nils-herrmann/clean_scirepeval huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Corporate Governance on Earning Quality: Empirical Evidence From Pakistan
Year: 2020

This study investigates and analysed the very important corporate finance area the impact of corporate governance on earning quality. This study consist of firms from food, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing sectors listed on the PSX. The total sample taken for analysis is 107 companies belongs from multiple manufacturing sectors. The data covers a time span of 10 years from 2007 till 2016. This study is based on the secondary data which is collected from PSX and individual company portals. The overall results of the study have shown mixed results as multiple variables of corporate governance have been regressed during the study. Board size, CEO duality, Board composition, Board independence, Frequency of board meetings, Audit Committee size, Audit committee meeting and Audit quality have been taken to measure the impact of corporate governance on two variables of earning quality which are earning persistence and earning predictability. The overall results have shown very positive impact of audit meeting and board composition on earning quality. On the other hand CEO duality and board size have shown very negative impact on earning quality. Future researchers have also room for new research areas. Recommendations in contrast of the conclusions of the research this study recommends that the above mentioned sectors can improve their performance and quality of earnings by applying the timely audit meetings and composing a board which have combination of outside directors. The CEO duality must be eliminated as it can be harmful for earning quality.
Prioritizing positivity across the adult lifespan: initial evidence for differential associations with positive and negative emotions
Venue: Quality of Life Research
Year: 2018

PurposePrioritizing positivity (PP) has been presented as an effective mechanism to increase positive emotions and reduce negative emotions. The current study sought to explore the role of age as a moderator and identify selected situations facilitating the likelihood of routinely experiencing positive and negative emotions.MethodsThis mixed methods study consisted of 604 adults between 17 and 87 years who completed prioritizing positivity (PP) scale, positive and negative affect scale (PANAS) and demographic data. Aside from the study questionnaires, a subsample of 223 participants was presented with two open questions. 1037 responses to these two questions comprised the data for content analysis.ResultsPP was found to be associated with increasing positive emotions in old adulthood, but not in young adulthood, and more with decreasing negative emotions in young adulthood than in old adulthood. Content analysis revealed that interpersonal interaction is critical in both increasing positive and reducing negative emotions, across age groups. However, young adults were more likely to prioritize pleasurable activities as triggers of positive emotions. Older adults focused on avoiding unfulfilling situations, due to the negative emotions that they trigger.ConclusionIntegrating both qualitative and quantitative findings elucidates the role of daily routine situations and activities in the management of positive and negative emotions across the lifespan. PP was shown to be of significant emotional value for younger as well as for older adults, though for different reasons. For younger adults, PP serves as a potential 'buffer' to balance negative emotions related to daily stresses and hassles characterizing this life stage, whereas for older adults it serves as a mechanism to boost life's little pleasures on a daily basis based on the acknowledgment of one's limited time ahead.
Gas sensors using ordered macroporous oxide nanostructures
Year: 2019

Detection and monitoring of harmful and toxic gases have gained increased interest in relation to worldwide environmental issues. Semiconducting metal oxide gas sensors have been considered promising for the facile remote detection of gases and vapors over the past decades. However, their sensing performance is still a challenge to meet the demands for practical applications where excellent sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and response/recovery rate are imperative. Therefore, sensing materials with novel architectures and fabrication processes have been pursued with a flurry of research activity. In particular, the preparation of ordered macroporous metal oxide nanostructures is regarded as an intriguing candidate wherein ordered aperture sizes in the range from 50 nm to 1.5 mm can increase the chemical diffusion rate and considerably strengthen the performance stability and repeatability. This review highlights the recent advances in the fabrication of ordered macroporous nanostructures with different dimensions and compositions, discusses the sensing behavior evolution governed by structural layouts, hierarchy, doping, and heterojunctions, as well as considering their general principles and future prospects. This would provide a clear scale for others to tune the sensing performance of porous materials in terms of specific components and structural designs.
Language Barriers and Epistemic Injustice in Healthcare Settings
Venue: Bioethics
Year: 2018

Contemporary realities of global population movement increasingly bring to the fore the challenge of quality and equitable health provision across language barriers. While this linguistic challenge is not unique to immigration contexts and is likewise shared by health systems responding to the needs of aboriginal peoples and other historical linguistic minorities, the expanding multilingual landscape of receiving societies renders this challenge even more critical, owing to limited or even non existing familiarity of modern and often monolingual health systems with the particular needs of new linguistic minorities. The centrality of language to health beliefs, attitudes, practices, cultural scripts, and conceptual frameworks emphasizes its pivotal role in the healthcare process, and consequently in the adverse effects of treatment that is language insensitive and unaware. Such an attitude on the part of medical authorities risks considerable epistemic injustice in the form of a (mis)judgement of patients' intelligence, credibility, and rationality based on the language that they speak and the manner in which they speak it, consequently impacting the quality and equity of care provided. This danger, I argue, may be effectively countered by fostering among the participants in the healthcare process a sense of epistemic humility through greater metalinguistic awareness. Outlining a range of operative steps that can be used to facilitate this. I argue that the reality of language barriers in the healthcare process, while not entirely eliminable, may nevertheless be successfully addressed, in order to mitigate the challenge of quality and equitable healthcare provision in multilingual societies.
The MBR Book: Principles and Applications of Membrane Bioreactors for Water and Wastewater Treatment
Year: 2006

A Membrane BioReactor (MBR) is the combination of a membrane process (e.g. microfiltration/ ultrafiltration) with a suspended growth bioreactor. When used with domestic wastewater, MBR processes can produce effluent of high enough quality to be discharged to waterways, or to be reclaimed for urban irrigation. Other advantages of MBRs over conventional processes include small footprint, easy retrofit and upgrade of old wastewater treatment plants. The MBR Book covers all important aspects of Membrane BioReactors in water and waste water treatment, from the fundamentals of the processes via design principles to MBR technologies. Industrial case studies help interpret actual results and give pointers for best practice. Useful appendices provide data on commercial membranes and international membrane organizations. The MBR book enables readers to: Understand the fundamental processes involved in membrane and biotreatment technologies Compare and contrast design options and work through sample calculations Review commercial MBR systems in terms of specific applications Learn from case studies involving domestic and industrial effluent treatment and recycling Analyze process design, operation, performance and maintenance to draw conclusions appropriate to their requirements New to the second edition: 45% more content than the first edition. Over 120 contributors from the academic research and municipal/industrial practitioner communities. Review of MBR status in ten countries. Expanded section on anaerobic MBRs, micropollutant fate and hybrid systems. Simplified design methodology, with biokinetics for dynamic modelling and cost benefit analysis. Expanded operation and maintenance section, informed by expert panel of practitioners offering more than 40 years combined experience. Over 40 MBR membrane products described, with most of the technical specifications provided. Over 50 case studies provided, including key design, performance, and operation and maintenance data in almost all cases. Membrane Bioreactors are a major growth area in the water and waste water treatment industries Internationally known author, one of the leading senior experts in MBR research Principles and practice, backed by industrial case studies
Training of quantum circuits on a hybrid quantum computer
Venue: Science Advances
Year: 2019

We train generative modeling circuits on a quantum hybrid computer showing an optimization strategy and a resource trade off. Generative modeling is a flavor of machine learning with applications ranging from computer vision to chemical design. It is expected to be one of the techniques most suited to take advantage of the additional resources provided by near term quantum computers. Here, we implement a data driven quantum circuit training algorithm on the canonical Bars and Stripes dataset using a quantum classical hybrid machine. The training proceeds by running parameterized circuits on a trapped ion quantum computer and feeding the results to a classical optimizer. We apply two separate strategies, Particle Swarm and Bayesian optimization to this task. We show that the convergence of the quantum circuit to the target distribution depends critically on both the quantum hardware and classical optimization strategy. Our study represents the first successful training of a high dimensional universal quantum circuit and highlights the promise and challenges associated with hybrid learning schemes.
Sema3A inhibits axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells via ROCK2
Venue: Brain Research
Year: 2020

Successful regeneration of injured axons in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is mainly limited by lesion induced neuronal apoptosis and the inhibitory environment consisting of numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) a classic axonal guidance cue, contributes to the failure of axonal regeneration and can be neutralized to enhance axonal regeneration. Previous studies have suggested that blockage of rho associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) also exerts a protective effect on the survival and axonal regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC, RGCs) after injury. Yet unresolved question is the interaction between the two factors. We thus evaluated the role of Sema3A and ROCK2 in RGC axonal regeneration. In this study, we first examined the expression of Sema3A and ROCK2 against optic nerve crush in vivo and oxygen glucose deprivation insult to RGCs in vitro at different time points. Then Sema3A, ROCK2 inhibitor Y 27632, combination of both and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) only were injected into the vitreous cavity after optic nerve crush at various times in different experiments. In order to assess axonal regeneration, we detected the mRNA levels of small proline rich protein 1A (Sprr1A) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43) by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT qPCR) measured physiological potentials from RGCs by Flash Visual Evoked Potentials (F VEPs) and checked the protein level of GAP43 by immunofluorescent staining. Our results demonstrated that Sema3A significantly suppressed optic nerve regeneration and this effect can be attenuated via blocking ROCK2. Moreover, Sema3A promoted the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) (specific downstream effector of ROCK2 concerning neurite growth) Collectively, Sema3A may negatively regulate axonal regeneration through ROCK2 in RGCs.
A virtual bird's eye view: Live streaming nest boxes to continue outreach in the era of COVID 19
Venue: Ecology and evolution
Year: 2020

COVID 19 created a host of challenges for science education; in our case, the pandemic halted our in person elementary school outreach project on bird biology. This project was designed as a year long program to teach fifth grade students in Ithaca, New York, USA, about bird ecology and biodiversity using in person presentations, games, activities, and outdoor demonstrations. As a central part of this effort, we set up nest boxes on school property and planned to monitor them with students during bird breeding in the spring. Here, we describe our experiences transitioning this program online: we live streamed nest boxes to the students' virtual classroom and used them as a focal point for virtual lessons on bird breeding and nestling development. In an era of social distancing and isolation, we propose that nest box live streaming and virtual lessons can support communities by providing access to the outdoors and unconventional science learning opportunities for all students. Instituting similar programs at local schools has the potential to increase equitable learning opportunities for students across geographic locations and with varying degrees of physical access to the outdoors and nature.
Denial of Pregnancy: Psychopathology and Clinical Management
Venue: Psychopathology
Year: 2019

Denial of pregnancy (DOP) is a challenging condition with poorly understood psychopathology. DOP is reported to be associated with problems such as severe psychological conflicts, obstetric complications, risks to the newborn, and difficulties in bonding with the infant. In this paper, we present and discuss the clinical manifestations of a severe form of DOP that lasted until the time of delivery with resultant multifaceted complications. Our paper highlights the severity of psychopathology and the need for coordinated management. Descriptions from different cultural backgrounds would improve the conceptual understanding of DOP.
Congenital Syphilis: A Discussion of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Nurses' Role in Early Identification and Treatment
Venue: Advances in neonatal care official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
Year: 2018

Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis left untreated, or inadequately treated during pregnancy, can result in congenital syphilis (CS) Congenital syphilis can lead to severe sequelae or fetal, neonatal, or infant death.  To discuss the epidemiological trends, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CS; the implications of CS upon the infant; as well as the importance of the nurse's role in the prompt identification of CS and the timely interventions needed to minimize sequelae.  A literature search was completed using ProQuest, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Articles published within the past 10 years were included.  Epidemiological trends of CS in the United States indicate that maternal syphilis infection and CS are on the rise. Risk factors include ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to prenatal care, and sexual behaviors, as well as compliance with prenatal syphilis screening by prenatal providers. Risks of CS to the developing fetus begin at approximately 14 weeks. Timely treatment is necessary to minimize or eliminate mortality and morbidity.  Evidence based, interprofessional strategies, which promote a collaborative perinatal/neonatal preventative approach to care of the pregnant female, are indicated to reverse the increasing incidence of CS within the United States. Strategies prioritizing early identification and treatment of at risk neonates are necessary to reduce/eliminate the devastating long term consequences of CS upon this vulnerable population.  The paucity of research, which focuses on CS, is most likely due to ethical concerns related to infants as research participants and provides an opportunity for future research. Future research could focus on factors that focus on maternal fetal/maternal child transmission of CS.
Towards a Set of Factors to Identify the Success in Scrum Project Delivery: A Systematic Literature Review
Venue: 2019 7th International Conference in Software Engineering Research and Innovation (CONISOFT)
Year: 2019

Agile based software development is increasingly being adopted by software professionals, as it guarantees the early development of high quality software and software products. One of the most popular agile methods is Scrum, which is a methodology that involves an iterative, incremental and empirical process. In addition, it is designed to add value, focus, clarity, and transparency to the activities and products of a project. Agile methods have been criticized and defended, and research has shown that accommodating change can be a factor in both success and failure. Although Scrum is a light and easy to understand process, its adoption is sometimes difficult. To gather a set of factors to identify success during a Sprint implementation, a systematic review of the literature is carried out in which we find several factors that help to achieve the success of a Sprint; these are classified into four groups: personnel, project, product, and organization. The results represent a basis for companies seeking to improve the implementation of Scrum.
The Electric Vehicles Ecosystem Model: Construct, Analysis and Identification of Key Challenges
Year: 2014

This paper builds a conceptual model of electric vehicles' (EV) ecosystem and value chain build up. Based on the literature, the research distinguishes the most critical challenges that are on the way of mobility systems' electrification. Consumers still have some questions that call for answers before they are ready to adopt evs.With regard to technical aspects, some challenges are coming from vehicles, charging infrastructure, battery technology, and standardization. The use of battery in EVs will bring in additional environmental challenges, coming from the battery life cycle for used battery, the manufacturing, and from some materials used and treated in the manufacturing process. The policy aspects include mostly taxation strategies. For most part, established market conditions are still lacking and there are a number of unresolved challenges on both supply and demand side of the EV market.
Developmental Time and Parent's Future Imaginations: Overcoming the Incongruence
Year: 2016

Individual development rests on biological as well as social opportunities. Understanding the biological social mechanisms of the developmental trajectory also points to potentialities and how the development of a child with disabilities can be supported. The major theme in this chapter will be how parents and professionals are co creators of the children's development through their active involvement in the child's developmental conditions. Through parents and professionals' motives and through the demands they place on the child and on each other, they co create the child's developmental conditions at home and in the other practices in which the child's development also takes place. As it will be argued in this chapter, parents and other adults need to take developmental time seriously. The developmental trajectory of the child must be managed in relation to age graded demands and the trajectory of peers. If the child is unable to keep up a cultural typical developmental speed, this needs to be addressed rather than waiting passive for the child's biological maturation or growth into difficulties. The most important goal for negotiations between parents and professionals is to ensure adequate support of the child's social agency, whatever form it may take. Parents and professionals must cultivate ongoing openness to the child's perspective and align the child's motives for activity with their mature knowledge about what type of social agency will be valuable for the child in the future.
Father absence and gendered traits in sons and daughters
Venue: PloS one
Year: 2017

Research has previously found a number of apparently contradictory patterns in the relationship between 'father absence' (having a non resident father during childhood) and the expression of gender roles, as well as other sexually dimorphic traits such as aggression. In the current study we measured a battery of sexually differentiated traits in relation to family background. 133 men and 558 women from the United States and Australia completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the Barrett Impulsivity Scale, the Fear Survey Schedule and the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Principal components analysis found two main axes of variation in these traits. Firstly, a general 'reactivity' factor, on which aggression, impulsivity, and fear all loaded positively, was weakly associated with father absence in women. Secondly, 'masculinity' (consisting of high scores on masculine traits, low fear, and physical and verbal aggression) was not associated with father absence. Participants (except American males) reporting a poor childhood relationship with their parents also had high 'reactivity' but not higher 'masculinity' We found some evidence of a link between father absence and earlier age of first coitus in American females (although not in Australia) but there was no link with age of menarche in either country. Overall, the current results suggest that previous findings linking gender development with father absence in girls may have arisen from a tendency towards greater externalising and reactive behaviour rather than a change in gender development per se.
ANALISIS, EVALUACION Y PROPUESTAS INNOVATIVAS PARA EL FORTALECIMIENTO DE LA PARTICIPACION CIUDADANA EN LA GESTION DE LA INFRAESTRUCTURA DEL MINISTERIO DE OBRAS PUBLICAS
Year: 2014

Este es el marco de definiciones preliminares que subyace al desarrollo de esta consultoria y sera un objetivo a alcanzar conocer como se han desenvuelto las actividades del Ministerio de Obras Publicas (tanto la construccion de obras como la produccion de servicios) en su componente de Participacion Ciudadana, para asegurar una optima provision de bienes publicos, de acuerdo a su mision. Resulta particularmente relevante el reconocimiento del derecho de los ciudadanos a una gestion publica de calidad, estableciendose unos contenidos minimos, dado un creciente empoderamiento de los ciudadanos que les hace exigir a sus instituciones publicas la mejora continua y la innovacion de la gestion en su propio beneficio, asi como participar directamente en ella. En este estudio entendemos que "una decision publica es mas eficaz y se hace mas valida si se ha elaborado mediante un proceso que haya reunido a sus protagonistas en un proyecto comun. Cuando las personas participan de una iniciativa o proyecto, lo hacen parte de si, la gente logra identificarse con el proyecto de mejor manera, cuidando lo logrado a traves de ellos" (Manual de Participacion Ciudadana MOP)