nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Impact of capital structure on firm s profitability and shareholder wealth maximization A study of listed Indian cement companies

The capital structure decision is the imperative one since the profitability of the firm is specifically influenced by such decision. It is redundant that benefit ought to be the main target for a business. Profit maximization is part of the wealth creation process. Where, wealth maximization is a long haul process. It alludes to the value of the firm and it is expressed in the value of stock. Hence, this study has aimed at investigating the impact of capital structure on the profitability and shareholder wealth of the listed cement manufacturing companies using a panel data methodology. The study considered all the listed cement manufacturing companies on the National Stock Exchange over the past 8 years. To analyze the data various statistical techniques include descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis were used. Two kinds of variables were used in the study. Dependent variables are Return on Asset, Tobin's q ratio to measure market value and EPS to measure shareholder wealth. Where, the independent variables were leverage, debt to equity ratio, total liability, size and rate of growth in sales. Our results showed that the capital structure (debtequity ratio) positively impact the firm's profitability, market value and shareholder wealth but statistically this relation is not significant. This study is significant in that it will add to the already existing literature on the impact of capital structure on the firm's profitability and shareholder wealth.
Image moments based visual servoing of robot using an adaptive controller
Venue: 2016 Asia Pacific Conference on Intelligent Robot Systems (ACIRS)

Vision guided robotic operation has been widely used in industrial applications. Especially, visual servoing has a glory prospect use in this scenario. It's widely known that the eye in hand configuration in visual servoing architectures is categorized as a highly coupled and nonlinear system. With the decoupling properties, it is very suitable to use some features deduced from moments to control the whole six Degrees of Freedom (DOFs) of a camera. In this paper, some new moment based features are given to control the rotational motion around different axis and a simple adaptive factor controller is introduced to further enhance the performance of the servo system. As a result, we get a greater convergence domain and better dynamic properties.
Transformation of metal organic frameworks for molecular sieving membranes
Venue: Nature communications

The development of simple, versatile strategies for the synthesis of metal organic framework (MOF) derived membranes are of increasing scientific interest, but challenges exist in understanding suitable fabrication mechanisms. Here we report a route for the complete transformation of a series of MOF membranes and particles, based on multivalent cation substitution. Through our approach, the effective pore size can be reduced through the immobilization of metal salt residues in the cavities, and appropriate MOF crystal facets can be exposed, to achieve competitive molecular sieving capabilities. The method can also be used more generally for the synthesis of a variety of MOF membranes and particles. Importantly, we design and synthesize promising MOF membranes candidates that are hard to achieve through conventional methods. For example, our CuBTC/MIL 100 membrane exhibits 89, 171, 241 and 336 times higher H2 permeance than that of CO2, O2, N2 and CH4, respectively.
Raman spectroscopy Basic principle, instrumentation and selected applications for the characterization of drugs of abuse

This review gives an overview of the developments in the analysis of drugs of abuse and other illicit substances by Raman spectroscopy for forensic purpose. The review covers the brief overview of basic principle and instrumentation of Raman spectroscopy along with selected and recent applications for characterization of drugs of abuse using this technique. These applications show the potential value of Raman spectroscopy in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace amounts of drugs of abuse and other illicit substances on different matrices such as cloth, currency notes, fiber etc. without extensive sample preparation in a non destructive manner.
Decoding ALS: from genes to mechanism
Venue: Nature

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and uniformly fatal neurodegenerative disease. A plethora of genetic factors have been identified that drive the degeneration of motor neurons in ALS, increase susceptibility to the disease or influence the rate of its progression. Emerging themes include dysfunction in RNA metabolism and protein homeostasis, with specific defects in nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, the induction of stress at the endoplasmic reticulum and impaired dynamics of ribonucleoprotein bodies such as RNA granules that assemble through liquid liquid phase separation. Extraordinary progress in understanding the biology of ALS provides new reasons for optimism that meaningful therapies will be identified.
Effects of aging on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the silicone rubber current transformer insulation bushing for a 500 kV substation
Venue: SpringerPlus

In order to analyze the cracking and aging reason of the silicone rubber current transformer (CT) insulation bushing used for 8 years from a 500 kV alternating current substation, characteristics including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical properties analysis, hardness, and thermo gravimetric analysis have been carried out. The FTIR results indicated that the external surface of the silicone rubber CT insulation bushing suffered from more serious aging than the internal part, fracture of side chain Si C bond was much more than the backbone. Mechanical properties and thermal stability results illustrated that the main aging reasons were the breakage of side chain Si C bond and the excessive cross linking reaction of the backbone. This study can provide valuable basis for evaluating degradation mechanism and aging state of the silicone rubber insulation bushing in electric power field.
Measuring energy economic efficiency: A mathematical programming approach

The widely used measurement for energy efficiency are in form of physical quantity, thus neglecting the economic cost and the imperfect substitution among energy and other production factors such as capital and labor. In the real world, least energy input does not always leads to optimal factor combinations in production processes. The goal of producers is to minimize the total factor cost or maximize the profit instead of minimizing the physical input. The optimum factor combination is constrained not only by the available technology but also by the relative prices of factors. Based on the production theory and mathematical programming, the "energy economic efficiency (ee)" is constructed to calculate energy efficiency which connects energy productivity and economic efficiency (Ee) In this paper, we have a further discussion on the properties of the energy economic efficiency diagrammatically and mathematically and measure the efficiency in electricity generation sector of 23 International Energy Agency (IEA) countries. Compared with traditional energy efficiency indicators (in physical form) we develop a more proper way of evaluating energy efficiency with better performance.
Worse self reported outcomes but no limitations in performance based measures in patients with long standing hip and groin pain compared with healthy controls
Venue: Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate patient reported outcomes as well as lower extremity and trunk muscle function in patients with long standing hip and groin pain, in comparison with matched, healthy controls. It was hypothesized that patients with long standing hip and groin pain would report more deficiency on the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score (HAGOS) and have worse outcomes on performance based measures than healthy controls.MethodsNineteen patients with long standing hip and groin pain and 19 healthy, activity level age gender and weight matched controls were assessed with the HAGOS for self reported outcomes, and a parallel squat (w/kg) single leg triple jump (cm) single leg rise (n) barbell roll out of height) and plank test (s) for performance based measures. Independent sample t test was performed to assess between group differences. The paired t test was used to analyse between limb differences in unilateral performance tasks.ResultsThe patients had worse scores than the controls in all HAGOS subscales (p 0.001) while no statistically significant differences were observed for any performance measure between groups or between symptomatic and non symptomatic limbs.ConclusionsDespite significant self reported functional limitations on the HAGOS, there were no significant differences between groups in performance based strength or power measures. The results of this study highlight the need to identify performance based measures, sensitive to functional deficiencies in patients with long standing hip and groin pain in order to complement the clinical picture obtained by patient reported outcomes such as the HAGOS.Level of evidenceIII.
Survey of Robot 3D Path Planning Algorithms

Robot 3D three dimension path planning targets for finding an optimal and collision free path in a 3D workspace while taking into account kinematic constraints including geometric, physical, and temporal constraints. The purpose of path planning, unlike motion planning which must be taken into consideration of dynamics, is to find a kinematically optimal path with the least time as well as model the environment completely. We discuss the fundamentals of these most successful robot 3D path planning algorithms which have been developed in recent years and concentrate on universally applicable algorithms which can be implemented in aerial robots, ground robots, and underwater robots. This paper classifies all the methods into five categories based on their exploring mechanisms and proposes a category, called multifusion based algorithms. For all these algorithms, they are analyzed from a time efficiency and implementable area perspective. Furthermore a comprehensive applicable analysis for each kind of method is presented after considering their merits and weaknesses.
The angle guidance path planning algorithms for unmanned surface vehicle formations by using the fast marching method

By deploying multiple USVs as a formation fleet, benefits such as wide mission area, improved system autonomy and increased fault tolerant resilience can be achieved. To efficiently and effectively navigate the USV formation, path planning algorithms are required to generate optimal trajectories and provide practical collision avoidance manoeuvres. In particular, as the USV is underactuated and is restricted by various motion constraints, this paper has presented a new algorithm named the 'angle guidance fast marching square' (AFMS) to make the generated path compliant with vehicle's dynamics and orientation restrictions. Based upon the AFMS, a formation path planning algorithm has been proposed to guide the USVs safely navigating in a cluttered environment. In addition, the formation forming problem has been specifically investigated with the algorithm being developed to make the USVs capable of forming the desired shape by following the trajectories from random initial configurations (positions and orientations) In order to eliminate the potential collision risks occurring on the route, a novel priority scheme based upon the distance to the closest point of approaching (DCPA) has also been proposed and developed. Algorithms have been validated on the computer based simulations and are proven to work effectively in different environments.
A Genetic Relationship between Phosphorus Efficiency and Photosynthetic Traits in Soybean As Revealed by QTL Analysis Using a High Density Genetic Map
Venue: Front. Plant Sci.

Plant productivity relies on photosynthesis, and the photosynthetic process relies on phosphorus (P) The genetic basis of photosynthesis and P efficiency (PE) affecting yield has been separately characterized in various crop plants. However, the genetic relationship between PE and photosynthesis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we used a combined analysis of phenotypic correlation, linkage mapping, and expression analysis to dissect the relationship between PE and photosynthesis. We found significant phenotypic correlations between PE and photosynthetic related traits, particularly under low P stress. A total of 172 QTLs for both traits were detected and classified into 29 genomic regions. 12 (41.4% of 29 regions were detected to be associated with both PE and photosynthetic related traits. Three major QTLs, q14 2, q15 2, and q19 2, were found to be associated with both traits and explained 6.6 58.9% of phenotypic variation. A photosynthetic specific QTL cluster, q12 1, was detected under both normal and low P conditions, suggesting that genes responsible for this region were less effected by low P stress, and could be used in high photosynthetic efficiency breeding programs. In addition, several candidate genes with significantly differential expression upon low P stress, such as a purple acid phosphatase gene (Glyma.19G193900) within q19 2 region, were considered as promising candidates involved in regulating both soybean PE and photosynthetic capacity. Our results reveal a significant genetic relationship between PE and photosynthetic traits, and uncover several major genomic regions specific or common to these traits. The markers linked closely to these major QTLs may be used for selection of soybean varieties with improved P efficiency and photosynthetic capacity.
Genetic mapping and QTL analysis in European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.
Venue: Molecular Breeding

The European hazelnut (Corylus avellana L. is the most economically important nut species in the Betulaceae family. Despite the need for new improved hazelnut cultivars, few breeding programs are carried out because of the large plant size, the long lifecycle of the plant, and the expense and time required. To date, there are no reports of maps with quantitative trait loci (QTL) in hazelnut. Our objective in the present study was to identify QTL associated with vegetative traits to allow marker assisted selection (MAS) An F1 progeny (275 plants) of Tonda Gentile delle Langhe x Merveille de Bollwiller obtained in 2009 was used to develop a QTL linkage map for vigour, sucker habit, and time of bud burst, after three years of observations. A set of 163 plants were analysed with 152 microsatellite markers. A map of 11 linkage groups was obtained, covering 663.1 cM, and 15 QTLs were identified and mapped for the traits examined. Of them, 10 were 'major' QTL, including a stably expressed region on LG_02 for leaf bud burst. At least one major QTL for each year underlies the variation in each trait and a clustering of QTL for trunk circumference and suckers/trunk circumference ratio with high inter trait correlations was observed on LG_05, suggesting a single pleiotropic locus. This research represents an initial step in the future identification of chromosomal regions carrying genes of interest, important for breeding programs and MAS.
The right incentives enable ocean sustainability successes and provide hope for the future
Venue: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Healthy ocean ecosystems are needed to sustain people and livelihoods and to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Using the ocean sustainably requires overcoming many formidable challenges: overfishing, climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution. Despite gloomy forecasts, there is reason for hope. New tools, practices, and partnerships are beginning to transform local fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and marine spatial planning. The challenge is to bring them to a global scale. We dissect recent successes using a complex adaptive systems (CAS) framework, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. Understanding how policies and practices change the feedbacks in CASs by altering the behavior of different system components is critical for building robust, sustainable states with favorable emergent properties. Our review reveals that altering incentives either economic or social norms, or both can achieve positive outcomes. For example, introduction of well designed rights based or secure access fisheries and ecosystem service accounting shifts economic incentives to align conservation and economic benefits. Modifying social norms can create conditions that incentivize a company, country, or individual to fish sustainably, curb illegal fishing, or create large marine reserves as steps to enhance reputation or self image. In each example, the feedbacks between individual actors and emergent system properties were altered, triggering a transition from a vicious to a virtuous cycle. We suggest that evaluating conservation tools by their ability to align incentives of actors with broader goals of sustainability is an underused approach that can provide a pathway toward scaling sustainability successes. In short, getting incentives right matters.
On body localization of wearable devices: An investigation of position aware activity recognition
Venue: 2016 IEEE International Conference on Pervasive Computing and Communications (PerCom)

Human activity recognition using mobile device sensors is an active area of research in pervasive computing. In our work, we aim at implementing activity recognition approaches that are suitable for real life situations. This paper focuses on the problem of recognizing the on body position of the mobile device which in a real world setting is not known a priori. We present a new real world data set that has been collected from 15 participants for 8 common activities were they carried 7 wearable devices in different positions. Further, we introduce a device localization method that uses random forest classifiers to predict the device position based on acceleration data. We perform the most complete experiment in on body device location that includes all relevant device positions for the recognition of a variety of different activities. We show that the method outperforms other approaches achieving an F Measure of 89% across different positions. We also show that the detection of the device position consistently improves the result of activity recognition for common activities.
Effect of Saffron (Fan Hong Hua) On the Readiness of The Uterine Cervix In Term Pregnancy: A Placebo Controlled Randomized Trial
Venue: Iranian Red Crescent medical journal

Readiness of the cervix is required for successful induction of labor, and there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved.  The aim of the present study was to assess whether taking saffron orally could have an effect on the cervical readiness (primary outcome) and some delivery and neonatal outcomes (secondary outcomes) in women in the stage of term pregnancy.  In this double blind trial, 50 women with a gestational age of 39 to 41 weeks, no indication of cesarean section, a Bishop's score of less than 4, who had plan to have vaginal delivery at Shohada hospital of Bonab, Iran were randomized into two groups receiving three 250mg saffron or placebo pills in 24 hours. The readiness of the cervix was assessed using the Bishop's score. The Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the scores between the groups.  There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the Bishop's score at the baseline (P 0.792) and 10 12 hours after starting the intervention (P 0.159) The Bishop's score was significantly higher in the saffron group 20 24 hours after the intervention was started (P 0.029) and just after onset of active uterine contractions (P 0.003) In the saffron group, there was no cesarean section and 1 meconium staining of the fetus, but 3 and 4, respectively, in the placebo group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the timing of the onset of spontaneous active uterine contractions, the duration of the first and second stages of labor, the need for delivery augmentation, and the first and fifth minutes of neonatal Apgar (P 0.05) No adverse event was reported in any of the groups.  Saffron can increase the readiness of the cervix in term pregnancies. However, the study limitations do not allow for any definite conclusions for its use in clinical practice, and more research is needed to assess its effect on delivery and neonatal outcomes.
Impact du tabagisme actif sur la qualite du sommeil et la severite du syndrome d'apnees hypopnees obstructives du sommeil

Le but de notre etude est de montrer l'impact du tabac sur la qualite du sommeil et la severite du syndrome d'apnee hypopnees obstructives du sommeil (SAHOS) Methodes Le but de notre etude est de montrer l'impact du tabac sur la qualite du sommeil et la severite du syndrome d'apnee hypopnees obstructives du sommeil (SAHOS) Methodes il s'agit d'une etude descriptive, cas temoins concernant deux groupes de patients atteints de SAHOS realisee en 2015 dans le service de physiologie clinique et des explorations fonctionnelles. Population 20 patients de sexe masculin atteints de SAHOS fumeurs dont 9 presentent une BPCO compares a un groupe de 20 patients presentant un SAHOS non fumeurs. Suite a l'examen clinique et l'evaluation de la somnolence diurne excessive SDE par l'echelle d'Epwrth, les patients ont ete explores a l'aide d'un polysomnographe de type Weimann et ont subit une exploration fonctionnelle respiratoire grace a un spirometre de type ZA N 100 repondant aux criteres ATS/ERS 2005. La qualite du sommeil a ete evaluee par l'indice des micro eveils. Resultats La moyenne de l'IAH des fumeurs etait severe et significativement superieur a celui des non fumeurs 33,4 versus 15,6. De meme, l'indice de desaturation 44,2 versus 15,9. Par ailleurs, la moyenne de  etait en faveur d'une obesite chez les fumeurs 33,9 contre un surpoids chez les non fumeurs. D'un point de vue clinique, le ronflement etait present dans les deux groupes par contre la SDE etait significativement plus importante chez les fumeurs que les non fumeurs. L'index des micro eveils etait significativement superieur chez les fumeurs.  Les resultats de cette etude ont objective un SAHOS severe chez les fumeurs avec une fragmentation importante du sommeil, de ce fait en plus du traitement par pression positive continue, le sevrage tabagique et l'hygiene de vie s'avere necessaire.