bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis of Composite Push Test Integrating Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Singh Balbir , Tan Ee Loon , Pan Zhu , Mirza Olivia , Mamo Youtam 
Published: July 2018

This paper primarily focuses on implementing constructions practises that are sustainable, and that can also meet the current demand for infrastructure development around the world. The cement industry is one of the largest industries in the world, as result current construction practices are causing adverse environmental issues ranging from the excessive utilisation of natural resources, emission of greenhouse gases and producing an excessive amount of waste. Thus, to tackle the problem one encouraging solution is to use alkali activated Geopolymer concrete that utilises waste product such as fly ash and grounded slag as a 100% replacement of Portland cement. Subsequently, this paper presents experimental testing and discusses the behaviour of six (6) steel-concrete composite push test specimens incorporating Geopolymer concrete and OPC concrete. A total of three (3) specimens were fabricated using steel profiled Bondek Sheeting and remaining three (3) specimens had a conventional concrete slab. From the result obtained, it was found that push test specimen with conventional slab outperformed specimens fabricated with Bondek profile sheeting due to the reduced amount of concrete surrounding the shear studs cause by Bondek flanges. Also, the results showed that geopolymer concrete has great potential as it achieved almost identical results as compared to control OPC push test specimens.
Limits and virtues of a web survey on political participation and voting intentions. Reflections on a mixed-method search path
Authors: Faggiano Maria Paola 
Published: July 2018

The Internet offers new opportunities for the empirical research, especially if we consider that nowadays most citizens are made up of web surfers: on the one hand, we are seeing the transfer of some traditional methodologies on Internet, on the other hand we are witnessing the development of new innovative data collection and analysis tools. The study was conducted through a classical survey tool (the questionnaire), using it as part of a web survey. Secondly, we chose Facebook as an instrument which is particularly suitable for the investigated topic (political participation and voting intentions), because the election campaign for the 2018 Italian general election took place, for all parties and candidate leaders, mainly on this Social Network. Two surveys were carried out, the first one in September 2017 and the second one in February 2018, reaching about 850 and 1,400 cases, with similar percentages over the whole block of variables and with stable connections among them. The aim is to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of a Web survey on the topic of political participation, showing particular attention to strategic choices and decisions that impact positively on the data quality, according to a mixed-method approach.Keywords: web survey; political participation; voting intentions; Social Network; mixed method approach.
Acquisition of general competences using project-based learning
Authors: Castro Paula M. , Laport Francisco , Dapena Adriana , Vazquez-Araujo Francisco J. 
Published: July 2018

During years, professors of higher education focused on the outcome of the assimilation of information through learning (i.e., in the acquisition of knowledge). In a European context, the Bologna Process has accelerated and spread the process of defining explicit learning outcomes for higher education programs, including those in terms of general competences and transferable skills. Our teaching experience in engineering degrees have shown that these students have difficulties for understanding the math basics of some disciplines. For greater effectiveness in knowledge acquisition, we consider as an essential issue the inclusion of laboratory activities based on computer simulations performed using software. For acquiring those general competences and transferable skills, our proposal also includes several projects in which our students must develop skills such as communication, teamwork or problem solving. We have observed that such projects allow students the development of their creativity, an improvement in oral and written communication, and also an optimal training for the B.S. degree project work and even for their future professional life.
Forced vital capacity & oxygen consumption screening at students
Authors: Mostoflei Florin 
Published: July 2018

This work was conducted with the support of 19-20 years old students during physical education classes across the 1st Semester of AY 2017/2018 at the Bucharest University of Economic Study. The study case starts with the premise that all subjects were under/medium level trained and it focuses on a cross-screening survey which includes body mass index, oxygen consumption, heart rate activity, oximetry, spirometry and caloric consumption rate. The participation of subjects was voluntary and for this they signed a written agreement which allows the results to be published. The surveillance process was made using approved devices and a previously tested methodology. The final results revealed that there is no correlation between VO2, BMI and FVC for the subjects of the group.
Factors Driving University Choice: A Principal Component Analysis on Italian Institutions
Authors: Soncin Mara , Azzone Giovanni 
Published: July 2018

When investigating students’ motivations to enroll in university, a wide range of elements related to the overall student experience concerning both the institution and the surrounding context should be taken into account. The current study moves from this point to analyse students’ choice factors from a survey completed by 27,705 students across 23 Italian institutions by means of a logistic Principal Component Analysis. Results confirm the presence of multiple factors jointly influencing students’ choice, with geographical proximity, job opportunities in the region, university reputation and ease of access opposing one another. Aggregating results at institutional level, students’ distribution prove to be highly heterogeneous across universities. From this, a managerial tool is provided to position student population and derive strategic implications. Finally, policy considerations are reported.
Cluster Analysis of Digital Performance in Educational Techniques in Conditions of EU
Authors: Huculova Eva , Solcova Lucia 
Published: July 2018

Global technological trends affect broad spectrum of areas in our life, and through the implementation of particular tools, they are affecting the development of educational levels in particular countries and also educational process itself. This study is aimed at the comparison and revealing of the effect of digitalization and e-skills on the level of education in 20 selected EU member countries by using Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis. As a result, we consider four clusters of countries with similar characteristics in terms of education, digital literacy and public funding and expenditure on development of ICT and education. Population e-skills demonstrated almost identical levels. The implementation of technological trends into the educational process does not depend only on its positive effects on the educational level, but also on the real opportunity to use these modern tools within the educational process. This is determined by a number of socio-economic, political and cultural aspects. Their detailed examination requires the access to more structured data. Those conditions also create a platform for a subsequent research.
Embedding Social Innovation in Latin America Academic Curriculum
Authors: Galego Diego , Soto Waldo , Carrasco Gabriela , Amorim Marlene , Ferreira Dias Marta 
Published: July 2018

Recently we have witnessed the growth of social innovation initiative as a viable approach to address many challenges of contemporary societies across the social, cultural, economic, educational and environmental domains. Social innovation stes up to develop alternative, and sustainable solutions to social issues by means of organizational models that rely on strong civic engagement and participation across private and public sectors. As such, social innovation holds a strong potential for the transformation of societies and has attracted a growing interest from researchers, practitioners and policy makers around the world. A key domain of concern is the need for developing adequate models and methodologies for the qualification of indivduals for social innovation. In this vein the Students4Change project aims to develop and implement an integrative methodology to embed social innovation and entrepreneurship in the academic experience of students in Latin America. This paper offers a preliminary description of the advancements led by 10 universities in 5 Latin America countries engaged in the project, in order to develop competences for social innovation and social entrepreneurship through innovations in academic curricula.
Designing a programme for Sustainability in Vietnam: Smart Sustainable Vietnamese Cities, SSVC.
Authors: De la Poza Elena , Rietbergen Martijn , Orozco-Messana Javier 
Published: July 2018

This work deals with the design and development of the SSVC module, which is organised and implemented by European Higher Education Institutions in partnership with Vietnamese Universities. The reform of the Higher Education in Vietnam requires new pedagogical practices and methods which are used in the SSVC module. In addition, the process of design must include the adjustment of the European content and pedagogical methods into Vietnamese circumstances. Finally, the programme needs to be piloted and assessed.
Diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica in primary health care: favoring and confounding factors – a cohort study
Authors: Manzo Ciro , Natale Maria , Traini Enea 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate in a primary care setting the favoring and confounding factors for the diagnosis of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).Material and methodsAmong 303 patients consecutively referred by their general practitioners (GPs) to our rheumatologic outpatient clinic, we identified three groups: group A – patients with confirmed diagnosis of PMR, group B – patients with unconfirmed diagnosis, group C – patients with unrecognized PMR. All the diagnostic confounding and favoring factors were discussed with GPs using an e-mail questionnaire. Participation in rheumatology training courses represented the final question. The collected data were statistically assessed in a blind way. In Fisher’s exact test and ANOVA test, a p-value was significant if < 0.05. The study was carried out in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration and approved by the Ethics Committee of Mariano Lauro Hospital. Every patient signed an informed consent form at the time of the first visit.ResultsAll patients were Caucasian; 24.1% were male; mean age was 72.3 ±8.6 years (min. – 51, max. – 94). There were 41 patients in group A, 93 in group B and 169 in group C. The percentage of misdiagnoses was very high (87.1%): among 134 patients diagnosed with PMR by their GPs (group A + group B) confirmation was made in 41, and in 169 unrecognized PMR was found. Participation in training courses was very significant compared to the diagnostic accuracy (p < 0.0001 in χ<sup>2</sup> test) and to the diagnosis timing (24.3 days ±12.5 vs. 42.9 ±15.5 with p-value < 0.05 in the ANOVA test). When the percentages were assessed according to participation, an inadequate evaluation of some clinical manifestations favored over-diagnosis among the trained Gps.ConclusionsThe level of diagnostic accuracy for PMR must be improved in primary care. Participation in rheumatology training courses can be an important step.
Editorial
Authors: Sankaran Shankar 
Published: July 2018

Welcome to the eighth issue of the journal. We have gone well past the infant mortality period of academic journals, which is usually three years. For this, we owe our gratitude to our unsung heroes — our reviewers — our special issue editors and authors. I also owe thanks to Daniel Adler, who has started supporting the journal recently and to Dr Gita Sankaran who has helped me with the copyediting and proofreading as a volunteer.
Desert Island Disks: Ten Reveries on Inter-Disciplinary Pedagogy in Law
Authors: Manderson Desmond 
Published: July 2018

In this essay Professor Manderson defends the use of inter-disciplinary methodologies in teaching law. Focusing in
particular on images and texts of no more than a page's length, the essay insists that a whole curriculum could be
devised around these pictures, sounds, and stories. Yet legal teaching, reflecting the character of legal texts in
general, has been relentlessly long-winded and linear. They direct us to one conclusion to the exclusion of all others;
they close options rather than open them. This is no way to learn: it is untrue; it is tedious; it excludes us from
ourselves participating in learning. Other forms of expression have more to say and say it differently. A picture for
example has a density to it in its depiction of the relationship of ideas and forces which can be both easy to take in
and complex to decipher. Its ability to communicate paradoxical, ambiguous, or double-edged thought repays
continuing reflection. Other forms of expression welcome our thinking instead of merely forcing us to submit to its
logic. We are embodied beings not logicians. Words are often such abstract ghostly emanations. The physicality of
sound or vision draws out memories and associations which offer each observer inimitable divergent paths to
interpretation. The reciprocity thus forged between writer and reader, teacher and student, is a grossly under
exploited pedagogic resource that provides to all parties an unparalleled richness and discursive power.
Nogo‐B promotes tumor angiogenesis and provides a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cai Hao , Saiyin Hexige , Liu Xing , Han Dingding , Ji Guoqing , Qin Bo , Zuo Jie , Shen Suqin , Yu Wenbo , Wu Jiaxue , Wu Yanhua , Yu Long 
Published: July 2018

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the hallmarks of cancer as well as an attractive target for cancer therapy. Characterization of novel pathways that act in parallel with the VEGF/VEGFR axis to promote tumor angiogenesis may provide insights into novel anti‐angiogenic therapeutic targets. We found that the expression level of Nogo‐B is positively correlated with tumor vessel density in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While Nogo‐B depletion inhibited tumor angiogenesis, Nogo‐B overexpression promoted tumor angiogenesis in a tumor xenograft subcutaneous model of the human HCC cell line. Mechanically, Nogo‐B regulates tumor angiogenesis based on its association with integrin αvβ3 and activation of focal adhesion kinase. Moreover, Nogo‐B antibody successfully abolished the function of Nogo‐B in tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our results strongly suggest that Nogo‐B is an important tumor angiogenic factor and blocking Nogo‐B selectively inhibits tumor angiogenesis.
Band Structure Perfection and Superconductivity in Type‐II Dirac Semimetal Ir1−xPtxTe2
Authors: Fei Fucong , Bo Xiangyan , Wang Pengdong , Ying Jianghua , Li Jian , Chen Ke , Dai Qing , Chen Bo , Sun Zhe , Zhang Minhao , Qu Fanming , Zhang Yi , Wang Qianghua , Wang Xuefeng , Cao Lu , Bu Haijun , Song Fengqi , Wan Xiangang , Wang Baigeng 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe discovery of a new type‐II Dirac semimetal in Ir1−xPtxTe2 with optimized band structure is described. Pt dopants protect the crystal structure holding the Dirac cones and tune the Fermi level close to the Dirac point. The type‐II Dirac dispersion in Ir1−xPtxTe2 is confirmed by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations. Superconductivity is also observed and persists when the Fermi level aligns with the Dirac points. Ir1−xPtxTe2 is an ideal platform for further studies on the exotic properties and potential applications of type‐II DSMs, and opens up a new route for the investigation of the possible topological superconductivity and Majorana physics.
Enzymatic Cross‐Benzoin‐Type Condensation of Aliphatic Aldehydes: Enantioselective Synthesis of 1‐Alkyl‐1‐hydroxypropan‐2‐ones and 1‐Alkyl‐1‐hydroxybutan‐2‐ones
Authors: Di Carmine Graziano , Bortolini Olga , Massi Alessandro , Müller Michael , Bernacchia Giovanni , Fantin Giancarlo , Ragno Daniele , Giovannini Pier Paolo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBenzoin‐type reactions have been intensively exploited as a synthetic strategy for the preparation of α‐hydroxy ketones. Thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) dependent enzymes are excellent catalysts for asymmetric versions of such reaction types. In particular, in cross‐benzoin condensations of aromatic reactants and mixed aromatic/aliphatic reactions, use of these enzymes has resulted in high levels of chemo‐, regio‐ and stereoselectivity. The present work, which confirms this trend for aliphatic reactants, outlines results obtained in the formal cross‐benzoin‐type condensation of the ‘umpoled’ acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde with various aliphatic aldehydes catalyzed by the ThDP‐dependent enzyme acetoin:dichlorophenolindophenol oxidoreductase (Ao:DCPIP OR). In these reactions, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylbutan‐2‐one (methylacetoin) was used as the activated acetaldehyde donor, while 4‐hydroxy‐4‐methylhexan‐3‐one was employed for the first time as the precursor of activated propionaldehyde. With the exception of 3‐hydroxypentan‐2‐one and 3‐hydroxyhexan‐2‐one, which were obtained in almost racemic form by the condensation of methylacetoin with propanal and butanal, respectively, all other products achieved from reactions performed using the same donor with more hindered aldehyde acceptors were obtained with high conversions (89–99%) and in good to high enantiomeric excess (72–99% ee). In a similar way, high conversions (75–99%) and good ee (76–99%) were observed in reactions performed with the same set of aldehyde acceptors, but using 4‐hydroxy‐4‐methylhexan‐3‐one as propionyl anion donor. This is the first time that most of the products described herein have been prepared via benzoin‐type condensation.magnified image
Organocatalytic Synthesis of gem‐Difluorinated C2‐Spiro Indolines and Pyrimido[1,2‐a]benzimidazoles from 2‐Alkynyl‐3,3‐Difluoro‐3H‐Indoles
Authors: Mao Xiang‐Yu , Lin Xiao‐Tong , Yang Meng , Chen Guo‐Shu , Liu Yun‐Lin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this communication, we report a substrate‐controlled product diversity in the 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD)‐catalyzed cascade cyclization of 2‐alkynyl‐3,3‐difluoro‐3H‐indoles with N,N‐ or N,S‐bis‐nucleophiles. The products represent two important heterocyclic compounds, C2‐spiro indoline, and pyrimido[1,2‐a]benzimidazole, featuring a versatile gem‐difluoromethylene group on the framework. In these cascade processes, two new C−N bonds, or one C−S and one C−N bond, are consecutively formed in a single step. The present protocol is characterized with high regioselectivity, high yield, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, facile scalability and mild reaction conditions.magnified image
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Strecker Reaction with Seven‐Membered Cyclic Imines
Authors: Lluna‐Galán Carles , Blay Gonzalo , Fernández Isabel , Muñoz M. Carmen , Pedro José R. , Vila Carlos 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA highly enantioselective Strecker reaction with dibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepines has been described using a dihydroquinine‐derived thiourea as organocatalyst. The reaction affords chiral 10,11‐dihydrodibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepine 11‐carbonitrile derivatives in excellent yields (up to 99%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98%) under mild reaction conditions.magnified image
1D Hexagonal HC(NH2)2PbI3for Multilevel Resistive Switching Nonvolatile Memory
Authors: Yang June‐Mo , Kim Seul‐Gi , Seo Ja‐Young , Cuhadar Can , Son Dae‐Yong , Lee Donghwa , Park Nam‐Gyu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOrganic–inorganic halide perovskite is regarded as one of the potential candidates for next generation resistive switching memory (memristor) material because of fast, millivolt‐scale switching, multilevel capability, and high On/Off ratio. Here, resistive switching property of HC(NH2)2PbI3(FAPbI3) depending on structural phase is reported. It is found that 1D hexagonal FAPbI3(δ‐FAPbI3), formed at relatively low temperature, is active in memristor, while 3D trigonal FAPbI3 (α‐FAPbI3), formed at temperature higher than 150 °C, is inactive. Failure of switching from low resistance state to high resistance state is found for α‐FAPbI3, while δ‐FAPbI3shows stable switching behavior. Density functional calculation reveals that iodine cluster in isotropic 3D α‐FAPbI3is so stable after forming filament that the filament is hard to be ruptured at off state. However, for anisotropic δ‐FAPbI3, iodine cluster is not stable and migration barrier is much lower forc‐axis (0.48 eV) than forab‐plane (0.9 eV), which is beneficial for switching. The memristor devices based on δ‐FAPbI3demonstrate endurance up to 1200 cycles with On/Off ratio (>105), retention time up to 3000 s, multilevel storage capacity, and working even at 80 °C.
Lithium–Iron (III) Fluoride Battery with Double Surface Protection
Authors: Zhao Enbo , Borodin Oleg , Gao Xiaosi , Lei Danni , Xiao Yiran , Ren Xiaolei , Fu Wenbin , Magasinski Alexandre , Turcheniuk Kostiantyn , Yushin Gleb 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLithium–metal fluoride batteries promise significantly higher energy density than the state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries and lithium–sulfur batteries. Unfortunately, commercialization of metal fluoride cathodes is prevented by their high resistance, irreversible structural change, and rapid degradation. In this study, a substantial boost in metal fluoride (MF) cathode stability by designing nanostructure with two layers of protective shells—one deposited ex situ and the other in situ is demonstrated. Such methodology achieves over 90% capacity retention after 300 charge–discharge cycles, producing the first report on FeF3 as a cathode material, where a very high capacity utilization in combination with excellent stability is approaching the level needed for practical applications of FeF3. The cathode solid electrolyte interphase (CEI) containing lithium oxalate and BF bond containing anions is found to effectively protect the cathode material from direct contact with electrolytes, thus greatly suppressing the dissolution of Fe. Quantum chemistry and molecular dynamics calculations provide unique insights into the mechanisms of CEI layer formation. As a result, this work not only demonstrates unprecedented performance, but also provides the reader with a better fundamental understanding of electrochemical behavior of MF cathodes and the positive impact observed with the application of a lithium bis(oxalato)borate salt in the electrolyte.