Bigdata-based investigation of heterogeneous migration and population distribution

Human mobility is very important in understanding complex social and economic systems. With massive empirical datasets from the China Household Finance Survey and the National Statistics in the UK, we construct a migration probability matrix, and analyze the heterogeneous migration patterns. We then develop a random walk model to dynamically simulate the population distribution. In the stationary state, the resulting population distribution is in good agreement with the real statistical data. For comparison, simulations with an optimized gravity model and other datasets such as the census data in China are also performed. Further, the model simulation is applied to predict the demographic trend with different education levels. Our method could be generally extended to other real communities and internet worlds.

161 Biosensor in cardiology. T-care project: a preliminary study on innovative wearable non-invasive telemonitoring system

The demographic trend evolution and the modification of health needs highlight the requirement for a novel organization of the healthcare system. Telemedicine is a technological tool that allows a knockdown of geographic barriers being useful in the management of remote patient assistance. Telemedicine is roughly applied in different cardiology’s areas, from telemetric to implantable devices (loop recorders) in order to monitor cardiac rate, cardiac rhythm variations, and the onset of arrhythmic events. The aim of the present study is to assess the validity of wearable devices (T-shirt equipped with biosensors and bands with photopletimographic system) in monitoring EKG, cardiac rate, and pulse oximetry. We enrolled 38 patients, 25 of whom admitted to the Cardiology Unit, University of Bari. Main characteristics of the sample are listed in Table 1. The difference between traditional monitoring system and wearable biosensors in not statistically significant as shown in Figure 1; therefore the devices tested in this study show a satisfying level of reliability in monitoring cardiac rate, pulse oximetry, QT interval, QRS complexes, and onset of arrhythmic events. However, alerts produced by arrhythmias different from atrial fibrillation are not completely reliable; moreover, the software and the diagnostic algorithm need to be optimized for motion artefacts. For these reasons, results need to be reproduced on a large cohort of patients.

The Health Effects of Workforce Involvement and Transitions for Europeans 50–75 Years of Age: Heterogeneity by Financial Difficulties and Gender

A prominent demographic trend throughout the industrialized world is population aging. Concerns about economic growth and labour force shortages have led many European nations to enact policies aimed at prolonging working life. Understanding how paid work among late-middle-aged and senior adults is associated with health is therefore important. Using a sample of persons who were 50–75 years of age in 2015 from waves six (2015) and seven (2017) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (n = 38,884), this study shows how a comprehensive set of six workforce involvement/transitions patterns are associated with health. The results show benefits of paid work, especially among respondents having financial difficulties. There is further heterogeneity by gender. The more fragmented employment histories of 50–75-year-old women are associated with stable paid work being of less benefit for addressing financial difficulties and with their health being especially vulnerable to unemployment while they are undergoing financial troubles.

Population Aging and Grand Strategy

This chapter examines the effects of population aging on states’ grand strategies. Due to major reductions in fertility levels and significant increases in life expectancies over the course of the last century, a majority of countries are growing older, many at fantastic rates and extent. The number of seniors, both absolutely and as a share of states’ overall population, is reaching unprecedented levels. This worldwide demographic trend is likely to affect all dimensions of states’ grand strategies, including in the great powers, which are among the world’s oldest countries. Population aging is likely to reduce states’ military capabilities, push leaders to adopt more isolationist and peaceful foreign policies, reshape states’ core international interests to place greater emphasis on the advancement of citizens’ quality of life and the protection of particular ethnocultural identities, and increase the perceived threat posed by immigration and multicultural ideologies.

Global changes explain the long-term demographic trend of the Eurasian common lizard (Squamata: Lacertidae)

The demographic trend of a species depends on the dynamics of its local populations, which can be compromised by local or by global phenomena. However, the relevance of local and global phenomena has rarely been investigated simultaneously. Here we tested whether local phenomena compromised a species’ demographic trend using the Eurasian common lizard Zootoca vivipara, the terrestrial reptile exhibiting the widest geographic distribution, as a model species. We analysed the species’ ancient demographic trend using genetic data from its six allopatric genetic clades and tested whether its demographic trend mainly depended on single clades or on global phenomena. Zootoca vivipara’s effective population size increased since 2.3 million years ago and started to increase steeply and continuously from 0.531 Mya. Population growth rate exhibited two maxima, both occurring during global climatic changes and important vegetation changes on the northern hemisphere. Effective population size and growth rate were negatively correlated with global surface temperatures, in line with global parameters driving long-term demographic trends. Zootoca vivipara’s ancient demography was not driven by a single clade, nor by the two clades that colonized huge geographic areas after the last glaciation. The low importance of local phenomena, suggests that the experimentally demonstrated high sensitivity of this species to short-term ecological changes is a response in order to cope with short-term and local changes. This suggests that what affected its long-term demographic trend the most, were not these local changes/responses, but rather the important and prolonged global climatic changes and important vegetation changes on the northern hemisphere, including the opening up of the forest by humans.

Skin diseases in hospitalized geriatrics: a 9-year analysis from a University Dermatology Center in Germany

The demographic trend of an ageing society is mirrored in the rising number of hospitalized geriatric patients in Germany. However, there is still a wide gap of knowledge regarding the dermatological diseases, comorbidities and performed procedures within this growingly important group of patients. The study was conducted as a retrospective monocentric data analysis of all patients 65 years or older from the Department of Dermatology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Germany. In total, 10,009 individual hospitalisations were included from 2009 to 2017, and there was a notable increase of geriatric patients in the study period. This study illustrates the following: leading major diagnoses included malignant neoplasm of the head and neck, ulcerated and non-ulcerated inflammatory spectrum of chronic venous insufficiency, whereas angina pectoris, type 2 diabetes and cardiac diseases were noted most frequently as secondary diagnoses. Patients with venous diseases had considerably more often cardiopulmonary minor diagnoses, whereas endocrine diagnoses peaked in the cohort of patients with psoriasis and psychiatric and muscululoskeletal disorders in patients with bullous dieseases. Moh’s surgery, dressings and multimodal dermatological treatments were the most often encoded procedures.

Training Simulators for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Current and Future Perspectives

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the gold standard in the detection and treatment of early and advanced GI cancers. However, conventional endoscopic techniques are technically demanding and require visual-spatial skills and significant hands-on experience. GI endoscopy simulators represent a valid solution to allow doctors to practice in a pre-clinical scenario. From the first endoscopy mannequin, developed in 1969, several simulation platforms have been developed, ranging from purely mechanical systems to more complex mechatronic devices and animal-based models. Considering the recent advancement of technologies (e.g., artificial intelligence, augmented reality, robotics), simulation platforms can now reach high levels of realism, representing a valid and smart alternative to standard trainee/mentor learning programs. This is particularly true nowadays, when the current demographic trend and the most recent pandemic demand, more than ever, the ability to cope with many patients. This review offers a broad view of the technology available for GI endoscopy training, including platforms currently in the market and the relevant advancements in this research and application field. Additionally, new training needs and new emerging technologies are discussed to understand where medical education is heading.

Geriatrische Dermatologie: Die Zukunft der stationären dermatologischen Versorgung?

The demographic trend of an ageing society is mirrored in the rising number of hospitalized geriatric patients in Germany. However, there is still a wide gap of knowledge regarding the dermatological diseases, comorbidities and performed procedures within this growingly important group of patients. The study was conducted as a retrospective monocentric data analysis of all patients 65 years or older from the Department of Dermatology, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Germany. In total, 10,009 individual hospitalizations were included from 2009 to 2017, and there was a notable increase of geriatric patients in the study period. This study illustrates the following: leading major diagnoses included malignant neoplasm of the head and neck, ulcerated and non-ulcerated inflammatory spectrum of chronic venous insufficiency, whereas angina pectoris, type 2 diabetes and cardiac diseases were noted most frequently as secondary diagnoses. Patients with venous diseases had considerably more often cardiopulmonary minor diagnoses, whereas endocrine diagnoses peaked in the cohort of patients with psoriasis and psychiatric and muscululoskeletal disorders in patients with bullous dieseases. Moh’s surgery, dressings and multimodal dermatological treatments were the most often encoded procedures.

How many large camelids in the world? A synthetic analysis of the world camel demographic changes

At world level, the current official number of large camelids cannot be determined exactly (it is estimated to be more than 35 million heads), and the role of camels in the livestock economy is highly variable. The only reliable statistics are provided by FAO since 1961. According to these data, five different patterns of demographic changes have been observed. In countries marked by a regular or drastic decline of their camelid population, a tendency to re-increase has been in force since the beginning of the century, except in India. Generally, countries marked by a sharp recent increase in their large camelid population have implemented a census and readjusted their data. Many inconsistencies occur in available data, most notably cases arising from changes occurring in state status (for example secession of Eritrea, Soviet Union collapse). Moreover, large camelid stocks in Australia, in countries of new camel establishment (Western countries) and those related to the expansion of camel farming, notably in Africa, are not recorded in the international database. In addition, there is no distinction between dromedary and Bactrian data. The present large camelid population in the world is probably more than 40 million and could reach 60 million after 25 years from now if the current demographic trend is maintained.

The risk status of polish local breeds under conservation programmes - new approach

Native breeds of farm animals, despite their unique characteristics and adaptability to diverse and often adverse environmental conditions, are at risk due to their lower profitability and corresponding declining use. According to FAO data, there are currently around 8800 livestock breeds in the world (http://www.fao.org/dad-is/en/ update: 09.11.2019), of which 17% have been assessed to be endangered. The objective of the study was to develop a model for estimating the risk status of Polish native breeds. The proposed new model is based on 3 factors: demographic, genetic, and socio-economic. The last factor is composed of 6 elements: geographical concentration, demographic trend over the last 5 years, cultural value of a breed, parentage control, ex situ conservation and anthropogenic factors. Using the factors and elements above, among the examined 30 breeds of cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats, 1 was assessed as being critically endangered; 24 were determined to be endangered and in need of conservation; 5 were less endangered, but in need of constant monitoring. Out of 35 populations of poultry 29 were assessed as endangered as they were being kept in only single public collections. Six flocks of ducks were given a critical risk status, due to a very low number of females.