bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE MECHANISM OF VISUAL PERCEPTION OF EDGE RATE LINES CYCLE LENGTH ON DRIVER’S SPEED
Authors: Liu Bing , Zu Shunying , Wang Hong , Xia Jing , Ding Naikan
Published: August 2020

It is known that the installation of edge rate lines can help reduce driving speed. Theoretically, higher edge rate density leads to higher perception speed, so as the effect of speed reduction. However, there has not been a successful evaluation of appropriate design cycle length requirements. A series of experiments were taken on the straight sections on Hangrui highway in China. The cycle length was separately set in different values of 16, 8, 4, 2 and 1 m. The results showed that cycle length had significantly influence on the speed reduction effect. When the length of spatial edge rate line in each cycle λ equalled to the value of 16, 8, 4, 2 m, the effect of speed reduction was significantly enhanced as λ decreased. Percent of average speed reduction was 0.8, 3.0, 5.8 and 7.4%, respectively. However, when λ = 1 m, speed reduction effect was weaker than λ = 2 m, reduction percent of average speed was 5.2%. Then, relations between acceleration and average edge rate was analysed. When temporal frequency of edge rate lines fell in (10 Hz, 19 Hz], the braking deceleration of drivers increased as the temporal frequency increased, which conformed to the relation between temporal frequency and perception speed; when temporal frequency was lower than 10 Hz, some drivers will speed up. It may be related to the threshold of perception speed difference; when temporal frequency was higher than 19 Hz, some drivers will speed up. It may be related to flicker fusion phenomenon. According to the experiments results, edge rate lines cycle length for future implementations should be determined by the speed distribution of the target road.
The Formation of a Stellar Association in the NGC 7000/IC 5070 Complex: Results from Kinematic Analysis of Stars and Gas
Authors: Kuhn Michael A. , Hillenbrand Lynne A. , Carpenter John M. , Avelar Menendez Angel Rodrigo
Published: August 2020

We examine the clustering and kinematics of young stellar objects (YSOs) in the North America/Pelican Nebulae, as revealed by Gaia astrometry, in relation to the structure and motions of the molecular gas, as indicated in molecular-line maps. The Gaia parallaxes and proper motions allow us to significantly refine previously published lists of YSOs, demonstrating that many of the objects previously thought to form a distributed population turn out to be nonmembers. The members are subdivided into at least six spatio-kinematic groups, each of which is associated with its own molecular cloud component or components. Three of the groups are expanding, with velocity gradients of 0.3–0.5 km s−1 pc−1, up to maximum velocities of ∼8 km s−1 away from the groups’ centers. The two known O-type stars associated with the region, 2MASS J20555125+4352246 and HD 199579, are rapidly escaping one of these groups, following the same position–velocity relation as the low-mass stars. We calculate that a combination of gas expulsion and tidal forces from the clumpy distribution of molecular gas could impart the observed velocity gradients within the groups. However, on a global scale, the relative motions of the groups do not appear either divergent or convergent. The velocity dispersion of the whole system is consistent with the kinetic energy gained due to gravitational collapse of the complex. Most of the stellar population has ages similar to the freefall timescales for the natal clouds. Thus, we suggest the nearly freefall collapse of a turbulent molecular cloud as the most likely scenario for star formation in this complex.
The Erratic Path to Coalescence of LISA Massive Black Hole Binaries in Subparsec-resolution Simulations of Smooth Circumnuclear Gas Disks
Authors: Lima Rafael Souza , Mayer Lucio , Capelo Pedro R. , Bortolas Elisa , Quinn Thomas R.
Published: August 2020

We perform high-resolution simulations to follow the orbital decay of 5 × 105 and 107 M
⊙ massive black hole (MBH) pairs embedded in a circumnuclear gas disk (CND), from the CND scale (100 pc) down to 0.1–0.01 pc, the scale at which a circumbinary disk (CBD) could form. The MBHs’ erratic orbital evolution is characterized by three stages: (i) a slow initial decay that leads to some circularization; (ii) a fast-migration phase, analogous to type III migration for massive planets in protoplanetary disks, in which angular momentum is efficiently drained by disk-driven torques arising from the co-orbital region of the secondary MBH, at a distance of 1–3 Hill radii; and (iii) a very slow decay phase, in which orbital angular momentum can even increase. In this last stage, a CBD forms when the parsec-scale decay rate becomes small enough to allow sufficient time for a cavity to be carved. When this happens, the MBH separation nearly stalls in our higher-resolution run. We suggest an empirically modified gap-opening criterion that takes into account such timescale effects, as well as other deviations from standard assumptions. Interestingly, a CBD does not form in the lower-resolution runs, resulting in a faster subparsec decay. Our findings show that the subparsec MBH pairing in gaseous disks is a stochastic and fragile process. Additional mechanisms, such as the stellar-driven hardening, may be necessary to guarantee that the gravitational wave emission phase is entered and the MBHs become accessible to future detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna.
Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations of the Off-equatorial Dipolarization Front Dynamics in the Terrestrial Magnetotail
Authors: Li Huimin , Zhu Congkuan , Guo Lixin , Cheng Qi , Le Contel O.
Published: August 2020

We report the Magnetospheric Multiscale observations of dynamics at an off-equatorial dipolarization front (DF) in the Terrestrial Magnetotail. Three different plasma waves, namely electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves, lower hybrid drift waves, and electrostatic solitary waves (ESWs), associated with different electron pitch angle distributions were detected at different subregions of a single DF. It is interesting to note that the EMIC wave was linearly polarized, associating with a parallel current as a result of the antiparallel drift of electrons in the energy range of about 0.3–2 keV. These suggest that the wave was most likely to be locally generated. This generation could be explained by the current-driven kink-like instability due to the electron drift. The current-driven instabilities may dissipate the energy of the field-aligned current at the DF and thus play important roles in the magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling. On the other hand, the detected ESWs are interpreted as multidimensional electromagnetic electron holes (EHs) which are manifestations of several distinguishing features in electric and magnetic field perturbation. The EHs with a strong positive central potential suggested the likelihood of nonlinear behavior.
La monadologie de Ruyer
Authors: Colonna Fabrice
Published: August 2020

La philosophie de Raymond Ruyer se présente comme une néo-monadologie autant que comme un néo-finalisme. Cet article revient sur ce que Ruyer retient du monadisme, à savoir avant tout l’idée de panpsychisme, ainsi que sur son rejet d’un certain nombre de présupposés de Leibniz concernant l’espace, le temps, et la substance, qu’il entend corriger. Ainsi se dessine un renouvellement de la monadologie, appuyé sur une interprétation des résultats de la science contemporaine.
Talectomy by Medial Surgical Approach for Congenital Vertical Talus in Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Authors: Abraham Edward , Quan Soon Camille H. , Murphy Angela , Toby David
Published: August 2020

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita involves stiff contracture of joints and weak atrophic muscles presenting at birth. The two most common forms are amyoplasia and distal arthrogryposis. Amyoplasia affects all 4 extremities: internally rotated shoulders, extended fixed elbows, flexed fixed wrists, extended fixed knees, clubfeet, and decreased muscle volume. Distal arthrogryposis is a group of syndromes with a genetic basis. The distal joints are contracted. Clubfeet and congenital vertical talus are the most common foot deformities. A 10-year-old boy presented with distal arthrogryposis with bilateral congenital tali. He reported having deformed and painful feet and difficulty wearing shoes. His rocker-bottom foot deformities caused him to walk with a heel to heel gait. He also had stiff extended knees. His previous foot surgeries included failed open reduction and pin fixation of the talonavicular joints with Achilles tendon lengthening and capsulotomies. The boy underwent bilateral talectomies and releases of contracted joint capsules and lengthening of multiple extrinsic tendons through separate incisions. The talectomy of each foot was performed via a novel medial surgical approach. At 2-year follow-up, he had normal-appearing plantar grade feet. He had a painless gait, could ambulate independently, and was considered to have an excellent result. This is the first detailed report of performing a talectomy via a medial approach for bilateral congenital tali in a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. [
Orthopedics
. 2020; 43(6):e623–e626.]
Reading Speed as an Objective Measure of Improvement Following Vitrectomy for Symptomatic Vitreous Opacities
Authors: Ryan Edwin H. , Lam Linda A. , Pulido Christine M. , Bennett Steven R. , Calabrèse Aurélie
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

There is currently no objective measure of the visual deficits experienced by patients with symptomatic vitreous opacities (SVOs) that would also correlate with the functional improvement they report following vitrectomy. This study aims to determine whether reading speed can be used as a reliable outcome measure to assess objectively the impact of both SVOs and vitrectomy on patients' visual performance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twenty adult patients seeking surgery for SVO were included. Measures of visual function were obtained before and after vitrectomy using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study acuity chart, the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire, and the MNREAD acuity chart.

RESULTS:

In patients with nonopacified lenses (n = 10), maximum reading speed increased significantly from 138 to 159 words per minute after complete removal of SVOs by vitrectomy (95% confidence interval, 14–29;
P
< .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Reading speed is impaired with SVOs and improves following vitrectomy in phakic and pseudophakic eyes with clear lenses. Reading speed is a valid objective measure to assess the positive effect of vitrectomy for SVOs on near-distance daily life activities.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2020;51:456–466.]
Cloud Build Methodology
Authors: Ehrhardt Richard
Published: August 2020

The cloud build methodology chapter provides an introduction to the build methods for hybrid clouds. It does this by first introducing the concept of a hybrid cloud and the different types of services provides by clouds. It then overviews the components of hybrid clouds and how these components get incorporated into the design. It takes a brief look at the cost drivers with building a cloud to provide background with design decisions to be made. With the background on the design, it takes the reader through the build of a hybrid cloud and how automation can be used to reduce the cost. Lastly, it takes a brief look at a possible direction of cloud builds.
Fast HEVC Inter-Prediction Algorithm Based on Matching Block Features
Authors: Liu Meifeng , Zhong Guoyun , He Yueshun , Zhong Kai , Chen Hongmao , Gao Mingliang
Published: August 2020

A fast inter-prediction algorithm based on matching block features is proposed in this article. The position of the matching block of the current CU in the previous frame is found by the motion vector estimated by the corresponding located CU in the previous frame. Then, a weighted motion vector computation method is presented to compute the motion vector of the matching block of the current CU according to the motions of the PUs the matching block covers. A binary decision tree is built to decide the CU depths and PU mode for the current CU. Four training features are drawn from the characteristics of the CUs and PUs the matching block covers. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves average 1.1% BD-rate saving, 14.5% coding time saving and 0.01-0.03 dB improvement in peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), compared to the present fast inter-prediction algorithm in HEVC.
Fusion of Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making Approaches for Discriminating Risk with Relate to Software Project Performance
Authors: Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Jain Vipul
Published: August 2020

The prediction and estimation software risks ahead have been key predictor for evaluating project performance. Discriminating risk is vital in software project management phase, where risk and performance has been closely inter-related to each other. This chapter aims at hybridization of fuzzy multi-criteria decision making approaches for building an assessment framework that can be used to evaluate risk in the context of software project performance in following dimensions: 1) user, 2) requirements, 3) project complexity, 4) planning and control, 5) team, and 6) organizational environment. For measuring the risk for effectiveness of project performance, we have integrated Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision Making (FMCDM) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approaches. Moreover the fusion of FMCDM and TOPSIS has not been adequately investigated in the exiting studies.
Maximizing the Value of Packaged Software Customization
Authors: Balint Bryon
Published: August 2020

Organizations that purchase packaged application software – for example, an Enterprise Resource Planning system – must make choices about customization. Packaged software vendors and practitioners recommend that organizations customize software as little as possible, and instead adapt their processes to meet the “best practices” of the software. However, organizations continue to exceed their budgets on implementing and maintaining customized software. This suggests that either these organizations are making poor decisions, or that the conventional wisdom about customization is incorrect. In this paper the author models the primary factors in the customization decision, most notably the “fit” between desired processes and the procedures inherent in the packaged software. The author then consider costs related to development, maintenance, and technical corrections due to poor integration and performance; and benefits related to increased fit, technical corrections, and user acceptance. This paper extends prior work by (1) modelling nonlinear relationships between the amount of time spent on custom development and the resulting benefits, (2) modelling nonlinear relationships between development costs and maintenance costs, and (3) modelling corrective development as a function of development related to fit and user acceptance. The author uses simulation techniques to illustrate the conditions under which customization is likely to provide value to the organization, as well as conditions under which customization should be avoided.
Block-Based Motion Estimation
Authors: Arora Shaifali Madan , Khanna Kavita
Published: August 2020

Recent years have witnessed a great technological evolution in video display and capturing technologies leading to the development of new standards of video coding including MPEG-X, H.26X and HEVC. The cost of computations, storage and high bandwidth requirements makes a video data expensive in terms of transmission and storage. This makes video compression absolutely necessary prior to its transmission in order to accommodate for different transmission media's capabilities. Digital video compression technologies therefore have become an important part of the way we create, present, communicate and use visual information. The main aim behind a video compression system is to eliminate the redundancies from a raw video signal. The tradeoff involved in the process of video compression is between the speed, quality and resource utilization. The current chapter explores the techniques, challenges, issues and problems in video compression in detail along with the major advancements in the field.
QPLAN
Authors: Féris Marco Antônio Amaral
Published: August 2020

As business competition increases, there is pressure on software development projects to become more productive and efficient. Previous research has shown that quality planning is a key factor in enhancing project performance. Thus, this article reports on the successful development and implementation of a tool (QPLAN) that enhances software development project performance by evaluating the planning quality of any type of software project and introducing best planning practices (such as references from historical data) that suggest how to manage projects in an appropriate manner, including encompassing lessons learned and involving the customer in the development process. This is applied research aimed at solving a real problem; thus, Design Science Research was adopted as the research methodology and the design science research process (DSRP) model was selected to conduct it. This artifact was designed for the project management literature, and implemented and validated in 11 organizations in five countries.
R4 Model for Case-Based Reasoning and Its Application for Software Fault Prediction
Authors: Rashid Ekbal
Published: August 2020

Making R4 model effective and efficient I have introduced some new features, i.e., renovation of knowledgebase (KBS) and reducing the maintenance cost by removing the duplicate record from the KBS. Renovation of knowledgebase is the process of removing duplicate record stored in knowledgebase and adding world new problems along with world new solutions. This paper explores case-based reasoning and its applications for software quality improvement through early prediction of error patterns. It summarizes a variety of techniques for software quality prediction in the domain of software engineering. The system predicts the error level with respect to LOC and with respect to development time, and both affects the quality level. This paper also reviews four existing models of case-based reasoning (CBR). The paper presents a work in which I have expanded our previous work (Rashid et al., 2012). I have used different similarity measures to find the best method that increases reliability. The present work is also credited through introduction of some new terms like coefficient of efficiency, i.e., developer's ability.
Leveraging UML for Access Control Engineering in a Collaboration on Duty and Adaptive Workflow Model that Extends NIST RBAC
Authors: Berhe Solomon , Demurjian Steven A. , Pavlich-Mariscal Jaime , Saripalle Rishi Kanth , Algarín Alberto De la Rosa
Published: August 2020

To facilitate collaboration in emerging domains such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH), the authors' prior work extended the NIST Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) model to yield a formal Collaboration on Duty and Adaptive Workflow (CoD/AWF) model. The next logical step is to place this work into the context of an integrated software process for security engineering from design through enforcement. Towards this goal, the authors promote a secure software engineering process that leverages an extended Unified Modeling Language (UML) to visualize CoD/AWF policies to achieve a solution that separates concerns while still providing the means to securely engineer dynamic collaborations for applications such as the PCMH.
A Survey on Quality Attributes and Quality Models for Embedded Software
Authors: Tamrabet Zouheyr , Marir Toufik , Farid MOKHATI
Published: August 2020

This article describes how software quality engineering is an inevitable activity, which must be accomplished during software development process in order to avoid software failures and ensuring its quality. Embedded systems are computer platforms, which require high quality software. Many researchers interested in embedded systems have demonstrated that the quality of the embedded software has a significant effect on the performances of the entire system. In the literature, several works have been emerged from this line of research. The aim of this article is to present a survey of the most important works, which deal with embedded software quality engineering. A comparative study is also given in order to show strengths and weaknesses of each work.
An Exhaustive Requirement Analysis Approach to Estimate Risk Using Requirement Defect and Execution Flow Dependency for Software Development
Authors: Chandani Priyanka , Gupta Chetna
Published: August 2020

Requirement defects are one of the major sources of failure in any software development process as they prevent smooth operation and is taxing both in terms of tracking and validation. The objective of this article is to make requirement analysis phase exhaustive by estimating risk at requirement level using requirement defect information and execution flow dependency as early as possible to inhibit them from being incorporated in design and implementation. The proposed approach works as a two-fold process which computes risk involved with each requirement twice. The whole process is divided into a three-layered framework to finalize requirements with clear vision and scope of a project. The entire process has been supported by a software case study. The results of the proposed work are promising and will help software engineers in ensuring that all business requirements are captured correctly with clear vision and scope. It will also help in decreasing the chances of failure, risk, and conflicts between stakeholder and developer and other challenges involved to develop the project.
Creating an Instrument for the Manual Coding and Exploration of Group Selfies on the Social Web
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: August 2020

A subgroup of the images shared as part of the “selfie” phenomenon is group selfies (aka “groupies” and “we-fies” or “us-ies”) or self-portraits of groups (three or more individuals of focal interest) that are shared on social media. These images have informational value that has thus far been only thinly explored. In this work, an instrument—Categorization and Exploration of Group Selfies Instrument (CEGSI), pronounced “segsy”—was constructed of three parts: (1) Group Selfie Content and Context, (2) Group Selfie Image Creation, and (3) Group Selfie Messaging. It was tested against two image sets: group selfies and dronies, which were scraped from Google Images. This chapter describes the work, the analytical findings, and the resulting instrument for the manual coding of group selfies, and other insights.
Using Video Tutorials to Learn Maya 3D for Creative Outcomes
Authors: Wyeld Theodor
Published: August 2020

This study tracked the transition from traditional front-of-class software demonstration of Autodesk's Maya 3D to the introduction of video tutorials over a five-year period. It uses Mayer and Moreno's (2003) theory of multimedia learning to frame the analysis of results. It found that students' preference for the video tutorial increased over the course of the study. Students' preference for video tutorials was correlated with a reduction in cognitive load, increase in satisfaction with the learning experience and subsequent reduction in frustration with the software. While there was no apparent change in measurable outcomes, students' satisfaction rating with the video tutorial in preference to other learning media suggests more efficient learning was achieved. As a consequence of the findings, the traditional demonstration was discontinued. Overall, the introduction of video tutorials for learning Maya 3D reduced frustration and freed up time for more creative pursuits – the primary purpose for learning the software.
Investigating the Effect of Sensitivity and Severity Analysis on Fault Proneness in Open Source Software
Authors: Mala D. Jeya
Published: August 2020

Fault prone components in open source software leads to huge loss and inadvertent effects if not properly identified and rigorously tested. Most of the reported studies in the literature have applied design metrics alone, to identify such critical components. But in reality, some of the components' criticality level can be identified only by means of dynamic code analysis; as some of the components seem to be normal but still have higher level of impact on the other components. This leads to an insight on the need of a rigorous analysis based on how sensitive a component is and how severe will be the impact of it on other components in the system. To achieve this, an efficient mechanism of evaluating the criticality index of each component by means of sensitivity and severity analysis using the static design metrics and dynamic source code metrics has been proposed. Then, testing is conducted rigorously on these components using both unit testing and pair-wise integration testing.
The BioDynaMo Project
Authors: Bauer Roman , Breitwieser Lukas , Di Meglio Alberto , Johard Leonard , Kaiser Marcus , Manca Marco , Mazzara Manuel , Rademakers Fons , Talanov Max , Tchitchigin Alexander Dmitrievich
Published: August 2020

Computer simulations have become a very powerful tool for scientific research. Given the vast complexity that comes with many open scientific questions, a purely analytical or experimental approach is often not viable. For example, biological systems comprise an extremely complex organization and heterogeneous interactions across different spatial and temporal scales. In order to facilitate research on such problems, the BioDynaMo project aims at a general platform for computer simulations for biological research. Since scientific investigations require extensive computer resources, this platform should be executable on hybrid cloud computing systems, allowing for the efficient use of state-of-the-art computing technology. This chapter describes challenges during the early stages of the software development process. In particular, we describe issues regarding the implementation and the highly interdisciplinary as well as international nature of the collaboration. Moreover, we explain the methodologies, the approach, and the lessons learned by the team during these first stages.
Challenges and Solutions for Addressing Software Security in Agile Software Development
Authors: Jabangwe Ronald , Kuusinen Kati , Riisom Klaus R , Hubel Martin S , Alradhi Hasan M , Nielsen Niels Bonde
Published: August 2020

There has been a surge in the number of software security threats and vulnerabilities in recent times. At the same time, expectations towards software and data security are growing. Thus, there is a need to ensure that security-related tasks are effectively integrated in the software development processes. However, integrating security practices with agile software development is not trivial due to, for instance, differences in process dynamics and the concentration on functional vs non-functional requirements. In this article, the authors present a literature review on the challenges and solutions when adopting security in an agile software development context. Their findings suggest that there are ongoing efforts to integrate security-practices in agile methods, but more research is needed to make the processes more optimized and simpler for developers. A rigor and relevance assessment on primary studies highlights a need for improving the manner in which studies on the topic are performed as well as reported.
Bug Handling in Service Sector Software
Authors: Goyal Anjali , Sardana Neetu
Published: August 2020

The technology enabled service industry is emerging as the most dynamic sectors in world's economy. Various service sector industries such as financial services, banking solutions, telecommunication, investment management, etc. completely rely on using large scale software for their smooth operations. Any malwares or bugs in these software is an issue of big concern and can have serious financial consequences. This chapter addresses the problem of bug handling in service sector software. Predictive analysis is a helpful technique for keeping software systems error free. Existing research in bug handling focus on various predictive analysis techniques such as data mining, machine learning, information retrieval, optimisation, etc. for bug resolving. This chapter provides a detailed analysis of bug handling in large service sector software. The main emphasis of this chapter is to discuss research involved in applying predictive analysis for bug handling. The chapter also presents some possible future research directions in bug resolving using mathematical optimisation techniques.
Effective Communication among Globally Distributed Software Development Teams
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Wasim , Ahsan Ali
Published: August 2020

Global software development, an emerging software development methodology within a technology-enabled environment has recently received increased attention from scholars and practitioners. Despite the fact that the lack of effective communication is a major challenge of globally distributed teams, communication research related to the scale development is still very limited in existing literature. Considering the communication challenges and increasing need to measure the effectiveness of communication, this research is focused to develop a scale for “Effective Communication” for globally distributed software development teams. Systematic literature review is performed to identify the best practices of effective communication for the development of “Effective Communication” scale. A questionnaire survey consisting of 29 items is administered in globally distributed software development teams. Confirmatory factor analysis and statistical results depicted that the four-factor model (e.g. stakeholders' involvement, acculturation, usage of appropriate tools and technology, and information availability) is more parsimonious and an optimal model fit.
Market Pricing of Bank M&As and Efficiency in Europe
Authors: Tanna Sailesh , Urio Hodian , Yousef Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the impact of bank mergers and acquisitions (M&As) on bank efficiency and how such efficiencies are expected to influence bank shareholder value upon merger announcements. It employs stochastic frontier analysis and event study methods along with regression analysis to account for the influences of pre-merger and post-merger efficiencies of bidders and targets in assessing their impact on bidder abnormal returns. Using data for a sample of large commercial bank M&As from 22 European countries, the authors find that bank bidders achieve short-term shareholder value gains from merger announcements, and this could be associated with the perceived efficiencies of bidders and targets. More generally, the evidence supports the view that bank profit efficiency has a positive influence on bidder returns from merger announcements, and therefore markets do take into account the importance of efficiency in value creation. This suggests that stock markets price operational efficiency of banks in predicting value gains from European Bank M&As.
Quantifying Economic Uncertainties and Risks in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Gheorghiu Sorin Alexandru , Popescu Cătălin
Published: August 2020

The present economic model is intended to provide an example of how to take into consideration risks and uncertainties in the case of a field that is developed with water injection. The risks and uncertainties are related, on one hand to field operations (drilling time, delays due to drilling problems, rig failures and materials supply, electric submersible pump [ESP] installations failures with the consequences of losing the well), and on the other hand, the second set of uncertainties are related to costs (operational expenditures-OPEX and capital expenditures-CAPEX, daily drilling rig costs), prices (oil, gas, separation, and water injection preparation), production profiles, and discount factor. All the calculations are probabilistic. The authors are intending to provide a comprehensive solution for assessing the business performance of an oil field development.
Reevaluating Factor Models
Authors: Khan Usama Ali , Namayanja Josephine M.
Published: August 2020

Since the introduction of CAPM in the 1960s, the asset pricing literature has documented hundreds of characteristics that capture the cross-sectional variation in stock returns. Traditionally, multifactor models seek a multidimensional representation of common risks; this approach entails selecting a small number of representative characteristics from a set of candidate characteristics that, together, explain most of the cross-sectional variation in stock returns. Characteristics-based long-short portfolios are partially loaded on the true underlying risk factors and are at best noisy proxies for true latent factors. However, the expansive list of potential characteristics, along with developments in the field of dimensionality reduction, offers us an opportunity to seek better approximations of the unobservable latent risk factors. A recent stream of literature has investigated how to appropriately extract relevant features from the “factor zoo” while incorporating information from the expansive list of factors. This chapter aims to summarize this novel paradigm in factor modeling.
Structural Coupling of Regulatory Elements and Reality Challenges
Authors: Pečarič Mirko
Published: August 2020

Different realities are possible and thus also different decisions. They are based on predispositions faced with different challenges that people (do not) acknowledge. The research objective is to point at differences when the reality is based on the opinions of experts, public delivery deliberation, a small group of experts or committees, an individual who decides based on diverse inputs, a small group of experts that does the same, or on collective wisdom. This paper presents a way of independent managing of various perspectives that nevertheless can exhibit their symbiosis in collective opinions as one form of (collective) reality, here named as a “visa” approach of decision making. This paper, based on presented differences, systemic regulatory elements, and their challenges, presents them as synergies (structural coupling) in the form of collective decision making. Independent and individual participation based on collective intelligence can diminish the pressure of interest groups, lobbying, or other informal influences, and can better align various interests.
Equivalence of codes for countable sets of reals
Authors: Chan William
Published: August 2020

A set

$U \subseteq {\mathbb {R}} \times {\mathbb {R}}$
is universal for countable subsets of

${\mathbb {R}}$
if and only if for all

$x \in {\mathbb {R}}$
, the section

$U_x = \{y \in {\mathbb {R}} : U(x,y)\}$
is countable and for all countable sets

$A \subseteq {\mathbb {R}}$
, there is an

$x \in {\mathbb {R}}$
so that

$U_x = A$
. Define the equivalence relation

$E_U$
on

${\mathbb {R}}$
by

$x_0 \ E_U \ x_1$
if and only if

$U_{x_0} = U_{x_1}$
, which is the equivalence of codes for countable sets of reals according to U. The Friedman–Stanley jump,

$=^+$
, of the equality relation takes the form

$E_{U^*}$
where

$U^*$
is the most natural Borel set that is universal for countable sets. The main result is that

$=^+$
and

$E_U$
for any U that is Borel and universal for countable sets are equivalent up to Borel bireducibility. For all U that are Borel and universal for countable sets,

$E_U$
is Borel bireducible to

$=^+$
. If one assumes a particular instance of

$\mathbf {\Sigma }_3^1$
-generic absoluteness, then for all

$U \subseteq {\mathbb {R}} \times {\mathbb {R}}$
that are

$\mathbf {\Sigma }_1^1$
(continuous images of Borel sets) and universal for countable sets, there is a Borel reduction of

$=^+$
into

$E_U$
.
Do fathers care about their own immunisation status? The Child-Parent-Immunisation Survey and a review of the literature
Authors: Erb Mirjam L. , Erlanger Tobias E. , Heininger Ulrich
Published: August 2020

AIMS
We recently conducted a large survey amongst parents of young children exploring attitudes concerning immunisation and the general immunisation status of the children and their parents in Switzerland. Since little is known about the immunisation status of fathers of young children, we present our findings here; data on mothers were previously published elsewhere.

METHODS
We performed standardised interviews with parents of children born on or after 1 January 2013, and hospitalised at the University of Basel Children’s Hospital, Switzerland, between January and June 2017. If participation was declined, partial consent was sought for four questions regarding age, education level, attitudes towards vaccinations in general and availability of vaccination records of the parents. To compare our study results with other studies focusing on the completeness of the immunisation status of fathers, we conducted a literature search using broad search terms for studies published between 1 April 2009 and 1 December 2019.

RESULTS
Thirty-nine (20%) fathers of 199 enrolled children participated. The great majority had a positive or mostly positive attitude towards vaccinations, but only 2 (15%) of 13 fathers who participated in immunisation counselling were up-to-date with all generally recommended immunisations. Fifty-two percent of participating fathers reported that the last assessment of their immunisation status by a physician was >5 years ago. After the birth of their child, 56% of fathers had received a recommendation for immunisation against pertussis and 65% of them followed the recommendation. We identified three studies matching our review’s inclusion criteria. None of them reported specific findings for fathers.

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to analyse the complete immunisation status of fathers of young children. It is often incomplete with potentially missed opportunities for updating vaccinations during recent physician consultations. The low participation rate of fathers is a limitation which prohibits generalisation of our findings. However, as healthcare personnel have been shown to have the strongest impact on vaccination uptake, we propose that this group be further sensitised and educated with the goal of improving immunisation rates in fathers of young children.
Uncertainties about the need for ethics approval in Switzerland: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Gloy Viktoria , McLennan Stuart , Rinderknecht Matthias , Ley Bettina , Meier Brigitte , Driessen Susanne , Gervasoni Pietro , Hirschel Bernard , Benkert Pascal , Gilles Ingrid , Von Elm Erik , Briel Matthias
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND
To ensure ethical oversight, researchers wanting to conduct “research” involving human beings are typically required to obtain prior approval from an independent ethics committee. However, it can sometimes be unclear if a project needs to be submitted for ethics approval. Swiss researchers can contact research ethics committees via a “jurisdictional inquiry” for clarification whether a project needs to be submitted for ethics approval.

AIMS OF THE STUDY
(1) To examine the characteristics of Swiss jurisdictional inquiries, and (2) to identify possible uncertainties regarding the correct interpretation of existing legislation in Switzerland.

METHODS
All jurisdictional inquiries submitted to Swiss research ethics committees between July and December 2017 were reviewed using qualitative content analysis. We then conducted an online survey between June 2018 and July 2018 with all researchers who had submitted a jurisdictional inquiry including a descriptive quantitative analysis.

RESULTS
The review included 271 jurisdictional inquiries. Analysis identified three groups of jurisdictional inquiries: 80.4% (218/271) sought clarification whether the project had to be submitted for ethical approval; 18.5% (50/271) requested a “declaration of no objection”; and 1.1% (3/271) asked for a clarification about which of the two ordinances was applicable to the project. Analysis identified eight distinct legal issues that appeared to be the main cause for a number of jurisdictional inquiries, with the two most frequently identified issues being whether the project will produce generalisable knowledge, and whether the project uses fully anonymised data. Overall, research ethics committees decided that 78.6% (213/271) of the jurisdictional inquiries were outside their jurisdiction and did not require ethical approval, and that 15.6% required submission for ethical approval. The online survey achieved a 56.8% response rate. The majority of respondents (94/166; 56.6%) reported that all the questions they were asked during the submission of the jurisdictional inquiry were easy to understand. Respondents reported that 88% (147/166) of all projects were started or planned to start. The vast majority (154/166; 93%) of respondents also agreed with the decisions made by the research ethics committee.

CONCLUSIONS
Jurisdictional inquiries are an important means for researchers to clarify whether their project requires ethical oversight. However, this mixed-methods study has identified some difficulties in the interpretation of legal terms, which often reflect persistent structural issues that many other countries also face. More detailed guidance may be helpful to reduce the researchers’ uncertainties and ethics committees’ workloads in relation to jurisdictional inquiries.
Review of the monographic study: G.I.Volkova «Spain and Regions: Policy Challenges and priorities of the XXI century.» − M.: MGIMO-University of the MFA of Russia, 2014
Authors: Larionova M. V.
Published: August 2020

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Port Mariel, going the right way? Bien
Authors: Arzuaga Guerra M.
Published: August 2020

The author of the article scrutinizes one the most important measures taken by Raul Castro’s government within the framework of its economic reforms. The role of constructing a new port of Mariel as a part of the economic reforms in Cuba is analyzed thoroughly. The author comes to the conclusion that the economy of Cuba is developing in the right direction and makes some suggestions for further reforms and improvements.
Methodological aspects of teaching translation and development of professional competencies for international journalists
Authors: Koroleva N. F.
Published: August 2020

The article considers the problems of renovation of linguistic education while Spanish is an instrument of professional and multilateral development of student’s personality as a future journalist.
Spanish language, an indispensable tool of Russian companies oriented abroad: how to meet the demand?
Authors: Larionova M. , Romanova G. , Iovenko V.
Published: August 2020

The article is dedicated to the teaching of Spanish as professional language in MGIMO – University and to the analysis of a special methodology the authors suggest in their pioneering manual «Professional Spanish in the field of international relations. Levels B2 – C1» in particular. The manual focuses on the formation of linguistic and communicative competences that are necessary for students studying Spanish as the language of their future professional work in international area.
Review guidelines
Authors: Murzin Yu. P.
Published: August 2020

The proposed publication contains methodical instructions for students for selfpreparatory work and methodical recommendations for teachers on giving lessons using these tutorials for analytical reviewing of social and political texts (bachelor degree, level C 1).
Role of the Argentine Republic in the evolution of MERCOSUR
Authors: Kalinin L. A.
Published: August 2020

The article presents an analysis of Argentina’s priorities in its integration policies within the Common Market of the South Cone (Mercosur) as well as the evolution of its approaches towards the relations with the block partners.
Language personality and Edward Hall’s intercultural communication models (based on Mexican variety of Spanish language)
Authors: Guseva I. V.
Published: August 2020

The article touches upon the problem of the correlation between the peculiarities of the national character and culture, the type of personality and their reflection in the language. It is explained why the process of mutual understanding is almost impossible without in-depth studies of the types of the cultures of language communities.
Bullfighting Terms in Contemporary Spanish
Authors: Kudriavtseva I. Yu.
Published: August 2020

It deals with the lexical units and collocations associated with tauromachia (art of bullfighting) which have come to be widely used as metaphors due to the fact that the bullfighting terms have long gone beyond the professional use and permeated the everyday language, having considerably decorated and enriched it.
Nestor Kirchner – outstanding Argentine President of the XXI century
Authors: Dabaguian E. S.
Published: August 2020

The article presents the political portrait of Nestor Kirchner, president of Argentina, elected at the beginning of this century. It was a difficult period in the history of one of the biggest countries of Latin America, caused by ruinous default which entailed heavy consequences in all the spheres of social life. Kirchner was in power for only four years, but he left an ineffaceable trace in the people’s memory. His name is inseparably linked with the overcoming of the critical stage and redirecting of the society towards the left-centric development model.
Brazil-Russia: similarities, parallels, differences. Paradoxes of the phenomenon of transition 68
Authors: Okuneva L. S.
Published: August 2020

In the article are considered criteria and possibilities of comparative analysis of the processes of political modernization of Brazil and Russia that unfolded there at the turn of the 1980s-1990s. The article deals with the features of the formation of civil society and political culture on the stage of a radical transformation of political structures in both countries (party system, the role of political leadership, etc.). Also the article investigates character of the differences in the development of the both countries at the beginning of the XXI century.
IMAGE OF SPAIN IN RUSSIA: PAST AND PRESENT
Authors: Cherkasova E. .
Published: August 2020

The article is dedicated to the phases of formation of the image of Spain in Russia: romantic, prevailed until the early twentieth century, «Soviet» associated with the civil war, and modern, based on the development of political contacts and personal observations. The influence of political, economic and cultural factors on the formation of lasting representation of the country as well as on the stereotypes is considered.
XIII CONGRESS MAPRYAL IN GRANADA
Authors: Afanasieva N. .
Published: August 2020

The author analyzes the XIII Congress MAPRYAL, which was held in Granada (Spain) in September, 2015. Special attention is paid to the review of the scientific activities of the Congress and the description of the cultural program.
SPANISH INVESTMENT IN LATIN AMERICA IN THE FACE OF NEW CHALLENGES
Authors: Sidorenko T. .
Published: August 2020

The article analyzes the main directions of expansion and location of Spanish multinationals in the economies of Latin America in the late XX - early XXI centuries. Particular attention is paid to the identification of the competitive advantages of Spanish companies, which would allow them to strengthen their position in the markets of Latin American countries in the post-crisis period.
MEXICO IN THE MEMORIES OF THE SILVER AGE RUSSIAN POETS
Authors: Guseva IRINA
Published: August 2020

The article touches upon the idea of common spiritual and intellectual values of the Russian and Mexi-can nations, of the mutual influence and mutual penetration of the cultures that leads to spiritual unity and better understanding between the representatives of different cultures and the idea of such mutual influence reflection in the language.