bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Expert Judgment in Source Code Quality Research Domain—A Comparative Study between Professionals and Students
Authors: Pavlič Luka , Heričko Marjan , Beranič Tina
Published: October 2020

In scientific research, evidence is often based on empirical data. Scholars tend to rely on students as participants in experiments in order to validate their thesis. They are an obvious choice when it comes to scientific research: They are usually willing to participate and are often themselves pursuing an education in the experiment’s domain. The software engineering domain is no exception. However, readers, authors, and reviewers do sometimes question the validity of experimental data that is gathered in controlled experiments from students. This is why we will address this difficult-to-answer question: Are students a proper substitute for experienced professional engineers while performing experiments in a typical software engineering experiment. As we demonstrate in this paper, it is not a “yes or no” answer. In some aspects, students were not outperformed by professionals, but in others, students would not only give different answers compared to professionals, but their answers would also diverge. In this paper we will show and analyze the results of a controlled experiment in the source code quality domain in terms of comparing student and professional responses. We will show that authors have to be careful when employing students in experiments, especially when complex and advanced domains are addressed. However, they may be a proper substitution in cases, where non-advanced aspects are required.
High-Speed Time-Resolved Tomographic Particle Shadow Velocimetry Using Smartphones
Authors: Aguirre-Pablo Andres A. , Langley Kenneth R. , Thoroddsen Sigurdur T.
Published: October 2020

The video-capabilities of smartphones are rapidly improving both in pixel resolution and frame-rates. Herein we use four smartphones in the “slow-mo” option to perform time-resolved Tomographic Particle Shadow Velocimetry of a vortex ring, using 960 fps. We use background LED-illuminated diffusers, facing each camera, for shadow particle imaging. We discuss in-depth the challenges present in synchronizing the high-speed video capture on the smartphones and steps to overcome these challenges. The resulting 3-D velocity field is compared to an instantaneous, concurrent, high-resolution snapshot with four 4k-video cameras using dual-color to encode two time-steps on a single frame. This proof-of-concept demonstration, supports realistic low-cost alternatives to conventional 3-D experimental systems.
A Comparative Assessment of the Baking Quality of Hybrid and Population Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Jańczak-Pieniążek Marta , Buczek Jan , Kaszuba Joanna , Szpunar-Krok Ewa , Bobrecka-Jamro Dorota , Jaworska Grażyna
Published: October 2020

The study assessed the quality parameters of grain and flour, the rheological properties of dough and the quality of bread prepared from flour of hybrid cultivars of wheat in comparison with population cultivars of wheat. As the interest in wheat hybrids cultivars from the agricultural and milling industry is growing, their technological value of grain and flour was evaluated at two levels of nitrogen fertilisation (N1—110 kg/ha, N2—150 kg/ha). Increasing the fertilisation (N2) produced a significant influence on the crude protein and gluten content in the flour, as well as the moisture of the crumb and the yield of the dough without impacting other rheological traits and parameters of bread baking process. The performed principal component analysis (PCA) allowed for identification of the best cultivars among the studied wheat cultivars (Hybery and Hyvento). The hybrid cultivar Hyvento was characterised by favourable qualitative traits of the grain (vitreousness, crude protein content) and rheological parameters of the dough (bread volume), however, it had lower baking quality parameters. Among the hybrid cultivars, the best applicability for baking purposes was Hybery due to the favourable values of the baking process parameters and bread quality (bread yield, bread volume, Dallmann porosity index of crumb). Hybrid cultivars of wheat can therefore be used for the production of bread and be an alternative in agricultural production for population cultivars, which will contribute to filling the knowledge gap for the hybrid wheat cultivars.
Differential Law and Influencing Factors of Groundwater Depth in the Key Agricultural and Pastoral Zones Driven by the Minimum Hydrological Response Unit
Authors: Niu Teng , Yu Jiaxin , Yue Depeng , Yu Qiang , Hu Yahui , Long Qianqian , Li Song , Mao Xueqing
Published: October 2020

The water cycle in the key agricultural and pastoral zones (KAPZs) is an important factor for maintaining the stability of the ecosystem. Groundwater collection and lateral seepage are indispensable parts of the water cycle, and it is difficult to monitor the groundwater situation in each area. The strength of the alternate circulation of groundwater is directly related to the utilization value and development prospects of groundwater; therefore, creating an effective method for the detection of groundwater burial depth has become an issue of increasing concern. In this paper, we attempt to create a method for the detection of groundwater burial depth that combines cokriging interpolation, spatial autocorrelation, geographically weighted regression, and other methods to construct a quantitative relationship between different land cover types and groundwater depth. By calculating the band index of the land cover type, the groundwater depthinformation of the unknown area can be obtained more accurately. Through collaborative kriging interpolation, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), precipitation, and hydrogeological conditions were used as covariates. The groundwater burial depth of Wengniute Banner in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017 was the response variable, and the groundwater burial depth in the study area was calculated. The groundwater burial depth data after the cokriging interpolation was used to transform the raster data into vector data in space using the improved hydrological response unit (HRU) model to make it more suitable for the actual groundwater confluence. Subsequently, 551 minimum response units (MHRUs) were obtained by division, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed accordingly. The groundwater burial depth in the study area is spatially distinct from east to west, and the groundwater level shows a trend of being high in the west and low in the east, gradually increasing due to precipitation and rivers. The average change of groundwater depth in the time series is not significant, but it does gradually show a trend of accumulation. According to the aggregation characteristics of spatial autocorrelation analysis, a geographically weighted regression model of groundwater depth and NDVI, normalized difference drought index (NDDI), and net relatedness index (NRI) was established. The NDVI representing the forest land and the Adjusted R2 of the groundwater depth is 0.67. The NRI representing the cultivated land and the Adjusted R2 of the groundwater depth is 0.8675. The NDDI representing the bare land and the Adjusted R2 of the groundwater depth is 0.7875. It shows that the band index representing the ground type has a good fitting effect with the groundwater burial depth.
Ancillary Services Offered by Distributed Renewable Energy Sources at the Distribution Grid Level: An Attempt at Proper Definition and Quantification
Authors: Demoulias Charis S. , Malamaki Kyriaki-Nefeli D. , Gkavanoudis Spyros , Mauricio Juan Manuel , Kryonidis Georgios C. , Oureilidis Konstantinos O. , Kontis Eleftherios O. , Martinez Ramos Jose Luis
Published: October 2020

The gradual displacement of synchronous generators driven by conventional power plants, due to the increasing penetration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRES) in distribution grids, is creating a shortage of crucial ancillary services (AS) which are vital for the frequency and voltage stability of the grid. These AS, and some new ones, could now be offered by the DRES, particularly those that are converter interfaced, in a coordinated way in order to preserve the grid stability and resilience. Although recent standards and grid codes specify that the DRES exhibit some system support functions, there are no specifications on how to measure and quantify (M & Q) them both at DRES level and in aggregated form. The M & Q of AS is crucial, since it would allow the AS to be treated as tradable AS in the current and future AS markets. This paper attempts to define a number of AS that can be offered by converter-interfaced DRES and suggests methods for their M & Q. The new AS addressed are: (1) inertial response; (2) primary frequency response; (3) active power smoothing (ramp-rate limitation); (4) exchange of reactive power for voltage regulation; (5) fault-ride-through (FRT) and contribution to fault clearing; (6) voltage harmonic mitigation. Additionally, a rough estimation of the additional investment and operational cost, as well as the financial benefits associated with each AS is provided in order to form the basis for the development of business models around each AS in the near future.
Evolutionary Algorithms in Modeling Aerodynamic Properties of Spray-Dried Microparticulate Systems
Authors: Pacławski Adam , Szlęk Jakub , Jachowicz Renata , Giovagnoli Stefano , Wiśniowska Barbara , Polak Sebastian , Czub Natalia , Mendyk Aleksander
Published: October 2020

Spray drying is a single step process in which solutions or dispersions are converted into dry particles. It is widely used in pharmaceutical technology to produce inhalable particles. Dry particle behavior during inhalation, described as the emitted dose (ED) and fine particle fraction (FPF), is determined in vitro by standardized procedures. A large number of factors influencing the spray drying process and particle interaction makes it difficult to predict the final product properties in advance. This work presents the development of predictive models based on experimental data obtained by aerodynamic assessment of respirable dry powders. Developed models were tested according to the 10-fold cross-validation procedure and yielded good predictive ability. Both models were characterized by normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) below 8.50% and coefficient of determination (R2) above 0.90. Moreover, models were analyzed to establish a relationship between spray drying process parameters and the final product quality measures. Presented work describes the strategy of implementing the evolutionary algorithms in empirical model’s development. Obtained models can be applied as an expert system during pharmaceutical formulation development. The models have the potential for product optimization and a knowledge extraction to improve final quality of the drug.
Smart Solutions for Sustainable Cities—The Re-Coding Experience for Harnessing the Potential of Urban Rooftops
Authors: Todeschi Valeria , Mutani Guglielmina , Baima Lucia , Nigra Marianna , Robiglio Matteo
Published: October 2020

Urban rooftops are a potential source of water, energy, and food that contribute to make cities more resilient and sustainable. The use of smart technologies such as solar panels or cool roofs helps to reach energy and climate targets. This work presents a flexible methodology based on the use of geographical information systems that allow evaluating the potential use of roofs in a densely built-up context, estimating the roof areas that can be renovated or used to produce renewable energy. The methodology was applied to the case study of the city of Turin in Italy, a 3D roof model was designed, some scenarios were investigated, and priorities of interventions were established, taking into account the conditions of the urban landscape. The applicability of smart solutions was conducted as a support to the review of the Building Annex Energy Code of Turin, within the project ‘Re-Coding’, which aimed to update the current building code of the city. In addition, environmental, economic, and social impacts were assessed to identify the more effective energy efficiency measures. In the Turin context, using an insulated green roof, there was energy saving in consumption for heating up to 88 kWh/m2/year and for cooling of 10 kWh/m2/year, with a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 193 tCO2eq/MWh/year and 14 tCO2eq/MWh/year, respectively. This approach could be a significant support in the identification and promotion of energy efficiency solutions to exploit also renewable energy resources with low greenhouse gas emissions.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of COVID-19 Bluetooth-Based Smartphone Contact Tracing Applications
Authors: Hernández-Orallo Enrique , Calafate Carlos T. , Cano Juan-Carlos , Manzoni Pietro
Published: October 2020

One of the strategies to control the spread of infectious diseases is based on the use of specialized applications for smartphones. These apps offer the possibility, once individuals are detected to be infected, to trace their previous contacts in order to test and detect new possibly-infected individuals. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of recently developed contact tracing smartphone applications for COVID-19 that rely on Bluetooth to detect contacts. We study how these applications work in order to model the main aspects that can affect their performance: precision, utilization, tracing speed and implementation model (centralized vs. decentralized). Then, we propose an epidemic model to evaluate their efficiency in terms of controlling future outbreaks and the effort required (e.g., individuals quarantined). Our results show that smartphone contact tracing can only be effective when combined with other mild measures that can slightly reduce the reproductive number R0 (for example, social distancing). Furthermore, we have found that a centralized model is much more effective, requiring an application utilization percentage of about 50% to control an outbreak. On the contrary, a decentralized model would require a higher utilization to be effective.
Analysis and Prediction of Engineering Student Behavior and Their Relation to Academic Performance Using Data Analytics Techniques
Authors: de la Fuente-Mella Hanns , Guzmán Gutiérrez Claudia , Crawford Kathleen , Foschino Giancarla , Crawford Broderick , Soto Ricardo , León de la Barra Claudio , Cisternas Caneo Felipe , Monfroy Eric , Becerra-Rozas Marcelo , Elórtegui-Gómez Claudio
Published: October 2020

This study focuses on identifying personality traits in computer science students and determining whether they are related to academic performance. In addition, the importance of the personality traits based on motivation scale and depression, anxiety, and stress scales were measured. A sample of 188 students from the Computer Engineering Schools of the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaíso was used. Through econometric two-stage least squares and paired sample correlation analysis, the results obtained indicate that there is a relation between academic performance and the personality traits measured by educational motivation scale and the ranking of university entrance and gender. In addition, these results led to characterization of students based on their personality traits and provided elements that may enhance the development of an effective personality that allows students to successfully face their environment, playing an important role in the educational process.
Three-Dimensional Stopping Sight Distance Calculation Method under High Slope Restraint
Authors: Yang Yonghong , Wang Jiecong , Xia Yuanbo , Huang Lan
Published: October 2020

Sight distance is an important indicator to ensure the safety of drivers, and is also an indispensable evaluation basis in highway safety engineering. In mountainous highways, high slopes and small radius often lead to poor visibility and traffic accidents. Through the combined calculation of horizontal and vertical sections, this paper comprehensively considers the specific sizes of roadside clearance, high slope, as well as the position and height of the driver’s view point and other factors, and it analyzes the limited visibility of the driver in the process of driving right turn. An effective and simplified calculation method based on design data for three dimensional (3D) stopping sight distance (S.S.D.) in high fill sections is proposed. Finally, the S.S.D. inspection of the actual highway, based on design speed and operating speed, is carried out, and the sight distance of the calculated point is judged by comparing the value with the normal value and the calculation result of the horizontal sightline offset. The results show that the method proposed in this paper is consistent with the sight distance results obtained by the horizontal sightline offset method, which indicates the calculation method is accurate and provides a technical reference for S.S.D. evaluation in highway safety engineering.
UbiPriSEQ—Deep Reinforcement Learning to Manage Privacy, Security, Energy, and QoS in 5G IoT HetNets
Authors: Mohammed Thaha , Albeshri Aiiad , Katib Iyad , Mehmood Rashid
Published: October 2020

5G networks and Internet of Things (IoT) offer a powerful platform for ubiquitous environments with their ubiquitous sensing, high speeds and other benefits. The data, analytics, and other computations need to be optimally moved and placed in these environments, dynamically, such that energy-efficiency and QoS demands are best satisfied. A particular challenge in this context is to preserve privacy and security while delivering quality of service (QoS) and energy-efficiency. Many works have tried to address these challenges but without a focus on optimizing all of them and assuming fixed models of environments and security threats. This paper proposes the UbiPriSEQ framework that uses Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) to adaptively, dynamically, and holistically optimize QoS, energy-efficiency, security, and privacy. UbiPriSEQ is built on a three-layered model and comprises two modules. UbiPriSEQ devises policies and makes decisions related to important parameters including local processing and offloading rates for data and computations, radio channel states, transmit power, task priority, and selection of fog nodes for offloading, data migration, and so forth. UbiPriSEQ is implemented in Python over the TensorFlow platform and is evaluated using a real-life application in terms of SINR, privacy metric, latency, and utility function, manifesting great promise.
Complex Characterization of Fine Fraction and Source Contribution to PM2.5 Mass at an Urban Area in Central Europe
Authors: Samek Lucyna , Turek-Fijak Anna , Skiba Alicja , Furman Przemyslaw , Styszko Katarzyna , Furman Leszek , Stegowski Zdzislaw
Published: October 2020

It is well documented that Southern Poland is one of the most polluted areas in Europe due to the highest airborne concentrations of particulate matter (PM). Concentrations of fine particles are especially high in winter. Apart from detailed number concentrations, it is essential to accurately identify and quantify specific particulate pollution sources. Only a few Polish research centers are involved in such experiments—among them is Krakow research group. For the most part, research focuses on collecting 24-h average samples from stationary PM samplers at ambient monitoring sites and quantifying the specific elements and chemical constituents in PM. This approach includes modeling methods that can use the variability in physical and chemical PM characteristics as an input dataset to identify possible sources of the particles. The objective of this paper is to provide research results based on data collected from June 2018 to May 2019 from a single monitoring station at a central urban site. Careful comparison of data obtained prior to a 2019 law prohibiting solid fuel burning in the city of Krakow with data (2019–2020) when a regulation went into effect should indicate progress by noting lower PM levels. This work has shown that the method applied and Krakow results might be of interest to the broader community in regions of high PM concentration.
Strong Convergence of Extragradient-Type Method to Solve Pseudomonotone Variational Inequalities Problems
Authors: Wairojjana Nopparat , Pakkaranang Nuttapol , Rehman Habib ur , Pholasa Nattawut , Khanpanuk Tiwabhorn
Published: October 2020

A number of applications from mathematical programmings, such as minimax problems, penalization methods and fixed-point problems can be formulated as a variational inequality model. Most of the techniques used to solve such problems involve iterative algorithms, and that is why, in this paper, we introduce a new extragradient-like method to solve the problems of variational inequalities in real Hilbert space involving pseudomonotone operators. The method has a clear advantage because of a variable stepsize formula that is revised on each iteration based on the previous iterations. The key advantage of the method is that it works without the prior knowledge of the Lipschitz constant. Strong convergence of the method is proved under mild conditions. Several numerical experiments are reported to show the numerical behaviour of the method.
The Impact of Different Sounds on Stress Level in the Context of EEG, Cardiac Measures and Subjective Stress Level: A Pilot Study
Authors: Paszkiel Szczepan , Dobrakowski Paweł , Łysiak Adam
Published: October 2020

Everyone experiences stress at certain times in their lives. This feeling can motivate, however, if it persists for a prolonged period, it leads to negative changes in the human body. Stress is characterized, among other things, by increased blood pressure, increased pulse and decreased alpha-frequency brainwave activity. An overview of the literature indicates that music therapy can be an effective and inexpensive method of improving these factors. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of various types of music on stress level in subjects. The conducted experiment involved nine females, aged 22. All participants were healthy and did not have any neurological or psychiatric disorders. The test included four types of audio stimuli: silence (control sample), rap, relaxing music and music triggering an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) phenomenon. The impact of individual sound types was assessed using data obtained from four sources: a fourteen-channel electroencephalograph, a blood pressure monitor, a pulsometer and participant’s subjective stress perception. The conclusions from the conducted study indicate that rap music negatively affects the reduction of stress level compared to the control group (p < 0.05), whereas relaxing music and ASMR calms subjects much faster than silence (p < 0.05).
Functional Neural Changes after Low-Frequency Bilateral Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation for Post-Hypoxic Cortical Myoclonus: Voxel-Based Subtraction Analysis of Serial Positron Emission
Authors: Kim Myung Ji , Park So Hee , Heo Kyoung , Chang Jin Woo , Kim Joong Il , Chang Won Seok
Published: October 2020

Post-hypoxic myoclonus (PHM) and Lance–Adams syndrome (LAS) are rare conditions following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The aim of this study was to identify functional activity in the cerebral cortex after a hypoxic event and to investigate alterations that could be modulated by deep brain stimulation (DBS). A voxel-based subtraction analysis of serial positron emission tomography (PET) scans was performed in a 34-year-old woman with chronic medically refractory PHM that improved with bilateral globus pallidus internus (Gpi) DBS implanted three years after the hypoxic event. The patient required low-frequency stimulation to show myoclonus improvement. Using voxel-based statistical parametric mapping, we identified a decrease in glucose metabolism in the prefrontal lobe including the dorsolateral, orbito-, and inferior prefrontal cortex, which was suspected to be the origin of the myoclonus from postoperative PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after DBS. Based on the present study results, voxel-based subtraction of PET appears to be a useful approach for monitoring patients with PHM treated with DBS. Further investigation and continuous follow-up on the use of PET analysis and DBS treatment for patients with PHM are necessary to help understanding the pathophysiology of PHM, or LAS.
Motor Coordination Disorders Evaluated through the Grid Test and Changes in the Nigral Nrf2 mRNA Expression in Rats with Pedunculopontine Lesion
Authors: Blanco-Lezcano Lisette , Alberti Amador Esteban , González Fraguela María Elena , Larrea Guadalupe Zaldívar Lelo de , Pérez Serrano Rosa Martha , Jiménez Luna Nadia Angélica , Camejo Rodríguez Dianet , Serrano Sánchez Teresa , Francis Turner Liliana , Estupiñán Díaz Bárbara , Vega Hurtado Yamilé , Fernández Jiménez Isabel
Published: October 2020

Neurotoxic lesion of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) is known to cause subtle motor dysfunctions. However, motor coordination during advance on a discontinuous and elevated surface has not been studied. It is also not known whether there are changes in the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in nigral tissue. Methods: The effects of the unilateral neurotoxic lesion of the PPN in motor coordination evaluated through grid test and Nrf2 mRNA expression in nigral tissue were evaluated. Two experimental designs (ED) were organized: ED#1 behavioral study (7 and 30 days after PPN lesion) and ED#2 molecular biology study (24 h, 48 h and 7 days) after PPN lesion. Results: ED#1—The number of faults made with left limbs, were significant higher in the lesioned groups (p < 0.01) both 7 and 30 days post-lesion. The number of failures made by the right limbs, was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) vs. control groups. ED#2—Nrf2 mRNA expression showed an increase 24 h after PPN injury (p < 0.01), followed by a peak of expression 48 h post injury (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Disorders of motor coordination associated with PPN injury are bilateral. The increased Nrf2 mRNA expression could represent an adaptive response to oxidative stress in the nigral tissue following pontine injury.
Deep Control of Linear Oligomerization of Glycerol Using Lanthanum Catalyst on Mesoporous Silica Gel
Authors: Caputo Daniela , Casiello Michele , Milella Antonella , Oberhauser Werner , Maffezzoli Alfonso , Nacci Angelo , Fusco Caterina , D’Accolti Lucia
Published: October 2020

The valorization of glycerol (1), a waste of biodiesel production of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAMEs), adopting a “green” approach, represents an important goal of sustainable chemistry. While the polymerization of 1 to hyperbranched oligomers is a well-established process, the linear analogues are difficult to obtain. In this context, we explore the reaction without the solvent of heterogeneous hybrid La(III)O-KIT-6 catalyst (2), which is based on lanthanum oxide on mesoporous silica gel, showing a superior linear selectivity compared to most of the analogous catalysts recently reported.
Turnover Rate of Metal-Catalyzed Hydroconversion of 2,5-Dimethylfuran: Gas-Phase Versus Liquid-Phase
Authors: Althikrallah Hanan , Kunstmann-Olsen Casper , Kozhevnikova Elena F. , Kozhevnikov Ivan V.
Published: October 2020

Hydroconversion (hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis) of biomass-derived furanic compounds giving furan ring-hydrogenation and ring-cleavage products attracts interest for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels. Here, the hydroconversion of 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), chosen as a model furanic compound, was investigated at a gas-solid interface over carbon-supported Pt, Pd, Rh and Ru metal catalysts in a fixed-bed reactor at 70–90 °C and ambient pressure. Pt/C was mainly active in ring cleavage of DMF to produce 2-hexanone as the primary product, followed by its hydrogenation to 2-hexanol and hexane. In contrast, Pd/C, Rh/C and Ru/C selectively hydrogenated the furan ring to 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran (DMTHF). The turnover frequency (TOF) of metal sites in the gas-phase DMF hydroconversion was determined from zero-order kinetics in the absence of diffusion limitations. The TOF values decreased in the sequence Pt > Rh > Pd >> Ru, similar to the liquid-phase reaction. The TOF values for the gas-phase reaction were found to be one order of magnitude greater than those for the liquid-phase reaction. This indicates that the gas-phase process is potentially more efficient than the liquid-phase process. TOF values for hydroconversion of ring-saturated furan derivatives, tetrahydrofuran and DMTHF, on Pt/C, were much lower than those for DMF.
Thermal Profiles of Carbon Fiber Based Anisotropic Thin-Films: An Emerging Heat Management Solution for High-Current Flow Electrocatalysis and Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Lim Sang-Hwi , Kim Han-Ki
Published: October 2020

Carbon fiber has been extensively used in the photocatalysis, electrocatalysis and energy storage fields as supporting platform and conductive media. However, less attention has been paid with regards to its function in phonon transport and thermal management. We have investigated the effect of current flow direction on the heat management performance of carbon fiber based thin film heaters (CFTFHs) with anisotropic percolation network of carbon fibers (CFs). The anisotropic percolation network of carbon fibers (CFs) formed by roll-to-roll spray coating leads to the anisotropic electrical properties of CFs. As a result, CFs based thin films (CFTFs) have lower sheet resistance when measured parallel to the CFs alignment, compared to when they are aligned perpendicular. Because connectivity and current flow in CFs are critically dependent on the direction alignment of CFs, the saturation temperature (106.4 °C) of CFTFH with parallel aligned carbon fiber is higher than that (117.3 °C) of CFTFH with perpendicular alignment. Therefore, current flow in the same direction as the alignment of CFs is very important to achieve high-performance. Moreover, our study on thermal profile of anisotropic CFTFs under high current flows illustrates that carbon fiber thin films have great potential in thermal management solution for electrocatalytic and electrochemical energy storage applications.
Transition Metal Catalyzed Azidation Reactions
Authors: Sala Roberto , Loro Camilla , Foschi Francesca , Broggini Gianluigi
Published: October 2020

A wide range of methodologies for the preparation of organic azides has been reported in the literature for many decades, due to their interest as building blocks for different transformations and their applications in biology as well as in materials science. More recently, with the spread of the use of transition metal-catalyzed reactions, new perspectives have also materialized in azidation processes, especially concerning the azidation of C–H bonds and direct difunctionalization of multiple carbon-carbon bonds. In this review, special emphasis will be placed on reactions involving substrates bearing a leaving group, hydroazidation reactions and azidation reactions that proceed with the formation of more than one bond. Further reactions for the preparation of allyl and vinyl azides as well as for azidations involving the opening of a ring complete the classification of the material.
Editorial Special Issue “Heterogeneous Catalytic Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications for Energetic Purposes”
Authors: Cannilla Catia
Published: October 2020

Solid catalytic materials play a key role in the development of industrial chemistry, showing important advantages over liquid materials thanks to their easier separation from the reaction liquid medium, their reusability and stability, and their environmentally friendly character [...]
Fe(III) Complexes in Cyclohexane Oxidation: Comparison of Catalytic Activities under Different Energy Stimuli
Authors: Roy Barman Tannistha , Sutradhar Manas , C. B. A. Alegria Elisabete , C. Guedes da Silva Maria de Fátima , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: October 2020

In this study, the mononuclear Fe(III) complex [Fe(HL)(NO3)(H2O)2]NO3 (1) derived from Nʹ-acetylpyrazine-2-carbohydrazide (H2L) was synthesized and characterized by several physicochemical methods, e.g., elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The catalytic performances of 1 and the previously reported complexes [Fe(HL)Cl2] (2) and [Fe(HL)Cl(μ-OMe)]2 (3) towards the peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane under three different energy stimuli (microwave irradiation, ultrasound, and conventional heating) were compared. 1-3 displayed homogeneous catalytic activity, leading to the formation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone as final products, with a high selectivity for the alcohol (up to 95%). Complex 1 exhibited the highest catalytic activity, with a total product yield of 38% (cyclohexanol + cyclohexanone) under optimized microwave-assisted conditions.
Novel Procedure for Brochantite Based Pigment Production and Its Immobilization for Restoration of Historical Copper Objects
Authors: Rak Pavol , Fink Dominika , Bureš Richard , Stoulil Jan
Published: October 2020

The article deals with the preparation of artificial copper pigment based on brochantite. The pigment was prepared by slow additions of sodium hydroxide solution into the solution of copper sulphate. The studied parameters were addition rate, solutions concentrations, ferrous ion addition, and filtration time. The prepared pigments were evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction and spectrophotometry. Subsequent pigment immobilization in an acrylate varnish was also studied. Observed parameters were influenced by solvent type, mechanical or chemical dispersion, and natural aging in an aggressive outdoor atmosphere. Pigment containing varnishes were evaluated by means of spectrophotometry, optical profilometers, and pull-off test. Slow hydroxide addition allows the formation of brochantite pigment. Fast filtration limits backward pigment decomposition. Ferrous ion improves pigment color closer to natural copper patina. The ideal immobilization procedure includes ethylacetate as a solvent and mechanical dispersion. The varnish filled with pigment provides sufficient adhesion to the metallic copper substrate as well as long-term color stability in the outdoor atmosphere.
Plant-Based Natural Fibre Reinforced Composites: A Review on Fabrication, Properties and Applications
Authors: Syduzzaman Md , Al Faruque Md Abdullah , Bilisik Kadir , Naebe Maryam
Published: October 2020

The increasing global environmental concerns and awareness of renewable green resources is continuously expanding the demand for eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable natural fibre reinforced composites (NFRCs). Natural fibres already occupy an important place in the composite industry due to their excellent physicochemical and mechanical properties. Natural fibres are biodegradable, biocompatible, eco-friendly and created from renewable resources. Therefore, they are extensively used in place of expensive and non-renewable synthetic fibres, such as glass fibre, carbon fibre and aramid fibre, in many applications. Additionally, the NFRCs are used in automobile, aerospace, personal protective clothing, sports and medical industries as alternatives to the petroleum-based materials. To that end, in the last few decades numerous studies have been carried out on the natural fibre reinforced composites to address the problems associated with the reinforcement fibres, polymer matrix materials and composite fabrication techniques in particular. There are still some drawbacks to the natural fibre reinforced composites (NFRCs)—for example, poor interfacial adhesion between the fibre and the polymer matrix, and poor mechanical properties of the NFRCs due to the hydrophilic nature of the natural fibres. An up-to-date holistic review facilitates a clear understanding of the behaviour of the composites along with the constituent materials. This article intends to review the research carried out on the natural fibre reinforced composites over the last few decades. Furthermore, up-to-date encyclopaedic information about the properties of the NFRCs, major challenges and potential measures to overcome those challenges along with their prospective applications have been exclusively illustrated in this review work. Natural fibres are created from plant, animal and mineral-based sources. The plant-based cellulosic natural fibres are more economical than those of the animal-based fibres. Besides, these pose no health issues, unlike mineral-based fibres. Hence, in this review, the NFRCs fabricated with the plant-based cellulosic fibres are the main focus.
Reactivity and Curing Efficiency of Isocyanate Cross-Linkers with Imidazole-Based Blocking Agents for Low-Temperature Curing of Automotive Clearcoats
Authors: Choi Moonhyun , Kim Maeng Gi , Jung Kevin Injoe , Lee Tae Hee , Ha Miran , Hyung Woochan , Jung Hyun Wook , Noh Seung Man
Published: October 2020

For the application of low-temperature curing on automotive clearcoats, isocyanate cross-linkers blocked with imidazole derivatives were newly synthesized. The effect of the alkyl groups in the imidazole derivatives on the deblocking behavior and curing kinetics was investigated. The free isocyanate groups exposed by the deblocking of imidazole-based blocking agents were monitored by real-time Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The bond dissociation energy, activation energy of deblocking, and H–N distance were interpreted through density functional theory simulation of various imidazole-based blocked isocyanates. To evaluate their applicability to automotive clearcoats, the synthesized imidazole-based blocked isocyanates were mixed with a polyol binder containing hydroxyl groups, and the clearcoat samples were cured at relatively low curing temperatures (100, 110, and 120 °C). The real-time storage modulus was measured using a rotational rheometer to elucidate the thermal curing dynamics by the blocking agents. In addition, the surface hardness of the cured clearcoat layers, which is affected by the chemical structure of the imidazole derivatives, was evaluated by nanoindentation test. In-depth analyses of the deblocking behaviors and thermal curing properties of clearcoats using imidazole-based blocked isocyanates demonstrated that the newly developed coating system could be suitably applied for the development of low-temperature curing technology.
Special Issue “Post-IP Networks: Advances on RINA and other Alternative Network Architectures”
Authors: Day John , Grasa Eduard , Teymoori Peyman
Published: October 2020

Over the last two decades, research funding bodies have supported “Future Internet”, “New-IP”, and “Next Generation” design initiatives intended to reduce network complexity by redesigning the network protocol architecture, questioning some of its key principles [...]
Special Issue Editorial: Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Cysewski Piotr
Published: October 2020

Ionic liquids (ILs) is an umbrella term covering a variety of sub-definitions that focus on more specific subjects [...]
Patterns of Rotifer Diversity in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Brown Patrick D. , Schröder Thomas , Ríos-Arana Judith V. , Rico-Martinez Roberto , Silva-Briano Marcelo , Wallace Robert L. , Walsh Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2020

Desert aquatic systems are widely separated, lack hydrologic connections, and are subject to drought. However, they provide unique settings to investigate distributional patterns of micrometazoans, including rotifers. Thus, to understand rotifer biodiversity we sampled 236 sites across an array of habitats including rock pools, springs, tanks, flowing waters, playas, lakes, and reservoirs in the Chihuahuan Desert of the USA (n = 202) and Mexico (n = 34) over a period of >20 years. This allowed us to calculate diversity indices and examine geographic patterns in rotifer community composition. Of ~1850 recognized rotifer species, we recorded 246 taxa (~13%), with greatest diversity in springs (n = 175), lakes (n = 112), and rock pools (n = 72). Sampling effort was positively related to observed richness in springs, lakes, rivers, and tanks. Nestedness analyses indicated that rotifers in these sites, and most subsets thereof, were highly nested (support from 4 null models). Distance was positively correlated with species composition dissimilarity on small spatial scales. We predicted species richness for unsampled locations using empirical Bayesian kriging. These findings provide a better understanding of regional rotifer diversity in aridlands and provide information on potential biodiversity hotspots for aquatic scientists and resource managers.
Diversity of Olfactory Responses and Skills in Astyanax Mexicanus Cavefish Populations Inhabiting different Caves
Authors: Blin Maryline , Fumey Julien , Lejeune Camille , Policarpo Maxime , Leclercq Julien , Père Stéphane , Torres-Paz Jorge , Pierre Constance , Imarazene Boudjema , Rétaux Sylvie
Published: October 2020

Animals in many phyla are adapted to and thrive in the constant darkness of subterranean environments. To do so, cave animals have presumably evolved mechano- and chemosensory compensations to the loss of vision, as is the case for the blind characiform cavefish, Astyanax mexicanus. Here, we systematically assessed the olfactory capacities of cavefish and surface fish of this species in the lab as well as in the wild, in five different caves in northeastern Mexico, using an olfactory setup specially developed to test and record olfactory responses during fieldwork. Overall cavefish showed lower (i.e., better) olfactory detection thresholds than surface fish. However, wild adult cavefish from the Pachón, Sabinos, Tinaja, Chica and Subterráneo caves showed highly variable responses to the three different odorant molecules they were exposed to. Pachón and Subterráneo cavefish showed the highest olfactory capacities, and Chica cavefish showed no response to the odors presented. We discuss these data with regard to the environmental conditions in which these different cavefish populations live. Our experiments in natural settings document the diversity of cave environments inhabited by a single species of cavefish, A. mexicanus, and highlight the complexity of the plastic and genetic mechanisms that underlie cave adaptation.
Liquid Biopsy in Pediatric Renal Cancer: Stage I and Stage IV Cases Compared
Authors: Rossi Elisabetta , Zin Angelica , Facchinetti Antonella , Poggiana Cristina , Tombolan Lucia , Affinita Maria Carmen , Bonvini Paolo , Santoro Luisa , Schiavi Francesca , Bisogno Gianni , Zamarchi Rita
Published: October 2020

Pediatric renal cancer is rare, and robust evidence for treatment recommendations is lacking. In the perspective of personalized medicine, clinicians need new biomarkers to improve risk stratification and patients’ follow-up. Herein, we analyzed some liquid biopsy tools, which have been never tested in pediatric renal cancer: namely, circulating tumor cells (CTCs); the expression of M30, an apoptosis marker, to test CTC metastatic potential; and c-MET expression in CTCs, because of its role in renal cancer progression and drug-resistance. Furthermore, we evaluated the Circulating Endothelial Cells (CECs), whose utility we previously demonstrated in adult metastatic renal cancer treated with anti-angiogenic therapy. We compared two renal cell carcinomas of clear-cell type, stage I and IV, which underwent surgery and surgery plus Sunitinib, respectively. Baseline CTC level and its changes during follow-up were consistent with patients’ outcome. In case 2, stage IV, the analysis of CECs performed during Sunitinib revealed a late response to treatment consistent with poor outcome, as the finding of M30-negative, viable cells. Noteworthily, few CTCs were MET-positive in both cases. Our study highlights the feasibility for a change in the prognostic approach and follow-up of childhood renal cancer, with a view to guide a better treatment design.
The Valid Diagnostic Parameters in Bilateral CT Scan to Predict Unstable Syndesmotic Injury with Ankle Fracture
Authors: Lee Si-Wook , Lee Kyung-Jae , Park Chul Hyun , Kwon Hyuk-Jun , Kim Beom-Soo
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reasonable parameters to predict unstable syndesmotic injuries in ankle fractures. Seventy consecutive patients who underwent preoperative bilateral computed tomography (CT) scans were enrolled. Group A consisted of 20 patients intraoperatively diagnosed with syndesmotic injuries according to an intraoperative stress test and group B consisted of 50 patients who had nosyndesmotic injuries. The tibiofibular overlap (TFO) and tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) were measured using preoperative ankle radiographs. Measuring the anterior fibular distance (AFD), posterior fibular distance (PFD), anterior translation distance (AT), fibular diastasis (FD), anterior-posterior translation (APT), fibular length (FL), and surface area of syndesmosis (SAS) 1.0 and 1.5 which 1.0 cm and 1.5 cm above the tibial plafond was done via preoperative CT scan. The ratio of measurements (Injured/Intact) of the TFO, PFD, APD, and SAS 1.0 showed statistically significant differences. The researchers identified the SAS 1.0 as the most reasonable parameter to predict transfixation using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The SAS 1.0 is most valid parameter to predict syndesmotic injuries in this study and these results show that performing a bilateral CT scan on an ankle fracture may provide substantial information in measuring valid parameters.
MicroRNAs as Biomarkers of Systemic Changes in Response to Endurance Exercise—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Soplinska Aleksandra , Zareba Lukasz , Wicik Zofia , Eyileten Ceren , Jakubik Daniel , Siller-Matula Jolanta M. , De Rosa Salvatore , Malek Lukasz A. , Postula Marek
Published: October 2020

Endurance sports have an unarguably beneficial influence on cardiovascular health and general fitness. Regular physical activity is considered one of the most powerful tools in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. MicroRNAs are small particles that regulate the post-transcription gene expression. Previous studies have shown that miRNAs might be promising biomarkers of the systemic changes in response to exercise, before they can be detected by standard imaging or laboratory methods. In this review, we focused on four important physiological processes involved in adaptive changes to various endurance exercises (namely, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac myocyte damage, fibrosis, and inflammation). Moreover, we discussed miRNAs’ correlation with cardiopulmonary fitness parameter (VO2max). After a detailed literature search, we found that miR-1, miR-133, miR-21, and miR-155 are crucial in adaptive response to exercise.
Enhancing Undergraduate Student Success in STEM Fields through Growth-Mindset and Grit
Authors: Hacisalihoglu Gokhan , Stephens Desmond , Stephens Sonya , Johnson Lewis , Edington Maurice
Published: October 2020

Concern about graduation rates in higher education has led universities to offer courses that help students develop success skills. Scientist Life Skills, a new course for freshman at Florida A&M University, focuses on helping students matriculate into majors via development of growth mindset, grit, and critical thinking. Here, we assessed the outcomes of this course and explored the associations between building life skills and student success. A series of mindset, grit, and critical-thinking assessment measures were used to collect data before and after the course. Our results showed that the new course achieved its intended goals of providing STEM students with a set of tools that help them seamlessly transition into the university and successfully matriculate through their majors. Specifically, the course design significantly moved students toward a growth-mindset, increased their critical thinking, and their second-semester grade point averages (GPAs). This model life skills course can be adopted in non-STEM areas as well.