bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of service charges in the application of priority service pricing
Authors: Gérard Céline , Papavasiliou Anthony 
Published: August 2021

AbstractResidential demand response is poised to emerge as an increasingly important aspect of power market operations. A major challenge in the proliferation of residential demand response relates to the development of scalable aggregator business models. This has motivated quality differentiation in the form of priority service. Priority service consists of a priority charge, which is payable regardless of the usage of electricity, and a service charge, which is payable only when electricity is actually consumed. In this paper, we analyze the role of service charges in priority service pricing. From a theoretical standpoint, we characterize service charges that maintain the equivalence between priority service and real-time pricing in terms of consumer expenditures. We also revisit the results of the traditional theory regarding a finite number of priority service classes for the general case of non-zero service charges. The experimental side of the paper is focused on the comparison of different priority service settings in terms of their impact on consumer comfort and electricity bills. The analysis is performed on a realistic case study of a Texas household using the Pecan Street database and on a Belgian household using the LINEAR database. The results reveal that service charges are crucial for the viable practical implementation of priority service pricing. We use our case study to further analyze the incentives of households in a priority service pricing regime.
Sedimentation, depositional environments, and hydrocarbon potential of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Araromi Formation, eastern Dahomey (Benin) Basin, southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oluwajana Oladotun Afolabi , Opatola Abraham Olatunji , Adamolekun Olajide Jonathan , Ndukwe Otobong Sunday , Olawuyi Gabriel Toluwalope , Ofiwe Collins Uche , Bolaji Taiwo Ayodele , Adebambo Bamidele Adeniyi , Oluwajana Oladipo Omoniyi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe Cretaceous sediments in southwestern Nigeria are host to one of the largest bitumen deposits in the world. In the current paper, an integrated study on sedimentology, palynology, and applied petroleum geochemistry of the Maastrichtian-Paleocene Araromi Formation was used to determine the depositional environments and hydrocarbon potentials of the formation on the eastern Dahomey Basin. Four sedimentary lithofacies were identified from core samples, namely, lower limestone (F1); medium to coarse-grained sandstone (F2); lower loosely consolidated sandstone (F3); and shale and siltstone (F4). Sedimentation in the eastern Dahomey Basin occurred mainly in fluvial and shallow-marine (shelf) environments. The palynological assemblages of the Araromi Formation reflect deposition in coastal through brackish water to shallow shelf environment with periods of localized wind-induced storms. The shale and siltstone samples of the Araromi Formation are characterized by total organic carbon (TOC) values of up to 2.50 wt % and S2 (hydrocarbon-generating potential) values ranging from 0.26 to 0.70 mgHC/g rock, indicating poor source rocks. Shales show poor quality and thermally immature organic matter at shallow depth and could neither have generated liquid hydrocarbon nor contributed to the heavy oil occurrence on the bitumen and tar-sand belt of eastern Dahomey (Benin) Basin.
Aerobic degradation of oil-based mud drilling fluid by in situ bacteria in the Hawizeh Marshes
Authors: Rasti Arash , Ameri Adel , Riahi Mohammad Ali 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe increasing global demand for hydrocarbon has brought new challenges in the petroleum reservoir's drilling process. Non-biodegradable chemical additives are used in drilling fluid and it leads to endangering the environment and personnel safety. Thus, there is a great need for new biodegradable drilling fluid additives that can protect the environment and personal safety while drilling is done well. This study with help of microbial analysis investigates the effects of in situ bacteria to degenerate the gasoline inside the oil-based mud, in the returned lubricant from one of the oil wells next to the Hawizeh Marshes. Four types of bacteria inside the oil-based mud were observed. According to the high growth and degradation of crude oil, one strain was selected. Determination of the coagulase and clumping test shows that the isolated strain belongs to staphylococcus. We investigate the performance of the staphylococcus bacterium on the lubricant from biological degradation aspects, using a gas chromatography technique. It was observed that the exposure of a small amount of the bacteria against 10 mL of lubricant indicates a considerable degree of degeneration, only in a few days. The residual crude oil in the culture medium was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and SARA. The results confirmed that the strain can degrade crude oil and produce lighter hydrocarbon. The saturate fraction increased about 23%, while the Resin and Asphaltene fractions decreased about 11% and 12%, respectively. This research is the first report on the characterization of crude oil-degrading bacteria from in situ bacteria at Hawizeh Marsh and by using this bacterium in the field the effect of oil pollution can be reduced on this marsh environment in a few days.
Simulating the Long-Term Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Sustainability of the Population-Economy-Environment Nexus
Authors: Poblete-Cazenave Miguel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe COVID19 pandemic has created a massive shock, unexpectedly increasing mortality levels and generating economic recessions all around the world. In recent years, several efforts have been made to develop models that link the environment, population and the economy which may be used to estimate potential longer term effects of the pandemic. Unfortunately, many of the parameters used in these models lack appropriate empirical identification. In this study, first I estimate the parameters of “Wonderland”, a system dynamics model of the population-economy-environment nexus, and posteriorly, add external GDP and mortality shocks to the model. The estimated parameters are able to closely match world data, while future simulations point, on average and regardless of the COVID19 pandemic, to a world reaching dangerous environmental levels in the following decades, in line with consensus forecasts. On the other hand, the effects of the pandemic on the economy are highly uncertain and may last for several decades.
Probabilistic small-signal stability analysis of power systems based on Hermite polynomial approximation
Authors: Tabrizchi Ali Mohammad , Rezaei Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper proposes a probabilistic small-signal stability analysis method based on the polynomial approximation approach. Since the correct determination of unknown coefficients has a direct effect on the accuracy of the polynomial approximation method, this paper presents a method for determining these coefficients, with high coverage on the probabilistic input domain of the problem. In this method, by increasing the number of random input variables, the proposed method can continue to maintain its efficiency. After determining the unknown coefficients, the load flow results and the system state matrix are determined for random changes of all loads based on the Hermite polynomial approximation. Then, the small-signal stability of the system is probabilistically evaluated based on stochastic analysis of the system eigenvalues. The consistency and validity of the proposed method are demonstrated based on the simulation studies in the MATLAB® software environment. In the simulation studies, the performance of the proposed method is examined by comparison with Point Estimation, Cumulant, Monte Carlo, and Chebyshev polynomial-based methods, for IEEE 14-bus and IEEE 39-bus test systems.

Article highlights

Probabilistic small-signal stability analysis of power systems

Modeling of governing equations of power system based on Hermite polynomial approximation

Forming the Collocation matrix based on a robust method
A View on the Development and Current Situation of Behavior Analysis in Europe
Authors: Arntzen Erik , Pellón Ricardo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe present article discusses essential historical trends in behavior analysis in Europe, in terms of both organizations and conferences. Of particular interest is the series of the European Meetings on the Experimental Analysis of Behaviour held in different European cities between 1983 and 2000, just when the European Association for Behaviour Analysis (EABA) and the European Journal of Behavior Analysis (EJOBA) both started. This article not only extends the information on EABA and EJOBA from a previous publication (Arntzen et al., 2009) but also discusses other European behavior-analytic outlets and different ways in which behavior analysis is taught in Europe.
Double-swab 5% versus single-swab 10% iodophor for reducing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with routine chlorhexidine bathing
Authors: Heim Lauren T. , Miller Loren G. , Singh Raveena D. , McKinnell James A. , Catuna Tabitha D. , Estevez Marlene , Evans Kaye D. , Tjoa Tom K. , Gussin Gabrielle M. , Dahl Shaun D. , Budy Linda , Peterson Ellena M. , Huang Susan S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn a prospective cohort study, we compared a 2-swabs-per-nostril 5% iodophor regimen with a 1-swab-per-nostril 10% iodophor regimen on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in nursing-home residents. Compared with baseline, both single-swab and double-swab regimens resulted in an identical 40% reduction in nasal carriage and 60% reduction in any carriage, skin or nasal.
Assessment of antenatal anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in pregnant women in the COVID-19 era
Authors: Hinds Catherine , Lindow Stephen W. , Abdelrahman Mona , Hehir Mark P. , O’Connell Michael P. 
Published: August 2021

Objective:To assess the mental health of pregnant women, with reference to anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms, during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ireland during the third wave of the pandemic between February and March 2021. Psychiatric, social and obstetric information was collected from pregnant women in a Dublin maternity hospital, alongside self-reported measures of mental health status.Results:Of 392 women responding, 23.7% had anxiety, scoring >9 for GAD-7 (7-item generalised anxiety disorder), 20.4% had depression, scoring >9 for PHQ-9 (9-item depression screening tool: Patient health questionnaire) and 10.3% had obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), scoring >13 for Yale–Brown obsessive-compulsive scale symptom checklist (Y-BOCS). Amongst self-reported OCD symptoms, there was a preponderance for obsessions rather than compulsions. Of 392 women, 36.2% described their mental health as worse during the pandemic, most frequently describing symptoms of anxiety and sleep disturbance. When analysed against test scores, self-reported worsening of mental health was significantly associated with higher scores on the GAD-7, PHQ-9 and Y-BOCS scales. The three scores were positively interrelated. Poor mental health scores were associated with self-reported strain in relationship with the baby’s father, and current or previous history of mental illness.Conclusion:This study found high levels of depression, anxiety and OC symptoms amongst pregnant women during COVID-19. This highlights the vulnerability of this group to mental illness and the importance of enhanced screening and support during pandemics.
Forced flexibility and remote working: opportunities and challenges in the new normal
Authors: Franken Esme , Bentley Tim , Shafaei Azadeh , Farr-Wharton Ben , Onnis Leigh-ann , Omari Maryam 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seen a shift in remote work from being a discretionary flexible work policy to a mandatory requirement for several workplaces. This ‘forced flexibility’ has meant that organisations and their employees have had to adapt swiftly to new requirements and arrangements for how work is done. Working remotely, often at home in ‘virtual workspaces’, has become commonplace for many employees across Australia and globally. Drawing on findings from two qualitative phases of research in an Australian resources company, we use conservation of resources theory to explore the factors influencing processes related to wellbeing and productivity for employees working remotely in the COVID-19 environment. We identify challenges associated with working remotely, as well as important resources for wellbeing and productivity. Practical implications are also discussed.
New detrital zircon U–Pb insights on the palaeogeographic origin of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone, Iran
Authors: Shakerardakani Farzaneh , Neubauer Franz , Liu Xiaoming , Dong Yunpeng , Monfaredi Behzad , Li Xian-Hua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNew detrital U–Pb zircon ages from the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone in the Zagros orogenic belt allow discussion of models of the late Neoproterozoic to early Palaeozoic plate tectonic evolution and position of the Iranian microcontinent within a global framework. A total of 194 valid age values from 362 zircon grains were obtained from three garnet-micaschist samples. The most abundant detrital zircon population included Ediacaran ages, with the main age peak at 0.60 Ga. Other significant age peaks are atc. 0.64–0.78 Ga, 0.80–0.91 Ga, 0.94–1.1 Ga, 1.8–2.0 Ga and 2.1–2.5 Ga. The various Palaeozoic zircon age peaks could be explained by sediment supply from sources within the Iranian microcontinent. However, Precambrian ages were found, implying a non-Iranian provenance or recycling of upper Ediacaran–Palaeozoic clastic rocks. Trace-element geochemical fingerprints show that most detrital zircons were sourced from continental magmatic settings. In this study, the late Grenvillian age population atc. 0.94–1.1 Ga is used to unravel the palaeogeographic origin of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone. This Grenvillian detrital age population relates to the ‘Gondwana superfan’ sediments, as found in many Gondwana-derived terranes within the European Variscides and Turkish terranes, but also to units further east, e.g. in the South China block. Biogeographic evidence proves that the Iranian microcontinent developed on the same North Gondwana margin extending from the South China block via Iran further to the west.
Financial Development and Micro-Entrepreneurship
Authors: Dehejia Rajeev , Gupta Nandini 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDoes financial development facilitate micro-entrepreneurship? Using randomized surveys of over 1 million Indian households and bank-branch location as predetermined by government policy, we find that access to finance shifts workers from informal micro-entrepreneurship into formal employment. Financial access reduces the likelihood of being self-employed but benefits micro-enterprises with employees, as well as formal firms. Using data on 400,000 firms, we find that in districts with more banks, firms have higher loans, productivity, employment, and wages than firms in less banked districts. This evidence suggests a labor-market mechanism by which financial development facilitates growth: by shifting workers from unproductive micro-entrepreneurship into productive employment.
Expert Advice: Industry Expertise of M&A Advisors and Acquirer Shareholder Returns
Authors: Wang Cong , Xie Fei , Zhang Kuo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe find that acquirers create higher shareholder returns when advised by investment banks with more experience in the target industry. This finding is stronger when acquirers face more difficulties understanding and evaluating the targets. Further analyses show that these banks help acquirers avoid overpaying for targets and thus capture more of the deal synergy rather than making deals generating higher synergy. Our results are robust to controlling for an exhaustive set of determinants of acquirer returns and an identification strategy that exploits exogenous shocks to the supply of investment banks with target-industry experience.
Push, pull and push-back to land certification: regional dynamics in pilot certification projects in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Boone Catherine , Bado Arsene Brice , Dion Aristide Mah , Irigo Zibo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSince 2000, many African countries have adopted land tenure reforms that aim at comprehensive land registration (or certification) and titling. Much work in political science and in the advocacy literature identifies recipients of land certificates or titles as ‘programme beneficiaries’, and political scientists have modelled titling programmes as a form of distributive politics. In practice, however, rural land registration programmes are often divisive and difficult to implement. This paper tackles the apparent puzzle of friction around rural land certification. We study Côte d'Ivoire's rocky history of land certification from 2004 to 2017 to identify political economy variables that may give rise to heterogeneous and even conflicting preferences around certification. Regional inequalities, social inequalities, and regional variation in pre-existing land tenure institutions are factors that help account for friction or even resistance around land titling, and thus the difficult politics that may arise around land tenure reform. Land certification is not a public good or a private good for everyone.
Lagos in life: placing cities in lived experience
Authors: Xiao Allen Hai 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRather than examining what constitutes urban life in a particular city, this paper draws attention to how cities are ‘placed’ along individuals’ life trajectories. The outcome of 15 months of ethnographic research among 102 residents of Lagos's Gowon Estate neighbourhood suggests that Lagos is better understood relationally, through subjective narratives of city life. Given its scale and position among Nigerian cities, the meanings of Lagos to different individuals must be illuminated via an examination of how they ‘place’ those urban places that are important to them – Lagos, hometowns and regional centres – both conceptually and practically within their lived experiences and current livelihoods. In short, this paper exemplifies and advocates a methodology that does not treat cities as a central analytical unit, but instead interprets the meanings of living in cities based on individual inhabitants’ narratives, networks and other aspects of their lived experiences in Lagos and elsewhere.
Neuropsychological Profiles of Older Adults with Superior versus Average Episodic Memory: The Northwestern “SuperAger” Cohort
Authors: Cook Maher Amanda , Makowski-Woidan Beth , Kuang Alan , Zhang Hui , Weintraub Sandra , Mesulam M. Marsel , Rogalski Emily 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjective:SuperAgers are adults over the age of 80 with superior episodic memory performance and at least average-for-age performance in non-episodic memory domains. This study further characterized the neuropsychological profile of SuperAgers compared to average-for-age episodic memory peers to determine potential cognitive mechanisms contributing to their superior episodic memory performance.Method:Retrospective analysis of neuropsychological test data from 56 SuperAgers and 23 similar-age peers with average episodic memory was conducted. Independent sample t-tests evaluated between-group differences in neuropsychological scores. Multiple linear regression determined the influence of non-episodic memory function on episodic memory scores across participants.Results:As a group, SuperAgers had better scores than their average memory peers on measures of attention, working memory, naming, and speeded set shifting. Scores on tests of processing speed, visuospatial function, verbal fluency, response inhibition, and abstract reasoning did not differ. On an individual level, there was variability among SuperAgers with regard to non-episodic memory performance, with some performing above average-for-age across cognitive domains while others performed in the average-for-age range on non-memory tests. Across all participants, attention and executive function scores explained 20.4% of the variance in episodic memory scores.Conclusions:As a group, SuperAgers outperformed their average memory peers in multiple cognitive domains, however, there was considerable intragroup variability suggesting that SuperAgers’ episodic memory strength is not simply related to globally superior cognitive functioning. Attention and executive function performance explained approximately one-fifth of the variance in episodic memory and maybe areas to target with cognitive interventions.
Culturally tailored lifestyle interventions for the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes in adults of Black African ancestry: a systematic review of tailoring methods and their effectiveness
Authors: Wadi Noor M , Asantewa-Ampaduh Summor , Rivas Carol , Goff Louise M 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Objective:
To evaluate the cultural tailoring methods used in type 2 diabetes (T2D), prevention and management interventions for populations of Black African ancestry and to examine their effectiveness on measures of glycaemia.

Design:
Three databases were searched in October 2020; eligible studies used a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally tailored lifestyle interventions compared with usual care for the prevention or management of T2D in adults of Black African ancestry. Cultural tailoring methods were evaluated using the Facilitator-Location-Language-Messaging (FiLLM) framework, whereby facilitator refers to delivery by individuals from the target community, language focuses on using native language or language appropriate to literacy levels, location refers to delivery in meaningful settings, and messaging is tailoring with relevant content and modes of delivery.

Results:
Sixteen RCT were identified, all from USA. The mean age of participants was 55 years, majority female. Six of fifteen RCT reported significant improvements in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 and 8 months; one, in prediabetes, reported significantly improved fasting plasma glucose. Diabetes knowledge improvement (5/7 studies) was associated with HbA1c improvement. The majority tailored to location (12/16), facilitators (11/16), messaging (9/16) and language (6/16) domains of FiLLM. Those with ethnically matched facilitators and those which tailored to more than one domain showed the greatest HbA1C benefits.

Conclusion:
This evidence supports the effectiveness of culturally tailored lifestyle interventions for T2D management in populations of Black African ancestry, with further RCT needed to evaluate interventions for T2D prevention and for communities outside of the USA.