Moussab/ORKG-training-evaluation-set huggingface dataset:
Research field: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Title: The hierarchy-of-hypotheses approach: A synthesis method for enhancing theory development in ecology and evolution
Abstract: Abstract In the current era of Big Data, existing synthesis tools such as formal meta-analyses are critical means to handle the deluge of information. However, there is a need for complementary tools that help to (a) organize evidence, (b) organize theory, and (c) closely connect evidence to theory. We present the hierarchy-of-hypotheses (HoH) approach to address these issues. In an HoH, hypotheses are conceptually and visually structured in a hierarchically nested way where the lower branches can be directly connected to empirical results. Used for organizing evidence, this tool allows researchers to conceptually connect empirical results derived through diverse approaches and to reveal under which circumstances hypotheses are applicable. Used for organizing theory, it allows researchers to uncover mechanistic components of hypotheses and previously neglected conceptual connections. In the present article, we offer guidance on how to build an HoH, provide examples from population and evolutionary biology and propose terminological clarifications.
Extracted statement — method: the hierarchy-of-hypotheses (HoH) approach
Research field: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Title: Establishment of an Invasive Plant Species (Conium maculatum) in Contaminated Roadside Soil in Cook County, Illinois
Abstract: Abstract Interactions between environmental variables in anthropogenically disturbed environments and physiological traits of invasive species may help explain reasons for invasive species' establishment in new areas. Here we analyze how soil contamination along roadsides may influence the establishment of Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) in Cook County, IL, USA. We combine analyses that: (1) characterize the soil and measure concentrations of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) where Conium is growing; (2) assess the genetic diversity and structure of individuals among nine known populations; and (3) test for tolerance to heavy metals and evidence for local soil growth advantage with greenhouse establishment experiments. We found elevated levels of metals and PAHs in the soil where Conium was growing. Specifically, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) were found at elevated levels relative to U.S. EPA ecological contamination thresholds. In a greenhouse study we found that Conium is more tolerant of soils containing heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb) than two native species. For the genetic analysis a total of 217 individuals (approximately 20–30 per population) were scored with 5 ISSR primers, yielding 114 variable loci. We found high levels of genetic diversity in all populations but little genetic structure or differentiation among populations. Although Conium shows a general tolerance to contamination, we found few significant associations between genetic diversity metrics and a suite of measured environmental and spatial parameters. Soil contamination is not driving the peculiar spatial distribution of Conium in Cook County, but these findings indicate that Conium is likely establishing in the Chicago region partially due to its ability to tolerate high levels of metal contamination.
Extracted statement — Specific traits: Tolerance to heavy metals
Research field: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Title: Establishment of parallel altitudinal clines in traits of native and introduced forbs
Abstract: Due to altered ecological and evolutionary contexts, we might expect the responses of alien plants to environmental gradients, as revealed through patterns of trait variation, to differ from those of the same species in their native range. In particular, the spread of alien plant species along such gradients might be limited by their ability to establish clinal patterns of trait variation. We investigated trends in growth and reproductive traits in natural populations of eight invasive Asteraceae forbs along altitudinal gradients in their native and introduced ranges (Valais, Switzerland, and Wallowa Mountains, Oregon, USA). Plants showed similar responses to altitude in both ranges, being generally smaller and having fewer inflorescences but larger seeds at higher altitudes. However, these trends were modified by region-specific effects that were independent of species status (native or introduced), suggesting that any differential performance of alien species in the introduced range cannot be interpreted without a fully reciprocal approach to test the basis of these differences. Furthermore, we found differences in patterns of resource allocation to capitula among species in the native and the introduced areas. These suggest that the mechanisms underlying trait variation, for example, increasing seed size with altitude, might differ between ranges. The rapid establishment of clinal patterns of trait variation in the new range indicates that the need to respond to altitudinal gradients, possibly by local adaptation, has not limited the ability of these species to invade mountain regions. Studies are now needed to test the underlying mechanisms of altitudinal clines in traits of alien species.
Extracted statement — Specific traits: Trends in growth and reproductive traits
Research field: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Title: Life history plasticity magnifies the ecological effects of a social wasp invasion 
Abstract: An unresolved question in ecology concerns why the ecological effects of invasions vary in magnitude. Many introduced species fail to interact strongly with the recipient biota, whereas others profoundly disrupt the ecosystems they invade through predation, competition, and other mechanisms. In the context of ecological impacts, research on biological invasions seldom considers phenotypic or microevolutionary changes that occur following introduction. Here, we show how plasticity in key life history traits (colony size and longevity), together with omnivory, magnifies the predatory impacts of an invasive social wasp (Vespula pensylvanica) on a largely endemic arthropod fauna in Hawaii. Using a combination of molecular, experimental, and behavioral approaches, we demonstrate (i) that yellowjackets consume an astonishing diversity of arthropod resources and depress prey populations in invaded Hawaiian ecosystems and (ii) that their impact as predators in this region increases when they shift from small annual colonies to large perennial colonies. Such trait plasticity may influence invasion success and the degree of disruption that invaded ecosystems experience. Moreover, postintroduction phenotypic changes may help invaders to compensate for reductions in adaptive potential resulting from founder events and small population sizes. The dynamic nature of biological invasions necessitates a more quantitative understanding of how postintroduction changes in invader traits affect invasion processes.
Extracted statement — Species name: Vespula pensylvanica
Research field: Economics
Title: COVID-19 Disruptions Disproportionately Affect Female Academics
Abstract: The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent countermeasures, such as school closures, the shift to working from home, and social distancing are disrupting economic activity around the world. As with other major economic shocks, there are winners and losers, leading to increased inequality across certain groups. In this project, we investigate the effects of COVID-19 disruptions on the gender gap in academia. We administer a global survey to a broad range of academics across various disciplines to collect nuanced data on the respondents’ circumstances, such as a spouse’s employment, the number and ages of children, and time use. We find that female academics, particularly those who have children, report a disproportionate reduction in time dedicated to research relative to what comparable men and women without children experience. Both men and women report substantial increases in childcare and housework burdens, but women experienced significantly larger increases than men did.
Extracted statement — influencing factor: COVID-19 pandemic
Research field: Energy Systems
Title: Optimal Sizing and Scheduling of Hybrid Energy Systems: The Cases of Morona Santiago and the Galapagos Islands
Abstract: Hybrid energy systems (HESs) generate electricity from multiple energy sources that complement each other. Recently, due to the reduction in costs of photovoltaic (PV) modules and wind turbines, these types of systems have become economically competitive. In this study, a mathematical programming model is applied to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of autonomous units located in two isolated areas of Ecuador: first, the province of Galapagos (subtropical island) and second, the province of Morona Santiago (Amazonian tropical forest). The two case studies suggest that HESs are potential solutions to reduce the dependence of rural villages on fossil fuels and viable mechanisms to bring electrical power to isolated communities in Ecuador. Our results reveal that not only from the economic but also from the environmental point of view, for the case of the Galapagos province, a hybrid energy system with a PV–wind–battery configuration and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) equal to 0.36 $/kWh is the optimal energy supply system. For the case of Morona Santiago, a hybrid energy system with a PV–diesel–battery configuration and an LCOE equal to 0.37 $/kWh is the most suitable configuration to meet the load of a typical isolated community in Ecuador. The proposed optimization model can be used as a decision-support tool for evaluating the viability of autonomous HES projects at any other location.
Extracted statement — System location: Morona Santiago
Research field: Energy Systems
Title: Optimal Sizing and Scheduling of Hybrid Energy Systems: The Cases of Morona Santiago and the Galapagos Islands
Abstract: Hybrid energy systems (HESs) generate electricity from multiple energy sources that complement each other. Recently, due to the reduction in costs of photovoltaic (PV) modules and wind turbines, these types of systems have become economically competitive. In this study, a mathematical programming model is applied to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of autonomous units located in two isolated areas of Ecuador: first, the province of Galapagos (subtropical island) and second, the province of Morona Santiago (Amazonian tropical forest). The two case studies suggest that HESs are potential solutions to reduce the dependence of rural villages on fossil fuels and viable mechanisms to bring electrical power to isolated communities in Ecuador. Our results reveal that not only from the economic but also from the environmental point of view, for the case of the Galapagos province, a hybrid energy system with a PV–wind–battery configuration and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) equal to 0.36 $/kWh is the optimal energy supply system. For the case of Morona Santiago, a hybrid energy system with a PV–diesel–battery configuration and an LCOE equal to 0.37 $/kWh is the most suitable configuration to meet the load of a typical isolated community in Ecuador. The proposed optimization model can be used as a decision-support tool for evaluating the viability of autonomous HES projects at any other location.
Extracted statement — System components: Wind turbine
Research field: Engineering
Title: Glucose Biosensor Based on Disposable Activated Carbon Electrodes Modified with Platinum Nanoparticles Electrodeposited on Poly(Azure A)
Abstract: Herein, a novel electrochemical glucose biosensor based on glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on a surface containing platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) electrodeposited on poly(Azure A) (PAA) previously electropolymerized on activated screen-printed carbon electrodes (GOx-PtNPs-PAA-aSPCEs) is reported. The resulting electrochemical biosensor was validated towards glucose oxidation in real samples and further electrochemical measurement associated with the generated H2O2. The electrochemical biosensor showed an excellent sensitivity (42.7 μA mM−1 cm−2), limit of detection (7.6 μM), linear range (20 μM–2.3 mM), and good selectivity towards glucose determination. Furthermore, and most importantly, the detection of glucose was performed at a low potential (0.2 V vs. Ag). The high performance of the electrochemical biosensor was explained through surface exploration using field emission SEM, XPS, and impedance measurements. The electrochemical biosensor was successfully applied to glucose quantification in several real samples (commercial juices and a plant cell culture medium), exhibiting a high accuracy when compared with a classical spectrophotometric method. This electrochemical biosensor can be easily prepared and opens up a good alternative in the development of new sensitive glucose sensors.
Extracted statement — keywords:  activated screen-printed carbon electrodes
Research field: Engineering
Title: A Highly Sensitive Nonenzymatic Glucose Biosensor Based on the Regulatory Effect of Glucose on Electrochemical Behaviors of Colloidal Silver Nanoparticles on MoS2
Abstract: A novel and highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose biosensor was developed by nucleating colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on MoS2. The facile fabrication method, high reproducibility (97.5%) and stability indicates a promising capability for large-scale manufacturing. Additionally, the excellent sensitivity (9044.6 μA·mM−1·cm−2), low detection limit (0.03 μM), appropriate linear range of 0.1–1000 μM, and high selectivity suggests that this biosensor has a great potential to be applied for noninvasive glucose detection in human body fluids, such as sweat and saliva.
Extracted statement — Sensing material:  Colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)
Research field: Engineering
Title: Effect of Environmental Humidity on Dielectric Charging Effect in RF MEMS Capacitive Switches Based on C–V Properties
Abstract: A capacitance-voltage (C- V) model is developed for RF microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches at upstate and downstate. The transient capacitance response of the RF MEMS switches at different switch states was measured for different humidity levels. By using the C -V model as well as the voltage shift dependent of trapped charges, the transient trapped charges at different switch states and humidity levels are obtained. Charging models at different switch states are explored in detail. It is shown that the injected charges increase linearly with humidity levels and the internal polarization increases with increasing humidity at downstate. The speed of charge injection at 80% relative humidity (RH) is about ten times faster than that at 20% RH. A measurement of pull-in voltage shifts by C- V sweep cycles at 20% and 80 % RH gives a reasonable evidence. The present model is useful to understand the pull-in voltage shift of the RF MEMS switch.
Extracted statement — Study Area :  Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS
Research field: Engineering
Title: Glucose Biosensor Based on Disposable Activated Carbon Electrodes Modified with Platinum Nanoparticles Electrodeposited on Poly(Azure A)
Abstract: Herein, a novel electrochemical glucose biosensor based on glucose oxidase (GOx) immobilized on a surface containing platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) electrodeposited on poly(Azure A) (PAA) previously electropolymerized on activated screen-printed carbon electrodes (GOx-PtNPs-PAA-aSPCEs) is reported. The resulting electrochemical biosensor was validated towards glucose oxidation in real samples and further electrochemical measurement associated with the generated H2O2. The electrochemical biosensor showed an excellent sensitivity (42.7 μA mM−1 cm−2), limit of detection (7.6 μM), linear range (20 μM–2.3 mM), and good selectivity towards glucose determination. Furthermore, and most importantly, the detection of glucose was performed at a low potential (0.2 V vs. Ag). The high performance of the electrochemical biosensor was explained through surface exploration using field emission SEM, XPS, and impedance measurements. The electrochemical biosensor was successfully applied to glucose quantification in several real samples (commercial juices and a plant cell culture medium), exhibiting a high accuracy when compared with a classical spectrophotometric method. This electrochemical biosensor can be easily prepared and opens up a good alternative in the development of new sensitive glucose sensors.
Extracted statement — substrate: activated screen-printed carbon
Research field: Engineering
Title: RF MEMS Shunt Capacitive Switches Using AlN Compared to Si3N4 Dielectric
Abstract: RF microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive switches for two different dielectrics, aluminum nitride (AlN) and silicon nitride (Si3N4), are presented. The switches have been characterized and compared in terms of DC and RF performance (5-40 GHz). Switches based on AlN have higher down-state capacitance for similar dielectric thicknesses and provide better isolation and smaller insertion losses compared to Si3N4 switches. Experiments were carried out on RF MEMS switches with stiffening bars to prevent membrane deformation due to residual stress and with different spring and meander-type anchor designs. For a ~300-nm dielectric thickness, an air gap of 2.3 μm and identical spring-type designs, the AlN switches systematically show an improvement in the isolation by more than -12 dB (-35.8 dB versus -23.7 dB) and a better insertion loss (-0.68 dB versus -0.90 dB) at 40 GHz compared to Si3N4. DC measurements show small leakage current densities for both dielectrics (<;10-8 A/cm2 at 1 MV/cm). However, the resulting leakage current for AlN devices is ten times higher than for Si3N4 when applying a larger electric field. The fabricated switches were also stressed by applying different voltages in air and vacuum, and dielectric charging effects were investigated. AlN switches eliminate the residual or injected charge faster than the Si3N4 devices do.
Extracted statement — keywords: aluminum nitride
Research field: Engineering
Title: Role of ALD Al2O3 Surface Passivation on the Performance of p-Type Cu2O Thin Film Transistors
Abstract: High-performance p-type oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) have great potential for many semiconductor applications. However, these devices typically suffer from low hole mobility and high off-state currents. We fabricated p-type TFTs with a phase-pure polycrystalline Cu2O semiconductor channel grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The TFT switching characteristics were improved by applying a thin ALD Al2O3 passivation layer on the Cu2O channel, followed by vacuum annealing at 300 °C. Detailed characterization by transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the surface of Cu2O is reduced following Al2O3 deposition and indicates the formation of a 1-2 nm thick CuAlO2 interfacial layer. This, together with field-effect passivation caused by the high negative fixed charge of the ALD Al2O3, leads to an improvement in the TFT performance by reducing the density of deep trap states as well as by reducing the accumulation of electrons in the semiconducting layer in the device off-state.
Extracted statement — keywords: Atomic layer deposition
Research field: Engineering
Title: Role of ALD Al2O3 Surface Passivation on the Performance of p-Type Cu2O Thin Film Transistors
Abstract: High-performance p-type oxide thin film transistors (TFTs) have great potential for many semiconductor applications. However, these devices typically suffer from low hole mobility and high off-state currents. We fabricated p-type TFTs with a phase-pure polycrystalline Cu2O semiconductor channel grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The TFT switching characteristics were improved by applying a thin ALD Al2O3 passivation layer on the Cu2O channel, followed by vacuum annealing at 300 °C. Detailed characterization by transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the surface of Cu2O is reduced following Al2O3 deposition and indicates the formation of a 1-2 nm thick CuAlO2 interfacial layer. This, together with field-effect passivation caused by the high negative fixed charge of the ALD Al2O3, leads to an improvement in the TFT performance by reducing the density of deep trap states as well as by reducing the accumulation of electrons in the semiconducting layer in the device off-state.
Extracted statement — Film deposition method: Atomic layer deposition (ALD)
Research field: Engineering
Title: Effects of surface roughness on electromagnetic characteristics of capacitive switches
Abstract: This paper studies the effect of surface roughness on up-state and down-state capacitances of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) capacitive switches. When the root-mean-square (RMS) roughness is 10 nm, the up-state capacitance is approximately 9% higher than the theoretical value. When the metal bridge is driven down, the normalized contact area between the metal bridge and the surface of the dielectric layer is less than 1% if the RMS roughness is larger than 2 nm. Therefore, the down-state capacitance is actually determined by the non-contact part of the metal bridge. The normalized isolation is only 62% for RMS roughness of 10 nm when the hold-down voltage is 30 V. The analysis also shows that the down-state capacitance and the isolation increase with the hold-down voltage. The normalized isolation increases from 58% to 65% when the hold-down voltage increases from 10 V to 60 V for RMS roughness of 10 nm.
Extracted statement — keywords: Capacitive switches
Research field: Engineering
Title: Sensitivity-enhanced temperature sensor by hybrid cascaded configuration of a Sagnac loop and a F-P cavity
Abstract: A hybrid cascaded configuration consisting of a fiber Sagnac interferometer (FSI) and a Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) was proposed and experimentally demonstrated to enhance the temperature intensity by the Vernier-effect. The FSI, which consists of a certain length of Panda fiber, is for temperature sensing, while the FPI acts as a filter due to its temperature insensitivity. The two interferometers have almost the same free spectral range, with the spectral envelope of the cascaded sensor shifting much more than the single FSI. Experimental results show that the temperature sensitivity is enhanced from −1.4 nm/°C (single FSI) to −29.0 (cascaded configuration). The enhancement factor is 20.7, which is basically consistent with theoretical analysis (19.9).
Extracted statement — keywords: cascaded configuration
Research field: Engineering
Title: Solar blind deep ultraviolet β-Ga2O3 photodetectors grown on sapphire by the Mist-CVD method
Abstract: In this report, we demonstrate high spectral responsivity (SR) solar blind deep ultraviolet (UV) β-Ga2O3 metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors grown by the mist chemical-vapor deposition (Mist-CVD) method. The β-Ga2O3 thin film was grown on c-plane sapphire substrates, and the fabricated MSM PDs with Al contacts in an interdigitated geometry were found to exhibit peak SR>150A/W for the incident light wavelength of 254 nm at a bias of 20 V. The devices exhibited very low dark current, about 14 pA at 20 V, and showed sharp transients with a photo-to-dark current ratio>105. The corresponding external quantum efficiency is over 7 × 104%. The excellent deep UV β-Ga2O3 photodetectors will enable significant advancements for the next-generation photodetection applications.
Extracted statement — substrate: c-plane sapphire