nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Effect of Strict and Soft Policy Interventions on Laboratory Diagnostic Testing in Ontario, Canada: A Bayesian Structural Time Series Analysis.

Applications of behavioral economics targeted at optimizing laboratory utilization among physicians have been implemented in Ontario through different types of nonfinancial interventions. Strict policy interventions restrict Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) payment for tests to patients with specific conditions or limit ordering to particular physician specialties, while soft policy interventions involve modifications to the laboratory requisition form. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions in terms of changing physician ordering behavior for eight tests that were subject to a strict or soft policy intervention during the study period. We use a Bayesian structural time series model applied to Ontario laboratory claims data for FY2006 through FY2017. Results show a 16-75% reduction in laboratory services with a strict policy intervention and an 8-36% reduction in laboratory services with a soft policy intervention. Although the overall magnitude of change was smaller for soft policy interventions, interventions designed with soft or strict policy mechanisms addressing laboratory utilization management are effective at influencing physicians' test ordering behavior.

Field of study: Medicine, Political science
Determination and correlation of solubilities of lithium chloride and sodium chloride in NMP

In order to recover the additive lithium chloride in the polyphenylene sulfide production,the disolution of lithium chloride and sodium chloride in solvent N-methyl pyrrolidone(NMP) was studied.By using laser diffraction assistance method,solubility data of lithium chloride and sodium chloride in NMP were measured between 297.95 K and 364.75 K.Empirical formula,λh equation and improved NRTL equation were used to correlate the solubility data of lithium chloride in NMP.The results show that the solubility of lithium chloride increases with temperature while that of sodium chloride almost keeps unchanged.The improved NRTL equation can predict the solubility data well and the relative average error is 0.41%.Thus the K-NRTL equation is most suitable for description of solid-liquid equilibrium of lithium chloride in NMP at high temperature.

Field of study: Chemistry, Environmental science
XFEM BASED SIMULATION ON THE MECHANISM OF PINCHING EFFECT OF RC COLUMNS

It is of great significance to predict the behavior of a RC column under seismic loading and make assessments on the safety of a structure. The accurate calculation on the behavior of concrete members mainly relies on numerical simulation analysis at present due to complicity of material and mechanical response. However, the majorities of conventional methods are normally based on the finite element method, taking concrete as continuum and using simplified parameters to describe the hysteretic behavior of RC members. To exhibit the mechanism of seismic damage, a novel numerical method based on extended finite element method is proposed. The extended finite element method and fracture criterion is engaged to simulate the discontinuous behavior of concrete, namely crack initiating and propagating and closure. The bond-slip relationship between concrete and rebar are taken into account in the interval of cracks. Specific hysteretic performance is not specified by material property inputting, but by reflecting in mechanical response. Simulation result is verified by test, which shows good agreements in all aspects. Besides, the further analysis is conducted on the aseismic behavior of RC columns in a micro-level and three main causes are raised to explain the mechanism of pinching effect.

Field of study: Engineering
EM Adaptive LASSO—A Multilocus Modeling Strategy for Detecting SNPs Associated with Zero-inflated Count Phenotypes

Count data are increasingly ubiquitous in genetic association studies, where it is possible to observe excess zero counts as compared to what is expected based on standard assumptions. For instance, in rheumatology, data are usually collected in multiple joints within a person or multiple sub-regions of a joint, and it is not uncommon that the phenotypes contain enormous number of zeroes due to the presence of excessive zero counts in majority of patients. Most existing statistical methods assume that the count phenotypes follow one of these four distributions with appropriate dispersion-handling mechanisms: Poisson, Zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), Negative Binomial, and Zero-inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB). However, little is known about their implications in genetic association studies. Also, there is a relative paucity of literature on their usefulness with respect to model misspecification and variable selection. In this article, we have investigated the performance of several state-of-the-art approaches for handling zero-inflated count data along with a novel penalized regression approach with an adaptive LASSO penalty, by simulating data under a variety of disease models and linkage disequilibrium patterns. By taking into account data-adaptive weights in the estimation procedure, the proposed method provides greater flexibility in multi-SNP modeling of zero-inflated count phenotypes. A fast coordinate descent algorithm nested within an EM (expectation-maximization) algorithm is implemented for estimating the model parameters and conducting variable selection simultaneously. Results show that the proposed method has optimal performance in the presence of multicollinearity, as measured by both prediction accuracy and empirical power, which is especially apparent as the sample size increases. Moreover, the Type I error rates become more or less uncontrollable for the competing methods when a model is misspecified, a phenomenon routinely encountered in practice.

Field of study: Biology
Influence of Employees’ Attitudinal Variables on Organizational Citizenship Behaviour and Organisational Commitment

This study investigates the influence of employees’ attitudinal variables (perceived organisational justice, organisational support, organisational attachment, and mental strain) on organizational citizenship behaviour and organisational commitment among employees in Nigerian private university. Ex-post facto research design was adopted. Non-proportional stratified and simple random sample techniques were used to select six hundred participants from different departments of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Six self-report questionnaires were used to generate data. Two hypotheses were raised and answered using multiple regression (stepwise) and T-test statistics. Findings revealed among other, that the four predictor variables (perceived organisational justice, organisational support, organisational attachment, and mental strain) combined and individually predicted the criterion variables (organisational citizenship behaviour and organisational commitment). Based on the findings, the paper recommended among others, that employers’ of labour should pay great attention to factors that have significant effect on employees’ commitment; in this case, organisational commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour.  perceived organisational justice, organisational support, organisational attachment, mental strain, organisational commitment, organisational citizenship behaviour

Field of study: Education
Anisotropic properties in phosphorene modulated by periodic potential in arbitrary direction

We investigate theoretically the effects of modulated periodic potential on the electronic states and optical absorption spectrum in a monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene). We demonstrate that different strength and orientations of phosphorene potential superlattice can give rise to distinct energy spectra, i.e., tuning the intrinsic electronic anisotropy. Momentum-dependent energy and effective mass along the two orthogonal wave vector of these exotic electronic properties by tuning superlattice geometry are addressed systematically. Accordingly, orientation dependent anisotropic optical absorption spectrum. This feature offers us a practical way to modulate the electronic anisotropy in phosphorene by magnetic superlattice configurations and detect these modulation capability by using the optical technique.

Field of study: Physics
[Optimization of hypolipidemic therapy in patients with ischemic stroke and diabetes mellitus].

Evaluation of effectiveness of Mexidol in optimization of hypolipidemic therapy in ischemic stroke and diabetes mellitus patients.



Authors analyzed the indicators of lipid status: total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, triglycerides and concentration of platelet factor-4, β-tromboglobulin, von Willebrand factor in 68 patients with acute ischemic stroke and diabetes mellitus. Authors investigate the dynamics of these parameters (1(st), 21(st), 3-d and 6(th) month after onset stroke) depending on timing and dose of Mexidol.



Long time therapy of Mexidol may optimize of hypolipidemic therapy in ischemic stroke and diabetes mellitus patients.

Field of study: Medicine, Psychology
Extremely Efficient Catalysis of Immobilized Lipase in Ring-opening Polymerization of Lactones

An immobilized lipase derived from Candida antarctica was used as catalyst for the ring opening polymerization of lactones. A small amount of the immobilized enzyme showed the extremely efficient catalysis in the lactone polymerization. The polymerization in the presence of 1-octanol enhanced the rate of reaction.

Field of study: Chemistry
Technology and Industrial Development in Japan: An Evolutionary Perspective

As many more individuals of each species are bom than can possibly survive; and as, consequently, there is a frequently recurring struggle for existence, it follows that any being, if it vary however slightly in any manner profitable to itself under the complex and sometimes varying conditions of life, will have a better chance of surviving, and thus be naturally selected. -Charles Darvin, 1872, 29.

Field of study: Economics
Patterns and dynamics of 32P-phosphate and labelled 2-aminoisobutyric acid (14C-AIB) translocation in intact basidiomycete mycelia

Following uptake of 32P-orthophosphate and 14C-aminoisobutyric acid (14C-AIB) the patterns of distribution of the isotopes through intact basidiomycete mycelia were non-destructively mapped at regular intervals using a β-scanner. Analysis of the results suggests that translocation of 32P and 14C-AIB through mycelia of Pleurotus ostreatus and Schizophyllum commune occurred along a restricted number of clearly defined, but macroscopically invisible, routes through the mycelium. In contrast to this, 32P added to mycelia of Coprinus cinereus remained immobilised at the addition point. Simultaneous acropetal and basipetal translocation of 32P and 14C-AIB was observed in different regions of colonies of P. ostreatus and S. commune. Translocation of label around the periphery of colonies strongly suggested the existence of anastomoses around the colony margin. Both 32P and 14C-AIB were initially immobilised at the addition point, from which each was subsequently translocated to other parts of the mycelium. The observed translocation of nutrients could not be explained by simple diffusion alone. The velocity of translocation and the complexity of the translocation pattern of 32P were greatest in mycelia of P. ostreatus, a hardwood decomposer, followed by S. commune, a wood and litter decomposer and parasite. Translocation through mycelia of C. cinereus, a coprophilus saprophyte, was very slow. This study provides the first detailed description of nutrient translocation through intact, entire fungal mycelia over time.

Field of study: Biology, Environmental science
Characterization of a deep-level compensation ratio through picosecond four-wave mixing on a transient reflection grating

We demonstrate a novel application of a time-resolved four-wave mixing technique for the determination of a deep-level compensation ratio in a semi-insulating crystal. The approach is based on photoexcitation of carriers from deep impurity levels, formation of a space-charge electric field in deep traps, and monitoring dynamics of photorefractive, free- carrier and absorption gratings by light diffraction. The analysis of anisotropic diffraction features on the reflection grating provided requirements for crystal orientation in order to discriminate contribution of amplitude grating from the photorefractive phase grating, both being related to deep-trap occupation. Contributions of these optical nonlinearities were studied experimentally in (0 0 1)-oriented GaAs wafers by using a transient reflection grating configuration with a very small grating period (150 nm). Comparison of the reflection grating picosecond kinetics and its diffraction efficiency with modeling curves allowed us to ascribe the slow decay component to amplitude grating in recharged deep traps and determine their compensation ratio. The proposed technique allowed the determination of the compensation ratio of a deep EL2 donor, equal to 0.6 ± 0.05 in the given GaAs crystal.

Field of study: Materials science
Responses to Interracial Interactions Over Time

The current work tested and expanded on Plant and Devine’s (2003) model of the antecedents and implications of interracial anxiety by examining people’s experiences with interracial interactions at two time points. Study 1 explored non-Black people’s responses to interactions with Black people and Study 2 explored Black people’s responses to interactions with White people. Non-Black participants’ expectancies about coming across as biased in interracial interactions and Black participants’ expectancies about White people’s bias predicted their interracial anxiety and whether they had positive interactions with outgroup members during the 2 weeks between assessments. Across both studies, interracial anxiety predicted the desire to avoid interactions with outgroup members. In addition, participants who were personally motivated to respond without prejudice reported more positive expectancies. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for understanding the course and quality of interracial interactions.

Field of study: Psychology
Experimental investigation of transitional free shear layer optics

Measurements of Strehl ratio vs downstream distance, when a beam propagates through a shear layer (Reynolds number=810/length), reveal minimal phase distortion in the pretransition region and a sudden decrease in the Strehl ratio when transition occurs. The Strehl ratio levels off to a constant asymptotic value (which is a function of the velocity ratio) in the post-transtion region. The constant Strehl ratio (in the fully developed region) is attributed to fast mixing that occurs within the core of the vortices

Field of study: Physics
Production of Broad Specificity Anti-Methoxyorganophosphorus Pesticides Antibody

The O,O-dimethyl phosphorodithioate,which is the generic structure of methoxy organophosphorus pesticide,was used as the target determinate group to generate broad specificity polycolonal antibodies against a group of organophosphorus pesticides.S-carboxymethyl O,O-dimethylphorodithioate(CMP) was synthesized as generic hapten and conjugated with the carrier proteins bovine serum albumin(BSA) and ovalbumin(OVA) by the mixed anhydride(MA) and active ester(AE) method respectively.New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with CMP-MA-BSA and CMP-AE-BSA to produce the polyclonal antibodies(PAbs).The PAbs displayed high level for CMP-AE-BSA with the favorable titers of 256000.After optimization of the ELISA conditions such as organic solvents and pH values,an indirect ELISA procedure for the determination of CMP was established.Based on statistical analysis,the limit deteciton was 0.076 μg/L and IC50 was 93.97 μg/L.Different cross-reactions with 14 methoxy organophosphorus pesticide including malathion,phenthoate,dimethoate,phosmet,fenthion,pirimiphos-methyl,methyl parathion,fenitrothion,methidathion were observed,with IC50 value of 69.92,136.90,230.39,416.84,508.57,510.38,607.21,835.30 and 850.21 μg/L respectively.The result indicated the antibody was practicable screening tool for quantities and semi-quantities detection of the nine methoxy organophosphorus pesticides.

Field of study: Chemistry
Relationships among Field Dependent/Independent, Convergent/Divergent Cognitive Styles and Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Rivers State- Nigeria

This correlational study particularly investigated the relationships among field dependent/independent and convergent/divergent cognitive styles and students’ academic achievement. A sample of 1048 JSS3 students in secondary schools in Rivers State participated in the study. Three research questions and three hypotheses were designed to guide the study. The instruments for data collection were Group Embedded Figures Test and Convergent/Divergent Test. The Group Embedded Figures Test is a standard instrument used to measure field dependent/independent cognitive style. It has a coefficient of correlation of 0.75 which was established using test-retest method and Pearson product moment correlation technique. Convergent/Divergent Test is also a standard instrument for measuring convergent/divergent cognitive style of the students. Its coefficient of correlation established by test-retest method and Pearson product moment correlation technique is 0.86.The data generated from these instruments were subjected to analysis using SPSS. The results of the study revealed that (1) There was no significant relationship between field dependent/independent cognitive style and students’ academic achievement (r= 0.062; P>0.05). (2) Significant relationship between convergent/divergent cognitive style and students’ academic achievement existed (r=0.886; P<0.05). (3) There was a significant joint influence of field dependent/independent and convergent/divergent cognitive styles on the academic achievement of students (r=0.886; P<0.05). It was therefore recommended that teachers should recognize the cognitive styles of the students which impact on their academic performance with a view to tailoring their instructions in line with the students’ cognitive styles for optimum performance.  Field dependent/independent, convergent/divergent, cognitive, learning styles, mode of information processing, academic achievement.

Field of study: Education
Do As I Say and Do As I Do: Using the Professor-in-Residence Model in Teaching Social Studies Methods

Concerned with combining theory with practice, the author, a teacher educator, wrote a grant to combine teaching university social studies methods and teaching sixth-grade social studies in an urban professional development site (PDS). By combining both roles, she created a recursive process of theory, observation, analysis, coteaching, and reflection. Preservice teachers learned new methods, observed the professor-in-residence (PIR) using those methods with sixth-grade students, and discussed how the lessons were structured and taught at the PDS. The results of this qualitative study show that preservice teachers benefit from observing and practicing methods of the PIR. The author provides a description of this model. In addition, she discusses recommendations and limitations of a combined teaching load.

Field of study: Sociology
Extended RPA with ground-state correlations

We propose a time-independent method for finding a correlated ground state of an extended time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory, known as the time-dependent density matrix theory (TDDM). The correlated ground state is used to formulate the small amplitude limit of TDDM (STDDM) which is a version of extended RPA theories with ground-state correlations. To demonstrate the feasibility of the method, we calculate the ground state of 22O and study the first 2 + state and its two-phonon states using STDDM.

Field of study: Physics
The effects of script on visual search

Native English speakers search short strings of letters differently from the way they search strings of nonalphanumeric symbols. Experiment 1 demonstrates the same contrast for native Spanish speakers. Letter search, therefore, is not a result of the peculiarities of English orthography. Since visual search is sensitive to the nature of the symbols being processed, different scripts should produce different effects. Experiments 2 and 3 confirmed such differences for Arabic and Chinese scripts. Furthermore, these experiments showed no evidence that native Arabic and native Chinese speakers adapt their search strategy when dealing with letters. Implications of these findings are considered.

Field of study: Linguistics
A Two-Latent-Class Model for Smoking Cessation Data with Informative Dropouts

Non ignorable missing data is a common problem in longitudinal studies. Latent class models are attractive for simplifying the modeling of missing data when the data are subject to either a monotone or intermittent missing data pattern. In our study, we propose a new two-latent-class model for categorical data with informative dropouts, dividing the observed data into two latent classes; one class in which the outcomes are deterministic and a second one in which the outcomes can be modeled using logistic regression. In the model, the latent classes connect the longitudinal responses and the missingness process under the assumption of conditional independence. Parameters are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood estimation based on the above assumptions and the tetrachoric correlation between responses within the same subject. We compare the proposed method with the shared parameter model and the weighted GEE model using the areas under the ROC curves in the simulations and the application to the smoking cessation data set. The simulation results indicate that the proposed two-latent-class model performs well under different missing procedures. The application results show that our proposed method is better than the shared parameter model and the weighted GEE model.

Field of study: Mathematics
First known fire scar on a fossil tree trunk provides evidence of Late Triassic wildfire

Fire scars are well known to fire ecologists and dendrochronologists worldwide, and are used in dating fires and reconstructing the fire histories of modern forests. Evidence of fires in ancient forests, such as fossil charcoal (fusain), is well known to paleontologists and has been reported in geologic formations dating back to the Late Devonian. We describe what we conclude is a fire scar on a fossil tree trunk from the Late Triassic Chinle Formation of southeastern Utah (~ 200–225 Ma). The external features of the prehistoric scar match those of modern fire scars better than those of scars created by other kinds of wounding events. The fossil specimen also exhibits a number of changes in wood anatomy similar to those reported in modern fire-scarred trees, including a band of very small tracheids that indicate growth suppression immediately associated with the scarring event; an area with a tangential row of probable traumatic resin ducts; and a significant increase in tracheid size following the scarring event that indicates a growth release. No fire scar resembling those in modern trees has previously been described in petrified wood as far as we can determine. The presence of a fire scar not only provides further evidence of ancient fires, but also shows that at least some individual trees survived them, indicating that fire could have been an ecological and evolutionary force in forests at least as early as the Late Triassic.

Field of study: Environmental science, Geography