A spatial econometric analysis of the housing market

In this paper we consider the problem of regression analysis of spatial data. Geographically Weighted Regression is applied for hedonic model for apartment prices in Saratov citygeographically weighted regression; housing prices; hedonic pricing; spatial regression models

Cryptocurrency functioning in the global economy

The article reveals a conceptual basis of the cryptocurrency functioning. The main types of cryptocurrencies are featured and analyzed as well as their general strengths and weaknesses. Based on the price dynamics correlation analysis of some cryptocurrency types, a general low level of dependence between digital assets is established. The main functions of the cryptocurrency are formulated in the form of transformed money functions. Also, additional functions of cryptocurrencies are defined on the basis of their innovative nature, as well as the role in the modern financial system and world economic relations

Ascending and descending psychological changes in the frozen land of Antartica

Dramatic change for those people ~ravel from equator regions to polar lands would cause significant psychological and physiological challenges. In this study, the exploring team from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia was departed as t~ do their heuristic and probative duties. Three weeks traveling in the extreme cold weather in Antarctica brought the unprecedented opportunity for considering psychological changes. Methodologically! the qualitative approach was chosen to study the psychological changes. Observing and interviewing the six departed scientists were appropriate instruments to collect the data as to reveal the psychological changes. The data were analyzed through disclosing the emerged themes. The process of psychological changes at the individual level is divided into ascending and descending psychological factors, which are based on participants! reactions in different circumstances. Moreover, it is concluded that based on the recognized attitudes! individuals choose positive and negative strategies in order to act in a certain way to face the extreme cold conditions in Antarctica

Effect of Rivastigmine on Mobility of Patients with Higher-Level Gait Disorder: A Pilot Exploratory Study

Background: Higher-level gait disorder (HLGD) in older adults is characterized by postural instability, stepping dysrhythmicity, recurrent falls and progressive immobility. Cognitive impairments are frequently associated with HLGD. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare gait and cognitive performance before and after the use of rivastigmine in patients with HLGD, free from cognitive impairment or Parkinsonism. Methods: Fifteen non-demented patients with HLGD (age 79.2 ± 5.9 years; 11 women; Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] 28.3 ± 1.4) received escalating doses of rivastigmine for 12 weeks in an open-label, pilot study. They were assessed before and after treatment (week 0 and week 12), and after a 4-week washout period (week 16). Assessments included the Mindstreams computerized neuropsychological battery, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait speed and stride time variability. One-way multiple analysis of variance tests for repeated measures were used, and Pillai’s trace test was considered as robust to investigate significant differences. Results: The mean dose of rivastigmine during the 8–12 week period was 5.1 ± 2.3 mg/day. A positive effect was observed on the Mindstreams memory subscale and anxiety scores [Pillai’s trace: F(6,724) = 0.508, p = 0.010; and F(7,792) = 0.545, p = 0.006, respectively, over the course of the study] as well as on mobility (TUG test) [Pillai’s trace: F(4,863) = 0.448; p = 0.028], whereas gait speed and stride time variability did not change. Conclusions: The use of relatively low-dose rivastigmine did not affect gait speed and stride time variability; however, the general mobility and anxiety were improved. These preliminary results warrant a larger, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Stochastic volatility model with an exogenous control process of news flow

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy and was awarded by Brunel UniversityWe consider different volatility models augmented with news analytics data to examine the impact of news intensity on stock volatility. We provides a description of the data used in the empirical analysis and defines the measures of news intensity. Results for the variance homogeneity tests for days with different news intensity are also given. We also show that abnormal returns occur more likely in days with high news intensity. We propose the different modifications of the SV model. We proposed a way to test the hypothesis of a short-term impact of news intensity on volatility. The results show that news analytics data improves the quality of prediction of volatility of the SV model. For almost all FTSE100 companies, the hypothesis of a short-term impact of news on stock volatility is accepted. Negative news increase short-term stock volatility more likely than positive news.Russian Government Programme ˆıInnovative University

Finding the Markers of Fungal and Bacterial Infections in Allium cepa L.

Common onion (Allium cepa L.) is considered as one of the most important vegetables due to the extensive usage in industrial food production. The production of dried onions is more than 88 million tons every year. However, onions are prone to several microbial infections reducing their yield and quality within a short period. The early stages of infection cannot be detected in onions by the conventional analytical methods. It can be assumed that the pattern of chemical compounds is altered by the action of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. In this project, we aim to identify the markers of infection in Allium cepa L. which can help to provide early detection of common onion diseases. Five microbial strains including: Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium proliferatum, Penicillium sp., Botrytis aclada, and Erwinia carotovora, were used to infect onion bulbs. Healthy and infected bulbs were extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts have been analyzed using HPLC to define potential infection markers. Two new peaks were observed and suggested to be markers for the infections. Fractions were further investigated to charactarize their chemical structures by HPLC/MS, HRMS, UV, IR, and NMR. For the quantitative determination of both marker compounds, dimethyl dihydrofuranone (DMDHF) was served as an internal as well as external standard. Seven other Allium species were also studied to investigate the presence of the same markers. In addition, some experimental work was done to synthesize the markers and detect them using GC and IMS. The bioactivity of the new substances in infected onion extracts was also studied. The structures of the two markers obtained after infection were confirmed as 2-hexyl-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone and 2-octyl-5-methyl-3(2H)-furanone. These compounds could only be detected after infection, and they could be considered as markers of fungal and bacterial infections in Allium cepa L. The concentration of the markers varied between 1 and 30 ppm depending on the fresh mass of onions. The exact concentration might depend on the grade of infection. These investigated markers also appeared in A. altaicum Pall., A. . pskemense B. Fedt., A. cornutum Clementi ex Vis., A. fistulosum L., and A. porrum L., whereas they could not be detected in Allium sativum L. In bioactivity tests, no significant antifungal or antitumor activity could be recorded. The results showed also increases in free quercetin in infected onion bulbs in comparison to the healthy ones. The 3(2H)-furanones have already been reported in previous studies as normal aroma substances located in Allium cepa. The production of 3(2H)-furanones in plants after infection could be an indirect defense strategy to confuse the quorum sensing in bacteria and other microorganisms

Come Be Reconciled: Penance Services for Children

Reconciliation is one of the dominant themes of this Jubilee Year 2000. This article explores the theology of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, situates it in an ecclesial context, and offers practical advice for celebrating the sacrament with children. All three forms of the Rite of Reconciliation receive attention, analysis, and critique

Towards an improved intuitive interface for Remotely Operated Vehicles

© 2020 Currently joysticks are used for ROVs’ interface, though they prove to be tedious and there have been cases of severe damage to the vehicle and subsea architecture due to operator fatigue and attention loss. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that the ease of manoeuvring with a more intuitive interface design would minimise these damage risks and psychological pressures related to operation. In this study we explored options for a more intuitive physical modality of ROV\u27s interface. Specifically, we modelled alternative controllers and their operating functions in a 3D environment to provide insight on how they could be used. Three possible conceptual ideas were then proposed, which include the joystick with gesture controllers, the steering wheel with the trackball and the steering wheel with gesture controllers. To further strengthen the ideas presented within this paper and reduce the likelihood of authors’ bias, industry experts were consulted, and a formal survey targeting ROV pilots was conducted. To establish the most superior design, a trade-off analysis was conducted by developing a weighted ranking system based on the supporting and opposing arguments and the design\u27s intuitiveness, with human psychology being used as another means of justification

The Role of CCUS in North America Energy System Decarbonization

One of the key energy technologies that can significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across industrial processes and power generation is carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). We explore different scenarios of North America long-term energy system development with respect to CCUS technologies and, particularly, CO2-enhanced oil recovery (EOR)