019

Research on sexual assault case attrition spans from the decision of victims to report the incidents and cooperate with police during investigations through the final case disposition in the courtroom. However, few studies have focused on how police discretion influences attrition at the points of arrest and case referral. The current study examines factors of adult sexual assaults reported to the police to determine which legal and extralegal factors were predictive of arrest and which variables were predictive of police decisions to refer cases to prosecutors for consideration. The results of this study showed victim cooperation and evidence significantly predicted arrest and referral, along with variables which measured the seriousness of the case and victim credibility. The findings confirmed both legally relevant and extralegal variables were important considerations during each decision-making point. Implications arising from these results are discussed.
Third-Generation Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Authors: Mihinjac Mateja , Saville Gregory
Published: June 2019

This paper advances crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) theory and practice by introducing a holistic and integrated crime prevention theory called Third-Generation CPTED. We use Third-Generation CPTED to expand both the situational focus of traditional CPTED and the social ecology/neighbourhood focus of Second-Generation CPTED, by creating a new theory that integrates human motivation and aspirations within a neighbourhood Liveability Hierarchy. Central to our theory is the planning concept of liveability and, because safety from crime, fear, and victimization is such an integral part of quality of life, we present two underlying themes on which liveability depends: public health and sustainability. We propose some theoretical assumptions and propositions that underpin the theory and suggest areas for future research. Our contention is that a holistic and integrative Third-Generation CPTED elevates liveability from the role of basic infrastructure and habitat to providing residents with opportunities to enhance their own personal aspirations and improve their quality of life.
Community Planning Perspective and Its Role within the Social Policy of the Municipalities
Authors: Butoracova Sindleryova Ivana , Garaj Michal , Dancisinova Lucia
Published: June 2019

Community planning solves policy making at different levels of the state’s functioning. Each case has a specific aim and reflects the requirements of citizens. The structure of aims is adjusted to collective and individual levels of clarification of the effect on maximization of potential applications of community planning. The research was realized in the perspective of the municipalities of the Slovak Republic. We used a participatory model of community planning policy as a main tool of community planning potential detection. We emphasized the specific adjustment of community planning to social policy in the Slovak Republic. Data collection was realized by the quantitative research method of a questionnaire. The data were evaluated by a correlation analysis to identify the measure of relationship between variables. Cross-Tabs were used for description of observed categories representation. The results showed a positive effect of the public sector on maximization of community planning policy. On the other hand, the potential declined with rising involvement of the public sector. Individual approach of leading researchers had minimum or no effect on success. It is a collective perspective that decides. In confrontation with the current state, the research represents a unique approach and confirms the exceptionality of the issue. It identifies with the previous findings about a positive contribution of the public participation in community planning. The public perceives the problems critically, expresses the requirements and needs, proposes different solutions and represents important human capital. Additionally, it can make use of contacts and multiply the use of local resources.
Charged Pion Condensation in Dense Quark Matter: Nambu–Jona-Lasinio Model Study
Authors: Khunjua Tamaz , Klimenko Konstantin , Zhokhov Roman
Published: June 2019

In this short review we tried to give an outline of investigations of charged pion condensation (PC) in dense baryonic (quark) matter in the framework of effective Nambu–Jona-Lasinio (NJL)-type models. The possibility of charged PC phase in dense quark matter with isospin asymmetry is investigated. First, it is demonstrated that this phase can be realized in the framework of massless NJL model. However, the existence of this phase is enormously fragile to the values of current quark mass and we show that charged PC phase is forbidden in electrically neutral dense quark matter with β -equilibrium when current quark masses are close to their physical value of 5.5 MeV. Nevertheless, then it is shown that in real physical systems there could be conditions promoting the appearance of charged PC phenomenon in dense quark matter; specifically, it was shown that if one takes into consideration the fact that system can have finite size, then a dense charged PC phase can be realized there. It was also demonstrated that the possibility of inhomogeneous pion condensate might allow this phase to appear. In addition, more recently it was revealed that there is another interesting factor that can induce a charged PC phase in dense quark matter even without isospin imbalance. It is a chiral imbalance of the system (non-zero difference between densities of left- and right-handed quarks). These results can be interesting in heavy ion collision experiments, where it is expected to get high baryon densities. It is of interest also in the context of neutron stars, where quark matter might be realized in the core and very high baryon and isospin densities are attained.
The Role of Streptococcal and Staphylococcal Exotoxins and Proteases in Human Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Authors: Shumba Patience , Mairpady Shambat Srikanth , Siemens Nikolai
Published: June 2019

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are critical clinical conditions characterized by extensive necrosis of any layer of the soft tissue and systemic toxicity. Group A streptococci (GAS) and Staphylococcus aureus are two major pathogens associated with monomicrobial NSTIs. In the tissue environment, both Gram-positive bacteria secrete a variety of molecules, including pore-forming exotoxins, superantigens, and proteases with cytolytic and immunomodulatory functions. The present review summarizes the current knowledge about streptococcal and staphylococcal toxins in NSTIs with a special focus on their contribution to disease progression, tissue pathology, and immune evasion strategies.
Genetic Analysis of the Full-Length gag Gene from the Earliest Korean Subclade B of HIV-1: An Outbreak among Korean Hemophiliacs
Authors: Cho Young-Keol , Kim Jung-Eun , Foley Brian T.
Published: June 2019

We determined the earliest full-length HIV-1 gag gene sequences in 110 patients with HIV-1, including 20 hemophiliacs (HPs) and 90 local controls (LCs). The gag gene from stored sera was amplified using RT-PCR, and was subjected to direct sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 94 and 16 sequences belonged to the Korean subclade of HIV-1 subtype B (KSB) and subtype B, respectively. A total of 12 signature pattern amino acids were found within the KSB, distinct from the worldwide consensus of subtype B. Within the KSB, the gag gene sequences from donors O and P and those from the 20 HPs comprised two subclusters. In particular, sequences from donor O strongly clustered with those of eight HPs. Moreover, signature pattern analysis indicated that 14 signature nucleotides were shared between the HPs and LCs within KSB (p < 0.01). Among the 14 nucleotides, positions 9 and 5 belonged to clusters O and P, respectively. In conclusion, signature pattern analysis for the gag gene revealed 12 signature pattern residues within the KSB and also confirmed the previous conclusion that the 20 HPs were infected with viruses due to incompletely inactivated clotting factor IX. This study is the first genetic analysis of the HIV-1 gag gene in Korea.
O PRINCÍPIO DA GESTÃO RACIONAL DOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS COMO PRINCÍPIO DE DIREITO INTERNACIONAL E AMBIENTAL
Authors: Gomes Carla Amado
Published: June 2019

A água, enquanto recurso tridimensional – de carácter económico, social e ambiental – é um bem que requer especiais medidas de gestão, dadas a sua escassez e a essencialidade à vida. O princípio da gestão racional da água, tendo começado por se manifestar sob a veste de metodologia de gestão de recursos hídricos partilhados, é hoje um princípio de aplicação genérica a todo o tipo de recursos hídricos, embora a sua consagração seja fundamentalmente sediada em documentos de soft law.
A CONSTRUÇÃO DE UMA SISTEMÁTICA PROTETIVA DA DIVERSIDADE: UM NOVO PASSO RUMO À PROTEÇÃO DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Bertoncello Fernando R. M.
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo procura demonstrar que os Direitos Humanos não foram meramente inseridos nos ordenamentos jurídicos, mas fruto de conquistas sociais históricas e de um processo evolutivo de uma compreensão sistemática do que são Direitos Humanos. Posteriormente, sugere-se que o próximo passo nesse processo evolutivo seja o desenho de uma sistemática protetiva da diversidade. Para a pesquisa, foi utilizada a metodologia qualitativa, calcada no método exploratório com base nas doutrinas e sites oficiais.
ESCOLA BÁSICA, DIVERSIDADE E DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Melo José Wilson Rodrigues de , Galan Débora Regina Honório , Olinto Lilian Bessa , Silva Lilian Rodrigues Carvalho da
Published: June 2019

No ambiente complexo da contemporaneidade encontra-se a educação. Os sistemas estruturantes da organização social se veem combalidos na perseguição de valores pautados em justiça social e democracia. A atenção à diversidade para atender às perspectivas dos direitos humanos é um imperativo no presente contexto. O objetivo deste artigo é desenvolver uma reflexão sobre a escola como um espaço-tempo em que a diversidade necessita aportar os direitos humanos. A pesquisa realizada configurou uma sistematização bibliográfica. A organização do artigo está realizada em três seções: uma caracterização do papel da escola na contemporaneidade; a diversidade para o diálogo com a igualdade como expressão de identidade; e, ao final do texto, procurou-se focar a educação para os direitos humanos em contraste com os currículos escolares para lidar com a diversidade.
TÉCNICA PROCESSUAL E FUNDAMENTAÇÃO DAS DECISÕES NO CÓDIGO DE PROCESSO CIVIL DE 2015
Authors: Alves Isabella Fonseca , Mundim Luís Gustavo Reis
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo objetiva apresentar a importância da técnica processual para a fundamentação das decisões no Código de Processo Civil, de 2015. O procedimento metodológico utilizado consistiu na revisão bibliográfica acerca da técnica processual, dos princípios constitucionais do contraditório e da fundamentação das decisões, bem como do Código de Processo Civil. A proposta de desenvolver um estudo sobre a contribuição da técnica processual para a fundamentação das decisões no Código de Processo Civil, de 2015, teve como motivação a visualização da participação das partes para a construção de uma decisão sem que o solipsismo do julgador seja o referente decisório. A noção de contraditório como garantia de influência e não surpresa e a sua interligação com a fundamentação das decisões no Código de Processo Civil, de 2015, vedam que o monopólio interpretativo-decisório ainda esteja na mão do Estado-Juiz sem observar os elementos técnicos e garantias processuais constitucionais. Atingido esse objetivo foi possível analisar a cooperação processual no Código de Processo Civil, de 2015, e demonstrar que a decisão de saneamento e organização serve como filtro para a fundamentação, de modo a permitir um ambiente dialógico em contraditório dos sujeitos processuais.
КРИЗА ІНСТИТУТУ ДЕМОКРАТІЇ В УМОВАХ ГІБРИДНОЇ ВІЙНИ: ЕЛЕКТОРАЛЬНИЙ РАКУРС
Authors: Андрієвський Т. Г.
Published: June 2019

In this article the vulnerability of democratic states in the context of a hybrid war through the prism of political institutions and processes was considered. It is determined that the Russian Federation in its dissemination of hybrid threats pays special attention to the institute of direct democracy - elections as the main process of state functioning. Through disinformation campaigns and manipulations with democratic values and principles, the aggressor tries to weaken the opponents, undermine political systems from the inside, and exacerbate tension and polarization in society. The article analyzes the publication of the adviser to the president of the Russian Federation, Vladislav Surkov, in which the unequivocal threat to the Western democratic world order is expressed. An analysis of the statements of Surkov showed that modern liberal democracy is an extremely vulnerable mechanism, where the Russian Federation spreads chaos by manipulating. The aggressor focuses on the erosion of confidence in the government and the strengthening of populism. A similar result is achieved by spreading misinformation and manipulating information. It has been established that misinformation is intended to create an appropriate public opinion, which should correspond to the goals of the aggressor. It is established that the aggressor is interested in the elections as a process, and therefore the victory of a particular (pro-Russian) candidate is not so important for aggressor’s purposes. Therefore the process of voting is bringing to the point of absurdity, which would entail doubts about the result of such a procedure. Accordingly, the final result of such elections will be a political system without voter’s confidence. Narratives that are “thrown” into the information field are designed to disorient the voter as much as possible, to polarize society, which ultimately should cast doubt on the effectiveness of the electoral process. Therefore, Russian propaganda, through various channels, simultaneously criticizes all the political forces, even opposing in its ideology, or supports some of them (e.g. far-right or far-left populist movements).
ЄМЕНСЬКИЙ КОНФЛІКТ В РАМКАХ «ХОЛОДНОЇ ВІЙНИ» НА БЛИЗЬКОМУ СХОДІ: ГЕОПОЛІТИЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Ель Сафі Баян Максед Салех
Published: June 2019

Розглянуто проблему конфлікту в Ємені, як елемента проксі-війни між Саудівською Аравією та Іраном. В результаті чинників різного характеру, звичайне релігійне протистояння двох великих конфесій ісламу, переросло в регіональний конфлікт, в якому замішані інтереси множин держав-лідерів. Наведено хронологію подій переростання конфесійного внутрішнього конфлікту в регіональний. Проаналізовано зацікавленість і таємна роль в конфлікті Саудівської Аравії, США, Ірану, Об'єднаних Арабських Еміратів, а також Ізраїлю. Встановлено, що Ємен сьогодні став майданчиком для розширення впливу не тільки для Ірану і Саудівської Аравії, а й для інших передових держав за рахунок важливих судноплавних маршрутів. Зроблено спробу вивчення зв'язку між подіями і гравцями в регіоні з використанням теорії ігор.
ВПЛИВ ЛОБІЗМУ НА ФОРМУВАННЯ ПОЛІТИЧНОЇ ЕЛІТИ США
Authors: Горбачов А. В.
Published: June 2019

The article examines the impact of lobbying on the formation of the US political elite. The author conducts a historical and legal analysis of the formation of lobbying activity in the USA. The socio-economic factors contributing to the transformation of political relations in the society and the establishment of market elements in the political system are determined. An impact of lobbying on the formation of political elite was defined through the example of the US political system. The author discovers the emergence of a new type of elite in the United States, which uses their material position and lobbying to control political processes. Lobbying is now one of the most important components of modern Western politics. The role of lobbying and the associated influence of interest groups on state power is constantly increasing. Many researchers consider this process as the greatest threat to the legitimacy of democracy. In general, the dependence of the work of legislators and officials on the influence of interest groups (first of all, big business), which leads to activity of lobbyists, remains a very urgent problem for the scientific community and practitioners of political activity. It adds to the weakening of the influence of the traditional left-wing forces in the face of trade unions, which is typical for the modern political environment. Left-wing forces are more likely to expose the influence of lobbying on politics, rather than effectively resist this phenomenon. On the contrary, on the right side, politicians evaluate and perceive lobbying more positively. Under these conditions, lobbying forms new political elite in the socio-political sphere today. M. Adams, A. Bentley, B. Wool, J. Habermas, R. Dahl, M. Duverger, C. Andrew, D. Epert, A. Leipgart, M. Olson, R. Price, D. Truman, F. Schmitter, F. Stolz, J. Schumpeter and other researchers, dealt with the analysis of this problem. The article notes that lobbyism at the very beginning of its formation is seamlessly integrated into the US political system as an element of the market, and the danger of such a process was emphasized. J. Schumpeter pointed out that the main threat to capitalist market relations subject to crisis was not the economic side of the crisis such as low growth rates, inefficiency, high unemployment. All this could be overcome within the framework of the capitalist system. Other social institutions such as family, education system, etc., could be subject to crises.