nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Identifying the Woes of the Cotton Textile Industry in Bengal: Tales of the Nineteenth Century

This article seeks to answer three basic questions about the nineteenth-century cotton textile industry in Bengal that still remain unresolved in the literature; namely, when did the industry begin to decay, what was the extent of its decay during the early nineteenth century, and what were the factors that led to this? In the absence of data on production, this article seeks to settle the debate on the basis of the industry's market performance and its consumption of raw materials. It contests the prevailing hypothesis that the industry's perpetual decline started in the late eighteenth or the early nineteenth century. Instead, it is argued that the decline started around the mid-1820s. The pace of its decline was, however, slow though steady at the beginning, but reached crisis point by 1860, when around 563,000 workers lost their jobs. Regarding the extent of its decay, this article concludes that the industry was diminished by about 28 per cent by the mid-1800s. However, it survived in the high-end and low-end domestic markets. Evidence is also gathered in favour of the hypothesis that, although British discriminatory policies undoubtedly depressed the industry's export outlet, its decay is better explained by technological innovations in Great Britain.

Field of study: Economics, History
Reduced steady-state levels of mitochondrial RNA and increased mitochondrial DNA amount in human brain with aging.

The contribution of the mitochondrial genetic system in the degenerative processes of senescence remains unclear. This study deals with age-related changes in brain mtDNA expression in humans. Brain tissue from the frontal lobe cortex was obtained from autopsy of 13 humans aged between 21 and 84 years. No structural changes were detected in mtDNA, increased mtDNA content and reduced steady-state level of mitochondrial transcripts and transcription ratio (mtRNA/mtDNA) were associated with aging. These findings suggest that the increase of the mtDNA levels could be considered as an inefficient compensatory mechanism to maintain the normal levels of mtRNA transcripts. This unbalanced mitochondrial condition could play a role in the process of senescence in human brain.

Field of study: Biology
The Relevance and Utility of World Class Operations to the University of Guyana

This paper explores the relevance and utility of World Class Operations to the University of Guyana in an era where time and distance no longer pose barriers to competition locally and internationally. It outlines the options available under a World Class Operations framework which can enable the university to progress beyond its present quality assurance initiative. The utilisation and implementation of world class operations strategies can allow the institution to not only achieve its present goal of producing programmes/graduate students fit for purpose intended but also to gain a competitive edge over competitors and thus ensure the university’s continued survival.

Field of study: Business
Risk aversion in the theory of expected utility with rank dependent probabilities

Expected utility with rank dependent probability theory is a model of decision-making under risk where the preference relations on the set of probability distributions is represented by the mathematical expectation of a utility function with respect to a transformation of the probability distributions on the set of outcomes. This paper defines, based on Gâteaux differentiability, measures of risk aversion for such preferences which characterize the relation “more risk averse” and applies these measures to the analysis of unconditional and conditional portfolio choice problems.

Field of study: Economics
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF INTERMEDIATE CRACK-INDUCED DEBONDING IN FRP STRENGTHENED RC BEAMS

A finite element (FE) model to simulate the intermediate crack (IC) debonding of RC beams flexually strengthened with externally bonded FRP plates is presented. A dual debonding criterion is proposed so that IC debonding can be predicted with the common smeared crack approach for concrete. Based on meso-scale FE results, proper bond-slip models for the interface between FRP and concrete are subsequently proposed. The FE model is implemented into the FE package MSC.MARC. Through comparisons with the experimental results of 45 beams, the proposed method is shown to provide accurate predictions of IC debonding failures.

Field of study: Engineering
Imaging characteristics and growth of subependymal giant cell astrocytomas.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are a common manifestation of tuberous sclerosis (TS). These evolving tumors have a propensity to cause obstructive hydrocephalus, usually due to obstruction at the level of the foramen of Monro. Differentiating SEGAs from subependymal nodules (SENs) before obstruction occurs may improve the morbidity associated with these tumors. In this study the authors' aim was to determine imaging characteristics of proven tumors in a single-center pediatric population.



The authors retrospectively reviewed all records and images obtained in patients with TS in whom results of biopsy sampling had proven that their tumors were SEGAs. Time to presentation, signs and symptoms at presentation, and imaging characteristics of the evolving tumors were noted. Twelve patients with 14 SEGAs proven by the results of biopsy sampling were reviewed. Resection was recommended for symptomatic and neuroimaging evidence of hydrocephalus (41%), tumor growth without evidence of hydrocephalus (33%), and for poorly controlled seizures (25%). The mean diameter of the tumors at the time of resection was 1.9 cm (range 0.3-4 cm), and no tumor recurred. Because of the pathological and radiographic continuum of SENs and SEGAs, it remains difficult to predict whether and when a given lesion will progress. Tumor growth and contrast enhancement are the most common signs of progression on neuroimages, and may be seen prior to the development of obstructive hydrocephalus.



Patients with SENs and SEGAs should undergo follow-up neuroimaging at yearly intervals, and if lesions show signs of progression (contrast enhancement or growth), these intervals should be shortened and consideration given to early resection.

Field of study: Medicine
Crystallization and thermal properties of thermoplastic elastomeric reactive blends of polyamide-6 and acrylate rubber

The structural characterization of thermoplastic elastomeric blends of polyamide-6 and acrylate rubber (ACM) has been carried out by wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis (WAXD) and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). WAXD results suggest a reduction in the crystallite size as well as an increase in the unit cell dimensions of polyamide-6 crystals in the presence of ACM. DSC results showed a drop in both T m and the crystallinity of the polyamide-6 phase with the addition of rubber in the blends. The T of ACM in the blends was higher than that of pure ACM homopolymer. The elevation of T g of ACM, coupled with the depression of T m of polyamide-6, indicates the kinetic restriction of the crystallization process of polyamide-6 in the blends, which is ascribed to the grafting of ACM chains onto the polyamide-6 matrix during the melt blending operation.

Field of study: Materials science
Towards a balanced approach to rebuilding war‐torn societies

This article examines the complex challenges facing Canada as it attempts to contribute to the political, economic and social reconstruction of countries emerging from intra and inter‐state conflict. In Canada there has been a tendency to focus myopically on the military and peacekeeping dimensions of international conflict management — to the neglect of the nonmilitary actors and activities that contribute significantly to the peace process. The article argues that Canada risks contributing to the militarization of humanitarian and reconstruction efforts if it accepts uncritically the calls for a greater “civilianization of peacekeeping.” Instead of approaching humanitarian intervention and the rebuilding of war‐tom societies as a process in which civilians are incorporated into a military peacekeeping operation, the article argues the need to view it as a process of incorporating military actors into an essentially “civilian” operation.

Field of study: Political science
Does nitrogen deposition increase forest production? The role of phosphorus.

Effects of elevated N deposition on forest aboveground biomass were evaluated using long-term data from N addition experiments and from forest observation plots in Switzerland. N addition experiments with saplings were established both on calcareous and on acidic soils, in 3 plots with Fagus sylvatica and in 4 plots with Picea abies. The treatments were conducted during 15 years and consisted of additions of dry NH4NO3 at rates of 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1). The same tree species were observed in permanent forest observation plots covering the time span between 1984 and 2007, at modeled N deposition rates of 12-46 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1). Experimental N addition resulted in either no change or in a decreased shoot growth and in a reduced phosphorus concentration in the foliage in all experimental plots. In the forest, a decrease of foliar P concentration was observed between 1984 and 2007, resulting in insufficient concentrations in 71% and 67% of the Fagus and Picea plots, respectively, and in an increasing N:P ratio in Fagus. Stem increment decreased during the observation period even if corrected for age. Forest observations suggest an increasing P limitation in Swiss forests especially in Fagus which is accompanied by a growth decrease whereas the N addition experiments support the hypothesis that elevated N deposition is an important cause for this development.

Field of study: Environmental science
Long-term treatment of lupus nephritis with cyclosporin A.

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with cyclosporin A (CSA) in type IV lupus nephritis. Seventeen patients with biopsy-proven WHO type IV lupus nephritis were enrolled in a prospective, open study. Twelve of the 17 completed 48 months of treatment with CSA and prednisolone. Three patients required the addition of azathioprine, at 12, 38 and 47 months, respectively, for cutaneous disease flare with refractory rashes. One patient was lost to follow-up at 40 months. The mean +/- SD duration of treatment was 43.2 +/- 10.1 months (range 15.7-48 months). A significant reduction of proteinuria and a significant rise in serum albumin were noted 1 month after initiation of treatment. Improvement was maintained throughout the study except for three patients who relapsed with recurrence of nephrotic syndrome. There were no significant changes in serum creatinine level or creatinine clearances throughout the study. Repeat renal biopsy at 12 months following treatment with CSA showed histological improvement, with WHO type II changes in all 17 patients accompanying significant reduction in activity indices. Patients with baseline haemoglobin (Hgb) levels < 12 g/dl showed significant improvement. Serum C3 and C4 levels were not changed significantly. Corticosteroid-sparing effects were noted. Side-effects included hypertension, gum hypertrophy and mild hirsuitism, but were not serious. Combination therapy using CSA and prednisone is effective and safe for long-term treatment in lupus patients with WHO type IV nephritis.

Field of study: Medicine
Partial transcription maps of equine infectious anemia virus genomes

Donkey leukocyte attenuated EIAV and donkey adapted EIAV were inoculated into the donkey primary macrophage culture and a healthy donkey respectively, transcription products of the two virus strains were analyzed in vitro and in vivo. By comparing the sequences of the genomes of these transcripts, transcription maps of the viruses were determined. The exons of these transcripts and the positions of these exons in corresponding genomes were also determined by experiments in this study. The positions of 3^ splicing acceptor of exon-3(SA2) of these two strains were different from other strains reported previously. The splicing signals were also unique in reported EIAV strains. Because of the significance of the splicing event in the replication of the virus, it suggested these characters might correlate to the biological divergence of the two viruses.

Field of study: Biology
Temperature- and pressure-dependent midinfrared absorption cross sections of gaseous hydrocarbons.

Transmittance spectra of four gaseous hydrocarbons were measured by using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The analyzed substances are propane, n-butane, ethanol, and iso-octane (2,2,4-trimethyl-pentane). Mixtures of hydrocarbons and nitrogen were prepared and analyzed in an optical cell between 298 and 473 K at pressures up to 1800 kPa. Molecule specific absorption cross sections were calculated for different temperatures and pressures that are relevant for technical absorption measurements. Dependences of the spectral absorption cross sections, as well as the integrated absorption cross sections on temperature and pressure, were investigated.

Field of study: Physics
Improved on an efficient user authentication scheme for heterogeneous wireless sensor network tailored for the Internet of Things environment

Recently, Farasha et al. proposed an efficient user authentication and key agreement scheme for heterogeneous wireless sensor network tailored for the Internet of Things environment. By using BAN-logic and AVISPA tools, they confirm the security properties of the proposed scheme. However, after analyzing, we determine that the scheme could not resist the smart card loss password guessing attack, which is one of the ten basic requirements in a secure identity authentication using smart card, assisted by Liao et al. Therefore, we modify the method to include the desired security functionality, which is significantly important in a user authentication system using smart card.

Field of study: Computer science, Mathematics
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis of N6-benzylaminopurine residue quantity in sprouts with gold nanoparticles

A rapid and quantitative method for the determination of N6-Benzylademine (N6-BA) was established through the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The Raman peak intensities of N6-BA at 1002 cm−1 positively correlated to N6-BA concentrations in sprout extracts. The R2 reached 0.99, and RSDs calculated below 10% at the concentration range of 0.1 ∼5μg mL−1. The average recoveries were 80.0% ∼ 98.2% for blank samples intentionally contaminated at differing levels of 0.04, 0.4, and 1 μg g−1. The whole procedure, including sample preparation and SERS detection, did not exceed 30 min for a set of 6 samples. This study indicates that SERS is a promising technique for rapid tracing analysis and on-site testing of N6-BA.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Characterization of four orthologs of stringent starvation protein A.

Orthologous proteins can be beneficial for X-ray crystallographic studies when a protein from an organism of choice fails to crystallize or the crystals are not suitable for structure determination. Their amino-acid sequences should be similar enough that they will share the same fold, but different enough so that they may crystallize under alternative conditions and diffract to higher resolution. This multi-species approach was employed to obtain diffraction-quality crystals of the RNA polymerase (RNAP) associated stringent starvation protein A (SspA). Although Escherichia coli SspA could be crystallized, the crystals failed to diffract well enough for structure determination. Therefore, SspA proteins from Yersinia pestis, Vibrio cholerae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were cloned, expressed, purified and subjected to crystallization trials. The V. cholerae SspA protein failed to crystallize under any conditions tested and the P. aeruginosa SspA protein did not form crystals suitable for data collection. On the other hand, Y. pestis SspA crystallized readily and the crystals diffracted to 2.0 A.

Field of study: Chemistry
BF-k: a Near-optimal Operator Placement Algorithm for In-network Query Processing

For a query committed on a node on ad-hoc networks, the data and the relational operations related to the query are distributed widely around the autonomous nodes in the underlying network. Under that condition, in-network query processing is most efficient query evaluation strategy which actually places a tree of relational operators such as filters (joins) and aggregations onto nodes so as to minimize the amount of data transmitted in the network for the query evaluation. Thus the challenge of performing in-network query processing goes to the resolution of the operator placement problem, this paper proposes a kind of decentralized and adaptive operator placement algorithm BF-k, which reduces greatly the time complexity of a near-optimal placement of a large number of relational operators for an in-network query processing. The performance of BF-k is also explored in this paper.

Field of study: Computer science
Eolian sediment responses to late Quaternary climate changes: Temporal and spatial patterns in the Sahara

This paper presents a compilation of eolian-based records of late Quaternary climate changes in the Sahara. Although the data are relatively sparse, when viewed as a whole, they reveal a general pattern of widespread eolian sediment mobilization prior to 11,000 cal. years bp , eolian sediment stabilization from 11,000 to 5000 cal. years bp , and a return to widespread eolian sediment mobilization after 5000 cal. years bp . Furthermore, an eolian-based record from southern Tunisia reveals the existence of millennial-scale changes in eolian sediment behavior. These millennial-scale variations provide examples of eolian sediment responses to climate changes at a scale intermediate between seasonal and orbital (‘Milankovitch’) changes, and they are also coincident with abrupt atmospheric and oceanic changes. The general synchroneity of the eolian stratigraphic records and their coincidence with various oceanic and atmospheric changes suggest that global forcing mechanisms have influenced late Quaternary eolian sediment behavior in the Sahara.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography
Magnetic-field-induced lateral displacements of current filaments in n-GaAs

The formation of current filaments in n-type GaAs due to the low temperature impurity breakdown has been investigated in crossed electric and magnetic fields with a laser scanning microscope. In a highly compensated, low mobility, epitaxial layer the lateral displacement and stretching of a filament due to the Lorentz force has been observed at currents slightly larger than those required to form a filament between point contacts. The transverse elongation of the filament increases linearly with rising magnetic field strength until the filament is disrupted. In this case periodic current oscillations are generated by a repetitive filament ignition and extinction. The elongation decreases with rising current and finally vanishes even at high magnetic fields. This stiffening of a current filament is attributed to an increased electron temperature and mobility in the filament, which cause the charges of the Hall field to be accumulated at the filament borders rather than at the edges of the sample.

Field of study: Materials science
Religious Identities in Henry VIII's England (review)

policy too greatly (583). The author’s tome is formidable, but well-researched. Although not particularly suited for the average reader, this work will be of great interest for the scholar of Tudor England. Bernard’s revisionist thesis will no doubt cause a stir within the academic community and be the focus of subsequent writing for quite some time. His strongly worded rhetoric will make for much rich debate, which will likely only benefit early modern studies. LAURA MUSSELWHITE Georgia Highlands College

Field of study: History
SU-E-I-85: Impact of Partial Volume Effect On PET Image: Quantification Aspect.

Partial Volume Effect (PVE) is not taken to account in clinical routine although it is one of the major sources of error in quantification in PET image especially in small size lesion. Depending on its size, the uptake lesion is underestimated. It mainly depends on the spatial resolution of the system and the chosen sampling. The purpose of this study is to highlight this difference witch characterizes the camera.



This study was performed on a new generation PET/CT (Siemens mCT), fitted with four rings and time of flight (TOF). We used an anthropomorphic TORSO phantom representing a patient. Spheres of various diameters (6 to 33mm) were introduced into the lungs (air density) and the thorax (water density). Total whole body concentration were between 3 and 5 MBq/kg. SUV (Standardized Uptake Value) values were fixed successively 2, 4 and 8. We compare those values with the maximal uptake level using SUVmax and SUVmean on PET acquisition. Parameters reconstructions were: 2 iterations, 21 subsets, gaussian filter (FWHM=2mm), matrix size 200×200 pixels, True X algorithm (OSEM+PSF) and TOF with acquisition time of 150 s. Results were expressed as mean +-sd.



The reproducibility for each acquisition of SUV max and mean was high (respectively r=0.96, p=0.0003 and r=0.95, p=0.0004). The largest sphere (diameter 33mm) was considered as the reference for the normalization of results. The average results of SUVmax normalized in water and air compared to theorical value were respectively below 4% and 20% for diameter below 14mm. For diameter under 14 mm it decreases drastically. For SUVmean the decay is progressive under 26mm in each medium.



Following the SUVmax, wich is the clinical quantification parameter in PET images, PVE occurs at 14mm corresponding to 3 times the spatial resolution. These characteristics show the limits of the performance of our TEP camera.

Field of study: Medicine, Physics
Temperature impact and analytical modeling of the AlGaN/GaN-on-Si saturation drain current and transconductance

The saturation drain current and the gate saturation transconductance for AlGaN/GaN on silicon (1 1 1) high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) have been experimentally investigated in the temperature range of 25–300 °C. An analytical physical-based closed-form is proposed for modeling the gate transconductance taking into account the polar-optical phonon scattering of the electrons in the two-dimensional electron gas HEMT channel. It is suggested that the experimental temperature dependence of T−1.1 is due to the electron channel mobility dependence coupled with the effect of the access resistances and the channel self-heating due to power dissipation.

Field of study: Materials science
Simulation of air-to-refrigerant fin-and-tube heat exchanger with CFD-based air propagation.

A new model for simulating air-to-refrigerant fin-and-tube heat exchangers with computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based air propagation is introduced. This model is based on a segment-by-segment approach and is developed to be a general purpose and flexible simulation tool. The model superimposes a CFD mesh on the heat exchanger model’s geometric grid, interprets the CFD results, and processes them to generate the air propagation path through the heat exchanger. The model is capable of accounting for air flow maldistribution and other complex flow patterns including recirculation zones within the heat exchanger, as well as, entrainment of exit flow into the heat exchanger, using both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) CFD results. The modeling results show that the overall predicted heat load using 3D-CFD simulation results agrees within ±4% of the experimental data, without employing any multipliers on air side correlations.

Field of study: Engineering