bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of nonpremixed multiregion laminar flames through biofuel porous particles considering the effect of heat recirculation
Authors: Malekian Saeid , Heidarilalabadi Shilan , Malekian Navid , Moghadasi Hesam , Bidabadi Mehdi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, a comprehensive analysis is conducted to evaluate the effects of heat recirculation and particle porosity on combustion characteristics of multizone counterflow nonpremixed flames fed with porous biofuel particles. For this purpose, the structure of flame contains preheat, postvaporization, and oxidizer zones. Additionally, Lycopodium is considered as the volatile biofuel, especially due to its appreciable flammability and dispensability. Dimensionalized and nondimensionalized forms of mass and energy conservation equations are scrutinized in each zone. To explore of the thermal recirculation effect, a specific term is included in the energy conservation equation. The variation of several parameters, including flame temperature, particle radius, mass fraction of the gaseous fuel and oxidizer, mass particle content, equivalence ratio, and particle porosity, is studied in this work considering and ignoring the thermal recirculation impact. As a result, increasing heat recirculation coefficient from to 1 will rise the flame temperature and shift the flame position to the left side (fuel nozzle). Furthermore, consideration of the thermal heat recirculation will improve the gaseous fuel production in the preheat and postvaporization zones. Additionally, an increase in mass concentration and reduction of particles radius and porosity would lead to a rise in the flame temperature.
Cancer‐related genetic variants of Helicobacter pylori strains determined using gastric wash‐based whole‐genome analysis with single‐molecule real‐time technology
Authors: Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Oikawa Ritsuko , Kodaka Yasuhiro , Sato Yoshinori , Ono Shoko , Kenmochi Takeshi , Suzuki Hideo , Futagami Seiji , Kato Mototsugu , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Itoh Fumio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are a primary factor in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC); GC ranks third among cancer‐related mortality. A clear understanding of the H. pylori genome factors underlying GC is necessary to develop more effective methods to prevent GC. A single‐molecule real‐time DNA sequencing‐based H. pylori genome‐wide association study analysis was performed using the H. pylori genome present in five early‐stage GC (EGC) and five non‐GC clinical DNA samples recovered from gastric washes. A total of 275 genes with 702 nucleotide variants (NVs) were found to be common to three or more patients with EGC but no non‐GC patients (single‐NV: 654/702, 93.2%; multi‐NV: 40/702, 5.7%; deletion: 3/702, 0.4%; insertion: 3/702, 0.7%). Gene ontology analysis of H. pylori revealed that genes involved in the mitochondrial electron transport system, glycolytic processes and the TCA cycle were highly enriched. Cancer‐related NVs were most frequently found in a member of the Helicobacter outer membrane protein family, hopL. In particular, one of the NVs in hopL was a novel six‐nucleotide insertion (1159095̂1159096, TACTTC); this mutant was detected more frequently in a validation set of 50 additional EGC samples (22/50, 44.0%) than in 18 non‐GC samples (3/18, 16.7%, P = .04). These results suggest that the hopL variant is associated with the development of GC and may serve as a genetic biomarker of H. pylori virulence and GC risk. Our assay can serve as a potent tool to expand our understanding of bacteria‐associated tumorigenesis.
Teaching financial education in schools and students' financial literacy: A cross‐country analysis withPISAdata
Authors: Salas‐Velasco Manuel , Moreno‐Herrero Dolores , Sánchez‐Campillo José 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn the last decade, developed and emerging economies have become increasingly aware of the importance of ensuring that their citizens are financially literate. Eighteen countries and economies, including 13 OECD countries, participated for the first time in 2012 on the financial literacy assessment of 15‐year‐old students. Financial literacy scores varied according to the participating countries, and they were determined by factors related to the teaching‐learning process, especially those related to the delivery of financial education in schools. This paper assesses the effectiveness of the provision of financial education in the school curriculum across all the countries that participated in PISA 2012—data from 2015 did not allow such analysis. We measured the direct effect of different ways of financial education delivery on students' financial literacy scores, after controlling for math and reading performance, and individual characteristics of students and their schools. The majority of the countries have introduced financial education topics in the curriculum somehow. But only in the Flemish Community of Belgium, the United States, and Latvia—and to a lesser extent in Australia, Estonia, France, Israel, Poland, Spain, the Czech Republic, the Russian Federation, and the Slovak Republic—the way how financial education (FE) is delivered is positively correlated with students' financial literacy scores: FE taught as part of business or economics courses in Belgium, FE taught as part of a cross‐curricular subject in the U.S., and FE taught as part of mathematics in Latvia. Our main findings pose fundamental challenges for educational policy regarding school‐based FE. The first is to decide at what age (grade) interventions should be introduced into the education system so that students are not only financially literate but also financially competent. The second is to devise instructional approaches that more effectively lead young people to put pertinent financial knowledge into practice and to do so correctly when they make financial decisions.
Research on external financial risk measurement of China real estate
Authors: Jiang Yuexiang , Zheng Luyuan , Wang Jiazhen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis study applies the method proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz to construct a spillover effect index with which we compare the bilateral information spillover effect and time‐varying characteristics of China's real estate markets to those of representative international financial markets from July 2005 to March 2018 to measure the financial risks in China's real estate markets. The empirical results show the following. (a) There is a significant information spillover effect between China's real estate markets and related stock markets, and China's real estate is in a net information receiving position. (b) After 2016, China's real estate financial risks entered a downward adjustment cycle, and financial risks have gradually declined. These results suggest that Chinese real estate markets' “de‐inventory” has achieved remarkable results and that real estate financial risks have been significantly reduced. However, due to China's limited real estate financial investment channels, the nation's real estate markets should still be cautiously controlled and regulated to respond to potential real estate financial risk.
A novel term structure stochastic model with adaptive correlation for trend analysis
Authors: Du Jiangze , Lai Shaojie , Lai Kin Keung , Zhou Shifei 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe prediction of underlying price continues to draw extensive attention in academic research. Based on a review of the advantages and disadvantages of different volatility models, we find that the Heston stochastic volatility model with an adaptive correlation coefficient is most suitable for analysing the Hong Kong options market. We subsequently propose a model‐free implied volatility term structure formulated using options with different strikes and different maturities. The implied volatility is calculated by integrating the option price and strike price from the current time to the expiry date. Discrete points of term structure data are used to fit a term structure curve. Finally, we use the model‐free implied volatility term structure as the long‐run mean level of the Heston model to fully exploit the information content contained in the implied volatility term structure. We simulate the distribution of the underlying asset price based on the Heston model and constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model. The adaptive correlation Heston model provides superior results in terms of one‐day‐ahead prediction performance and the 79‐day distribution of the underlying asset price compared with the CEV model.
Bank branch performance and cost efficiency: A stochastic frontier panel data approach
Authors: Cabrera‐Suárez Idaira , Pérez‐Rodríguez Jorge V. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper analyses the relationship between performance assessment methods used by banks to evaluate their branches and the corresponding time‐varying cost efficiency. To do this, we employ a panel data framework and consider bank branches' latent heterogeneity, which might arise from unobserved non‐systematic management problems. Our analysis is based on monthly data obtained from the branches of a large commercial bank operating in Spain during the period 2013–2014. The results indicate that there is unobserved heterogeneity and time‐varying cost efficiency in the bank branches, and that inefficiency scores are low, at 1–15%. Time‐varying cost efficiencies are positively associated with measures of the volume of business (the productivity based on value achieved by the branch) and negatively associated with the surface area of the branch and with time. However, no relation was found regarding balance sheet and profit and loss statements (i.e., negative deviations from gross income targets).
Multi‐dimensional economic connectivity: benefits, risks, and policy implications
Authors: Gould David M. , Kenett Dror Y. , Panterov Georgi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVarious types of international connectivity serve as channels for the transmission of knowledge, which, in turn, is critical for long‐run economic growth. However, how much knowledge is transmitted to a country is not only the result of the overall level of connectivity, but also to whom a country is connected. For example, being well connected to an economy with wide‐reaching global connections is likely to be a stronger conduit for knowledge transfers than being connected to an isolated economy. Likewise, connections are likely to complement each other. This wider definition of connectivity, referred to as multi‐dimensional connectivity, is explored in this study as it applies to Europe and Central Asia (ECA). This paper shows that multi‐dimensional connectivity is an economically and statistically important determinant of future economic growth. The paper further discusses the potential risks and transfer of shocks that can result from cross‐country economic connectivity. Furthermore, it provides some examples of how policy tools can be designed to leverage the benefits of connectivity channels and mitigate their risks.
Time‐varying causal nexuses between economic growth and CO2 emissions in G‐7 countries: A bootstrap rolling window approach over 1820–2015
Authors: Alam Md. Samsul , Ali Sajid , Khraief Naceur , Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper reinvestigates the causal nexuses between economic growth and CO2 emissions in G‐7 countries during 1820–2015 for all countries except Japan, for which the data spans from 1950 to 2015. The unit root test developed by Perron, Econometrica: Journal of the Econometric Society, 1989, 57, 1361–1401 and the cointegration test of Johansen et al., The Econometrics Journal, 2000, 3, 216–249 which accommodate structural breaks in trends are used to establish a long‐run equilibrium relationship between the variables. Our empirical analysis suggests a long‐run association between the variables. The bootstrap Granger causality test on the full sample and the sub‐samples with a fixed‐window size is used to resolve the issue of structural changes. The findings indicate that the causal relationships are country‐specific. Consistent with the short‐run stability tests, the rolling window analysis shows that causality between GDP and CO2 emissions is time‐varying. These findings offer important policy recommendations for sustainable growth and low‐carbon economy.
Long‐term stock returns in Brazil: Volatile equity returns for U.S.‐like investors
Authors: Araújo Eurilton , Brito Ricardo D. , Sanvicente Antonio Z. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper tells the history of Brazilian stock market returns since the creation of the Ibovespa (the main Brazilian stock market index). From 1968 to 2019, the arithmetic mean real return of the Brazilian stock market is 21.3% per year. The equity premium is 20.1% per year, with a huge annual standard deviation of 67%. Surprisingly, such numbers are compatible with investors' risk aversions that accommodate the very different U.S. market evidence, exposing that national investors are similar in nature. The equity premium has been higher in Brazil than in the U.S., but the much higher Brazilian volatility discourages heavier investments in stocks.
An empirical examination of the impact of country‐level corporate governance on profitability of Indian banks
Authors: Almaqtari Faozi A. , Hashid Abdulwahid , Farhan Najib H. S. , Tabash Mosab I. , Al‐ahdal Waleed M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe main aim of the present study is to examine the impact of country‐level corporate governance on the profitability of Indian banks using a sample of 61 banks that is, 42 private and 19 public banks. The study employs descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis of two‐way variable intercept random effect model, and robustness checks including robust regression, Generalized Methods of Moments, and Panel Correction Standard Error. The results reveal that country‐level corporate governance has a significant impact on the profitability of Indian banks. Private banks demonstrate better performance over public banks and the effect of country‐level governance on the profitability of private banks is positive and it is better than public banks. Further, the results show that demonetisation has a significant negative impact on the profitability of Indian banks as measured by Return on Assets and Return on Equity, but it also has a significant positive effect in the case of Net Interest Margin. The findings of the current study have considerable implications for regulators, policymakers, bankers, analysts, and academicians. Regulations and several policy measures could be introduced to improve the profitability of Indian banks. To promote greater transparency, better accountability, strong rule of law, and corporate governance, corruption must be eliminated to enhance higher profitability of Indian banks. This paper presents novel evidence linking country‐level corporate governance to the profitability of banks in the context of India, as an emerging economy. Therefore, it bridges an existing gap in the body of literature on the profitability of banks in India.
Triptorelin for the treatment of adenomyosis: A multicenter observational study of 465 women in Russia
Authors: Andreeva Elena , Absatarova Yulia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of triptorelin for the treatment of adenomyosis, the benign invasion of endometrial tissue into the myometrium, as a fertility‐preserving alternative to the gold standard hysterectomy.MethodsIn this multicenter, open‐label, observational study in Russia, performed from November 3, 2011, to August 24, 2015, we assessed the efficacy and safety of triptorelin 3.75 mg administered intramuscularly every 28 days in Russian women who were gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist treatment‐naïve, aged 25–40 years, and had a diagnosis of endometriosis or adenomyosis with heavy menstrual bleeding. We performed a medical record review, interviews to assess symptom severity, and pelvic assessments including transvaginal ultrasound. Data were obtained at first injection of triptorelin (visit 1), on the day of last injection (visit 2), 6 months after last injection (visit 3), and 9 months after last injection (visit 4). Significance was assessed by Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsA total of 465 women were included. There was a significant improvement from baseline in severity of heavy menstrual bleeding in 390/463 (84.2%) of women 6 months after last injection (P<0.0001). Severity of dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and pelvic pain was decreased at visit 3 compared with baseline (P<0.0001). Endometriosis symptoms stopped in 253/262 (96.6%) of women at visit 2 and in 243/263 (92.4%) of women at visit 3. Pregnancy was reported in 116/465 (24.9%) women within 9 months following the end of treatment.ConclusionTriptorelin has a favorable safety profile, is highly efficacious in treating clinical symptoms of adenomyosis, and improves reproductive function.ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: A‐38‐52014‐191, registered October 2011.
Beyond adequate: Factors associated with quality of antenatal care in western Tanzania
Authors: Young Marisa R. , Morof Diane , Lathrop Eva , Haddad Lisa , Blanton Curtis , Maro Godson , Serbanescu Florina 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine quality of antenatal care (ANC). Most literature focuses on ANC attendance and services. Less is known about quality of care (QoC).MethodData were analyzed from the 2016 Kigoma Reproductive Health Survey, a population‐based survey of reproductive‐aged women. Women with singleton term live births were included and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to create an ANC quality index using linear combinations of weights of the first principal component. Nineteen variables were selected for the index. The index was then used to assign a QoC score for each woman and linear regression used to identify factors associated with receiving higher QoC.ResultsA total of 3178 women received some ANC. Variables that explained the most variance in the QoC index included: gave urine (0.35); gave blood (0.34); and blood pressure measured (0.30). In multivariable linear regression, factors associated with higher QoC included: ANC at a hospital (versus dispensary); older age; higher level of education; working outside the home; higher socioeconomic status; and having lower parity.ConclusionUsing PCA methods, several basic components of ANC including maternal physical assessment were identified as important indicators of quality. This approach provides an affordable and effective means of evaluating ANC programs.
Screening for cervical cancer in Africa: A proposal of a different combination of VIA test and cervical smear in Uganda
Authors: Corrado Giacomo , Mazzara Calogero , Certelli Camilla , Nsubuga John B. , Zanetto Francesca , Schurfeld Karin , Dell’Antonio Giacomo , Orti Carlino D. , Savarese Antonella , Andriani Maria T. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening combined with a cervical smear in Uganda.MethodsNine screening campaigns were held in Uganda between January 2011 and October 2019. In the last three campaigns, a new approach was used: the cervical smear was performed before the VIA test and, in case of a positive VIA test, the slide was sent for examination. The data collected were divided into two groups: the first six campaigns and the last three campaigns.ResultsDuring the study period, 10 520 women were screened, of whom 911 had a positive VIA test. The VIA test showed 84.2% false positives. In the first group, the VIA test was positive in 516 women, of whom 93% were referred for further examinations. In the second group, the VIA test was positive in 395 women, but the cervical smear was positive in only 65 women. Thus, only 16.5% women were referred for further examinations.ConclusionCombining cervical smear, VIA test, and slide analysis in positive VIA tests may allow women who need treatment to be selected more effectively, while waiting for other more expensive solutions to become more affordable for this setting.
Classification of Coronavirus (COVID‐19) from X‐ray and CT images using shrunken features
Authors: Öztürk Şaban , Özkaya Umut , Barstuğan Mücahid 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNecessary screenings must be performed to control the spread of the COVID‐19 in daily life and to make a preliminary diagnosis of suspicious cases. The long duration of pathological laboratory tests and the suspicious test results led the researchers to focus on different fields. Fast and accurate diagnoses are essential for effective interventions for COVID‐19. The information obtained by using X‐ray and Computed Tomography (CT) images is vital in making clinical diagnoses. Therefore it is aimed to develop a machine learning method for the detection of viral epidemics by analyzing X‐ray and CT images. In this study, images belonging to six situations, including coronavirus images, are classified using a two‐stage data enhancement approach. Since the number of images in the dataset is deficient and unbalanced, a shallow image augmentation approach was used in the first phase. It is more convenient to analyze these images with hand‐crafted feature extraction methods because the dataset newly created is still insufficient to train a deep architecture. Therefore, the Synthetic minority over‐sampling technique algorithm is the second data enhancement step of this study. Finally, the feature vector is reduced in size by using a stacked auto‐encoder and principal component analysis methods to remove interconnected features in the feature vector. According to the obtained results, it is seen that the proposed method has leveraging performance, especially to make the diagnosis of COVID‐19 in a short time and effectively. Also, it is thought to be a source of inspiration for future studies for deficient and unbalanced datasets.
Complex adaptive system approach for improved irrigation management: The case of the Gezira scheme in Sudan*
Authors: Ibrahim Yosif A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSeveral factors contribute to poor irrigation management. A set of natural, social, environmental, institutional and technological variables can collectively result in complex and messy problems. Traditional engineering systems are not well suited for addressing coupled and interlinked types of problem. To this end, a hybrid network model is introduced to study the cumulative impact of these variables on the performance of irrigation projects. The model is based on the theory of complex adaptive systems and agent‐based modelling. The Gezira scheme in Sudan is used as a case study in order to convert the vicious circle through adopting an improved and most viable irrigation management system. Six key variables are selected as dominant driving forces that influence the performance of the irrigation scheme. These are scheme governance, agricultural research, agricultural inputs and technologies, farmers, water user associations and the irrigation agency responsible for operation and maintenance. The scope of the analysis is to explore the dynamics of system enhancement under different scenarios of policy intervention. The results revealed the need for balanced and diversified investment in all entities to ensure sustainable growth. The findings emphasize the importance of having interventions with moderate growth patterns that seek to enhance cooperation and positive feedback among entities.