nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Finasteride Reduces Risk of Bladder Cancer in a Large Prospective Screening Study.
Venue: European urology

The androgen receptor has been implicated in the development and progression of bladder cancer (BCa) largely based on studies of animal models. We investigated whether finasteride was associated with a reduced incidence of BCa as observed by self report in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian cancer screening trial. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine the association of finasteride use with time to diagnosis of BCa, controlling for age and tobacco use. Of the 72,370 male participants who met inclusion criteria, 6069 (8.4% had reported the use of finasteride. BCa was diagnosed in 1.07% (65 of 6069) of those who reported finasteride compared with 1.46% (966 of 66,301) of those who reported no use during the trial. In a multiple Cox regression analysis, self reported use of finasteride was associated with a decreased risk of development of BCa (hazard ratio: 0.634; 95% confidence interval, 0.493 0.816; p=0.0004) controlling for age and smoking. Limitations of this study include that it is observational and not randomized, that many of the confounding variables for BCa, such as alcohol use, were not available for use in the analysis, and that finasteride use was by annual self report, which is subject to missing values and error.  Finasteride is a common medication used to reduce the size of the prostate and to promote hair growth by manipulating testosterone in men. Men are more likely than women to develop bladder cancer (BCa) but our study noted that men using finasteride were less likely to have a BCa diagnosis.
The Historic Urban Landscape paradigm and cities as cultural landscapes. Challenging orthodoxy in urban conservation

Today, for the first time in human history, more than half of the world's population lives in cities. According to UN Habitat, within two decades, five billion people will live in cities. Coincidentally, within the field of cultural heritage conservation, increasing international interest and attention over the past two decades has been focused on urban areas. This is timely because pressure for economic development and for the prioritising of engagement with the global economy has accompanied rapid urbanisation. In many societies, pressures for economic development have privileged modernisation efforts leading to the loss of traditional communities. Accompanying this has been a concentration in the field of urban conservation on famous buildings and monuments rather than seeing cities as communities of people with values and belief systems that are reflected in the city's overall setting: its cultural landscape. This paper explores alternative ways of seeing cities particularly through the Historic Urban Landscape paradigm.
Urban conservation: The northeastern coyote as a flagship species

Flagship species have played an important role in defining and promoting various conservation causes. Over the past several years, the importance of and need for conservation in urban environments has grown as our cities and their footprints have dramatically expanded. Yet, cities face constant change and the mark of humans is the landscape's most prominent feature. This brings new challenges for practicing conservation in cities and in communicating its goals. In this essay, we demonstrate how a flagship species could be used to articulate the themes of urban conservation using the northeastern coyote or coywolf Canis latrans var. or C. latrans x lycaon as an example. We demonstrate how the natural history of the northeastern coyote can serve as an entry point to conceptualizing and communicating key concepts including ecosystem novelty (e.g. the northeastern coyote as an unintentional, but anthropogenic hybrid of canid lineages) resilience thinking (e.g. the northeastern coyote as apex predator following a period of defaunation and continued predator control) and the breakdown of the human nature divide (e.g. the northeastern coyote as possessing elements of wilderness despite being a product of anthropogenic change) These are ideas that have come to define, and challenge, the field of urban conservation.
Tales of urban conservation: Eumaeus butterflies and their threatened cycad hostplants
Venue: Urban Ecosystems

Urbanization has caused the local extinction of several butterfly species around the world, while others have managed to thrive in urban areas. Butterflies of the genus Eumaeus are among the most striking and colorful lycaenid butterflies in the Americas, but their neurotoxic hostplants, cycads, are a highly threatened plant group. The main threats for cycads are the loss and modification of their habitats and their removal for ornamental purposes, which in addition to their slow growth rate, make them highly vulnerable. Ornamental cycads are taken from natural habitats to urban areas, where they are playing an important role for Eumaeus reproduction. We here report two cases in which two Eumaeus species (E. childrenae, E. atala) are following and utilizing ornamental cycads to reproduce in urban areas, showing how significant urban areas can be, ecologically speaking. Aside from having enormous potential as flagship species for conservation in urban areas, these butterfly and plant species, and their interactions, shed encouraging light on the idea of putting reconciliation ecology ideas into action.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of the Oxide Thin Films Obtained by Sol gel Method

This chapter will discuss the mechanical and tribological stability at the microand nanoscales of oxide films deposited by the sol gel technique. The importance of tribological studies on sol gel oxide films and of some works available in the literature will be shown. Particularly, films with applications in photovoltaic and photocatalyst devices compound of Cd2SnO4 and CdO+CdTiO3 films, respectively, and films obtained from their precursor solutions were evaluated by a quantitative novel method for simultaneous in situ measurement of the wear and friction evolution. The results obtained show the microtribological performance C.J. Diliegros Godines F.J. Flores Ruiz CINVESTAV Unidad Queretaro, Queretaro, Qro, Mexico CNyN UNAM, Ensenada, BC, Mexico e mail: janani.diliegros@gmail.com R. Castanedo Perez G. Torres Delgado CINVESTAV Unidad Queretaro, Queretaro, Qro, Mexico E. Broitman Thin Film Physics Division, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 L. Klein et al. (eds. Handbook of Sol Gel Science and Technology,  1 1 of the sol gel oxides strongly depends on their crystalline phase, microstructure, and synthesis conditions.
Lead Free Ferroelectric Thin Films

Sol gel derived ferroelectric thin films, with lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr,Ti)O3, PZT) as one of the most widely studied materials, have been investigated for a wide range of applications, including microelectromechanical systems. The research of environment friendly alternatives to lead based materials, to a large extent driven by legislation, has been mainly conducted in the domain of bulk ceramics; however, environment friendly alternatives to lead based ferroelectric B. Malic K. Vojisavljevic T. Pecnik Electronic Ceramics Department, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia e mail: Barbara.malic@ijs.si; katarina.vojisavljevic@ijs.si; tanja.pecnik@ijs.si A. Kupec Electronic Ceramics Department, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory for Tribology and Interface Nanotechnology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia e mail: alja.kupec@tint.fs.uni lj.si Springer International Publishing AG 2016 L. Klein et al. (eds. Handbook of Sol Gel Science and Technology,  1 1 thin films have been also studied in recent years. Three most studied groups of lead free materials include materials based on sodium potassium niobate solid solution (K0.5Na0.5NbO3) KNN) bismuth sodium titanate (Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3, BNT) and barium titanate such as barium zirconate titanate barium calcium titanate solid solution (Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 (Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3, BZT BCT) In the present review, each group is discussed in terms of material properties, sol gel processing, and thin film crystallization, microstructure, and functional properties.
Aerogels from Preceramic Polymers

This chapter deals with a new class of ceramic aerogels derived from polymers. Polymer derived ceramics (PDCs) represent a new class of ceramic materials obtained through the pyrolysis of preceramic polymers. The PDC route allows forming nanophases of the SiC, SiOC, and SiCN systems with tailored functional properties. In its essential features, the process leading to the PDC aerogel described in this chapter consists in cross linking a preceramic polymer in a highly diluted solution, in removing the solvent using supercritical conditions to get the preceramic aerogel, and finally in converting the polymeric aerogel into the ceramic one through a pyrolysis process in controlled atmosphere. The most G.D. Soraru E. Zera R. Campostrini Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy e mail: soraru@ing.unitn.it; emanuele.zera@unitn.it; renzo.campostrini@unitn.it Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016 L. Klein et al. (eds. Handbook of Sol Gel Science and Technology,  1 1 important synthesis parameters, which control the final aerogel microstructure, will be discussed. Several examples of aerogels belonging to the SiC, SiOC, and SiCN systems will be presented along with potential applications in the field of materials for energy.
Bioformulations: for Sustainable Agriculture
Venue: Springer India

Extensive interactions of plant roots with soil microorganisms affect plant nutrition either directly by influencing mineral nutrient availability or indirectly through enhanced uptake efficiency via plant root growth promotion. Beneficial microbial interactions with roots may be either endophytic or associative and can be symbiotic, mutualistic, or incidental in nature. The increased understanding of the role of root or rhizosphere associated with microbes in the nutrition and/or yield of agricultural crops in particular has resulted in promotion of their use in agricultural production as alternatives or supplements to mineral or organic fertilizers. Despite this, there is an obvious lack of market penetration of microbial inoculants. This review specifically focuses on microbial inoculants, collectively termed biofertilizers, used to improve nutrition and yields of grain, legume, oil, tuber, D. Lesueur L. Herrmann CIRAD, UMR Eco&Sols Ecologie Fonctionnelle Biogeochimique des Sols Agroecosystemes (SupAgro CIRAD INRA IRD) Land Development Department, Office of Science for Land Development, Paholyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, Victoria 3125,  didier.lesueur@cirad.fr; dllesueurdidier@gmail. com R. Deaker Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, University of Sydney,  71 and other crops. A vast number of commercial biofertilizers are available worldwide; however, the quality and efficacy of many of them are not proven or tested. In the absence of efficacious biofertilizers of good and consistent quality, the dependence on the use of mineral fertilizers is not likely to decrease. Thus the availability of high quality biofertilizers must be priority particularly in countries where crop plant production plays a key role in the economy and food security.
A Meta Analysis of Working Memory Deficits in Children With Learning Difficulties
Venue: Journal of learning disabilities

Children with learning difficulties suffer from working memory (WM) deficits. Yet the specificity of deficits associated with different types of learning difficulties remains unclear. Further research can contribute to our understanding of the nature of WM and the relationship between it and learning difficulties. The current meta analysis synthesized research on verbal WM and numerical WM among children with reading difficulties (RD) children with mathematics difficulties (MD) and children with reading and mathematics difficulties (RDMD) A total of 29 studies subsuming 110 comparisons were included. Results showed that compared to typically developing children, all learning difficulty groups demonstrated deficits in verbal WM and numerical WM, with RDMD children showing the most severe WM deficits. MD children and RD children showed comparable verbal WM deficits, but MD children showed more severe numerical WM deficits than RD children. Neither severity of learning difficulties nor type of academic screening emerged as a moderator of WM deficit profiles. Although the findings indicate the domain general nature of WM deficits in RD, MD, and RDMD children, the numerical WM deficits of children with MD and RDMD may reflect the domain specific nature of WM deficits.
Neurobiological Basis of Language Learning Difficulties
Venue: Trends in Cognitive Sciences

In this paper we highlight why there is a need to examine subcortical learning systems in children with language impairment and dyslexia, rather than focusing solely on cortical areas relevant for language. First, behavioural studies find that children with these neurodevelopmental disorders perform less well than peers on procedural learning tasks that depend on corticostriatal learning circuits. Second, fMRI studies in neurotypical adults implicate corticostriatal and hippocampal systems in language learning. Finally, structural and functional abnormalities are seen in the striatum in children with language disorders. Studying corticostriatal networks in developmental language disorders could offer us insights into their neurobiological basis and elucidate possible modes of compensation for intervention.
Assistance of students with mathematical learning difficulties: how can research support practice?

When looking at teaching and learning processes in mathematics education students with mathematical learning difficulties or disabilities are of great interest. To approach the question of how research can support practice to assist these students one has to clarify the group or groups of students that we are talking about. The following contribution firstly concentrates on the problem of labelling the group of students having mathematical difficulties as there does not exist a single definition. This problem might be put down to the different roots of mathematics education on the one hand and special education on the other hand. Research results with respect to concepts and models for instruction are multifaceted based on the specific content and mathematical topics as well as the underlying view of mathematics. Taking into account inclusive education, a closer orientation to mathematical education can be identified and the potential of selected teaching and learning concepts can be illustrated. Beyond this, the role of the teacher, their attitudes and beliefs and the corresponding teacher education programs are discussed.
High School Athletes With ADHD and Learning Difficulties Have a Greater Lifetime Concussion History
Venue: Journal of attention disorders

Examine lifetime history of concussions in adolescents who have developmental problems in comparison with those with no developmental problems.  Thirty two thousand four hundred eighty seven adolescent athletes completed baseline/pre season evaluations. Based on self reported histories, athletes were divided into four groups: ADHD only, ADHD and learning difficulties (LD) LD only, and controls.  Athletes with ADHD, LD, or ADHD plus LD reported a greater prevalence of prior concussions than athletes without these developmental conditions (ps .05) When adjusting for sex differences in concussion prevalence rates (boys are greater than girls) there was an increase in prevalence of prior injuries in those with ADHD, and ADHD plus learning difficulties compared with those with LD only. This pattern was found for both girls and boys. There was no additive effect of having both conditions.  Developmental conditions in adolescent athletes, such as ADHD and learning difficulties, are associated with a greater prevalence rate of prior concussion.
Learning difficulties prediction

In this paper we investigate the possibility to predict brain difficulties during a brain procedure. More specifically, during an educational procedure we investigate Neurophysiological (or Electrophysiological) indexes in order to analyse Electroencephalography (EEG) signals and finally identify and predict difficulties in this educational procedure. More specifically we use Global Field Power, an index which reflects the spatial standard deviation of evoked potentials in brain map. Finally we use classification methods to find a proper mathematical model in order to predict these difficulties.
Research on the Filtration Performance of Two Kinds of PTFE Modified Filter Media

With the improvement of environmental standards, fine particle control technology has put forward a severe test. Lamination and impregnation which are two main methods for PTFE modified filter materials at present were studied in this research. By comparing the SEM result, classification efficiency of two modification methods, the influence rules of humidity and corrosive environments, filter performance was investigated. Research indicates that two modification methods have different improvements in filter materials filter performance. Filter material after lamination porosity is high and pore size is small, the average pole diameter is around 2.3mm which is 1/10 of that after impregnation, so surface filtering is easily formed. The laminated filter material can effectively withhold the yardstick of microscopic dust micron. Attachments on the surface of composite filter material fiber noticeably increased, surface density and thickness of composite filter material all increased slightly after emulsion impregnation treatment which can increase the filter material strength under normal conditions. The pressure loss of lamination filter material is higher than that of impregnation filter material. Lamination filter material has higher filtering classification efficiency for fine particles. Impregnation is conducive to enhance the strength of the filter. Two kinds of modified filter materials have good resistance to acids, but break in 85degC and alkali conditions, strength retention disappears entirely. The study provided a reference for the stable and efficient application of modified filter material in the dust removal field.
Optimal Process Operations in Fast Changing Electricity Markets: Framework for Scheduling with Low Order Dynamic Models and an Air Separation Application

Today's fast changing markets often require the granularity of production schedules to be refined to time scales comparable to the time constants of a chemical process. Consequently, the process dynamics must be considered explicitly in production scheduling. High dimensionality, nonlinearity, and the associated computational complexity make incorporating dynamic models in scheduling calculations challenging. We propose a novel scheduling approach based on scheduling oriented low order dynamic models identified from historical process operating data. We introduce a methodology for selecting scheduling relevant variables and identify empirical models that capture their dynamic response to production target changes imposed at the scheduling level. The optimal scheduling calculation is then formulated as a dynamic optimization aimed at minimizing operating cost. We apply these concepts to an industrial size model of an air separation unit operating under time sensitive electricity prices. Our approach reduce.
Motivations for videogame play: Predictors of time spent playing
Venue: Comput. Hum. Behav.

The aim of the current research was to identify factors that are associated with the amount of time people play videogames. The current study extends previous research by exploring this question with a variety of genres of videogames. Five hundred and seventy three participants completed an online survey of their gaming habits, preferences and their experiences while playing. Beyond differences in hours of play associated with gender and game genres, greater time spent playing was found to be associated with playing with others and with higher experiences of competence, autonomy and relatedness during gameplay. The findings are interpreted in light of previous research and the potential implications for links between videogame play and wellbeing are considered. We explore the factors that influence the amount of time people spend playing videogames.Certain genres of videogames are associated with greater time playing.Playing with other people is associated greater time playing.Satisfaction of self determination needs is associated with greater time playing.There is some support for immersion being associated with less time playing.
Cancer Survivors Who Play Recreational Computer Games: Motivations for Playing and Associations with Beneficial Psychological Outcomes.
Venue: Games for health journal

Playing recreational videogames is a common activity, yet little is known about its role in the lives of people who are coping with serious illness. These individuals may experience depression and isolation and may turn to games to help alleviate negative experiences and support well being. We explored these possibilities in the context of cancer survivors. The study aimed to discover motivations underlying game play and the extent to which motivations are associated with psychological health and well being.  We conducted a cross sectional online survey of survivors who play recreational games (N 794) Key variables were motivations and indicators of psychological health, including self efficacy in cancer communications, resilient coping, and beliefs that one is living a fulfilling and meaningful life (flourishing) RESULTS Participants were most likely to be motivated to play for stimulation and a sense of accomplishment (intrinsic rewards) followed by development of self, sense of community, and personal affirmation. Multiple regression analyses revealed positive associations between playing for intrinsic rewards and all three psychological health outcomes. Playing for a sense of community was also positively associated with coping and flourishing.  Playing recreational videogames, particularly to receive intrinsic rewards and to connect with others, may play a supportive role in the psychological health of survivors. Findings suggest future areas for research and implications for development of serious games.
The Determinants of Bank Mergers: A Revealed Preference Analysis
Venue: Manag. Sci.

We provide new estimates of merger value creation by exploiting revealed preferences of merging banks within a matching market framework. We find that merger value arises from cost efficiencies in overlapping markets, relaxing of regulation, and network effects exhibited by the acquirer target matching. In our analysis of bank mergers, we find that merger value creation is unrelated to acquirer misvaluation and performance, suggesting that mergers in our sample are not motivated by manager specific rents. Consistent with this interpretation, we estimate that only six percent of mergers destroy value, reducing overall merger value by less than one percent. Bates White Economic Consulting +University of Colorado at Boulder Leeds School of Business. Corresponding author.