bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian estimation and likelihood-based comparison of agent-based volatility models
Authors: Bertschinger Nils , Mozzhorin Iurii 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe statistical description and modeling of volatility plays a prominent role in econometrics, risk management and finance. GARCH and stochastic volatility models have been extensively studied and are routinely fitted to market data, albeit providing a phenomenological description only. In contrast, agent-based modeling starts from the premise that modern economies consist of a vast number of individual actors with heterogeneous expectations and incentives. Observed market statistics then emerge from the collective dynamics of many actors following heterogeneous, yet simple rules. On the one hand, such models generate volatility dynamics, qualitatively matching several stylized facts. On the other hand, they illustrate the possible role of different mechanisms, such as chartist trading and herding behavior. Yet, rigorous and quantitative statistical fits are still mostly lacking. Here, we propose Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, an efficient and scalable Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, as a general method for Bayesian inference of agent-based models. In particular, we implement several models by Vikram and Sinha, Franke and Westerhoff and Alfarano, Lux and Wagner in Stan, an accessible probabilistic programming language for Bayesian modeling. We also compare the performance of these models with standard econometric models of the GARCH and stochastic volatility families. We find that the best agent-based models are on par with stochastic volatility models in terms of predictive likelihood, yet exhibit challenging posterior geometries requiring care in model comparison and sophisticated sampling algorithms.
Occupation-Based Measures—An Overview and Discussion
Authors: Christoph Bernhard , Matthes Britta , Ebner Christian 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOccupational information is among the most versatile categories of information about a person available in quantitative data. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of occupation-based measures in different topic areas. These include not only measures for analyzing social stratification, such as prestige scales, socioeconomic indices and class schemes but also measures of workplace tasks, occupation-specific health risks, gender segregation, and occupational closure.Moreover, as the quality of such data depends on the quality of the underlying occupational information, we also provide an overview of how to collect occupational information in surveys, how to code this information, and how occupational classifications are commonly used. By doing so, we hope to increase researchers’ awareness of the potential of occupation-based analyses, as well as their knowledge of how to properly handle such measures in empirical analyses.
The development and validation of the Romanian version of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (Ro-LIWC2015)
Authors: Dudău Diana Paula , Sava Florin Alin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractToday, performing automatic language analysis to extract meaning from natural language is one of the top-notch directions in social science research, but it can be challenging. Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count 2015 (LIWC2015; Pennebaker et al. 2015) is one of the most versatile, yet easy to master instruments to transform any text into data, meeting the needs of psychologists who are not usually proficient in data science. Moreover, LIWC2015 is already available in multiple languages, which opens the door to exciting intercultural quests. The current article introduces the first Romanian version of LIWC2015, Ro-LIWC2015, and thus, contributes to the line of research concerning multilingual analysis. Throughout the paper, we describe the challenges of creating the Romanian dictionary and discuss other linguistics aspects, which could be useful for new adaptations of LIWC2015. Also, we present the results of two studies for assessing the criterion validity of Ro-LIWC2015. The first study focuses on the consistency between the Romanian and the English dictionaries in analyzing a corpus of books. The second study tests whether Ro-LIWC2015 can acquire linguistic differences in contrasting corpora. For this purpose, we analyzed posts from help-seeking forums for anxiety, depression, and health issues, and leveraged supervised learning to address several classification problems. The selected algorithm allows feature ranking, which facilitates more thorough interpretations. The linguistic markers extracted with Ro-LIWC2015 mirrored a number of disorder-specific features of depression and anxiety. Given the obtained results, this research encourages the use of Ro-LIWC2015 for hypothesis testing.
Measuring Housing Stability With Consumer Reference Data
Authors: Phillips David C. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Housing instability for low-income renters has drawn greater attention recently, but measurement has limited research on policies to stabilize housing. Address histories from consumer reference data can be used to increase the quantity and quality of research on low-income renters. Consumer data track housing moves throughout the entire United States for most of the adult population. In this article, I show that such data can measure housing stability for groups with very low income and extreme instability. For example, the data can track housing moves during natural disasters, at demolition of public housing, for households at high risk of homelessness, and during gentrification. Consumer data can track housing instability outcomes that are more common than shelter entry and less expensive to collect than surveys. Relative to existing administrative address histories, consumer data allow researchers to track housing moves to exact addresses and across jurisdictions.
Physical properties and sinterability of pure and iron-doped bismuth sodium titanate ceramics
Authors: Muhammed Khalid Rmaydh , Scrimshire Alex , Sterianou Iasmi , Bell Anthony M. T. , Bingham Paul A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPure (BNT) and iron-doped bismuth sodium titanate (Fe-BNT) ceramics were produced according to the formula Bi0.5Na0.5Ti1−xFexO3−0.5x, where x = 0 to 0.1. The addition of Fe2O3 enables decreasing the sintering temperature to 900 °C in comparison with 1075 °C for pure BNT, whilst also achieving lower porosities and greater densities. This is attributed to oxygen vacancy generation arising from substitution of Fe3+ onto the Ti4+ site of the BNT perovskite structure, and the resulting increase in mass transport that this enables during sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of Fe-BNT samples shows single-phase BNT with no secondary phases for all studied Fe contents, confirming complete solid solution of Fe. Rietveld refinement of XRD data revealed a pseudocubic perovskite symmetry (Pm-3m), and unit cell lengths increased with increasing Fe content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that average grain size increases with increasing Fe content from an average grain size of ~ 0.5 μm in (x = 0) pure BNT to ~ 5 μm in (x = 0.1) Fe-doped BNT. Increasing Fe content also led to decreasing porosity, with relative density increasing to a maximum > 97% of its theoretical value at x = 0.07 to 0.1. The addition of Fe to BNT ceramics significantly affects electrical properties, reducing the remnant polarization, coercive field, strain and desirable ferroelectric properties compared with those of pure densified BNT. At room temperature, a high relative permittivity (ɛ′) of 1050 (x = 0.07) at an applied frequency of 1 kHz and a lower loss factor (tanδ) of 0.006 (x = 0.1) at an applied frequency of 300 kHz were observed by comparison with pure BNT ceramics.
Comparative study of salicylic acid contents in young wheat and rice plants and their anticancer activities in HepG2 and Caco-2 cells
Authors: Pál Magda , Szalai Gabriella , Lantos Erika , Nagyéri György , Janda Tibor 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSome recent results reported that aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) had a positive effect on the treatment of certain types of cancer. However, the results cannot be generalized and it is not always clear whether it is a direct anticancer effect or a general health effect. Since plants produce different amounts of salicylic acid, we have sought a relationship between the salicylic acid content of some plant extracts and their anticancer activity. Growing of wheat and rice plants were carried out under controlled conditions. The salicylic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability and cell cycle assays were performed on HepG2 and Caco-2 cell lines. Despite the high content of salicylic acid, the extracts from rice plants did not show significant anticancer activity. In spite of the low salicylic acid content, the positive effect of wheat germ was confirmed in both tests. There is no direct relationship between the salicylic acid content of the plant extracts and their anticancer activity. However, it has been proven that young wheat germ is more effective than mature leaf.
Effectiveness of intravenous dexamethasone on fascia iliaca compartment block with bupivacaine as part of postoperative multimodal analgesia for an open reduction and internal fixation surgery of femoral fracture in Hawassa Comprehensive Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alemnew Efrem Fenta , Lemma Diriba Teshome , Abate Semagn Mekonnen , Regassa Bacha Aberra 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:
Fascia iliaca compartment nerve block is used for open reduction and internal fixation surgery of femoral fracture. Though dexamethasone is added to peripheral nerve block to increase analgesia efficacy but its effect on fascia iliaca is not known.

Method:
A randomized control trial conducted in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital by recruiting 60 patients. Mann Whitney U test was used for distribution free data and independent t-test was used for normally distributed numeric data respectively. Categorical variable between two groups were analyzed using chi-square or fisher exact test. Data was expressed in terms of mean ± standard deviation for normally distributed data or median (inter quartile range) for skewed data. p -value <0.05 is considered statically significant.

Results:
There were statistically significant differences between the groups in time to first analgesia request p-value of = 0.003, tramadol, diclofenac and morphine consumption with p-value of, 0.017, 0.036 and 0.046 respectively. Regarding pain severity score a statistical significant differences were found at 6 and 12 h with p-values of 0.039 and 0.024 respectively while there was no statically significant difference in incidence of postoperative nausea vomiting (p = 0.448).

Conclusion:
Administration of 8 mg intravenous dexamethasone to fascia iliaca compartment block increases time to first analgesic request, decrease total 24 h analgesic consumption.

Trial registration number:
PACTR201910904223565.

Highlights:
A novelty in laparoscopic total colectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction using a plastic cover
Authors: Alemrajabi Mahdi , Bananzadeh Alimohammad , Moradi Mohammad , Alemrajabi Fateme , Vahdani Masoud , Miri Seyed Rouhollah 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction Minimally invasive colectomy has been performed for some years for many patients worldwide without much complications compared to the open approach. In this study we explained our experience regarding a modification in laparoscopic total colectomy and removing the specimen with Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction (NOSE) through rectum using a plastic cover for the first time.
Methods and material This was an experimental study on a new technique of total colectomy with a small modification. Total colectomy was performed based on 7 port laparoscopic approach. Rectum was sparred. Colon was then taken out through the anal canal using a plastic cover.
Results Thirteen patients underwent laparoscopic total colectomy by removal of the specimen through rectum. Mean age of patients was 42.23 ± 8.15 years. Mean duration of operation was 130 ± 32.4 min. All patients had an uneventful postoperative hospitalization.
Discussion Laparoscopic total colectomy has been proven to have superior benefits than the open approach. In NOSE technique, colon is removed from the anal canal without any complication or consuming much time. This technique might have less pain and removes the complications associated with an incision on the skin to remove the specimen. Also, due to low price of a usual plastic cover, it can be used instead of other techniques to remove the specimen through the rectum.
Rotorcraft systems for urban air mobility: A reality check
Authors: Filippone A. , Barakos G.N. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT“Urban air vehicles” have been hailed as the next revolution in aviation. Prototypes of various sizes have been flown to demonstrate basic flight (hover and climb), but in most cases there is no demonstration of full flight capability, for example conversion from vertical to level flight (conversion corridor). There are proposals for vehicles in a wide range of scales: from drones specifically designed to deliver goods, to full size vehicles for manned transportation. Most of the concepts proposed include full electric propulsion, multiple (often convertible) rotors (ducted or un-ducted, counter-rotating), and widespread use of composite materials. Start-up companies are seeking funding with high-profile demonstrations in front of the media, but many unresolved technical problems are not been solved. Large aerospace companies have joined the fray. These initiatives are fuelling expectations that achieving the next milestone is within easy reach. This paper aims to fill some gaps in understanding and curb optimism. It takes a holistic view in order to establish a scientific basis for design, manufacturing, operations.
Finite-element modelling of NiTi shape-memory wires for morphing aerofoils
Authors: Wan A. Hamid W.L.H. , Iannucci L. , Robinson P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper presents the development and implementation of a user-defined material (UMAT) model for NiTi Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) wires for use in LS-DYNA commercial explicit finite-element analysis software. The UMAT focusses on the Shape-Memory Effect (SME), which could be used for actuation of aerostructural components. The actuation of a fundamental structure consisting of an SMA wire connected in series with a linear spring was studied first. The SMA thermomechanical behaviour obtained from the finite-element simulation was compared with that obtained from the analytical solution in MATLAB. A further comparison is presented for an SMA-actuated cantilever beam, showing excellent agreement in terms of the SMA stress and strain as well as the tip deflection of the cantilever beam. A mesh sensitivity study on the SMA wire indicated that one beam element was adequate to accurately predict the SMA thermomechanical behaviour. An analysis of several key parameters showed that, to achieve a high recovery strain, the stiffness of the actuated structure should be minimised while the cross-sectional area of the SMA wire should be maximised. The actuation of an SMA wire under a constant stress/load was also analysed. The SMA material model was finally applied to the design of morphing aluminium and composite aerofoils consisting of corrugated sections, resulting in the prediction of reasonably large trailing-edge deflections (7.8–65.9 mm).
Public-Private-People Partnerships (4P) for Improving the Response to COVID-19 in Iran
Authors: Seddighi Hamed , Seddighi Sadegh , Salmani Ibrahim , Sharifi Sedeh Mehrab 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTThe Public–Private–People partnership (4P) is a significant element in disaster response. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic has been the worst disaster in the last decades in Iran in terms of exposure and magnitude. In order to respond effectively, the Iranian Government needs an extra capacity, which may be provided by the private sector and people. This study aims to collect evidences of 4P pertaining to the COVID-19 response in Iran from February to April 2020. Partnership case studies are classified into 3 categories: (1) Public–private partnerships; (2) public–people partnerships; and (3) private–people partnerships. It was found that the Iranian Government has removed or diminished some of the barriers to cooperation. There was also more cooperation between the people, the private sector, and the public sector than during normal times (vs disasters). People participated in the response procedure through some associations or groups, such as religious and ethnic communities, as well as through non-governmental organizations. It has been shown that 4P is vital in disaster response and, in particular, to epidemics. The government can be more active in partnerships with the private sector and people in emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Enhancing social capital, institutionalization, and developing required infrastructures by the government will improve public–private partnerships.
How Much Do Young Italians Know About COVID-19 and What Are Their Attitudes Toward SARS-CoV-2? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: La Torre Giuseppe , Lia Lorenza , Dorelli Barbara , Marte Mattia , Chiappetta Marta , Faticoni Augusto , Lucaccini Paoli Lorenzo , Grassucci Daniele , Gelardini Marcello , Ardizzone Carla 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:At the end of 2019, an outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It subsequently spread throughout China and elsewhere, becoming a global health emergency. In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to investigate the degree of knowledge of young Italians about COVID-19 and their current attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 and to determine if there were prejudices emerging toward Chinese.Methods:An online survey was conducted on February 3, 4, 5, 2020, with the collaboration of Italian website “Skuola.net”. Young people had the opportunity to participate by answering an ad hoc questionnaire created to investigate knowledge and attitudes about the new coronavirus, using a link published on the homepage.Results:A total of 5234 responses were received, of which 3262 were females and 1972 were males. Most of the participants showed generally moderate knowledge about COVID-19. Male students, middle school students, and those who do not attend school, should increase awareness of the disease; less than half of responders say that their attitudes toward the Chinese population has worsened in the last period.Conclusions:Global awareness of this emerging infection should be increased, due to its virulence, the significant risk of mortality, and the ability of the virus to spread very quickly within the community.
Face Masks for All and All for Face Masks in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Community Level Production to Face the Global Shortage and Shorten the Epidemic
Authors: Missoni Eduardo , Armocida Benedetta , Formenti Beatrice 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTThe current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a global shortage of medical masks, leaving most exposed health personnel without appropriate protection.Since the beginning of the outbreak, the World Health Organization WHO) has revised several times the recommendations on general use of facemasks. Until recently, WHO recommended to limit the use of facemasks to symptomatic people and advised against off-standard solutions. Moreover, recommendations differ among and within countries, causing public confusion and individual initiative.There is wide consensus that universal appropriate use of masks may contribute both to contain the epidemic and to reduce the burden on national procurement, if a community production approach is followed. Especially in low-middle income countries, due to the scarce capacity of national industrial production or import, the use of masks produced at community level may become the only viable option. For the purpose ad hoc guidelines will be needed.Current knowledge and experience call for further and updated review of global and national guidelines to provide clear and consistent criteria to ensure the widest availability and appropriate use of facial protection, bearing in mind populations in socio-economic disadvantaged settings.
Psychological Effects and Associated Factors of COVID-19 in a Mexican Sample
Authors: Cortés-Álvarez Nadia Yanet , Piñeiro-Lamas Regino , Vuelvas-Olmos César Rubén 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACTObjectives:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a new viral zoonosis of global concern that could cause psychological sequelae. We examined the levels of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in a Mexican sample.Methods:An online survey was applied that collected information on demographic and financial status data, physical status, contact history, knowledge, concerns, and precautionary measures concerning COVID-19. Impact of Event Scale-Revised and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale were included.Results:A total of 50.3% of respondents rated psychological distress as moderate-severe; 15.7% reported moderate-severe depressive symptoms; 22.6% reported moderate-severe anxiety symptoms; and 19.8% reported moderate-severe stress levels. Female gender, older age, divorced status, lack of confidence related to security of the test, lower satisfaction of health information concerning COVID-19, history of direct or indirect contact with a COVID-19 confirmed case, live with just 1 other person, and spent >9 h/d at home were associated with greater psychological distress and/or higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. By contrast, precautionary measures, such as hand hygiene and wearing masks, were associated with lower levels of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress.Conclusions:COVID-19 outbreak results in considerable psychological effects among the Mexican sample.
Dietary nitrate improves skeletal muscle microvascular oxygenation in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy: a randomised, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Barros-Santos Elisa , de Oliveira Gustavo Vieira , Volino-Souza Mônica , Alvares Thiago Silveira 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHIV-1 proteins and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been associated with microvascular endothelial dysfunction. Although nitrate-rich beetroot juice (NR-BJ) consumption has been shown to improve endothelial function in clinical population, its effects in HIV-infected patients has not been addressed. We investigated the effect of a single dose of NR-BJ on muscle oxygen saturation parameters in response to a handgrip exercise in HIV-infected patients. Fifteen HIV-infected patients received NR-BJ or nitrate-depleted beetroot juice (ND-BJ) in a double-blind cross-over design. Near-IR spectroscopy was utilised to assess muscle oxygen saturation parameters during rhythmic handgrip exercise after NR-BJ or ND-BJ supplementation. A significant faster muscle oxygen desaturation rate during exercise (–7·97 (sd 5·00) v. –5·45 (3·94) %/s, P = 0·005) and muscle oxygen resaturation rate during exercise recovery (0·43 (0·24) v. 0·28 (0·24) %/s, P = 0·030) after NR-BJ ingestion was found. However, no significant difference in exercise time until fatigue was observed. Salivary nitrite and urinary nitrate concentration were analysed after NR-BJ or ND-BJ. A significant increase in salivary nitrite and urinary nitrate in NR-BJ was observed compared with ND-BJ (P < 0·05). Our findings suggest that NR-BJ consumption may acutely improve muscle oxygen saturation during exercise and exercise recovery in HIV-infected patients undergoing HAART and who are expected to present microvascular damage. Thus, future studies investigating the chronic effects of NR-BJ are warranted to delineate a better nutritional strategy based on nitrate-rich foods.