Digital Commons Network^™

Constrained Portfolio Optimisation, Mohammad Alam Tahir

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Portfolio optimisation is an important problem in finance; it allows investors to manage their investments effectively. This paper considers finding the efficient frontier associated with the mean-variance portfolio optimisation (unconstrained) problem. We then extend the mean-variance model to include cardinality constraints (resulting in an NPHard problem) that limits the number of assets in a portfolio. We discuss different types of algorithms that one can use for finding the optimal portfolios, implementing a meta-heuristic genetic algorithm technique to solve the unconstrained and cardinality constrained problems. Finally, we improve our solutions by altering the crossover and mutation probabilities in the genetic algorithm …

The Extent To Which Autistic Traits Are Predictive Of Impairments In Allocentric Spatial Navigation, Amber Presley

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This research is centred around how individuals with autistic traits navigate using both allocentric and egocentric spatial reference frames. Previous research suggests differences in the way that those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) navigate with much research indicating that those with ASD struggle particularly with allocentric navigation. In this study, 256 participants completed a place learning task followed by two self-report questionnaires, the Navigation Inventory and the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Results showed that AQ scores correlated with better performance in the allocentric condition of the place learning task, this was in the opposite direction than predicted. Further to this, …

The Dark Tetrad Of Personality And The Tendency To Engage In Revenge Porn, Niamh Thomason-Darch

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Revenge porn is an increasing and pervasive phenomenon. Despite this, the knowledge and understanding of this behaviour is limited, especially the psychological characteristics of perpetrators of revenge porn. The Dark Tetrad of personality: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism, has been associated with a range of antisocial behaviours. Recent research indicates a relationship between the Dark Tetrad and revenge porn proclivity. The present study extended these findings by investigating the relationship between revenge porn proclivity and the Dark Tetrad using more trait-specific measures. A community sample of 306 participants, aged 18-77, were recruited online. Participants completed a series of personality measures …

Public Perceptions Of Indecent Image Offenders, Joshua Samuel Taylor-Smith

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Indecent images of children (IIOC) offences are on the rise year by year, in part due to the easy accessibility to this content with the augmentation of the internet. This has led to increased attention from the public and those involved with law enforcement. However, research into the public perceptions of these offences is very limited. While they do not directly dictate law enforcement, the views of the public have become dominant in penal policymaking and therefore, understanding their current perceptions and beliefs is paramount. One of the only items of research into this area was conducted by Lam et …

How Do Personality Traits Influence The Experience Of Positive Emotions?, Elenie Shotton

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Neuroticism is a personality trait known to be associated with negative emotions (Tellegan, 1985), but little is known about how it affects the experience of positive emotions, and more specifically, hope. Positive emotions can have long lasting effects on well-being, by broadening thought-action repertoires and undoing lingering negative emotions (Frederickson, 1998). Cognitive strategies strongly influence state positive emotions in individuals low in neuroticism, but have no effect on those with high neuroticism (Ng & Diener, 2009). We expected individuals high in neuroticism would experience a smaller increase in state hope following hope emotion induction. Participants completed an online survey involving …

The Effect Of Onshore Wind On Wave Overtopping Of A Vertical Sea Wall, Sarah Durbridge

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Strong winds can produce overtopping rates that are considerably higher than predicted by the EurOtop formulae, which do not make provision for wind. However, no detailed industry guidance exists about the quantification of those wind effects. Physical modelling tests (scale 1:21) investigated how the mean rate of overtopping changed with wave frequency under the influence of various wind speeds. The nature and quantity of overtopping was found to be strongly related to the frequency of the incident wave. The wind had a significant effect on the mean overtopping rate, with the most pronounced effect occurring when the overtopping was at …

An Isotropic Neo-Hookean Finite Element Model Of Healthy Elastic Arterial Walls Within Commercial Software, Reece Ambrose

The Plymouth Student Scientist

A non-linear isotropic finite element model of an elastic arterial wall is developed within the ANSYS commercial software package. While progressively increasing complexity of the model, it is validated with analytical theory. Geometric nonlinearity is investigated and an iterative convergence method for the calculation of a solution-dependent axial force, which increases with artery deformation, is presented. Neo-Hookean hyperelastic material models are fitted to existing uniaxial, biaxial, and shear experimental data from literature for both rubber and polyurethane elastomer to introduce material nonlinearity into the arterial wall model. A mesh independence study was performed to determine a suitable mesh and the …

Scale Model Behaviour And Float Geometry Influence On An Oscillating Water Column System, Daniel Cresswell

The Plymouth Student Scientist

A numerical model based on a 1:60 scale Lazy-S Mooring Line has been developed using the dynamic analysis software OrcaFlex, to determine the software’s capabilities when analysing discretized scale models, and to quantify the effect that varying float surface geometry has on mooring line system damping. Static analysis was performed, followed by dynamic analysis, based on experimental data from physical testing in the University of Plymouth 35m Sediment Flume tank, against two distinct float shapes with equivalent hydrostatic properties but aspect ratio variance perpendicular to fluid flow. The impact of scale modelling on static line forces, effective tension and driving …

How Are Defendants Of High-Profile Court Cases Framed In The Media? A Qualitative Analysis Of News Media Coverage Of Caroline Flack's Arrest, Lucy Matthews

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This present study aims to investigate whether news media coverage on Caroline Flack’s arrest, in December 2019, showed characteristics of ‘Trial by Media’ (TBM) through identification of one-sided, unbalanced or predominantly negative, sensationalised or speculative news coverage. Caroline Flack’s case has importance due to her ‘media trial’ potentially contributing to her mental health issues, and subsequent suicide two months after her arrest. This study also aims to assess how much this media coverage could have contributed to this. Forty news media articles were analysed from the 18-day period, starting from her arrest, using Media Framing Analysis (MFA; Giles & Shaw, …

Impact Of Geographical Variability On The Bleaching Stresses In The Atlantic, Indian And South Pacific Ocean, Niamh Bowdler

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This dissertation examines the relationship between the geographical location and the degree of coral bleaching. Corals within different ocean regions are subjected to fluctuations in temperature causing variations in thermal thresholds which affects how the reef fauna adapts to the changing environment. Quadrats were obtained from XL Catlin Global Reef Record and analysed to determine the state of the coral at three locations: East Bermuda (Atlantic Ocean), Egmont (Indian Ocean) and Agincourt (South Pacific Ocean). The mean monthly and weekly sea surface temperature (SST) data was extracted from Giovanni between 2002-2020 for all three reefs. ANOVA: single factor tests (analysis …

Variability In Epifaunal Assemblages Between Sargassum Muticum And Zostera Marina: A Functional Group Approach, Jenny Hickman

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Marine macrophytes are globally important to coastal ecosystems, providing refugia, nutrients and important ecological processes. The structure and composition of macrophytes have a bottom-up effect on the epifauna they support. Due to their wide-reaching effects, invasive algae are considered one of the greatest threats facing marine ecosystems. Sargassum muticum is a Japanese algae increasing its non-native range in coastal habitats globally. A highly dispersive algae, able to colonise soft substratum, it is considered a threat to seagrass beds across the North East Atlantic. In Salcombe Estuary, Devon, beds of Zostera marina have seen increasing levels of invasion by S. muticum. …

Does Cannabidiol (Cbd) Oil Convert To Psychotropic Cannabinoids Including Tetrahydrocannabinol?, Danielle Young

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that belongs to the Cannabis Sativa L plant. This naturally occurring cannabinoid has gained huge interest in recent years because of the potential therapeutic and pharmacological effects it has upon ingestion and inhalation. Cannabidiol has not only been regarded as a medicinal product but is widely sold over the counter (OTC) in the form of concentrated oils, food supplements, cosmetics, and electronic cigarettes. Regulation of OTC products has proven difficult because of the narcotic nature of the cannabis plant and it has been advised that CBD might be degraded into psychotropic cannabinoids, namely tetrahydrocannabinol …

A Comparison Of The Risk Of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Development Between Individuals With Different Abo Blood Group Phenotypes: A Meta-Analysis, Danielle Martin

The Plymouth Student Scientist

A comparison of the risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma development between individuals with different ABO blood group phenotypes: A meta-analysis

Gender Differences In Attitudes Towards Trauma/Abuse Disclosure, Amy Willcocks

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Research has indicated there may be gender differences in responses to trauma disclosure. Currently, the literature is dominated by the sexual abuse of female survivors, largely neglecting male survivors. The present study compared men and women’s responses towards written hypothetical disclosures of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse from male and female survivors. Thirty-two psychology undergraduates (26 females, six males) aged 18-26 years (M = 19.84, SD = 1.54) volunteered to participate. The study utilised a mixed-methods design; 28 participants completed a survey, with four completing it during a semi-structured, think aloud interview. Attitudes towards disclosure were measured with concepts such …

What Effect Do Government Policies Have On The Transmission Of Covid-19?, Emily Prestige

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This investigation aimed to determine the effect of government policies on the transmission of COVID-19 during the period 30/01/2020 – 03/01/2021. This investigation used qualitative data from policy legislation and journals and quantitative data from official government pandemic figures. It also used central factors of successful government approaches to assess the efficacy of the UK Government strategy. The measure used to monitor transmission rates is the instantaneous reproduction number Rt. I have used summary statistics, data visualisation, and time series representations to conduct exploratory data analyses. I also investigated the change in testing capacity and positivity rate over time to …

Exploring The Minimum Number Of Trials Needed To Accurately Detect Concealed Information Using Eeg, Rhian Graham

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Deception can have serious consequences, therefore detection methods such as the Electroencephalogram (EEG) are vital. However, they can be perceived as time-consuming thus causing limited usage. The purpose of this study was to discover the minimum number of trials needed to accurately detect deception. It was hypothesised that accuracy would increase with number of trials (due to reduced effects of noise) but would then fall (due to subject’s fatigue). Due to the Coronavirus, this study was restricted to 9 participants within our ‘Lab Bubble’ of third-year Psychology students at the University of Plymouth. A Concealed Information Test (CIT) was conducted, …

Outcomes Of Direct Oral Anticoagulants With Aspirin Versus Warfarin With Aspirin For Atrial Fibrillation And/Or Venous Thromboembolic Disease, Jordan K. Schaefer, Josh Errickson, Xiaowen Kong, Tina Alexandris-Souphis, Mona A. Ali, Subhash Edupuganti, Brian Haymart, Scott Kaatz, Eva Kline-Rogers, Jay H. Kozlowski, Gregory D. Krol, Vinay Shah, Suman L. Sood, James B. Froehlich, Geoffrey D. Barnes

Hospital Medicine Meeting Abstracts

Introduction: The direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) including apixaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban are increasingly utilized for the management of venous thromboembolic disease (VTE) and/or non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Adding aspirin (ASA) to warfarin or DOAC therapy increases bleeding risk. Patients on combination therapy with ASA and an anticoagulant were not well represented in clinical trials comparing DOACs to warfarin. We sought to compare bleeding and thrombotic outcomes with DOACs and ASA compared to warfarin and ASA in a non-trial setting.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective registry-based cohort study of adults on DOAC or warfarin therapy for VTE and/or NVAF. Warfarin …

Negative Order Kdv Equation With No Solitary Traveling Waves, Miguel Rodriguez, Jing Li, Zhijun Qiao

School of Mathematical & Statistical Sciences Faculty Publications

We consider the negative order KdV (NKdV) hierarchy which generates nonlinear integrable equations. Selecting different seed functions produces different evolution equations. We apply the traveling wave setting to study one of these equations. Assuming a particular type of solution leads us to solve a cubic equation. New solutions are found, but none of these are classical solitary traveling wave solutions.

Scarcity Or Economic Insecurity? Two Yardsticks For Measuring Capitalism’S Performance, Costas Panayotakis

Publications and Research

This article argues that capitalism’s relationship to economic insecurity is as important for the evaluation of that system as its relationship to scarcity. Critically analyzing the neoclassical and Marxist focus on capitalism’s relationship to scarcity, the article describes how capitalism’s relationship to economic insecurity offers a more cogent elaboration of these traditions’ shared belief that the economic system should serve people. In particular, while critical of the neoclassical portrayal of capitalism as a system using scarce resources efficiently, this paper also argues, against Marxism, that an alternative to capitalism might be preferable even if scarcity is not abolished.

Evaluation Of A Social Determinants Of Health Screening Questionnaire And Workflow Pilot Within An Adult Ambulatory Clinic, Rachel L. Berkowitz, Linh Bui, Zijun Shen, Alice Pressman, Maria Moreno, Stephanie Brown, Anne Nilon, Chris Miller-Rosales, Kristen M.J. Azar

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background
There is increased recognition in clinical settings of the importance of documenting, understanding, and addressing patients’ social determinants of health (SDOH) to improve health and address health inequities. This study evaluated a pilot of a standardized SDOH screening questionnaire and workflow in an ambulatory clinic within a large integrated health network in Northern California.
Methods
The pilot screened for SDOH needs using an 11-question Epic-compatible paper questionnaire assessing eight SDOH and health behavior domains: financial resource, transportation, stress, depression, intimate partner violence, social connections, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Eligible patients for the pilot receiving a Medicare wellness, adult …

Portugal's Resolution Fund Injects $127 Million Into Novo Banco, Sergio Goncalves

Documents

No abstract provided.

Workplace Democracy Practices And Librarians’ Commitment In Universities In Southwest Nigeria, Yemisi T. Babalola Prof, Oluwaseun O. Fagbemiro, Opeyemi D. Soyemi Dr

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The effort of committed personnel is needed for the workplace to function optimally and to achieve the goals of the organization. This study examined the influence of workplace democracy practices on librarians’ commitment in universities in Southwest, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 477 librarians in Southwest, Nigeria. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used to select 217 librarians who served as respondents in the study. A researcher’s developed instrument was used for data collection and collected data were subjected to analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that the extent of …

Analysis Of Some Farm Driving Variables And Its Relation With Milk Production In A Pastoral Dairy Farm Of Buenos Aires, Argentina, J. L. Rossi, A. Ayala Torales, G. Acosta, V. A. Deregibus

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The quantity of milk solids produced determines a dairy farm income and contributes to its profit. Total pasture production, forage quality and herd consumption are factors to be managed in this production system. The outcomes of two years were analyzed. Primary production showed its dependence on climatic conditions and use of technological inputs. Forage quality was promoted through interseeding legumes, applying fertilizer and maintaining the pasture young and leafy. Total forage removed by the herd was similar in both years although pasture production decreased. It was possible to cope with seasonal variations in forage production, by varying the grazing pressure …

Effect Of Energetic Supplementation On Forage Losses In An Oat And Italian Ryegrass Pasture Under Continuous Grazing, A. Frizzo, Marta G. Da Rocha, M. R. Freitas

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The experiment was conducted at UFSM-RS to quantify herbage losses in oat and Italian ryegrass mixture under continuous grazing by beef heifers. A continuous grazing method with variable stocking rate was utilized to maintain the same herbage mass, 1500 kg DM/ha, in all treatments. The treatments consisted of levels of energetic supplement (0, 0.7 and 1.4% of LW/day). The pasture was evaluated every 28 days, when forage not suitable for grazing was collected in points previously marked in experimental area. The daily losses of herbage mass were of 22.32, 18.98 and 21.16 kg of DM/ha/day, equivalent to 2.61, 1.91 and …

Dynamics And Production Of Forage In Winter Pasture Under Continuous Grazing With Energetic Supplementation, A. Frizzo, M. R. Freitas, Marta G. Da Rocha

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This experiment was carried out at Federal University of Santa Maria, from July 09 to November 12, 1999 to evaluate the dynamics and production of forage of oat (Avena strigosa Schreb) and italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam) mixture. The grazing system used was continuous with variable stocking rate to maintain 1500kg/ha of herbage mass in all treatments. The heifers were subjected to different levels of energetic supplementation. They are 0, 0.7 and 1.4% of LW/day. The pasture of oat and italian ryegrass presented an accumulation rate of 45.7, 55.1 and 50.0 kg of DM/ha /day and a total …

Rotational Grazing Increases Wool And Lamb Production From Phalaris-Subterranean Clover Pastures In South Eastern Australia, A. N. Thompson, D. Borg, J. F. Graham, J. Lamb, G. R. Saul

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Wool and lamb production from different grazing systems was compared in a Mediterranean environment near Hamilton in southeastern Australia. The grazing systems were based on combinations of fertiliser inputs and grazing methods that could promote the growth and persistence of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) and increase animal production compared to ‘typical’ unimproved pastures. In the first 2 years of this experiment, the most productive systems more than doubled ewe stocking rate and wool production, and more than trebled lamb production per hectare, compared to ‘typical’ unimproved pasture, low fertility, set-stocked systems. The change to a well fertilised phalaris/subterranean clover …

Feminist Attitudes, Behaviors, And Culture Shaping Women’S Center Practice, Angela Clark-Taylor, Emily Creamer, Barbara Lesavoy, Catherine Cerulli Dr.

The Seneca Falls Dialogues Journal

The present article contributes to the growing research on women’s centers to extend and encourage the role of feminism in women’s center within higher education. We provide a brief history of feminism and women’s centers in higher education to illuminate the connections between previous research and our women’s center research on community perceptions of feminisms.

Influencing Public Opinion: Activist Public Relations And The Arrest Of Susan B. Anthony, Arien Rozelle

The Seneca Falls Dialogues Journal

The Suffrage movement stands out as an early progressive cause that utilized an integrated approach to public relations in support of a clear objective. The arrest of Susan B. Anthony provided the movement with a huge opportunity to influence public opinion in order to win the right to vote.

#Themtoo: Two Nfl Team Options For Not Exploiting Women Cheerleaders, Melanie Kelly, Colby A. Murphy, Mary E. Graham

The Seneca Falls Dialogues Journal

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study of why and how professional football teams in the National Football League (NFL) use cheerleaders, the vast majority of whom are women. From archival press reports, media guides, and team website content, we examine why some teams choose not to use cheerleaders; and among the majority of teams that do use cheerleaders, the purposes for which they employ them. Based upon the findings, we categorize teams into two groups: (a) NFL teams that do not use cheerleaders but that also fail to capitalize on this potential competitive advantage; and (b) NFL …

Contemporary Black Women's Voting Rights Activism: Some Historical Perspective, Alison Parker, Valeria Sinclair-Chapman, Naomi R. Williams

The Seneca Falls Dialogues Journal

As the United States arrived at the brink of the 2020 election, three interdisciplinary scholars engaged in a panel discussion about why and how Black women of all classes have been at the forefront of movements for civil rights and economic justice. Based on their expertise on race, gender, and class, and scholarly backgrounds in history, labor studies, and political science, this paper presents perspectives on the critical role of Black women in simultaneously fighting for the right to vote, while protesting the disenfranchisement of all African Americans from the Reconstruction Era to the present. The paper discusses why and …