bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A projection-based continuous-time algorithm for distributed optimization over multi-agent systems
Authors: Wen Xingnan , Qin Sitian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMulti-agent systems are widely studied due to its ability of solving complex tasks in many fields, especially in deep reinforcement learning. Recently, distributed optimization problem over multi-agent systems has drawn much attention because of its extensive applications. This paper presents a projection-based continuous-time algorithm for solving convex distributed optimization problem with equality and inequality constraints over multi-agent systems. The distinguishing feature of such problem lies in the fact that each agent with private local cost function and constraints can only communicate with its neighbors. All agents aim to cooperatively optimize a sum of local cost functions. By the aid of penalty method, the states of the proposed algorithm will enter equality constraint set in fixed time and ultimately converge to an optimal solution to the objective problem. In contrast to some existed approaches, the continuous-time algorithm has fewer state variables and the testification of the consensus is also involved in the proof of convergence. Ultimately, two simulations are given to show the viability of the algorithm.
Thorstein Veblen on economic man: toward a new method of describing human nature, society, and history
Authors: Ishida Noriko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe fact that Veblen was a keen critic of the neo-classical concept of “economic man” is well known. However, the following issues have not been discussed in enough depth: how he rebuilt the traditional theory of human nature through his new methodology of economics, how much his methodological revision broadened the scope of economics, and what kind of phenomena Veblen’s economic theory elucidates. This article examines these issues and aims to show the logical connection between Veblen’s controversial proposal on the methodology of economics and his analysis of economic phenomena. Specifically, it reconsiders Veblen’s analysis of economic action using a unique concept of instincts, his logic of explaining the relation between society and human nature, his way of drawing history from the relativistic worldview, and his characteristic method of grasping the cause and effect of economic phenomena. Finally, it highlights the importance of modifying the concept of “economic man” by focusing on the qualitative aspect. Particular reference is made to the economic concepts of utility, efficiency, and intangibility.
A route planning framework for smart wearable assistive navigation systems
Authors: Ntakolia Charis , Iakovidis Dimitris K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRoute planning (RP) enables individuals to navigate in unfamiliar environments. Current RP methodologies generate routes that optimize criteria relevant to the traveling distance or time, whereas most of them do not consider personal preferences or needs. Also, most of the current smart wearable assistive navigation systems offer limited support to individuals with disabilities by providing obstacle avoidance instructions, but often neglecting their special requirements with respect to the route quality. Motivated by the mobility needs of such individuals, this study proposes a novel RP framework for assistive navigation that copes these open issues. The framework is based on a novel mixed 0–1 integer nonlinear programming model for solving the RP problem with constraints originating from the needs of individuals with disabilities; unlike previous models, it minimizes: (1) the collision risk with obstacles within a path by prioritizing the safer paths; (2) the walking time; (3) the number of turns by constructing smooth paths, and (4) the loss of cultural interest by penalizing multiple crossovers of the same paths, while satisfying user preferences, such as points of interest to visit and a desired tour duration. The proposed framework is applied for the development of a system module for safe navigation of visually impaired individuals (VIIs) in outdoor cultural spaces. The module is evaluated in a variety of navigation scenarios with different parameters. The results demonstrate the comparative advantage of our RP model over relevant state-of-the-art models, by generating safer and more convenient routes for the VIIs.
On the performance of chaotic interleaver for turbo codes
Authors: Sahnoune Ahmed , Berkani Daoud 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIt is well known that the interleaver plays a critical role in the performance of turbo codes and its design using random and deterministic permutations. In this paper, we present a new method to design a deterministic interleaver with random-like behavior based on two-dimensional chaotic map, so called lozi map. The designed interleaver is called chaotic interleaver. The statistical properties and the performance of such interleaver have been investigated and compared with random interleaver and dithered golden interleaver. Chaotic interleaver results in lowering the latency and the complexity of implementation and enhance the reliability and the security of the communication system.
Doubly fed induction generators to enhance inter-area damping based on a Robust controller: $${{\varvec{H}}}_{2}/{{\varvec{H}}}_{\infty }$$ Control
Authors: Goodarzi Ali , Ranjbar Ali Mohammad , Dehghani Moslem , GhasemiGarpachi Mina , Ghiasi Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, an auxiliary damping controller based on a robust controller considering the active and reactive power control loops for a doubly-fed induction generator for wind farms is proposed. The presented controller is able to improve the inter-area oscillation damping. In addition, the proposed controller applies only one accessible local signal as the input; however, it can improve the inter-area oscillation damping and, consequently the system stability for the various working conditions and uncertainties. The oscillatory modes of the system are appointed using the linear analysis. Then, the controller’s parameters are determined using the robust control approaches ($${H}_{\infty }/{H}_{2})$$

H
∞

/

H
2

)

with the pole placement and linear matrix inequality method. The results of the modal analysis and time-domain simulations confirm that the controller develops the inter-area oscillation damping under the various working conditions and uncertainties.
Sexual Disorders and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Santa Rosa Malcher Claudia Marques , Roberto da Silva Gonçalves Oliveira Kleber , Fernandes Caldato Milena Coelho , Lopes dos Santos Lobato Bruno , da Silva Pedroso Janari , de Tubino Scanavino Marco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual disorders are the most neglected nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD). Although doctors seek greater priority to motor manifestations, which are the basis for the diagnosis of PD, the nonmotor symptoms deserve to be highlighted as much as the motor problems because of their strong presence and discomfort in the patients, causing the important impairment in the quality of life (QoL) of the individual with PD.

Aim
Provide the prevalence of sexual disorders among patients with PD and alert the medical profession to investigate and be familiar with problems related to QoL and sexual disorders in PD.

Methods
This is a large literature review on sexual disorders in PD and impaired QoL.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual disorders in PD and prevalence between genders have been described in epidemiological studies. Neuroanatomy, pathophysiology, risk factors, QoL, and etiologies were reviewed.

Results
The estimate of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the form of compulsive sexual behavior in PD is higher in men by 5.2% than in women by 0.5%. This diagnosis is a determinant of intense and persistent suffering and is related to several health problems of a social, economic, personal, family, psychological, and occupational nature, which can even culminate in sexual abuse. It is most commonly associated with the use of drugs commonly used in PD therapy in 98.1% of cases. In addition to this serious public health problem, another common condition of sexual dysfunction occur with the decreased libido by loss of the neurotransmitter dopamine proper of the pathophysiology of PD.

Conclusion
The presence of sexual disorders in PD should be tracked and monitored because of its harmful consequences, whether due to increased sexual behavior or associated psychological distress, as well as the impacts on QoL. Early recognition and adequate treatment of PD in its fullness and richness of associated symptoms are essential for improving QoL.
Nasal vestibular furunculosis: Summarised case series
Authors: Sheik‐Ali Shirwa , Sheik‐Ali Sharaf , Sheik‐Ali Azizi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveNasal vestibular furunculosis (NVF) is characterized by an acute localized infection of the hair follicle in the skin lining of the nasal vestibule. This study provides an up‐to‐date narrative analysis on NVF, its presentation, complications and management.MethodsA literature search was conducted electronically with no time constraints using “Nasal Vestibular Furuncolosis” or “NVF” through Medline, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, including MeSH terms with no language restrictions. Included were: Studies that described NVF's presentation and subsequent management and excluded were: Irrelevant studies that did not provide details about NVF's presentation or management, furthermore studies that alluded to Nasal vestibulitis without furunculosis were excluded. There were no limitations on time, up until the review was commenced in May 2020.ResultsSeven articles complied with the inclusion criteria. All papers reviewed were from 2015 to 2020. Three out of 4 studies reported duration of symptomatic NVF between 3 and 4 days. The most common presentation of NVF was reported as erythema, swelling, tender over the nasal tip. The most frequent, successful management of NVF frequently included intranasal topical mupirocin and in some cases oral sodium fusidate. NVF was reported to clear within 7 days by 2 studies. There were no randomised studies exploring NVF or NVF management.ConclusionAlthough a very common condition, much research is required to allude to the pathophysiology and management of NVF. Future studies should explore the reasons as to the resistance of topical antibiotics in some patients, the differing strains ofstaphylococcus aureusand their resulting complications, the reasons behind the familiar connection and the most effective management plan for NVF.
On exceptional Lie geometries
Authors: De Schepper Anneleen , Schillewaert Jeroen , Van Maldeghem Hendrik , Victoor Magali 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParapolar spaces are point-line geometries introduced as a geometric approach to (exceptional) algebraic groups. We characterize a wide class of Lie geometries as parapolar spaces satisfying a simple intersection property. In particular, many of the exceptional Lie incidence geometries occur. In an appendix, we extend our result to the locally disconnected case and discuss the locally disconnected case of some other well-known characterizations.
Strichartz estimates for orthonormal families of initial data and weighted oscillatory integral estimates
Authors: Bez Neal , Lee Sanghyuk , Nakamura Shohei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We establish new Strichartz estimates for orthonormal families of initial data in the case of the wave, Klein–Gordon and fractional Schrödinger equations. Our estimates extend those of Frank–Sabin in the case of the wave and Klein–Gordon equations, and generalize work of Frank et al. and Frank–Sabin for the Schrödinger equation. Due to a certain technical barrier, except for the classical Schrödinger equation, the Strichartz estimates for orthonormal families of initial data have not previously been established up to the sharp summability exponents in the full range of admissible pairs. We obtain the optimal estimates in various notable cases and improve the previous results.
The main novelty of this paper is our derivation and use of estimates for weighted oscillatory integrals, which we combine with an approach due to Frank and Sabin. Our weighted oscillatory integral estimates are, in a certain sense, rather delicate endpoint versions of known dispersive estimates with power-type weights of the form

$|\xi |^{-\lambda }$

or

$(1 + |\xi |^2)^{-\lambda /2}$

, where

$\lambda \in \mathbb {R}$

. We achieve optimal decay rates by considering such weights with appropriate

$\lambda \in \mathbb {C}$

. For the wave and Klein–Gordon equations, our weighted oscillatory integral estimates are new. For the fractional Schrödinger equation, our results overlap with prior work of Kenig–Ponce–Vega in a certain regime. Our contribution to the theory of weighted oscillatory integrals has also been influenced by earlier work of Carbery–Ziesler, Cowling et al., and Sogge–Stein.
Finally, we provide some applications of our new Strichartz estimates for orthonormal families of data to the theory of infinite systems of Hartree type, weighted velocity averaging lemmas for kinetic transport equations, and refined Strichartz estimates for data in Besov spaces.
Vacuum exhausted isolation locker (VEIL) to reduce inpatient droplet/aerosol transmission during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gopesh Tilvawala , Grant Alex M. , Wen Jessica H. , Wen Teresa H. , Criado-Hidalgo Ernesto , Connacher William J. , Friend James R. , Morris Timothy A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe vacuum-exhausted isolation locker (VEIL) provides a safety barrier during the care of COVID-19 patients. The VEIL is a 175-L enclosure with exhaust ports to continuously extract air through viral particle filters connected to hospital suction. Our experiments show that the VEIL contains and exhausts exhaled aerosols and droplets.
Local, Regional, or Global Asset Pricing?
Authors: Hollstein Fabian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAnalyzing several developed and emerging international markets, I test the ability of global, regional, and local models to explain a large set of 134 cross-sectional anomalies. My main finding is that both global and regional factor models create substantially larger average absolute alphas than local factor models. Annual (absolute) anomaly portfolio alphas are on average 1.7 and 1.1 percentage points higher, respectively, with global and regional than with local factor models. Even for the most recent period, there is no evidence of a catch-up of global and regional factor models. There is substantial potential for international diversification of anomaly strategies.
Effects of a resistance training community programme in older adults
Authors: Syed-Abdul Majid Mufaqam , McClellan Chrissa L. , Parks Elizabeth J. , Ball Stephen D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAgeing is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, flexibility and balance, resulting in a poor quality of life (QOL). Past studies have occurred in highly controlled laboratory settings which provide strong support to determine whether similar gains can be made in community programmes. Twenty participants were enrolled in an eight-week community-based resistance training programme (mean age = 61.3 (standard error (SE) = 0.9) years); Body Mass Index = 32.0 (SE = 1.3) kg/m2). All participants completed surveys to assess outcomes associated with QOL. Given the relationship between muscle function and nerve health, nerve conduction studies (NCS) were also conducted in a separate group of participants (mean age = 64.9 (SE = 2.0) years; Body Mass Index = 32.6 (SE = 1.9) kg/m2). This community-based training programme significantly improved QOL measures in older adults (p < 0.001). Although weight loss was not the primary outcome of the study, participants reduced their body weights (p < 0.001), by primarily reducing fat mass (p = 0.007) while maintaining muscle mass. Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength (2.2%), flexibility and balance (3.2–464.2%, p ⩽ 0.05 for all). Improvements were also observed in plasma glucose (p = 0.05), haemoglobin A1C (p = 0.06) and aldolase enzyme levels (p < 0.001). Scores for surveys on memory and sleep improved (p < 0.05). Improved QOL was associated with increased lean mass (r = −0.714, p = 0.002), decreased fat mass (r = −0.702, p = 0.003) and improved flexibility and balance (r = −0.627, p = 0.008). An eight-week, community-based resistance training programme significantly improved QOL in older adults. Influence on the lipid profile and NCS still needs further investigation.
Care home residents on the move: the significance of cultural context for physical activity
Authors: Bowes Alison , Dawson Alison , Greasley-Adams Corinne , Jepson Ruth , McCabe Louise 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIncreased physical activity is widely promoted as beneficial for older people, but previous research indicates this may be difficult to implement in care homes, especially for people with dementia who form an increasing proportion of residents. Care home cultures can mitigate against physical activity for residents, but there is also scope for them to embed personalised physical activity. They are under-researched, but significant in terms of outcomes and quality of life for residents. This paper builds understanding of care home cultures of physical activity through qualitative, empirical research in five care homes. Key findings are that culturally framed views about physical activity, sometimes reflecting stereotypical views of dependency, can be seen in care homes. Managers, staff and residents may be invested in or resistant to physical activity and dominant managerial or societal views may be reflected or contested. The relatively closed boundaries of care homes reinforce sedentariness, and resident involvement in either chosen or enforced physical activity is varied. Interactions demonstrate potential to negotiate physical activity more or less effectively in any given care home. Rigid routines, external regulations and pressure on staffing can be negative, but management commitment has positive potential. In conclusion, the paper identifies that to increase physical activity in a sustainable manner, any intervention needs to address issues of culture change and individual needs and preferences.
Non-specific blood tests as proxies for COVID-19 hospitalisation: are there plausible associations after excluding noisy predictors?
Authors: Ishikawa G. , Argenti G. , Fadel C. B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study applied causal criteria in directed acyclic graphs for handling covariates in associations for prognosis of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. To identify non-specific blood tests and risk factors as predictors of hospitalisation due to COVID-19, one has to exclude noisy predictors by comparing the concordance statistics (area under the curve − AUC) for positive and negative cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Predictors with significant AUC at negative stratum should be either controlled for their confounders or eliminated (when confounders are unavailable). Models were classified according to the difference of AUC between strata. The framework was applied to an open database with 5644 patients from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in Brazil with SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) exam. C-reactive protein (CRP) was a noisy predictor: hospitalisation could have happened due to causes other than COVID-19 even when SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR is positive and CRP is reactive, as most cases are asymptomatic to mild. Candidates of characteristic response from moderate-to-severe inflammation of COVID-19 were: combinations of eosinophils, monocytes and neutrophils, with age as risk factor; and creatinine, as risk factor, sharpens the odds ratio of the model with monocytes, neutrophils and age.
SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA load dynamics in the nasopharynx of infected children
Authors: Kam K. Q. , Thoon K. C. , Maiwald M. , Chong C. Y. , Soong H. Y. , Loo L. H. , Tan N. W. H. , Li J. , Nadua K. D. , Yung C. F. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
It is important to understand the temporal trend of the paediatric severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load to estimate the transmission potential of children in schools and communities. We determined the differences in SARS-CoV-2 viral load dynamics between nasopharyngeal samples of infected asymptomatic and symptomatic children. Serial cycle threshold values of SARS-CoV-2 from the nasopharynx of a cohort of infected children were collected for analysis. Among 17 infected children, 10 (58.8%) were symptomatic. Symptomatic children, when compared to asymptomatic children, had higher viral loads (mean cycle threshold on day 7 of illness 28.6 vs. 36.7, P = 0.02). Peak SARS-CoV-2 viral loads occurred around day 2 of illness in infected children. Although we were unable to directly demonstrate infectivity, the detection of significant amount of virus in the upper airway of asymptomatic children suggest that they have the potential to shed and transmit SARS-CoV-2. Our study highlights the importance of contact tracing and screening for SARS-CoV-2 in children with epidemiological risk factors regardless of their symptom status, in order to improve containment of the virus in the community, including educational settings.
Maltreatment timing, HPA axis functioning, multigenic risk, and depressive symptoms in African American youth: Differential associations without moderated mediation
Authors: VanZomeren Adrienne A. , Zhang Jingchen , Lee Sun-Kyung , Gunlicks-Stoessel Meredith , Piehler Timothy , Cicchetti Dante 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUtilizing a large (N = 739), ancestrally homogenous sample, the current study aimed to better understand biological risk processes involved in the development of depressive symptoms in maltreated, African American children age 8-12 years. Maltreatment was independently coded from Child Protective Services records and maternal report. Self-reported depressive symptoms were attained in the context of a week-long, summer research camp. DNA was acquired from buccal cell or saliva samples and genotyped for nine polymorphisms in four hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis-related genes: FKBP5, NR3C1, NR3C2, and CRHR1. Salivary cortisol samples were collected each morning (9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m.) throughout the week to assess HPA functioning. Results revealed that experiences of maltreatment beginning prior to age 5 were most predictive of depressive symptoms, whereas maltreatment onset after age 5 was most predictive of HPA axis dysregulation (blunted daytime cortisol patterns). Multigenic risk did not relate to HPA functioning, nor did it moderate the relationship between maltreatment and HPA activity. There was no mediation of the relationship between maltreatment and depressive symptoms by HPA dysfunction. Results are interpreted through a developmental psychopathology lens, emphasizing the principle of equifinality while carefully appraising racial differences. Implications for future research, particularly the need for longitudinal studies, and important methodological considerations are discussed.