bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Hereditary Diseases in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic
Authors: Zinchenko Rena A. , Makaov Amin Kh. , Marakhonov Andrey V. , Galkina Varvara A. , Kadyshev Vitaly V. , El’chinova Galina I. , Dadali Elena L. , Mikhailova Lyudmila K. , Petrova Nika V. , Petrina Nina E. , Vasilyeva Tatyana A. , Gundorova Polina , Polyakov Alexander V. , Alexandrova Oksana Y. , Kutsev Sergey I. , Ginter Eugeny K.
Published: January 2020

Prevalence and allelic heterogeneity of hereditary diseases (HDs) could vary significantly in different human populations. Current knowledge of HDs distribution in populations is generally limited to either European data or analyses of isolated populations which were performed several decades ago. Thus, an acknowledgement of the HDs prevalence in different modern open populations is important. The study presents the results of a genetic epidemiological study of hereditary diseases (HDs) in the population of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic (KChR). Clinical screening of a population of 410,367 people for the identification of HDs was conducted. The population surveyed is represented by five major ethnic groups—Karachays, Russians, Circassians, Abazins, Nogais. The study of the populations was carried out in accordance with the proprietary protocol of genetic epidemiological examination designed to identify >3500 HDs easily diagnosed during clinical examination by qualified specialists specializing in the HDs. The protocol consists of the population genetic and medical genetic sections and is intended for comprehensive population analysis based on the data on different genetic systems, including the genes of HDs, DNA polymorphisms, demographic data collected during hospital-based survey. 8950 families (with 10,125 patients) with presumably the HDs were initially identified as a result of the survey and data collection through various sources of registration (from 1156 medical workers from 163 medical institutions). A diagnosis of hereditary pathology was established in 1849 patients (from 1295 families). Two hundred and thirty nosological forms were revealed (in 1857 patients from 1295 families). The total prevalence of HDs was 1:221. Differences between populations and ethnic groups were identified: 1:350 in Russians, 1:195 in Karachays, 1:199 in Circassians, 1:218 in Abazins, 1:135 in Nogais. Frequent diseases were determined, the presence of marked genetic heterogeneity was identified during the confirmatory DNA diagnosis. To explain the reasons for the differentiation of populations by load of HD, a correlation analysis was carried out between the FST (random inbreeding) in populations and HDs load values. This analysis showed genetic drift is probably one of the leading factors determining the differentiation of KChR populations by HDs load. For the first time, the size of the load and spectrum of HDs in the populations of the KChR are determined. We have demonstrated genetic drift to be one of the main factors of the population dynamics in studied population. A significant genetic heterogeneity of HDs, both allelic and locus, was revealed in KChR.
DNA Repair and the Stability of the Plant Mitochondrial Genome
Authors: Chevigny Nicolas , Schatz-Daas Déborah , Lotfi Frédérique , Gualberto José Manuel
Published: January 2020

The mitochondrion stands at the center of cell energy metabolism. It contains its own genome, the mtDNA, that is a relic of its prokaryotic symbiotic ancestor. In plants, the mitochondrial genetic information influences important agronomic traits including fertility, plant vigor, chloroplast function, and cross-compatibility. Plant mtDNA has remarkable characteristics: It is much larger than the mtDNA of other eukaryotes and evolves very rapidly in structure. This is because of recombination activities that generate alternative mtDNA configurations, an important reservoir of genetic diversity that promotes rapid mtDNA evolution. On the other hand, the high incidence of ectopic recombination leads to mtDNA instability and the expression of gene chimeras, with potential deleterious effects. In contrast to the structural plasticity of the genome, in most plant species the mtDNA coding sequences evolve very slowly, even if the organization of the genome is highly variable. Repair mechanisms are probably responsible for such low mutation rates, in particular repair by homologous recombination. Herein we review some of the characteristics of plant organellar genomes and of the repair pathways found in plant mitochondria. We further discuss how homologous recombination is involved in the evolution of the plant mtDNA.
Structural Characterization of the CD44 Stem Region for Standard and Cancer-Associated Isoforms
Authors: Chen Kun-Lin , Li Deng , Lu Ting-Xuan , Chang Shu-Wei
Published: January 2020

CD44 is widely expressed in most vertebrate cells, whereas the expression of CD44v6 is restricted to only a few tissues and has been considered to be associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Thus, CD44v6 has been recognized as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for various cancers for more than a decade. However, despite many experimental studies, the structural dynamics and differences between CD44s and CD44v6, particularly in their stem region, still remain elusive. Here, a computational study was conducted to address these problems. We found that the stem of CD44s adopted predominantly two conformations, one featuring antiparallel β-sheets and the other featuring parallel β-sheets, whereas the stem of CD44v6 adopted mainly one conformation with relatively highly suppressed β-sheet contents. Moreover, Phe215 was found to be essential in the β-sheets of both CD44s and CD44v6. We finally found intramolecular Phe215–Trp224 hydrogen-bonding interactions and hydrophobic interactions with Phe215 that cooperatively drove conformational differences upon the addition of the v6 region to CD44. Our study elucidated the structural differences between the stem regions of CD44s and CD44v6 and thus can offer useful structural information for drug design to specifically target CD44v6 in promising clinical applications.
Efficacy of the InvictDetectTM Immunostrip® to Taxonomically Identify the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta, Using A Single Worker Ant
Authors: Valles Steven M. , Strong Charles A. , Emmitt Robert S. , Culkin Christopher T. , Weeks Ronald D.
Published: January 2020

The early detection and identification of the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta are crucial to intercepting and preventing it from becoming established in new areas. Unfortunately, the visual identification of fire ants to species is difficult and ant samples must often be couriered to an expert for positive identification, which can delay control interventions. A lateral flow immunoassay that provides a rapid and portable method for the identification of S. invicta ants was developed and commercialized, and it is available from Agdia, Inc. under the trade name InvictDetectTM. While the test was 100% accurate when using the recommended minimum sample of three ant workers, InvictDetectTM was field tested for the first time while using homogenates prepared from single S. invicta workers to determine the effectiveness of the method under these non-recommended conditions. Disregarding social form, the false negative rate was 25.5% for an initial single worker ant test and 10% after a repeat test was performed. The InvictDetectTM false negative response was independent of worker weight. Though InvictDetectTM requires a minimum of three worker ants, the test improves upon current identification methods because it can be conducted in the field, be completed in 10–30 min, and requires no special training or expertise.
Dissimilar Effects of Anagliptin and Sitagliptin on Lipoprotein Subclass in Standard or Strong Statin-Treated Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Subanalysis of the REASON (Randomized Evaluation of Anagliptin versus Sitagliptin on Low-Density LipoproteiN Cholesterol in Diabetes) Trial
Authors: Hirai Hiroyuki , Higa Moritake , Morimoto Takeshi , Sakuma Mio , Arasaki Osamu , Nomiyama Takashi , Node Koichi , Ueda Shinichiro , Shimabukuro Michio
Published: January 2020

The effects of antidiabetic agents on lipoprotein subclasses are assumed to be pivotal, but this assumption has not been studied. We evaluated lipoprotein subclasses in patients, randomly selected from REASON (Randomized Evaluation of Anagliptin versus Sitagliptin On low-density lipoproteiN cholesterol in diabetes) Trial participants, with type-2 diabetes treated with either anagliptin or sitagliptin. We measured total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in 4 (chylomicron (CM), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) lipoprotein classes and 20 (2 CM, 5 VLDL, 6 LDL, and 7 HDL) lipoprotein subclasses. Between 0 and 52 weeks, TC and TG in lipoprotein and the lipoprotein subclass were distributed differently in patients treated with anagliptin and sitagliptin. The preferable changes in TC and TG levels were observed dominantly in the anagliptin-treated group under standard statin therapy, but the benefits were observed in both the anagliptin- and sitagliptin-treated groups, at least partially under strong statin therapy. In future studies, the atherogenic properties of lipoprotein subclasses might be considered when employing antidiabetic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, especially in patients with type-2 diabetes who are at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or are undergoing statin treatment.
Treatment with Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Inhibitors, History of Allergy, and Hypercalcemia Are Risk Factors of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in HIV-Negative Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Hachisu Yoshimasa , Koga Yasuhiko , Kasama Shu , Kaira Kyoichi , Yatomi Masakiyo , Aoki-Saito Haruka , Tsurumaki Hiroaki , Kamide Yosuke , Sunaga Noriaki , Maeno Toshitaka , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Hisada Takeshi
Published: January 2020

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is an immune reaction that occurs along with the recovery of the patient’s immunity. Tuberculosis-related IRIS (TB-IRIS) upon tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor treatment has been reported in non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. However, the importance of biological treatment, as a risk factor of IRIS, has not yet been established. In this study, we examined TB-IRIS in non-HIV patients to explore the role of TNF-α inhibitor treatment. Out of 188 patients with pulmonary TB, seven patients had IRIS. We examined univariate logistic and multivariate analysis to elucidate risk factors of TB-IRIS. Univariate analysis indicated that usage of immunosuppressive drugs, TNF-α inhibitors, and history of food or drug allergy were significantly related with TB-IRIS. On initial treatment, the values of serological markers such as serum albumin and serum calcium were significantly related with TB-IRIS. There was a higher mortality rate in patients with TB-IRIS. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that usage of TNF-α inhibitors, history of allergy, and serum hypercalcemia were related to TB-IRIS. Usage of TNF-α inhibitors, history of allergy, and serum hypercalcemia may be independent predictors of TB-IRIS in non-HIV patients. Since higher mortality has been reported for TB-IRIS, we should pay attention to TB patients with these risk factors.
Prevalence of Fractures and Diagnostic Accuracy of Emergency X-ray in Older Adults Sustaining a Low-Energy Fall: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lampart Alina , Arnold Isabelle , Mäder Nina , Niedermeier Sandra , Escher Armin , Stahl Robert , Trumm Christoph , Kammerlander Christian , Böcker Wolfgang , Nickel Christian H. , Bingisser Roland , Pedersen Vera
Published: January 2020

Background: Plain radiography (XR) series are standard of care for detection of fall-related fractures in older patients with low-energy falls (LEF) in the emergency department (ED). We have investigated the prevalence of fractures and diagnostic accuracy of XR imaging in the ED. Methods: 2839 patients with LEF, who were presented to two urban level I trauma centers in 2016 and received XR and computed tomography (CT), were consecutively included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of fractures of the vertebral column, rib cage, pelvic ring, and proximal long bones. Secondary endpoints were diagnostic accuracy of XR for fracture detection with CT as reference standard and cumulative radiation doses applied. Results: Median age was 82 years (range 65–105) with 64.1% female patients. Results revealed that 585/2839 (20.6%) patients sustained fractures and 452/2839 (15.9%) patients received subsequent XR and CT examinations of single body regions. Cross-tabulation analysis revealed sensitivity of XR of 49.7%, a positive likelihood ratio of 27.6, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.5. Conclusions: XR is of moderate diagnostic accuracy for ruling-out fractures of the spine, pelvic ring, and rib cage in older patients with LEF. Prospective validations are required to investigate the overall risk–benefit of direct CT imaging strategies, considering the trade-off between diagnostic safety, health care costs, and radiation exposure.
Immune Responses after Vascular Photodynamic Therapy with Redaporfin
Authors: S. Lobo Ana Catarina , Gomes-da-Silva Lígia C. , Rodrigues-Santos Paulo , Cabrita António , Santos-Rosa Manuel , Arnaut Luís G.
Published: January 2020

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) relies on the administration of a photosensitizer (PS) that is activated, after a certain drug-to-light interval (DLI), by the irradiation of the target tumour with light of a specific wavelength absorbed by the PS. Typically, low light doses are insufficient to eradicate solid tumours and high fluence rates have been described as poorly immunogenic. However, previous work with mice bearing CT26 tumours demonstrated that vascular PDT with redaporfin, using a low light dose delivered at a high fluence rate, not only destroys the primary tumour but also reduces the formation of metastasis, thus suggesting anti-tumour immunity. This work characterizes immune responses triggered by redaporfin-PDT in mice bearing CT26 tumours. Our results demonstrate that vascular-PDT leads to a strong neutrophilia (2–24 h), systemic increase of IL-6 (24 h), increased percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells producing IFN-γ or CD69+ (2–24 h) and increased CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio (2–24 h). At the tumour bed, T cell tumour infiltration disappeared after PDT but reappeared with a much higher incidence one day later. In addition, it is shown that the therapeutic effect of redaporfin-PDT is highly dependent on neutrophils and CD8+ T cells but not on CD4+ T cells.
Growth Differentiation Factor-8 (GDF8)/Myostatin Is a Predictor of Troponin I Peak and a Marker of Clinical Severity after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Meloux Alexandre , Rochette Luc , Maza Maud , Bichat Florence , Tribouillard Laura , Cottin Yves , Zeller Marianne , Vergely Catherine
Published: January 2020

Objective: Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF8), also known as myostatin, is a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily that inhibits skeletal muscle growth. We aimed to investigate the association between GDF8 and peak troponin I levels after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: All consecutive patients admitted from June 2016 to February 2018 for type 1 AMI in the Coronary Care Unit of University Hospital of Dijon Bourgogne (France) were included in our prospective study. Blood samples were harvested on admission, and serum levels of GDF8 were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: Among the 296 patients with type 1 AMI, median age was 68 years and 27% were women. GDF8 levels (median (IQR) = 2375 ng/L) were negatively correlated with age, sex and diabetes (p < 0.001 for all). GDF8 levels were higher in patients with in-hospital ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation (VT/VF) than those without in-hospital VT/VF. GDF8 was positively correlated with troponin I peak (r = 0.247; p < 0.001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, log GDF8 (OR: 21.59; 95% CI 34.08–119.05; p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of troponin I peak. Conclusions: These results suggest that GDF8 levels could reflect the extent of myocardial damage during AMI, similar to peak troponin I, which is currently used to estimate infarct size. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking the GDF8 cytokine with troponin I levels.
Longitudinal Substance Use and Biopsychosocial Outcomes Following Therapeutic Community Treatment for Substance Dependence
Authors: Staiger Petra K. , Liknaitzky Paul , Lake Amelia J. , Gruenert Stefan
Published: January 2020

The Therapeutic Community (TC) model is considered an effective treatment for substance dependence, particularly for individuals with complex presentations. While a popular approach for this cohort across a number of countries, few studies have focussed on biopsychosocial and longer-term outcomes for this treatment modality. This study reports on substance use, dependence, and biopsychosocial outcomes up to 9 months post-exit from two TC sites. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study (n = 166) with two follow-up time points. Measures included substance use, dependence, subjective well-being, social functioning, and mental and physical health. Generalized Linear Models were employed to assess change over time. Results: At 9 months, 68% of participants reported complete 90-day drug abstinence. Alcohol frequency and quantity were reduced by over 50% at 9 months, with 32% of the sample recording 90-day abstinence at 9 months. Both alcohol and drug dependence scores were reduced by over 60%, and small to medium effect sizes were found for a range of psychosocial outcomes at 9 months follow-up, including a doubling of wellbeing scores, and a halving of psychiatric severity scores. Residents who remained in the TC for at least 9 months reported substantially better outcomes. Conclusions: With notably high study follow-up rates (over 90% at 9 months post-exit), these data demonstrate the value of the TC model in achieving substantial and sustained improvements in substance use and psychosocial outcomes for a cohort with severe substance dependence and complex presentations. Implications for optimal length of stay are discussed.
Design and Measurement Properties of the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: González-Cabrera Joaquín , Machimbarrena Juan M. , Beranuy Marta , Pérez-Rodríguez Priscila , Fernández-González Liria , Calvete Esther
Published: January 2020

Gambling disorder is of great clinical and social relevance since it seriously affects people who suffer from it. More recently, the Internet has exacerbated the problem with online casinos, poker, and sports betting. However, there is little evidence of this problem, and we know of no diagnostic questionnaire. The main objectives of this study were to develop the Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire (OGD-Q) for adolescents, evaluate its main psychometric properties, and establish diagnostic criteria to differentiate pathological from non-pathological online gamblers. We conducted a study in 16 schools across seven regions of Spain, sampling 2691 adolescents, 883 of whom had reported some online gambling experience. Of those, 602 were boys (68.2%) and 281 were girls (31.8%) Sampling was non-probabilistic and incidental. Mean age and standard deviation were 14.25 ± 1.55 (11–19 years). Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a one-dimensional model with a good fit. The reliability indicators were satisfactory (>0.94). The scores on the OGD-Q were related to other constructs, such as Internet gaming disorder, problematic Internet use, and nomophobia. Participants classified as having problems or being at risk of online gambling disorder presented significantly more stress, anxiety, and depression. Participants categorized as having online gambling disorder comprised 0.89% (n = 24) of the total sample and 2.71% of those who have gambled at some time. We discuss these findings and their practical implications in this article and propose future lines of research.
Gender Differences in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Value of Sleep Questionnaires with a Separate Analysis of Cardiovascular Patients
Authors: Pataka Athanasia , Kotoulas Seraphim , Kalamaras George , Schiza Sofia , Sapalidis Konstantinos , Giannakidis Dimitirios , Michalopoulos Nikolaos , Koulouris Charilaos , Aidoni Zoi , Amaniti Aikaterini , Bouloukaki Izoldi , Chatzopoulos Evangelos , Romanidis Konstantinos , Oikonomou Panagoula , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Trakada Georgia , Vagionas Anastasios , Ioannidis Aris , Katsios Iason Nikolaos , Goganau Alexandru Marian , Zarogoulidis Pavlos , Kosmidis Christoforos
Published: January 2020

Background: Gender affects the clinical presentation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The classic OSA symptoms, such as sleepiness, snoring, and apnea, are not so frequent in women. Objectives: To evaluate possible gender differences in questionnaires used for OSA prediction, such as the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), STOP, STOP Bang (SB), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and Fatigue Scale (FS). Methods: 350 males were matched with 350 women referred to a sleep clinic, according to OSA severity. All responded to the questionnaires and underwent a sleep study. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients were separately analyzed. Results: ESS did not differ between genders. SB was higher in males, whereas STOP, BQ, AIS, and FS were higher in females. BQ presented the highest sensitivity in both genders, whereas STOP exhibited the highest specificity in males and ESS in females. AIS and FS were more sensitive and SB more specific in females, whereas BQ was more specific in males. For severe OSA, the predictive values of SB and BQ were almost similar for both genders; however AIS and FS were higher in women. CVD patients presented higher scores, independent of gender, except for AIS, which was higher in females. Conclusion: Gender-specific evaluation of questionnaires is necessary to prevent OSA under-diagnosis.
The Present Utility of the Oxytocin Challenge Test—A Single-Center Study
Authors: Różańska-Walędziak Anna , Czajkowski Krzysztof , Walędziak Maciej , Teliga-Czajkowska Justyna
Published: January 2020

Introduction: The oxytocin challenge test (OCT) used to be one of the most important tools in assessing fetal well-being before ultrasonography became prevalent. We show that, after modifying the classification of the results and the intervention algorithm, OCT can still be a useful tool in present-day obstetrics. Material and methods: The study included 318 OCTs performed in patients admitted to our department from 2010 to 2012. A modified classification of test results was introduced, dividing the results in four groups: I-negative, II-positive, III-non-diagnostic and type IV (fetal tachycardia or increased variability). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical significance of OCT in assessing intrauterinal fetal well-being and predicting the necessity for ending the pregnancy. Results: A significant difference (p < 0.001) in the delivery method and the indications for cesarean sections (CS) was found between negative and positive OCT results. CS indicated by an abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) pattern had to be performed in 40% of cases with positive OCT results, having constituted 84.6% of all CSs in this group. After negative OCTs, 12.8% pregnancies were ended by CS from FHR indications (62.3% of all the indications). Conclusions: A positive OCT result can be a valuable predictor of an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern after the test and during the delivery, as well as a higher probability of a CS from cardiotocography (CTG) indications, with positive predictive value (PPV) 0.50 and negative predictive value (NPV) 0.85.
Proteomic Studies for the Investigation of γ-Globin Induction by Decitabine in Human Primary Erythroid Progenitor Cultures
Authors: Theodorou Andria , Phylactides Marios , Katsantoni Eleni , Vougas Kostas , Garbis Spyros D. , Fanis Pavlos , Sitarou Maria , Thein Swee Lay , Kleanthous Marina
Published: January 2020

Reactivation of γ-globin is considered a promising approach for the treatment of β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Therapeutic induction of γ-globin expression, however, is fraught with lack of suitable therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects that treatment with decitabine has on the proteome of human primary erythroid cells from healthy and thalassemic volunteers, as a means of identifying new potential pharmacological targets. Decitabine is a known γ-globin inducer, which is not, however, safe enough for clinical use. A proteomic approach utilizing isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) analysis, in combination with high-pH reverse phase peptide fractionation followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), was employed to investigate the effects of decitabine treatment. Bioinformatics analysis making use of the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) was employed for functional annotation of the 192 differentially expressed proteins identified. The data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD006889. The proteins fall into various biological pathways, such as the NF-κB signaling pathway, and into many functional categories including regulation of cell proliferation, transcription factor and DNA binding, protein stabilization, chromatin modification and organization, and oxidative stress proteins.
Male Predominance of Gastric Cancer among Patients with Hypothyroidism from a Defined Geographic Area
Authors: Dore Maria Pina , Manca Alessandra , Alfonso Pensamiento Maria Carolina , Delitala Alessandro Palmerio , Fanciulli Giuseppe , Piana Andrea Fausto , Pes Giovanni Mario
Published: January 2020

In the past, hypothyroidism has been associated with an increased susceptibility to gastric cancer (GC). Although several epidemiological studies have corroborated this association, a precise mechanistic explanation remains elusive. In this study, this hypothesis was tested by using a large database of subjects who underwent upper endoscopy for various reasons. This was a retrospective, case-control, single-center study. Subjects with GC (cases) were compared with subjects without (controls), according to hypothyroidism status. Overall, the prevalence of GC was 0.73% in the total cohort and was significantly higher in males compared to females (1.4% versus 0.4%, p < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed an increased risk in males with hypothyroidism (OR 5.10; p < 0.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders, especially H. pylori infection. Interestingly, only hypothyroidism and not treatment with levothyroxine was a significant predictor of GC, ruling out a possible direct carcinogenic effect of the replacement therapy. The present study suggests a male-restricted association of gastric carcinogenesis with a hypothyroid state. If the results of this study are confirmed by longitudinal studies, an attractive perspective could open up for the better management of males with concomitant hypothyroidism and a higher risk of GC.
Situation Assessment—An Essential Functionality for Resilient Navigation Systems
Authors: Engler Evelin , Baldauf Michael , Banyś Paweł , Heymann Frank , Gucma Maciej , Sill Torres Frank
Published: January 2020

This paper discusses the application of resilience engineering principles by shipborne navigation systems. As a technological system, the ship navigation system comprises all the communication and navigation equipment required to operate a ship. If examined as a socio-technological system, one has to additionally consider the use of the ship navigation system by the bridge teams in order to perform the nautical profession in terms of safe and efficient ship navigation, taking into account environmental information received by communication. The first part of this work discusses the theoretical background of resilience engineering and situation awareness. Case studies are used to illustrate under which conditions the application of resilience principles may result in an improvement of the operational reliability. With the help of simulations, it is shown that a sub-optimal implementation and utilization of resilience principles may decrease the robustness of the technical ship navigation system, as well as the reliability and adaptability of the ship navigation system in use. The examples illustrate once again that monitoring is one of the four cornerstones of resilience: anticipating, monitoring, learning, and responding. This is due to the effectiveness of most resilience principles depending on the availability and trustworthiness of situational information in relation to system status and environmental conditions, irrespective of whether the generation and use of the situational information is machine-made or human-made. Therefore, the establishment of situation awareness is an essential accompanying functionality to be considered in design, operation, and use of resilient systems.
A Comparison of Physical and Numerical Modeling of Homogenous Isotropic Propeller Blades
Authors: Savio Luca , Sileo Lucia , Kyrre Ås Sigmund
Published: January 2020

Results of the fluid-structure co-simulations that were carried out as part of the FleksProp project are presented. The FleksProp project aims to establish better design procedures that take into account the hydroelastic behavior of marine propellers and thrusters. Part of the project is devoted to establishing good validation cases for fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations. More specifically, this paper describes the comparison of the numerical computations carried out on three propeller designs that were produced in both a metal and resin variant. The metal version could practically be considered rigid in model scale, while the resin variant would show measurable deformations. Both variants were then tested in open water condition at SINTEF Ocean’s towing tank. The tests were carried out at different propeller rotational speeds, advance coefficients, and pitch settings. The computations were carried out using the commercial software STAR-CCM+ and Abaqus. This paper describes briefly the experimental setup and focuses on the numerical setup and the discussion of the results. The simulations agreed well with the experiments; hence, the computational approach has been validated.
On the Market Efficiency and Liquidity of High-Frequency Cryptocurrencies in a Bull and Bear Market
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Chan Stephen , Chu Jeffrey , Sulieman Hana
Published: January 2020

The market for cryptocurrencies has experienced extremely turbulent conditions in recent times, and we can clearly identify strong bull and bear market phenomena over the past year. In this paper, we utilise algorithms for detecting turnings points to identify both bull and bear phases in high-frequency markets for the three largest cryptocurrencies of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. We also examine the market efficiency and liquidity of the selected cryptocurrencies during these periods using high-frequency data. Our findings show that the hourly returns of the three cryptocurrencies during a bull market indicate market efficiency when using the detrended-fluctuation-analysis (DFA) method to analyse the Hurst exponent with a rolling window. However, when conditions turn and there is a bear-market period, we see signs of a more inefficient market. Furthermore, our results indicated differences between the cryptocurrencies in terms of their liquidity during the two market states. Moving from a bull to a bear market, Ethereum and Litecoin appear to become more illiquid, as opposed to Bitcoin, which appears to become more liquid. The motivation to study the high-frequency cryptocurrency market came from the increasing availability of higher-frequency cryptocurrency-pricing data. However, it also comes from a movement towards higher-frequency trading of cryptocurrency. In addition, the efficiency of cryptocurrency markets relates not only to whether prices are predictable and arbitrage opportunities exist, but, more widely, to topics such as testing the profitability of trading strategies and determining the maturity of cryptocurrency markets.
Determinants of Agricultural Infrastructure Construction in China: Based on the “Participation of Beneficiary Groups” Perspective
Authors: Liu Mengting , Ji Yueqing
Published: January 2020

Agricultural infrastructure is a typical public good, and it plays an important role in rural development. The “participation of beneficiary groups (PBG)” system is encouraged by government to supply village level public goods in China. Based on micro survey data from the village level in Jiangsu Province, this study analyzes the status of agricultural infrastructure construction and the promotion of PBG model and quantitatively analyzes the impact of different factors using an econometric model. The results found that the PBG model of agricultural infrastructure construction only accounted for 22.8% of projects, and the bottleneck was the challenge in raising funds at the village level; the total number of projects and the number of projects in the PBG model significantly increased with collective irrigation, and the farmland lease was found to hinder the promotion of the PBG model. The government should take measures to enhance farmers’ awareness of social trust, continuously improve the governance capacity of the village collectives, improve the role of village self-governance and social forces in agricultural infrastructure construction, and actively guide farmers and private enterprises to participate in agricultural infrastructure construction so that farmers can obtain more practical benefits.
Driving Factors of the Industrial Land Transfer Price Based on a Geographically Weighted Regression Model: Evidence from a Rural Land System Reform Pilot in China
Authors: Yang Zhiheng , Li Chenxi , Fang Yongheng
Published: January 2020

More and more studies on land transfer prices have been carried out over time. However, the influencing factors of the industrial land transfer price from the perspective of spatial attributes have rarely been explored. Selecting 25 towns as the basic research unit, based on industrial land transfer data, this paper analyzes the influencing factors of the price distribution of industrial land in Dingzhou City, a rural land system reform pilot in China, by using a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model. Eight evaluation factors were selected from five aspects: economy, population, topography, landform, and resource endowment. The results showed that: (1) Compared with the traditional ordinary least squares (OLS) model, the GWR model revealed the spatial differentiation characteristics of the industrial land transfer price in depth. (2) Factors that have a negative correlation with the industrial land transfer price include the proportion of cultivated land area and distance to the city. Factors that have a positive correlation with the industrial land transfer price include the population growth rate, economic growth rate, population density, and number of hospitals per unit area. (3) The results of GWR model analysis showed that the impact of different factors on the various towns of different models had significant spatial differentiation characteristics. This paper will provide a reference for the sustainable use of industrial land in developing countries.
Relationships between Land Management Scale and Livelihood Strategy Selection of Rural Households in China from the Perspective of Family Life Cycle
Authors: Xu Dingde , Ma Zhixing , Deng Xin , Liu Yi , Huang Kai , Zhou Wenfeng , Yong Zhuolin
Published: January 2020

Rural households are micro-organizational systems that are composed of different family members. Against a background of fragmented land patterns and massive labor migration in China, it is of great significance for the sustainable development of regional economies to explore the optimal selection of livelihood strategies by rural households. Using a survey containing data from 8031 rural households from 27 provinces in China, this study analyzed the characteristics and spatial distribution trends of the land management scale, family life cycle, and livelihood strategy selection of rural households, and constructed Tobit econometric models to explore the correlations among these factors. The results show: (1) Rural households’ land management scale was primarily small-scale and, as it expanded, the proportion of the total cash income coming from agricultural activities increased. A relative majority of rural households were in the middle period of the family life cycle, and relatively few rural households were in the starting and empty nest periods. The proportion of the total cash income of rural households coming from agricultural pursuits while in the stable and the empty nest periods was relatively large, reaching 40.51% and 38.92%, respectively. In most provinces sampled, rural households’ livelihood strategies were non-agriculturally based, and the land management scale was mainly less than 0.67 ha. (2) Rural households’ land management scale positively correlated with their livelihood strategy selection. When other conditions remained unchanged, with every 1 ha increase in land management scale, the proportion of agricultural cash income in total family cash income increased, on average, by 3.7%. In comparison with rural households in the empty nest period, the proportions of agricultural cash income in the total family cash income of rural households in other family life cycles were relatively small. Specifically, for rural households in the starting, rearing, burden, stable, and maintenance periods, the proportion of agricultural cash income in the total family cash income decreased, on average, by 6.8%, 6.7%, 9.2%, 3.5%, and 16.3%, respectively.
Performance Verification of a Flexible Vibration Monitoring System
Authors: Bointon Patrick , Todhunter Luke , Clare Adam , Leach Richard
Published: January 2020

The performance of measurement or manufacturing systems in high-precision applications is dependent upon the dynamics of the system, as vibration can be a significant contributor to the measurement uncertainty and process variability. Technologies making use of accelerometers and laser vibrometers are available to rapidly measure and process structural dynamic data but the software infrastructure is yet to be available in an open source or standardised format to allow rapid inter-platform use. In this paper, we present a novel condition monitoring system, which uses commercially available accelerometers in combination with a control-monitoring infrastructure to allow for the appraisal of the performance of a measurement or manufacturing system. A field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based control system is implemented for high-speed data acquisition and signal processing of six triaxial accelerometers, with a frequency range of 1 Hz to 6000 Hz, a sensitivity of 102.5 mV/ms−2 and a maximum sample rate of 12,800 samples per second per channel. The system includes two methods of operation: real-time performance monitoring and detailed measurement/manufacturing verification. A lathe condition monitoring investigation is undertaken to demonstrate the utility of this system and acquire typical machining performance parameters in order to monitor the “health” of the system.
BP Neural Network Calculus in Economic Growth Modelling of the Group of Seven
Authors: Wang Xu , Wang JinRong , Fečkan Michal
Published: January 2020

In this paper, the adaptive lasso method is used to screen variables, and different neural network models of seven countries are established by choosing variables. Gross domestic product (GDP) is a function of land area in the country, cultivated land, population, enrollment rate, total capital formation, exports of goods and services, and the general government’s final consumption of collateral and broad money. Based on the empirical analysis of the above factors from 1973 to 2016, the results show that the BP neural network model has better performance based on multiple summary statistics, without increasing the number of parameters and better predicting short-term GDP. In addition, the change and the error of the model are small and have a certain reference value.
Some Identities of Degenerate Bell Polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Kim Dae San , Kim Han Young , Kwon Jongkyum
Published: January 2020

The new type degenerate of Bell polynomials and numbers were recently introduced, which are a degenerate version of Bell polynomials and numbers and are different from the previously introduced partially degenerate Bell polynomials and numbers. Several expressions and identities on those polynomials and numbers were obtained. In this paper, as a further investigation of the new type degenerate Bell polynomials, we derive several identities involving those degenerate Bell polynomials, Stirling numbers of the second kind and Carlitz’s degenerate Bernoulli or degenerate Euler polynomials. In addition, we obtain an identity connecting the degenerate Bell polynomials, Cauchy polynomials, Bernoulli numbers, Stirling numbers of the second kind and degenerate Stirling numbers of the second kind.
Numerical Approaches to Fractional Integrals and Derivatives: A Review
Authors: Cai Min , Li Changpin
Published: January 2020

Fractional calculus, albeit a synonym of fractional integrals and derivatives which have two main characteristics—singularity and nonlocality—has attracted increasing interest due to its potential applications in the real world. This mathematical concept reveals underlying principles that govern the behavior of nature. The present paper focuses on numerical approximations to fractional integrals and derivatives. Almost all the results in this respect are included. Existing results, along with some remarks are summarized for the applied scientists and engineering community of fractional calculus.
Existence of a Unique Fixed Point for Nonlinear Contractive Mappings
Authors: Reich Simeon , Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: January 2020

In a recent work, we established the existence of a unique fixed point for nonlinear contractive self-mappings of a bounded and closed set in a Banach space. In the present paper we extend this result to the case of unbounded sets.
Optimization of the 2 ½ D Processing Method of Complex Parts, through a Predictive Algorithm for Controlling the Geometric Shape Deviations Resulting from Processing
Authors: Rece Laurentiu , Florescu Virgil , Modrea Arina , Jeflea Victor , Harničárová Marta , Valíček Jan , Borzan Marian
Published: January 2020

This article intends to define a new methodology that allows the processing of complex surfaces in space through processing cycles, in parallel superposed planes—the variant known as generic processing in 2 ½ D—but with predictable control over the deviation from the geometric form of the surface to be processed. The novel methodology consists of identifying the optimal distances between the working planes and the corresponding successive positions so that the deviations from the resulting geometric form fall within the prescribed limits. It is also envisaged that the method will provide facilities in terms of the possibilities for evaluation of deviations from the given form of the surface, and keeping them under control by the stage of elaboration of the numerical control programs. The new optimization is designed to determine the maximum distances between successive processing planes and their position in space, depending on the spatial shape of the surface to be processed. Thus, the aim is to obtain a small number of processing planes with a favorable effect on productivity, but under conditions that respect the tolerances of the surface or the profile, a restriction that otherwise has a negative effect on the same process.
On the Construction of Some Fractional Stochastic Gompertz Models
Authors: Ascione Giacomo , Pirozzi Enrica
Published: January 2020

The aim of this paper is the construction of stochastic versions for some fractional Gompertz curves. To do this, we first study a class of linear fractional-integral stochastic equations, proving existence and uniqueness of a Gaussian solution. Such kinds of equations are then used to construct fractional stochastic Gompertz models. Finally, a new fractional Gompertz model, based on the previous two, is introduced and a stochastic version of it is provided.
Bivariate Thiele-Like Rational Interpolation Continued Fractions with Parameters Based on Virtual Points
Authors: Zou Le , Song Liangtu , Wang Xiaofeng , Chen Yanping , Zhang Chen , Tang Chao
Published: January 2020

The interpolation of Thiele-type continued fractions is thought of as the traditional rational interpolation and plays a significant role in numerical analysis and image interpolation. Different to the classical method, a novel type of bivariate Thiele-like rational interpolation continued fractions with parameters is proposed to efficiently address the interpolation problem. Firstly, the multiplicity of the points is adjusted strategically. Secondly, bivariate Thiele-like rational interpolation continued fractions with parameters is developed. We also discuss the interpolant algorithm, theorem, and dual interpolation of the proposed interpolation method. Many interpolation functions can be gained through adjusting the parameter, which is flexible and convenient. We also demonstrate that the novel interpolation function can deal with the interpolation problems that inverse differences do not exist or that there are unattainable points appearing in classical Thiele-type continued fractions interpolation. Through the selection of proper parameters, the value of the interpolation function can be changed at any point in the interpolant region under unaltered interpolant data. Numerical examples are given to show that the developed methods achieve state-of-the-art performance.
Modelling Population Dynamics of Social Protests in Time and Space: The Reaction-Diffusion Approach
Authors: Petrovskii Sergei , Alharbi Weam , Alhomairi Abdulqader , Morozov Andrew
Published: January 2020

Understanding of the dynamics of riots, protests, and social unrest more generally is important in order to ensure a stable, sustainable development of various social groups, as well as the society as a whole. Mathematical models of social dynamics have been increasingly recognized as a powerful research tool to facilitate the progress in this field. However, the question as to what should be an adequate mathematical framework to describe the corresponding social processes is largely open. In particular, a great majority of the previous studies dealt with non-spatial or spatially implicit systems, but the literature dealing with spatial systems remains meagre. Meanwhile, in many cases, the dynamics of social protests has a clear spatial aspect. In this paper, we attempt to close this gap partially by considering a spatial extension of a few recently developed models of social protests. We show that even a straightforward spatial extension immediately bring new dynamical behaviours, in particular predicting a new scenario of the protests’ termination.