Clemson University

About: Clemson University is a education organization based out in Clemson, South Carolina, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Control theory. The organization has 20556 authors who have published 42518 publications receiving 1170779 citations. The organization is also known as: Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina.

Recent Advances in Nanostructured Thermoelectric Half-Heusler Compounds.

Abstract: Half-Heusler (HH) alloys have attracted considerable interest as promising thermoelectric (TE) materials in the temperature range around 700 K and above, which is close to the temperature range of most industrial waste heat sources. The past few years have seen nanostructuing play an important role in significantly enhancing the TE performance of several HH alloys. In this article, we briefly review the recent progress and advances in these HH nanocomposites. We begin by presenting the structure of HH alloys and the different strategies that have been utilized for improving the TE properties of HH alloys. Next, we review the details of HH nanocomposites as obtained by different techniques. Finally, the review closes by highlighting several promising strategies for further research directions in these very promising TE materials.

Local Standards for Sample Size at CHI

Abstract: We describe the primary ways researchers can determine the size of a sample of research participants, present the benefits and drawbacks of each of those methods, and focus on improving one method that could be useful to the CHI community: local standards. To determine local standards for sample size within the CHI community, we conducted an analysis of all manuscripts published at CHI2014. We find that sample size for manuscripts published at CHI ranges from 1 -- 916,000 and the most common sample size is 12. We also find that sample size differs based on factors such as study setting and type of methodology employed. The outcome of this paper is an overview of the various ways sample size may be determined and an analysis of local standards for sample size within the CHI community. These contributions may be useful to researchers planning studies and reviewers evaluating the validity of results.

A longitudinal study of herd behavior in the adoption and continued use of technology

Abstract: Herd literature suggests that people tend to discount their own beliefs and imitate others when making adoption decisions and that the resulting adoption decisions are fragile and can be easily reversed during the post-adoptive stage This helps explain why the adoption of a number of new technologies--from Amazon's Kindle, to Apple's iPod, iPhone, and iPad, to various types of Web 20 technologies--appears to have adoption patterns similar to those of new fashion trends (i e, an initial en masse acquisition followed by subsequent abandonment) It is important to understand these phenomena because they are strongly related to the staying power of technology From a herd behavior perspective, this study proposes two new concepts, namely discounting one's own information and imitating others, to describe herd behavior in technology adoption A research model is developed to describe the conditions under which herd behavior in technology adoption occurs, how it impacts technology adoption decision making, and how it influences post-adoptive system use A longitudinal study is conducted to examine the research model Findings from this research suggest that the discounting of one's own beliefs and the imitating of others when adopting a new technology are provoked primarily by the observation of prior adoptions and perceptions of uncertainty regarding the adoption of new technology Herd behavior has a significant influence on user technology adoption; however, it does not necessarily lead to the collapse of the user base, as predicted in the herd literature Instead, imitation can help reduce post-adoption regret and thus serve as a legitimate strategy for choosing a good enough technology, which may or may not be the best option to enhance job performance People tend to adjust their beliefs when herding and also to revive their discounted initial beliefs to modify their beliefs about the technology at the post-adoptive stage Findings from this study have significant research and practical implications

The Mla (Powdery Mildew) Resistance Cluster Is Associated With Three NBS-LRR Gene Families and Suppressed Recombination Within a 240-kb DNA Interval on Chromosome 5S (1HS) of Barley

Abstract: Powdery mildew of barley, caused by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei, is a model system for investigating the mechanism of gene-for-gene interaction between large-genome cereals and obligate-fungal pathogens. A large number of loci that confer resistance to this disease are located on the short arm of chromosome 5(1H). The Mla resistance-gene cluster is positioned near the telomeric end of this chromosome arm. AFLP-, RAPD-, and RFLP-derived markers were used to saturate the Mla region in a high-resolution recombinant population segregating for the (Mla6 + Mla14) and (Mla13 + Ml-Ru3) resistance specificities. These tightly linked genetic markers were used to identify and develop a physical contig of YAC and BAC clones spanning the Mla cluster. Three distinct NBS-LRR resistance-gene homologue (RGH) families were revealed via computational analysis of low-pass and BAC-end sequence data derived from Mla-spanning clones. Genetic and physical mapping delimited the Mla-associated, NBS-LRR gene families to a 240-kb interval. Recombination within the RGH families was at least 10-fold less frequent than between markers directly adjacent to the Mla cluster.

Ecotoxicity test methods for engineered nanomaterials: Practical experiences and recommendations from the bench

Abstract: Ecotoxicology research is using many methods for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), but the collective experience from researchers has not been documented. This paper reports the practical issues for working with ENMs and suggests nano-specific modifications to protocols. The review considers generic practical issues, as well as specific issues for aquatic tests, marine grazers, soil organisms, and bioaccumulation studies. Current procedures for cleaning glassware are adequate, but electrodes are problematic. The maintenance of exposure concentration is challenging, but can be achieved with some ENMs. The need to characterize the media during experiments is identified, but rapid analytical methods are not available to do this. The use of sonication and natural/synthetic dispersants are discussed. Nano-specific biological endpoints may be developed for a tiered monitoring scheme to diagnose ENM exposure or effect. A case study of the algal growth test highlights many small deviations in current regulatory test protocols that are allowed (shaking, lighting, mixing methods), but these should be standardized for ENMs. Invertebrate (Daphnia) tests should account for mechanical toxicity of ENMs. Fish tests should consider semistatic exposure to minimize wastewater and animal husbandry. The inclusion of a benthic test is recommended for the base set of ecotoxicity tests with ENMs. The sensitivity of soil tests needs to be increased for ENMs and shortened for logistics reasons; improvements include using Caenorhabditis elegans, aquatic media, and metabolism endpoints in the plant growth tests. The existing bioaccumulation tests are conceptually flawed and require considerable modification, or a new test, to work for ENMs. Overall, most methodologies need some amendments, and recommendations are made to assist researchers.