nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
Thermoelectric properties of hydrogenated Sn2Bi monolayer under mechanical strain: a DFT approach.
Venue: Physical chemistry chemical physics PCCP
Year: 2020

Bismuth based structures are among the most promising candidates for thermoelectric applications. Recently, a semiconducting binary compound with stoichiometry of Sn2Bi has been synthesized, showing a strong spin orbit coupling effect and high electron hole asymmetry. Motivated by the experiment, we performed a density functional theory calculation combined with the semiclassical Boltzmann transport equation to investigate the thermoelectric properties of the stabilized Sn2Bi monolayer. It is demonstrated that the mobility is strongly dependent on the strain. It is 2389 (186) cm2 V 1 s 1 for hole (electron) in relaxed monolayer, but it becomes 1758 (1758) cm2 V 1 s 1 by applying a 2.5% tensile strain. Spin orbit coupling (SOC) induces a huge spin splitting in the conduction and valence bands as high as 350 and 270 meV, respectively, coming from p orbitals of bismuth atoms. Also, the thermoelectric efficiency of the monolayer could be directly controlled by doping and strain where the maximum room temperature figure of merit of 1.01 is obtained under the strain of 3% for n type doping with inclusion of SOC, making it a promising candidate for thermoelectric applications.
A hospital randomized controlled trial of a formal quality improvement educational program in rural and small community Texas hospitals: one year results.
Venue: International journal for quality in health care journal of the International Society for Quality in Health Care
Year: 2009

To investigate the effectiveness of a quality improvement educational program in rural hospitals.  Hospital randomized controlled trial.  A total of 47 rural and small community hospitals in Texas that had previously received a web based benchmarking and case review tool.  The 47 hospitals were randomized either to receive formal quality improvement educational program or to a control group. The educational program consisted of two 2 day didactic sessions on continuous quality improvement techniques, followed by the design, implementation and reporting of a local quality improvement project, with monthly coaching conference calls and annual follow up conclaves.  Performance on core measures for community acquired pneumonia and congestive heart failure were compared between study groups to evaluate the impact of the educational program.  No significant differences were observed between the study groups on any measures. Of the 23 hospitals in the intervention group, only 16 completed the didactic program and 6 the full training program. Similar results were obtained when these groups were compared with the control group.  While the observed results suggest no incremental benefit of the quality improvement educational program following implementation of a web based benchmarking and case review tool in rural hospitals, given the small number of hospitals that completed the program, it is not conclusive that such programs are ineffective. Further research incorporating supporting infrastructure, such as physician champions, financial incentives and greater involvement of senior leadership, is needed to assess the value of quality improvement educational programs in rural hospitals.
Cross cultural competence and small groups :why SOF are the way SOF are
Year: 2017

This discussion will address the warrior diplomat construct, asking if it provides an accurate description of SOF as a force skilled in more than one way to achieve strategic ends. It also will check the notion that this competency is part of what distinguishes SOF, as a force, from General Purpose Forces (GPF) SOF's special warfighting skills are celebrated and have led to significant successes in yesterday's and today's conflicts. SOF's diplomatic or nonkinetic skills are more problematic, however. Doctrinal and other source materials do not directly address the definitional question what does it mean to be a diplomat and how would we know if we saw one. They do suggest, however, that diplomatic skills are operationalized through the exercise of competencies in cross cultural interaction and communication. This discussion will explore the ways in which SOF addresses these competencies by looking at how the various service components select and assess candidates. Given the recent (and still contested) interest in cultural competence among the GPF, this monograph addresses the ways in which SOF exercise this competency differently than the GPF.
Children and Adolescents Providing Care to a Parent with Huntington's Disease: Disease Symptoms, Caregiving Tasks and Young Carer Well Being
Year: 2014

BackgroundOver 30,000 people in the U.S. have Huntington's disease (HD) a disorder with numerous complicated, long lasting and stigmatizing symptoms. Caregiving typically falls to the family, yet little is known about the caregiving experience of children and adolescents in the home.ObjectiveGuided by the stress process model, this exploratory study sought to describe children and adolescents who care for a parent with HD and their caregiving experience, by detailing previously unknown relationships between caregiving, parent/child conflict, school problems, and psychological well being of child/adolescent caregivers.MethodsThis cross sectional study used semi structured interviews with a purposive sample of 40 children and adolescents, aged 12 20, who care for a parent with HD. Data was analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Measures included the Children's' Depression Inventory, The Conflict Behavior Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Assessment of Caring Activities.ResultsStudy participants have substantial caregiving responsibilities >11) with half providing personal care to a parent. The majority experienced school problems and conflict with parents (60 and 92 respectively) Caregiving tasks were associated with problems with school and conflict with the ill parent. Furthermore, parental symptoms were associated with poor psychological wellbeing, parental conflict, and school problems for the caregivers.ConclusionChildren and adolescents are involved in numerous tasks and describe difficulties with their daily life and well being. Results highlight the need for the development of support services for caregivers, as well best care practices for problematic HD symptoms. Study outcomes address minimizing the potential for negative caregiving experiences of these vulnerable caregivers.
Reducing the glycemic index of short dough biscuits by using apple pomace as a functional ingredient
Venue: LWT
Year: 2019

The present research aimed at enriching short dough biscuits with apple pomace to reduce their glycemic index. Apple pomace produced on a laboratory scale was dehydrated and milled to a powder, which was characterized for soluble and insoluble dietary fiber, and for phenolic content. Apple pomace was used to partially replace wheat flour (10 and 20% w/w) in biscuits, which were characterized for their sensory properties and submitted to in vitro digestion to predict the glycemic index. Results indicated that apple pomace contained impressive amounts of dietary fiber (nearly 40% mainly represented by insoluble fiber (more than 25% Apple pomace led to a significant reduction in the expected glycemic index of reformulated biscuits. The conventional biscuit presented a glycemic index of 70 and was thus classified as high glycemic index food. Substituting wheat flour by 10 and 20% with apple pomace reduced biscuit glycemic index to 65 and 60 respectively, thus ranking the product within the intermediate glycemic index foods. Using industrial apple pomace led to analogous results, demonstrating that this by product could be exploited to reduce the glycemic index of bakery foods, thus concomitantly satisfying the need for strategies to manage type 2 diabetes and to valorize food by products.
Detection and Counting of Red Blood Cells in Human Urine using Canny Edge Detection and Circle Hough Transform Algorithms
Venue: 2019 IEEE 11th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management HNICEM
Year: 2019

Integration of image processing in order to detect red blood cells (RBCs) in human urine enables technology to reduce medical technician's manual counting time and error factor. The general objective of this study was to detect and count the red blood cells in human urine using Canny Edge Detection (CED) and Circle Hough Transform (CHT) algorithms. CED is an edge detection algorithm used in order to identify a great variety of edges in an image. CHT is one of the features of the Hough Transform. Specifically, CHT is used in order to detect circular objects. The basis of the CHT operation will be dependent on the circular edges detected by the CED. In order to identify a specific circle size, the minimum and maximum radius must be set. Particularly, to differentiate the RBCs from other cells such as white blood cells. For this study, the minimum radius was 4 pixels while the maximum was 6. Compared to the manual counting of a medical technician, the automated counting of the device produced a percent error of 9.561% and an average counting time of 0.4561 seconds per sample.
A new bounded degree hierarchy with SOCP relaxations for global polynomial optimization and conic convex semi algebraic programs
Venue: J. Glob. Optim.
Year: 2019

In this paper, we propose a bounded degree hierarchy of both primal and dual conic programming relaxations involving both semi definite and second order cone constraints for solving a nonconvex polynomial optimization problem with a bounded feasible set. This hierarchy makes use of some key aspects of the convergent linear programming relaxations of polynomial optimization problems (Lasserre in Moments, positive polynomials and their applications, World Scientific, Singapore, 2010) associated with Krivine Stengle's certificate of positivity in real algebraic geometry and some advantages of the scaled diagonally dominant sum of squares (SDSOS) polynomials (Ahmadi and Hall  2019. https:/doi.org/10.1287/moor.2018.0962; Ahmadi and Majumdar  2019) We show that the values of both primal and dual relaxations converge to the global optimal value of the original polynomial optimization problem under some technical assumptions. Our hierarchy, which extends the so called bounded degree Lasserre hierarchy (Lasserre et al.  2017) has a useful feature that the size and the number of the semi definite and second order cone constraints of the relaxations are fixed and independent of the step or level of the approximation in the hierarchy. As a special case, we provide a convergent bounded degree second order cone programming (SOCP) hierarchy for solving polynomial optimization problems. We then present finite convergence at step one of the SOCP hierarchy for classes of polynomial optimization problems. This includes one step convergence for a new class of first order SDSOS convex polynomial programs. In this case, we also show how a global solution is recovered from the level one SOCP relaxation. We finally derive a corresponding convergent conic linear programming hierarchy for conic convex semi algebraic programs. Whenever the semi algebraic set of the conic convex program is described by concave polynomial inequalities, we show further that the values of the relaxation problems converge to the common value of the convex program and its Lagrangian dual under a constraint qualification.
Swarm Intelligence: A Review of Algorithms
Year: 2017

Swarm intelligence (SI) an integral part in the field of artificial intelligence, is gradually gaining prominence, as more and more high complexity problems require solutions which may be sub optimal but yet achievable within a reasonable period of time. Mostly inspired by biological systems, swarm intelligence adopts the collective behaviour of an organized group of animals, as they strive to survive. This study aims to discuss the governing idea, identify the potential application areas and present a detailed survey of eight SI algorithms. The newly developed algorithms discussed in the study are the insect based algorithms and animal based algorithms in minute detail. More specifically, we focus on the algorithms inspired by ants, bees, fireflies, glow worms, bats, monkeys, lions and wolves. The inspiration analyses on these algorithms highlight the way these algorithms operate. Variants of these algorithms have been introduced after the inspiration analysis. Specific areas for the application of such algorithms have also been highlighted for researchers interested in the domain. The study attempts to provide an initial understanding for the exploration of the technical aspects of the algorithms and their future scope by the academia and practice.
Plasmid Mediated mcr 1 Colistin Resistance in Escherichia coli from a Black Kite in Russia
Venue: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
Year: 2019

The gene mcr 1 conferring resistance to last line antibiotic colistin has been reported globally. Here, we describe the first detection of plasmid mediated colistin resistance in Russian wildlife, an isolate of Escherichia coli sequence type 2280 from a black kite (Milvus migrans) scavenging raptor. Whole genome sequencing and plasmid transferability experiments revealed that mcr 1.1 was located on conjugative IncI2 plasmid pDR164 (59891 bp) ABSTRACT The gene mcr 1 conferring resistance to last line antibiotic colistin has been reported globally. Here, we describe the first detection of plasmid mediated colistin resistance in Russian wildlife, an isolate of Escherichia coli sequence type 2280 from a black kite (Milvus migrans) scavenging raptor. Whole genome sequencing and plasmid transferability experiments revealed that mcr 1.1 was located on conjugative IncI2 plasmid pDR164 (59891 bp) Migratory black kites may contribute to the global spread of mobile colistin resistance.
Wind capacity growth in the Northwest United States: Cooptimized versus sequential generation and transmission planning
Year: 2019

This article demonstrates the benefits of simultaneous cooptimization on a 312 bus network representation of the Western Interconnection power grid with emphasis on The Bonneville Power Administration's operational area in the Pacific Northwest. While generation and transmission expansion planning has traditionally been solved sequentially, simultaneous cooptimization of both guarantees plans at least as cost effective as sequential approaches and better integrates high quality remote resources like wind into power grids. For three scenarios with varied carbon and transmission costs, results indicate that (1) simultaneous cooptimization provides up to 6 billion dollars in net present value benefits over sequential optimization during the 50 year planning horizon, (2) cooptimization is more adept at tapping into superior remote resources like wind that the sequential approach has trouble identifying for low iterations, and (3) 10 iterations of sequential cooptimization only capture 75% 96% of the transmission benefits of simultaneous cooptimization.
Enhanced nitrogen removal using solid carbon source in constructed wetland with limited aeration.
Venue: Bioresource technology
Year: 2018

In this study, the performances of nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands using solid carbon source with limited aeration were investigated. The blends of poly 3 hydroxybutyrate co 3 hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) and polyacetic acid (PLA) were used as the carbon source and biofilm support. The performances of nitrogen removal, microbial abundance and microbial community structure in the biofilm attached on PHBV/PLA were investigated. Higher ammonia removal efficiency (91.00% and total nitrogen removal efficiency (97.03% than non aerated constructed wetland (System NA) were achieved in constructed wetland with limited aeration (System A) The limited aeration decreased the average concentrations of COD in effluent. And, System A had higher microbial abundance than System NA. Pyrosequencing analysis showed that denitrifying bacteria Brevinema (41.85% and Thiothrix (12.33% were the predominant genus in the biofilm attached on the carbon source in System NA and System A, respectively.
Tourism in rural areas: Kedah, Malaysia
Year: 2006

This paper is an empirical study examining the adequacy of the planning approach and establishment types in developing rural tourism in Malaysia with a focus on rural capacity to absorb tourism. It explores the policy background that encourages the growth of rural tourism and highlights issues and factors hampering the involvement of rural communities in tourism. Three illustrations, which are drawn from Kedah State, involve the investigations of regional planning initiatives, remote resort establishments and a home stay programme. Views of stakeholders, the planning agencies, tourism industry and communities, concerning their expectations, development initiatives, and responses to address concerns of tourism, are examined. Results indicate that the current development irony arises because of the insufficient attention to local capacity building, reluctance to integrate local settlements and a misplaced notion of professionalism. Insensitivity to cater for cultural and ethnic differences in the encounters of host and guest also impedes meaningful local involvement.
A simplified model for dynamic analysis of the indoor thermal environment of rooms with a Chinese kang
Year: 2017

This paper uses thermodynamics equilibrium theory to develop a mathematical model for dynamic thermal processes pertaining to rooms with a Chinese kang (a heatable brick bed) The model is developed through analysis of the dynamic thermal equilibrium of indoor air temperature and the temperature of interior and exterior surfaces of the building envelopes of rooms with a kang It is developed and solved using a thermal reaction coefficient. Based on data from a field test, a simplified mathematical model of thermal processes in such a room is presented. The model only takes into account the radiation heat transfer between the exterior surface of the kang 's faceplate and the other interior surfaces of the building envelope, while ignoring the reciprocal radiation heat transfer between all other interior surfaces. A simplified mathematical model pertaining to the Chinese kang is also put forward. This model does not take into account the reciprocal radiation heat transfer between the interior surfaces of the Chinese kang By combining these two models, the hourly values pertaining to indoor air temperature and exterior temperature of the kang 's faceplate can be predicted for different burning modes of the Chinese kang MATLAB was used for calculating the target temperatures and solving the thermal reaction coefficient. The model was validated by error analysis and correlation analysis, the result of which shows that this mathematical model can accurately predict various characteristics concerning the temperatures in a room with a Chinese kang
Dynamic Task Allocation with Closed Loop Adjusting in Swarm Robotic Search for Multiple Targets
Year: 2014

To search for multiple targets in parallel and simultaneously with swarm robots, those robots should be divided into some sub swarm coalitions by job allocation, so that each sub swarm can cooperatively work focusing on its desired target. Due to varying of search subjects and search objects in unstructured environment, dynamic task allocation is required. Thus a dynamic allocation method with closed loop adjusting based on the existing response threshold allocation model is proposed. First, a personalized task set is constructed including some meta tasks for each robot, according to cognition receiving by means of either detected signals(I type target, direct) or informed information of target through neighborhood communications(II type target, indirect) Then responses to target stimuli are evaluated based on probability principle, and a desired target is selected independently from task set. Those robots having the same desired target confederate independently with each other to work cooperatively. Then, the level of robot resource configuration is measured with an average distance approach and the result is linked into allocation model as a negative feedback. This mechanism can makes dynamic migration occurred among different sub swarm coalitions on demand. Results from simulations reveal that overall search efficiency is improved by using our proposed method, comparing with the existing methods.
An investigation of path goal and transformational leadership theory predictions at the individual level of analysis
Year: 2006

This study tested the recent path goal leadership theory prediction [House, R.J. 1996. Path goal theory of leadership: Lessons, legacy, and a reformulated theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 7, 323 352] that leader contingent reward behavior negatively moderates relationships between transformational leadership and subordinate performance and job satisfaction at the individual level of analysis. Also tested was the prediction that transformational leadership would positively augment the effects of leader contingent reward behavior [Bass, B.M. 1985. Leadership and performance beyond expectations.  Free Press] Confirmatory factor analyses, hierarchical linear multiple regression, and within and between entity analyses were employed, along with a sample of 169 social services workers in 40 groups. No evidence was found supporting either the path goal or additive augmentation hypotheses. However, a positive moderator effect was found for some transformational leader behaviors and the leader contingent reward behavior variable, supporting a form of "augmentation effect" that is not incongruent with Bass's [Bass, B.M. 1985. Leadership and performance beyond expectations.  Free Press] approach to transformational leadership. Additionally, strong support was obtained for the level of analysis prediction. Future research directions are briefly considered.
Low cost and cleanroom free fabrication of microneedles
Year: 2018

We present a facile, low cost and cleanroom free technique for the fabrication of microneedles using molds created by laser ablation. Microneedle mold with high aspect ratios is achieved on acrylic sheet by engraving a specific pattern of crossover lines (COL) using CO2 laser cutter. Ablating COL pattern on the acrylic sheet creates a sharp conical shape in the center of the design. We have shown that a variety of microneedle shapes with different heights and tip angles can be easily achieved by changing the number and the length of the COL. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microneedles were fabricated by casting the PDMS on the mold. The resulted PDMS microneedles are oxygen plasma treated and then silanized. Another PDMS layer is casted on PDMS microneedles and detached after curing. The silanization prevents those two layers of PDMS from bonding to each other and makes them easily detachable. After detachment of the PDMS mold of microneedles, the mold is used to fabricate degradable polyvinyl alcohol microneedle patch suitable for transdermal drug delivery. The release kinetics of the needles are also shown and discussed in order to prove the applicability of the needles. A low cost method to make microneedles for non invasive drug delivery across the skin has been devised by a team in the United States. By forming microchannels in the skin, microneedles allow drugs such as insulin to be administered without a painful injection and with improved efficacy. However, conventional methods for fabricating microneedles are expensive, requiring cleanroom facilities. Sameer Sonkusale and co workers at Tufts University have developed a method that does not require a cleanroom. They use a laser cutter to fabricate molds for microneedles in an acrylic sheet. The cone shaped molds are created by passing the laser beam through the same point but by different paths, resulting in the greatest amount of material being removed from the central point. The researchers demonstrate their mold by making degradable microneedle patch from various polymers.