Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Reimbursement Policy Impact on Multiple-Provider Readmission Reduction Programs

In many new alternative healthcare reimbursement plans, readmissions are treated as non-value added quality failures. We examine if and how these alternative reimbursement plans (such as bundled payments and value-based billing) motivate healthcare providers to reduce readmissions. We develop analytical models of provider behavior under different bundled payment models, where healthcare providers are paid a fixed payment for an entire episode of care. We find that, while bundled payments incentivize providers to perform effort that is at least cost-effective, competition in a gain-sharing bundled payment plan can cause excessive effort that more closely resembles fee-for-service payment models. Further, we show that the smaller provider in a bundle is highly sensitive to price, and based on their cost structure they may regularly perform either insufficient or excessive effort, which occurs in 81% of the scenarios in our numerical study, even for the same bundled payment price. This implies that pricing alone cannot close this gap. Instead, a structural redesign of bundled payment models is required. We discuss two redesigned structures to address the issues with gain-sharing bundled payment models. First, we show that a model with a single-controlling provider will always align with the payer-desired cost-effective readmission reduction effort, though combining any bundled payment model with value-based billing initiatives again incentivizes excessive effort. Second, we show that risk-adjusted bundled payment models can also significantly improve cost-effective care delivery. In a large-scale numerical study, we show that these new models can result in substantial cost savings per contract.
Attrition and secondary nucleation in crystallizers

The mean crystal size of coarse crystalline products is determined by secondary nucleation and crystal growth. Secondary unclei are mainly produced by contacts of crystals with parts of the crystallizer or with other crystals. As a consequence, attrition effects are very important. In this paper, a model is proposed in order to calculate the attrition rate of crystals, depending on the physical properties of the crystalline product, the geometry of the crystallizer and on the operating conditions such as the stirrer speed or the suspension density. The effective rate of secondary nucleation can be expressed in terms of the attrition rate by introducing effective values for number and size of attrition particles. Finally, a scale-up criterion based on this model is derived. This criterion allows to predict effective rates of secondary nucleation and mean crystal sizes if data obtained in a laboratory crystallizer are available.
FINANCIAL CONTROL: ARE CASHLESS PAYMENTS MAKING IT EASIER OR HARDER TO FEEL IN CONTROL OF OUR FINANCES?

This report uses two innovative research techniques to understand how in control consumers feel about newer cashless payments such as contactless cards and Apple Pay when compared to traditional cash. We have chosen these techniques to get a better emotional quantification of such feelings. We believe that asking consumers how they feel about such issues (in standard explicit quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups) only scratches the surface and often does not elicit the true subconscious feelings of the individual. We use Implicit Response Test (IRT) methodology to quantify the strength of associations consumers have for control with both cashless and cash payments. We find that when consumers are stimulated or ‘primed‘ with images of cashless payments, they find it harder to sort the word ‘Control’ into the correct ‘Control’ domain. In the same test, when also primed with cashless payment images they also find it easier to sort the word ‘Uncontrolled’ into the correct ‘Uncontrolled’ domain. Using different forms of cashless and cash primes, we find that consumers implicitly feel cashless payments are more uncontrolled than controlled. We use Mind Metaphor Interview (MMI) methodology to qualify the different dimensions of control consumers feel for cashless payments. Using images to describe how they feel about cashless payments, consumers tell us that there are four negative dimensions of control and one positive. The four negative dimensions include overspending, criminal activity, embarrassment when the technology fails them and an invasion of privacy from the financial institutions. The one positive dimension for control is a feeling of convenience and ease, where cashless payments help their daily lives flow more easily. We conclude by discussing the implications of these results for financial institutions and the growing fintech
Wood Fast Pyrolysis: Comparison of Lagrangian and Eulerian Modeling Approaches with Experimental Measurements

The aim of the present paper is to validate Lagrangian and Eulerian modeling approaches of biomass fast pyrolysis from comparison with experimental measurements. Wood samples are submitted during measured times to a controlled and concentrated radiation delivered by an image furnace. The heat flux densities are close to those encountered when wood is surrounded by hot bed particles in a dual fluidized bed (DFB) gasifier. In the image furnace, the sample is placed inside a transparent quartz reactor fed by a cold carrier gas. The volatile matter (condensable vapors and gases) released by the solid is quenched inside the reactor. It is hence possible to selectively study primary pyrolysis phenomena occurring at the solid level. All the pyrolysis products (char, vapors, and gases) are recovered, and their masses are measured as a function of the flash time allowing the assessment of mass balances. The yield of vapors does not significantly depend on the available heat flux density, unlike the gases and char .
Modelling of an ethanol–water distillation column with vapour recompression

This paper presents a simulation study of an ethanol–water distillation column with vapour recompression. The compression of the overhead vapour from the distillation column and the use of condensing vapours to reboil the bottom products were modelled. Predicted results were compared with those from a simulation model for an ethanol–water distillation column assisted by an external heat pump, as previously developed by the authors. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Air'Platinum'Nafion Triple-Phase Boundary: Characteristics, Scaling, and Implications for Fuel Cells

This contribution examines the heterogeneous kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the Pt/Nafion/air triple-phase boundary (TPB). This system is of particular interest for low-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. A focused ion beam system is used to prototype geometrically simple platinum microstructures directly on Nafion electrolyte membranes. By varying the size and shape of the platinum structures, the role and properties of the TPB are elucidated. Current-voltage and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal that the ORR kinetics scale with TPB length. A faradaic resistance per unit TPB length of 6 × 10 9 Ω μm is extracted under short-circuit conditions at room temperature. Although this value is determined from microscopic measurements of geometrically simple platinum structures, it is successfully applied to predict the bulk performance of large-area sputtered platinum catalyst fuel cells.
Temperature dependence of mid-infrared electroluminescence in type II InAsSb/InAs multi-quantum well light-emitting diodes

Intense room temperature emission at 3.7 µm is reported from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which contain ten InAsSb/InAs type II multi quantum wells grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Interpretation of the spectra revealed the existence of two confined heavy-hole states with emission peaks of 0.33 and 0.37 eV at 4 K. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the electroluminescence shows that emission occurred predominantly from the excited heavy-hole state at high temperatures. At room temperature, the devices produced a quasi-cw power of 12 µW at 100 mA injection current corresponding to an internal quantum efficiency of 2.2%.
Galvanic Coupling of Doped Polyaniline and Aluminum Alloy 2024-T3

The galvanic interaction between electronically conductive polyaniline films doped with camphor sulfonic acid (PAni-CSA), and aluminum alloy (AA) 2024-T3 has been investigated for the purpose of assessing PAni-CSA as a corrosion protection coating on AAs. Potentiodynamic polarization and zero resistance ammeter measurements of galvanic couples between PAni-CSA and AA 2024-T3 in 3.5% NaCl show that the AA dominates the mixed potential response and polarizes the PAni-CSA to approximately the potential of the freely corroding alloy (-0.54 V vs. Ag|AgCl). This observation indicates that conductive PAni coatings on Al are rapidly reduced to the nonconductive form on immersion in an aqueous electrolyte. The results also suggest that any corrosion protection of Al by PAni coatings is due to the barrier properties of the reduced polymer rather than anodic stabilization of passivity as observed with ferrous alloys. Mechanisms by which a PAni-CSA coating might provide corrosion protection of exposed 2024-T3 at defects in the coating are discussed.
Asymmetric Brightness Effects With Dark Versus Light Glare-Like Stimuli

The glare effect is a brightness illusion that has captured the attention of the vision community since its discovery. However, its photometrical reversal, which we refer to here as photometrical reversed glare (PRG) stimuli, remained relatively unexplored. We presented three experiments that sought to examine the perceived brightness of a target area surrounded by luminance gradients in PRG stimuli and compare them with conventional glare effect configurations. Experiment 1 measured the brightness of the central target area of PRG stimuli through an adjustment task; the results showed that the target appeared brighter than similar, comparative areas not surrounded by luminance gradients. This finding was unexpected given the recent report that PRG stimuli cause pupil dilation. Meanwhile, Experiments 2 and 3 implemented a rating task to further test the findings in Experiment 1. Again, the study found a robust brightening illusion in the target area of PRG stimuli in a wide range of target and background luminance. The results are discussed in comparison with the brightness enhancement of the glare effect.
Composition of the Essential Oil of Xanthogalum purpurascens Lallem

Abstract Water-distilled oil from fruits of Xanthogalum purpurascens was analyzed by GC/MS. One hundred and nineteen compounds representing 85.2% of the oil were identified with bicyclogermacrene (12.0%), β-phellandrene (7.1%), spathulenol (6.9%) and kessane (6.6%) as main constituents
Numerical Study on the Optimum Injection of Urea-Water Solution for SCR DeNOx System of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine to Improve DeNOx Performance and Reduce NH3 Slip

Optimization of the urea dosing system to maximize deNOx performance and to minimize NH3 slip during load changes is one of the main challenges for the mobile application of the urea–SCR (selective catalytic reduction) system. A mobile SCR system is restricted to a short distance between the engine exhaust and the catalyst entrance. Therefore, it is likely that urea residence time may not be adequate for complete thermolysis at the catalyst entrance. The key factors affecting the automobile application of SCR technology are the rapid thermolysis, good mixing of ammonia and gas, and reduction of ammonia slip. To this end, in the present study, the effects of the injection angle, urea injector location, and number of injection holes on the uniformity of the ammonia concentration distribution at the entrance of the SCR monolith as well as the maximum ammonia conversion efficiency have been examined in detailed three-dimensional numerical simulations under various engine loads of a heavy-duty diesel engine. A.
Ordering of Hydroxylated Fullerenes in Aqueous Solutions

Fullerenols' C60(OH)X self-assembly in aqueous solutions (25°C, pH = 5–8) has been studied by small-angle neutron scattering. The solution of C60(OH)X (X ∼ 20, content CF = 0.5 mg/ml, pH = 5) has shown the increase of short-range order by the addition of Na-citrates, while the Na-phosphates have induced the formation of two-level structures with tiny particles (size ∼ 6 nm) packed into large clusters (gyration radius ∼ 30 nm, fullerenols' volume fraction ∼ 50%). The observed peculiarities of fullerenes association are important for the development of their medical applications.
Molecular Watchmaking: ab initio Emulsion Polymerization by RAFT-controlled Self-assembly

Controlled radical polymerization using RAFT has the potential to make polymers with virtually any desired molecular architecture. For this to be implemented on an industrial scale, it must be performed by polymerization in disperse media. However, simply adding a RAFT agent to a conventional emulsion polymerization recipe leads to a loss of molecular weight control and formation of coagulum, probably because of nucleation in droplets, which is normally an unlikely phenomenon in emulsion polymerizations. Recently, a method has been devised for implementing RAFT in ab initio emulsion polymerization that avoids droplets in the particle formation stage. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer thus formed shows that molecular weight control is maintained throughout the polymerization. A model is developed to predict the particle size formed in this new type of emulsion polymerization. The new methodology enables synthesis of novel dispersions where molecular architecture can be precisely controlled, such as structured core-shell particles.
Photocrosslinking of 1,2-Polybutadiene and Characteristics of the Crosslinked System

Thin films of 1,2–polybutadiene were crosslinked by exposure to filtered UV (ultraviolet) radiation at 365 nm in the presence of benzophenone (BP) as photoinitiator. By means of FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectra recorded during irradiation, the partial loss of both unsaturation and allylic hydrogen was observed. The photoreduction of BP was continuously monitored through the infrared absorption of its carbonyl bonds at 1665 cm−1. The presence of a labile hydrogen atom, as well as of the vinyl group, ensured different reactivity toward triplet BP and led to a structural variety of the photoproducts, from which the main chemical reactions leading to photocrosslinking of 1,2-polybutadiene could be deduced. It was found that the homopolymerization of vinyl groups takes place simultaneously with the BP—induced crosslinking and that all BP originating products are bonded into the network of crosslinked chains. The obtained networks were characterized with respect to their insolubility and structural properties.
A transparent and luminescent epoxy nanocomposite containing CdSe QDs with amido group-functionalized ligands

A highly transparent and luminescent CdSe quantum dot (QD)/epoxy nanocomposite was prepared by mixing amido-functionalized QDs with an epoxy matrix. The original oleic acid ligand on the QDs was replaced by thioglycolic acid, and then primary amine groups were introduced via a reaction between the carboxyl group of thioglycolic acid and Schiff’s base. The QDs with amido-functionalized ligands showed a better dispersibility and higher optical properties in the epoxy matrix. It was found that the nanocomposite filled with 0.3 wt% modified green light-emitting QDs had a similar transparency to the neat epoxy and twice the luminescence intensity of nanocomposite-filled 0.3 wt% original QDs. Moreover, a QD/epoxy nanocomposite, which could emit clear white light by combining the unabsorbed blue excitation light and the re-emitted yellow light, was successfully fabricated by following the same strategy. The as-prepared QD/epoxy nanocomposite has potential applications in encapsulating materials in light-emitting diode.
First‐principles study of electronic structures of CdMoO4 crystal containing F‐type color centers

The electronic structures of the CdMoO4 crystal containing F‐type color centers are studied within the framework of the fully relativistic self‐consistent Dirac–Slater theory, using a numerically discrete variation (DV‐Xα) method. It is concluded from the calculated results that the F and F+ color centers have donor energy levels in the band gap and the optical transition energies are 1.761 eV and 1.941 eV, which correspond to the 706 nm and 640 nm red absorption bands, respectively. So the CdMoO4 crystal should exhibit a blue‐green color. It is predicted that the 650–750 nm absorption bands and the bluish green color originate from the F and F+ color centers in the CdMoO4 crystal. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microwave Drying of Corn (Zea mays L. ssp.) for the Seed Industry

Microwave drying of corn (Zea mays L. ssp.) was conducted in this study and its germination was tested after drying. The objective of the test was to determine an optimum microwave drying method for corn seeds to achieve maximum germination and minimum drying time, as well as to obtain the maximum temperature that can achieve the best results without reducing the viability. The different methods used for drying included constant temperature drying at 30, 40, and 50°C; intermittent power microwave drying; and fixed power microwave drying at 2, 3, 3.5, and 4 W/g. The drying was started with an initial moisture content of 33% (wb) and ended with a final moisture content of 16% (wb). In the constant temperature method, the microwave power was automatically controlled to keep the temperature constant throughout the drying period. A control cycle of 20 s was used for intermittent drying in which the microwave generator was on for 12 s and off for 8 s throughout the drying process. In fixed power microwave drying, the power was constant throughout the process. The germination tests were conducted on all samples with the rolled blotting paper method. The minimum drying time was reached with 4 W/g fixed power where 0% germination resulted. The optimum method for drying of corn seeds for maintaining a high germination rate was 4 W/g intermittent power microwave drying, which took 110 min to dry from 33% moisture content to 16% (wb). The germination percentage of 4 W/g intermittent power was 93.3%. The maximum permissible temperature of corn seeds when subjected to intermittent microwave power resulting in maximum germination was 67°C.
Computer simulation of hard-disc packings with spherical boundary conditions

Random packings of hard discs are generated on the surface of a sphere by a “successive compression” technique. Since the discs follow the curvature of the sphere their shape is similar to that of watch glasses. The disordering influence of curvature prohibits hexagonal packings. Increasing the number of discs (N) means that the particles shrink compared with the supporting sphere. Accordingly, the effect of curvature decreases. The random dense-packing fraction ηRDP(N) obtained in the compression runs is seen to increase with increasing N. The calculations result in a limiting packing fraction ηRDP(N→∞) between 0.866 and 0.874 with an average contact number between 3 and 4. This may be compared with η= 0.907 and contact number 6 for (Euclidean) hexagonal packing. The possibility of regular disc packings on the surface of a sphere is also considered.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has direct anti-inflammatory effects on microglia

Microglia are the primary immunocompetent cells that protect the brain from environmental stressors, but can also be driven to release pro-inflammatory cytokines and induce a cytotoxic environment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for the regulation of plasticity, synapse formation, and general neuronal health. Yet, little is known about how BDNF impacts microglial activity. We hypothesized that BDNF would have a direct modulatory effect on primary cortical (Postnatal Day 1-3: P1-3) microglia and (Embryonic Day 16: E16) neuronal cultures in the context of a bacterial endotoxin. To this end, we found that a BDNF treatment following LPS-induced inflammation had a marked anti-inflammatory effect, reversing the release of both IL-6 and TNF-α in cortical primary microglia. This modulatory effect was transferrable to cortical primary neurons, such that LPS-activated microglial media was able produce an inflammatory effect when added to a separate neuronal culture, and again, BDNF priming attenuated this effect. BDNF also reversed the overall cytotoxic impact of LPS exposure in microglia. We speculate that BDNF can directly play a role in regulating microglia state and hence, influence microglia-neuron interactions.
Surface Complexation of Copper(II) with Alizarin Red S Adsorbed on a Graphite Electrode and Its Possible Application in Electroanalysis

Alizarin red S (ARS) has been used previously as a spectrophotometric reagent for several metals. It has been also employed as an electrode modifier agent for voltammetric analysis. With the purpose of studying the electrochemistry of the adsorbed ARS ligand and the surface ARS-copper(II) complex, on the pyrolytic graphite electrode, cyclic voltammetric experiments were carried out in open and closed circuits. The results indicate that ARS is strongly and irreversibly adsorbed on the electrode surface. This adsorption process was employed to immobilize, by complexation, copper ions from the solution, and for a possible application of the ARS modified electrode in trace copper electroanalysis are explored in this article. The optimization for trace copper determination in aqueous solution was accomplished by anodic stripping voltammetric technique (differential pulse mode); the preconcentration potential was –0.40 V; pH was 5.3 and accumulation time was 2 minutes. Under these conditions, the detection limit was 1.7×10–8 mol L–1, and a linear range from 1.0×10–7 to 4.0×10–6 mol L–1.
Ab initio methane dimer intermolecular potentials

Two purely ab initio non-bonded potential functions for methane dimer interactions in the MM3 framework have been established. The parameter fitting was performed to 130 carefully selected configurations. Intermolecular energies and forces have been evaluated at the second-order Moller-Plesset perturbation theory level (MP2) with a medium size basis set. Since the resultant energies were found to be too shallow, an empirical correction procedure to the existing MP2 potential energy surface (PES) was carried out to obtain MP2 energies in a very large basis set. The first of the two emerging parameter sets was obtained by fitting to MP2 forces, while the second is based on the corrected MP2 PES. Both resultant potentials predicted reasonable agreement with experimental properties, which included methane and butane virial coefficients, liquid methane and butane densities and heats of vaporization, liquid methane C-C radial distribution functions, crystal unit cell volumes, and heat of sublimation data. The r.