nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Collective versus voluntary payment in contingent valuation for the conservation of marine biodiversity: An exploratory study from Zakynthos, Greece

This paper explores the determinants of foreign visitors’ participation in a conservation scheme for marine biodiversity. It also sheds light on respondents’ behaviour when confronted with collective and voluntary payment modes in the context of Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). The elicited conservation values concern two endangered species; the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta and the monk seal Monachus monachus. The findings of this pilot study indicate that the main reasons for respondents’ participation are prior knowledge of species and attitude to management options. More importantly, they show evidence of sensitivity to the method of payment. Despite respondents state a lower Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) when a collective mechanism is used in place of a voluntary one, they are more likely to participate in the scheme with a higher certainty. Finally, the elicited WTP values of the two marine endangered species confirm that there is potential for internal funding which could sustain the operation of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ) in Greece.

Field of study: Environmental science
Determinants of contrast in the signal-key procedure: Evidence against additivity theory.

Two experiments are reported that challenge the interpretation of previous results with the signal-key procedure, in which the discriminative stimuli are located on a response key different from the key associated with the operant response requirement. Experiment 1 replicated the procedure of Keller (1974), and found that contrast effects on the operant key occurred reliably for only one of four subjects. High rates to the signal key initially occurred for only one subject, but modifications of the procedure produced substantial rates to the signal key for all subjects. In all cases, however, signal-key behavior was greatly reduced by the addition of a changeover delay which prevented reinforcement within 2 seconds of the last peck to the signal key, suggesting that signal-key pecking was maintained primarily by adventitious reinforcement. Experiment 2 modified the signal-key procedure by using three response keys, so that the discriminative stimuli on the signal key controlled different responses during all phases of training. With this modification, reliable contrast effects on the operant key occurred for all subjects, suggesting that the failure to find contrast in previous studies has been due to the confounding of changes in the discrimination requirements with changes in relative rate of reinforcement. The results challenge the additivity theory of contrast, and suggest that "elicited" behavior plays a minor role, if any, in the determination of contrast effects in multiple schedules.

Field of study: Biology, Psychology
Surface Irrigation Underground Pipelines with Movable Risers

I N surface irrigation, the quantity of labor, water, and irrigated area can be optimized by using underground pipelines to distribute the water. Such systems offer the greatest possibilities for automating the irrigation process. In orchards and vineyards, where stationary, fixed irrigation pipeline systems for furrow irrigation are successfully employed, the vertical concrete pipe sections for distribution of the water can be mounted in the row of the trees. Thus, the standpipes do not interfere with machinery operations. Obviously, permanent standpipes are not suitable for irrigation of row crops. For row crops, it is desirable that no standpipes exist in the cropland in order to allow free movement of farm machinery. Also, the irrigation pipelines must be installed deep enough below the ground surface so as not to interfere with the variety of farm operations. Since 1958, many investigations have been undertaken regarding the fixed pipeline irrigation system of academician Shazov-Sheinkin in the USSR (Sheinkin 1965). The pipelines for distributing the water are placed about 16 in. beneath the soil surface. The water flow for each furrow passes through a V -̂in. diameter hole drilled in the crown of the asbestos-cement pipe. The water flows upward through the conical scour hole as shown in Fig. 1 and discharges into the furrow, with the flow rate being less than 8 gpm, while the pipeline pressure is 20 to 24 ft of water.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
The Interaction of Market Failure and Structural Adjustment in Producer Credit and Land Markets: The Case of Nicaragua

The literature on agrarian institutions and market failure has focused on the dissimilar asset endowments, informational asymmetries, variable risks, and externalities that differentially affect agents. In a scenario where the assumptions of perfect markets are violated, imperfect factor markets, resulting from differential prices of labor, credit, and land faced by enterprises of different scale, are common among rural producers in developing countries [Sen 1981, 201-228, 327-350; Bardhan 1989; ]. Systematic and simultaneous failures in such markets have been theorized to lead to efficiency and welfare losses and the persistence of secondbest forms, or institutions, for organizing work: sharecropping, tied-labor arrangements, or functional dualist relations between large-scale, agro-export estates and marginal, below-subsistence peasant farms. In Latin America, the involuntary unemployment, bimodal land ownership patterns, and skewed distribution of producer credit that characterize labor, land, and capital markets in export and peasant agriculture offer tacit evidence of simultaneous market failures. Under the "conditionality" of structural adjustment and economic stabilization policies required by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the problems that issue from inherent credit market imperfections, in particular, can be exacerbated. Facing mandates to balance budgets, control inflation, raise domestic savings rates, and shrink public sector activity, indebted developing countries face restrictive fiscal and monetary policies. The impact on farm credit is often severe as the state and private banking sectors maintain historically high nominal, if not real, interest rates; impose sharp restrictions on the supply of producer credit; tighten

Field of study: Economics
Nanoflake Patterning of Self-Assembled Multilayer Films

Nanopatterning has attracted much attention because of its growing use in designing nanoelectronic and optoelectronic devices. Development of a facile route to nanopatterning is a persistent goal in nanotechnology. Originating from positively charged polyethyleneimine (PEI) and negatively charged poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS), we successfully designed separable nanoflake patterning using layer-by-layer self-assembly technique by sequential adsorption of PEI and PSS. The morphology and size of the nanopatterning can be controlled by adjusting the number of bilayers in the film. Electrochemical measurements reveal that the (PEI/PSS) nanoflakes have good electroactivity and permeability for the electrolytes undergoing redox reaction. By controlling the distribution of surface charges on substrates, nanopatterning can be facilely achieved by self-assembly method.

Field of study: Materials science
Globalisation and Economic Growth in the Third World: Some Evidence from Eighteenth-Century Mexico

This article studies the connection between globalisation and economic growth in eighteenth-century Mexico. This was a period of globalisation in Mexico, characterised by market integration and growth in international trade. I estimate economic growth at that time and explore its relationship with the dominant export of the epoch, silver. The results show that Mexico experienced rapid economic growth in the eighteenth century and, furthermore, that exports caused that growth. During the period of Bourbon reforms economic growth improved, but not dramatically. Mining ceased to be the engine of growth by the end of the century.

Field of study: Political science
[A study of the efficacy and safety of lornoxicam in patients with acute sciatica].

To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of lornoxicam and xefocam used as the reference drug in patients with acute nonspecific pain in lower back caused by acute sciatica.



A simple blind clinical study was conducted with 108 patients (men and women, aged 20-55 years) with complaints of pain in the lower back and an established diagnosis of vertebrogenic radiculopathy L4, L5, S1. Patients were randomized into 2 treatment groups by randomization method of envelopes in the ratio of 1:1 (54 patients per group). The first group received lornoxicam in a dose of 16 mg/day for 2 days, the second group was treated with xefocam (the lyophilisate for preparation of solution for intravenous and intramuscular injection) according to a similar scheme.



The results demonstrate the comparable efficacy of lornoxicam and the reference drug. The analysis of the safety profile reveals no significant differences between treatment groups.

Field of study: Medicine, Psychology
Predominance of soil vs root effect in rhizosphere microbiota reassembly.

Rhizosphere community assembly is simultaneously affected by both plants and bulk soils and is vital for plant health. However, it is still unclear how and to what extent disease-suppressive rhizosphere microbiota can be constructed from bulk soil, and the underlying agents involved in the process that render the rhizosphere suppressive against pathogenic microbes remain elusive. In this study, the evolutionary processes of the rhizosphere microbiome were explored based on transplanting plants previously growing in distinct disease-incidence soils to one disease suppressive soil. Our results showed that distinct rhizoplane bacterial communities were assembled on account of the original bulk soil communities with different disease incidences. Furthermore, the bacterial communities in the transplanted rhizosphere were noticeably influenced by the second disease-suppressive microbial pool, rather than that of original formed rhizoplane microbiota and homogenous non-transplanted rhizosphere microbiome, contributing to a significant decrease in the pathogen population. In addition, Spearman correlations between relative abundances of bacterial taxa and the abundance of Ralstonia solanacearum indicated Anoxybacillus, Flavobacterium, Permianibacter and Pseudomonas were predicted to be associated with disease-suppressive function formation. Altogether, our results showed that bulk soil played an important role in the process of assembling and reassembling the rhizosphere microbiome of plants.

Field of study: Biology, Environmental science
Optimal design of frame structures using multivariate spline approximation

The objective of this work is to demonstrate the efficiency and applicability of the optimization algorithm using a multivariate spline approximation. In the present algorithm, based on the function values and first-order derivatives of the constraints available at the intermediate points of optimization, an explicit approximation of constraint functions is created by using the least squares spline algorithm. The nonlinearity of the function is adaptively updated using feedback information from the previous two iterations for finding the order of spline approximation. In addition, constraint deletion and design variable linking concepts are employed in solving the approximate problem by using the quasianalytical sequential quadratic programming and dual methods. The behavior constraints include stresses, displacements, and local buckling in the optimum design of frame structures. To demonstrate the broad applicability of the optimization algorithm, the cross-sectional dimensions are directly selected as the design variables for frame problems having thin-walled rectangular and tube cross-sectional members, and the cross-sectional areas are selected as design variables for an /-section problem.

Field of study: Physics
Minding America’s Business: The Decline and Rise of the American Economy by Ira C. Magaziner and Robert B. Reich, and The Deindustrialization of America: Plant Closings, Community Abandonment, and the Dismantling of Basic Industry by Barry Bluestone and Bennett Harrison

(1983). Minding America’s Business: The Decline and Rise of the American Economy by Ira C. Magaziner and Robert B. Reich, and The Deindustrialization of America: Plant Closings, Community Abandonment, and the Dismantling of Basic Industry by Barry Bluestone and Bennett Harrison.

Field of study: Economics
Conservation planning with irreplaceability: does the method matter?

A number of systematic conservation planning tools are available to aid in making land use decisions. Given the increasing worldwide use and application of reserve design tools, including measures of site irreplaceability, it is essential that methodological differences and their potential effect on conservation planning outcomes are understood. We compared the irreplaceability of sites for protecting ecosystems within the Brigalow Belt Bioregion, Queensland, Australia, using two alternative reserve system design tools, Marxan and C-Plan. We set Marxan to generate multiple reserve systems that met targets with minimal area; the first scenario ignored spatial objectives, while the second selected compact groups of areas. Marxan calculates the irreplaceability of each site as the proportion of solutions in which it occurs for each of these set scenarios. In contrast, C-Plan uses a statistical estimate of irreplaceability as the likelihood that each site is needed in all combinations of sites that satisfy the targets. We found that sites containing rare ecosystems are almost always irreplaceable regardless of the method. Importantly, Marxan and C-Plan gave similar outcomes when spatial objectives were ignored. Marxan with a compactness objective defined twice as much area as irreplaceable, including many sites with relatively common ecosystems. However, targets for all ecosystems were met using a similar amount of area in C-Plan and Marxan, even with compactness. The importance of differences in the outcomes of using the two methods will depend on the question being addressed; in general, the use of two or more complementary tools is beneficial.

Field of study: Environmental science
Cloning, localization and induction of mouse brain glycogen synthase.

The cDNA for mouse brain glycogen synthase has been isolated by screening a mouse cerebral cortical astrocyte lambda ZAP II cDNA library. The mouse brain glycogen synthase cDNA is 3.5 kilobases in length and encodes a protein of 737 amino acids. The coding sequence of mouse brain glycogen synthase cDNA shares approximately 87% nucleotide identity and approximately 96% amino acid identity with the muscle isozyme, while the degree of identity is lower with the liver isozyme. The regional distribution of glycogen synthase mRNA determined by in situ hybridization in the mouse brain reveals a wide distribution throughout the central nervous system with highest densities observed in the cerebellum, hippocampus and olfactory bulb. At the cellular level the expression of brain glycogen synthase mRNA is localized both in astrocytes and neurons with, however, the higher levels observed in astrocytes. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and noradrenaline, two neurotransmitters previously shown to induce a glycogen resynthesis in cultured astrocytes, upregulate the expression of glycogen synthase mRNA in this cell type but not in neurons.

Field of study: Biology
Heat Recapture for Cotton Gin Drying Systems

IN surveys of five commercial cotton gin plants we showed that a large pool of hot air collected in the upper part of the building. This hot air originated from heat losses through conduction from hot surfaces of the gin drying systems and from motor cooling. Calculations of the volume and heat content of this air indicated that reclaiming the hot air might provide up to 30% of the heat needed for the gins drying systems. One gin was equipped with heat recapture pipes on the drying systems intakes and we measured an average heat savings of 16.7% over what was required for heating outside air. Heat savings from moving the intake point up into the hot air pool was 6.4% and the remainder of the heat savings was from having the air intakes inside the building.

Field of study: Agricultural and Food sciences
Preparation and characterization of LiMn2O4 ion-sieve with high Li+ adsorption rate by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

This study presents the preparation of LiMn 2 O 4 spinel type ion-sieves, characterization of their Li + extraction/insertion rates and discussion about the effect of the particle structure and morphology on lithium adsorption rate. LiMn 2 O 4 spinel powders were synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and solid state reaction. LiMn 2 O 4 powder prepared by pyrolysis has agglomerate structure and spherical shape with a very uniform morphology while the other has a needle like structure with sharp edges and rough surface. Besides this, the mean particle/agglomerate size and specific surface area of the powders were relatively the same. The Li + uptake capacity of the sieve (delithiated lithium manganese powder) which has agglomerate structure was 34.9 mg/g for which the maximum adsorption capacity of the sieve was 38.67 mg/g theoretically. Besides, the sieve uptake was about 94 wt% of the maximum amount within 3 h while the other sieve required 24 h for the relatively equal uptake amount (32.8 mg/g).

Field of study: Materials science
Closed-Form and Near Closed-Form Solutions for TOA-Based Joint Source and Sensor Localization

We study the problem of joint source and sensor localization from time-of-arrival (TOA) measurements. For the case of nine sources and four sensors (or, by symmetry, vice versa), we derive a closed-form solution. For the cases of eight and seven sources, we derive near closed-form solutions depending on one or two parameters, respectively. The main aim of our method is to transform the original localization problem to other problems such that the number of unknown parameters is as small as possible. Although the constraints in the problems are multivariate and quadratic polynomial equations, by using a linear method of solving polynomial equations we can find closed-form solutions and near closed-form solutions if the number of unknown parameters is small and the number of constraints is large. Unlike off-the-shelf methods for solving polynomial systems, such as the Grobner basis method, our solution uses only low-degree monomials. Thus, unlike these other methods, our solution is more stable to noise, as verified using the Cramer-Rao lower bound.

Field of study: Engineering
Effects of Preoperative Gabapentin on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting after Open Cholecystectomy: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

To evaluate the effect of gabapentin on the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after open cholecystectomy.  A total of 90 patients scheduled for elective open cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to either a gabapentin group (600 mg, 2 h before surgery) or a placebo group. For the analysis, 1 patient was excluded from the gabapentin group and 2 patients from the placebo group. A standard technique was used for anesthesia. Pethidine and metoclopramide were used for postoperative management of pain and nausea/vomiting, respectively. The prevalence of PONV, its severity (measured on visual analogue scale, VAS), and total pethidine and metoclopramide use in the first 24 h after the operation were recorded.  There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Of the 44 patients given gabapentin, 16 (36.6%) and 28 of 43 (65.2%) placebo patients developed PONV; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). However, there was no difference in the severity of PONV between the gabapentin and placebo groups (p = 0.12). Gabapentin patients used less pethidine (28.33 ± 129 mg) and metoclopramide (6.0 ±6.3 mg) than the placebo group (35.1 ± 15.1 and 9.33 ± 7.1 mg, respectively). The differences were statistically significant (pethidine: p = 0.002, metoclopramide: p = 0.033). However, gabapentin did not reduce postoperative pain significantly (p = 0.096).  Our data show that gabapentin not only reduced PONV after open cholecystectomy, but also reduced the need for additional postoperative analgesics.

Field of study: Medicine
107 li bi chu xue huan zhe fa bing xiang guan yin su de fen xi

目的 探讨与鼻出血发病相关的因素,以利于做好有效的防治措施.方法 对107例鼻出血住院患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析.结果 107例鼻出血患者由鼻腔局部疾病所致者38例,占35.5%;由全身疾病引起者45例,占42.1%;由全身及局部疾病同时所致者15例(14.0%);不明原因者9例(8.4%).发病年龄在50岁以上者55例(51.4%).出血部位较多的为黎氏区49例(45.8%),其次为后鼻孔41例(38.3%),其他部位相对较少(2.8%～5.6%).结论 鼻出血的发病原因与全身因素、局部因素、年龄、出血部位、季节等综合因素有相关性,鼻出血应做好综合防治措施.

Field of study: Medicine
Bat species diversity in a lake archipelago in central Sweden

The bat fauna of 35 islands in a large lake in central Sweden were examined using ultrasound detectors. We tested the hypothesis that there is no difference in species number between the mainland and the island fauna. Eight species were found. Species numbers were analysed against island area, area of some habitats (coniferous forest, deciduous forest, semi-open habitats and open habitats), degree of isolation (distance from mainland and from ‘stepping stones’) and time spent searching for bats. Species number increased with area of deciduous forest. Presence of houses tended to increase species number. There seems to be a negative relationship between species number and degree of isolation (nearly significant). The results suggest that at least three species, Myotis brandti (Eversmann, 1845), M. mystacinus (Kuhl, 1819) and Plecotus auritus (Linnaeus, 1758), are negatively affected by forest patchiness. These species occurred mainly on large islands. Thus, the results do not support the hypothesis. The reasons why some species avoid open habitats are discussed.

Field of study: Environmental science
Asymmetric Nitrocyclopropanation of α-Substituted α,β-Enals Catalyzed by Diphenylprolinol Silyl Ether for the Construction of All-Carbon Quaternary ­Stereogenic Centers

The diphenylprolinol silyl ether mediated asymmetric nitrocyclopropanation of α-substituted α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with bromonitromethane, followed by base-promoted isomerization was found to afford trans-nitrocyclopropanecarbaldehydes with all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. DFT calculations indicated that the s-trans conformer of the iminium ion intermediate is more stable than the s-cis conformer. In addition, nucleophilic attack of the bromonitromethane anion to the iminium ion intermediate was calculated to occur preferentially from the opposite side of the bulky substituents of the pyrrolidine iminium intermediate.

Field of study: Chemistry
Geometry of wrap profiles in co-rotating scroll compressors

Due to their high level of reliability, low noise, and relatively higher efficiency, scroll compressors have gained extensive popularity among existing gas compression technologies. Unlike the orbital version of this technology that is commercially available, the co-rotating type is yet in the research and development stage. The latter is expected to achieve a lower noise level and higher specific power. To investigate the physics of these devices, a succinct mathematical tool is required to construct and analyse their geometry. In this paper, we introduce such a modelling tool for co-rotating scroll compressors including their dual-arc tip profile modification and excluding any manufacturing inaccuracies and clearance gaps between the two scroll components. Using this model, one can easily reproduce the geometry of compression chambers and simulate their motion and transformation over the course of compression.

Field of study: Engineering