Journal Description
Sci
Sci
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all research fields published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Multidisciplinary)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 27.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 6.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Latest Articles
Design and Construction and Energy Consumption Study of a New Electrolyzed Water Cell Generator Prototype for Food Disinfection
Sci 2024, 6(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030043 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2024
Abstract
This study explores the feasibility of producing electrolyzed water (EW) for post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables as a new substitute for current chemical products. A prototype generator using tap water and NaCl solution was tested for EW’s sanitization efficiency, energy, and economic
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This study explores the feasibility of producing electrolyzed water (EW) for post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables as a new substitute for current chemical products. A prototype generator using tap water and NaCl solution was tested for EW’s sanitization efficiency, energy, and economic costs. In vitro tests on Penicillium e., Aspergillus n., Botrytis c., and Alternaria a. assessed EW pH, chlorine concentration, electro-oxidative potential, pathogen contact time, and energy consumption. Optimal results were achieved with a pH of 4.6, electro-oxidative potential of 188 mV, active chlorine concentration of 3.4 mg/L, and a contact time of 1–2 min. The prototype produced 10.0 L of EW in 1 h, consuming 0.11 kWh of electricity. Real-scale energy consumption was 545 kWh/m3 EW, costing 12.51 euro/m3. The study concludes that optimizing EW production can reduce energy consumption, making it a viable alternative for industrial sanitization of fruits and vegetables.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2023)
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Open AccessArticle
Ammasso Silo Characterization and Repurposing
by
Víctor Marcelo, Salvatore Faugno, Francisco Javier López-Díez, Pablo Pastrana and José B. Valenciano
Sci 2024, 6(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030042 (registering DOI) - 20 Jul 2024
Abstract
Italy built its ammasso silo network in the 1930s for two purposes: to stockpile grain and to symbolize fascist power. Much of the network was destroyed in World War II, and over half of the silos still standing are now disused and in
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Italy built its ammasso silo network in the 1930s for two purposes: to stockpile grain and to symbolize fascist power. Much of the network was destroyed in World War II, and over half of the silos still standing are now disused and in disrepair. These structures should be protected and refurbished because they are part of Italy’s historic and agro-industrial heritage and because reusing existing buildings instead of constructing new ones reduces the carbon footprint. To evaluate silo repurposing potential, a method developed for inventorying Spanish silos was adapted and applied to the 30 remaining ammasso silos. The method explores the general features, construction, equipment, and socioeconomic environment of each silo. All extant ammasso silos have machinery for receiving, storing, and dispatching grain, and most have equipment for cleaning, sorting, weighing, and packaging. Vertical-cell silos are challenging to convert, unlike horizontally-oriented silos and other open-plan agro-industrial buildings. Even so, some have already been made over into shops, leisure areas, museums, and even homes. Examples of silo reuse in other countries, such as Spain and Portugal, can offer further useful insights. However, socio-economic indicators suggest that silo repurposing projects are viable only in large population centres.
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(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Earth Science)
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Open AccessArticle
Fabrication of Automated Hydrostatic Pressure-Based Densitometer with a Calibrated Pressure Sensor
by
D. N. P. Ruwan Jayakantha, Kelum A. A. Gamage, Navaratne Bandara, Migara Karunarathne, Madushani Seneviratne, Elisabetta Comini, Dario Zappa and Nanda Gunawardhana
Sci 2024, 6(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030041 - 18 Jul 2024
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An automated device is designed to measure the density of a liquid material using hydrostatic pressure method. A low cost pressure sensor is calibrated and used to get highly accurate readings. The calibration is done by measuring the pressure values vs. the generated
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An automated device is designed to measure the density of a liquid material using hydrostatic pressure method. A low cost pressure sensor is calibrated and used to get highly accurate readings. The calibration is done by measuring the pressure values vs. the generated voltage signal. The calibration has been challenging due to the low accuracy of the sensor but proved to be highly effective in applications. The interface is developed using a microcontroller, motor drives, analog to digital converters and sensors. The device is designed to get several readings automatically by changing the positions of the device/liquid column heights to increase the accuracy. Also the device can be programmed to measure the real time density of a liquid continuously. The readings were analyzed and averaged by a software developed in python language. The instruments accuracy was tested against 3 liquid types, water, coconut oil, kerosene oil, and showed a low error (0.007%, 0.001%, and 0.002% respectively) compared to the readings of a standard Pycnometer. The low error percentages confirm the accuracy of the device and the effectiveness of the sensor calibrations.
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Open AccessReview
Modal Identification Techniques for Concrete Dams: A Comprehensive Review and Application
by
Hasan Mostafaei
Sci 2024, 6(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030040 - 15 Jul 2024
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Throughout history, the implementation of structural health monitoring systems has played a crucial role in evaluating the responses of dams to environmental and human-induced threats. By continuously monitoring structural integrity and analyzing dynamic characteristics, these systems offer a robust alternative to traditional visual
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Throughout history, the implementation of structural health monitoring systems has played a crucial role in evaluating the responses of dams to environmental and human-induced threats. By continuously monitoring structural integrity and analyzing dynamic characteristics, these systems offer a robust alternative to traditional visual inspection methods, ensuring the long-term safety of dams. This paper delves into the intricate process of operational modal analysis applied to dams, encompassing data collection, preprocessing, and the utilization of diverse modal identification techniques across both time and frequency domains. Moreover, it explores innovative approaches aimed at overcoming challenges encountered in previous methodologies. Also, the evolution of automated modal identification techniques and their application in dams are investigated. It explores the advancements in this field and their implications for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of modal analysis processes. Furthermore, this paper evaluates the effectiveness of damage detection methods in dams based on operational modal identification.
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Open AccessReview
Connecting Soft and Hard: An Integrating Role of Systems Dynamics in Tsunami Modeling and Simulation
by
Marek Zanker, Bilal Naji Alhasnawi, František Babič, Vladimír Bureš, Pavel Čech, Martina Husáková, Peter Mikulecký, Tomáš Nacházel, Daniela Ponce, Salman Iqbal and Bishoy E. Sedhom
Sci 2024, 6(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030039 - 11 Jul 2024
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Modeling and simulation have been used to study tsunamis for several decades. We created a review to identify the software and methods used in the last decade of tsunami research. The systematic review was based on the PRISMA methodology. We analyzed 105 articles
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Modeling and simulation have been used to study tsunamis for several decades. We created a review to identify the software and methods used in the last decade of tsunami research. The systematic review was based on the PRISMA methodology. We analyzed 105 articles and identified 27 unique software and 45 unique methods. The reviewed articles can be divided into the following basic categories: exploring historical tsunamis based on tsunami deposits, modeling tsunamis in 3D space, identifying tsunami impacts, exploring relevant variables for tsunamis, creating tsunami impact maps, and comparing simulation results with real data. Based on the outcomes of this review, this study suggests and exemplifies the possibilities of system dynamics as a unifying methodology that can integrate modeling and simulation of most identified phenomena. Hence, it contributes to the development of tsunami modeling as a scientific discipline that can offer new ideas and highlight limitations or a building block for further research in the field of natural disasters.
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Open AccessArticle
Promising Catalyst for Chlorosilane Dismutation
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Olesya Zhuchok, Yegor Stolmakov, Alexandra Kalinina, Vitaly Medov, Darya Belousova, Nikita Maleev and Georgy Mochalov
Sci 2024, 6(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030038 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
Currently, the most common method of silane synthesis for electronics and photovoltaics is trichlorosilane dismutation. Therefore, an experimental study of the kinetics of the dismutation reaction of chlorosilanes is of scientific and practical interest. A catalyst has been proposed that allows the dismutation
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Currently, the most common method of silane synthesis for electronics and photovoltaics is trichlorosilane dismutation. Therefore, an experimental study of the kinetics of the dismutation reaction of chlorosilanes is of scientific and practical interest. A catalyst has been proposed that allows the dismutation reaction to be carried out in a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Both kinetic and thermodynamic data on the dependence of the rate of the dismutation reactions of trichlorosilane, dichlorosilane, and monochlorosilane on pressure were experimentally obtained. In addition, the dependence of saturated vapor pressure on temperature for monochlorosilane and dichlorosilane were also experimentally determined. Using the example of TCS, it was experimentally established that increasing the pressure to six atmospheres makes it possible to increase the specific productivity of the reactor by at least an order of magnitude due to the acceleration of the chemical reaction and the increase in the molar concentration of chlorosilanes in the vapor mixture. Consequently, it becomes possible to multiply the reactor’s load on the substance and, accordingly, the performance of the chlorosilane dismutation apparatus in general.
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(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry Science)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of the Acquisition Rate on Post-Acquisition Innovation
by
Yingmei Li, Yona Kwon and Seungho Choi
Sci 2024, 6(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6030037 - 1 Jul 2024
Abstract
Technology acquisitions are one of the most common growth strategies for firms. Firms that have made multiple acquisitions in the past are more likely to make new ones. With previous M&A experience, firms are more likely to make acquisitions. The acquisition rate is
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Technology acquisitions are one of the most common growth strategies for firms. Firms that have made multiple acquisitions in the past are more likely to make new ones. With previous M&A experience, firms are more likely to make acquisitions. The acquisition rate is the total number of acquisitions a firm has made at a given time. In technology acquisition, the acquisition rate affects innovative firm performance. The more frequent acquisitions a firm makes, the less innovative performance will occur. A high acquisition rate negatively affects post-acquisition performance by dominating the attention of decision-makers and overloading the firm. During the process, there needs to be structural integration between the acquirer and the target firm. This study empirically analyzes 380 cases of technology acquisitions of U.S. publicly traded companies from 1990 to 2005. The results show that a high acquisition rate is negatively related to the post-acquisition innovation performance of the acquirer. Although structural integration has no impact on the negative relationship between post-acquisition performance and acquisition rate, considering the acquisition rate when pursuing M&A allows acquiring firms to avoid detrimental consequences.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industry 4.0—New Entrepreneurial Opportunities: How to Make Money with AI in Manufacturing)
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Open AccessReview
Anti-Aging Potential of Bioactive Phytoconstituents Found in Edible Medicinal Plants: A Review
by
Emeka Joshua Iweala, Oluwapelumi Eniola Adurosakin, Ugochukwu Innocent, Conrad A. Omonhinmin, Omoremime Elizabeth Dania and Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
Sci 2024, 6(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020036 - 13 Jun 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological and physiological change that leads to a loss of function in all living organisms. Although the mechanism behind the aging process is still largely unknown, scientific studies have shown that oxidative stress and age-related low autophagy, which are
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Aging is a complex biological and physiological change that leads to a loss of function in all living organisms. Although the mechanism behind the aging process is still largely unknown, scientific studies have shown that oxidative stress and age-related low autophagy, which are associated with various chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, promote aging. Interestingly, many medicinal plants and their biologically active compounds have the ability to extend lifespan as they can inhibit oxidative stress and promote autophagy. This review evaluates and provides up-to-date information on the anti-aging potential of bioactive compounds in edible medicinal plants. In this study, seventeen (17) biologically active compounds from edible medicinal plants with anti-aging effects were reviewed. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that these biologically active compounds exhibit anti-aging effects via various mechanisms such as the activation of autophagy, increases in antioxidant enzymes, reductions in reactive oxygen species, the inhibition of inflammatory markers, and the downregulation of senescence genes. This study suggests that edible medicinal plants containing these bioactive compounds may promote health and extend lifespan. However, the exact mechanisms, effective doses, clinical trials, and chronic and genotoxic effects of bioactive compounds as anti-aging agents should be further investigated.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)
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Open AccessCommunication
Genetic Relationships of Cultivated Flax and Its Wild Progenitor as Revealed by 454 Pyrosequencing, Sanger Resequencing and Microsatellite Data
by
Yong-Bi Fu
Sci 2024, 6(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020035 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), as the earliest oil and fiber crop, is a model plant for genetic inferences of plant domestication processes involving multiple domestication events. However, a puzzle has emerged from several genetic studies, as dehiscent cultivated flax is genetically more
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Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), as the earliest oil and fiber crop, is a model plant for genetic inferences of plant domestication processes involving multiple domestication events. However, a puzzle has emerged from several genetic studies, as dehiscent cultivated flax is genetically more related to its progenitor pale flax (L. bienne Mill.), and winter cultivated flax is well mixed with oil or fiber cultivated flax, while capsular dehiscence and winter hardiness are the major characteristics of pale flax. For this, a comparative analysis was conducted with 16 Linum samples representing pale flax and four domestication groups of cultivated flax (oil, fiber, winter, and dehiscent) using 454 pyrosequencing, Sanger resequencing and microsatellite data. It was found that the genomic sampling of genetic variants from the three applied methods yielded similar genetic information on pale flax and four groups of cultivated flax. The revealed genetic relationships did not show significant departures from the previous findings, but instead supported an early, independent domestication of a primitive flax lineage for oil use, followed by a subsequent flax domestication process with multiple domestication events for capsular dehiscence, oil, fiber and winter hardiness. Domestication on capsular dehiscence occurred earlier than domestication on winter hardiness. Domestication on winter hardiness was more complicated than domestication on capsular dehiscence.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)
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Open AccessReview
Cassia alata and Its Phytochemicals: A Promising Natural Strategy in Wound Recovery
by
Jing-Wen Keng, Sue-Kei Lee, Sze-Huey Sang, Kai-Bin Liew, Swee-Sen Teo, Wan Mastura Shaik Mohamed Mossadeq, Sek-Chuen Chow, Gabriel Akyirem Akowuah, Siew-Keah Lee, Chun-Wai Mai and Yik-Ling Chew
Sci 2024, 6(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020034 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Cassia alata, a traditional herb with a global presence, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a go-to remedy for skin ailments. While it has demonstrated wound healing capabilities in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the
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Cassia alata, a traditional herb with a global presence, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it a go-to remedy for skin ailments. While it has demonstrated wound healing capabilities in both in vitro and in vivo studies, the precise mechanisms remain elusive. This review aims to highlight its key phytochemicals, their effects, and the mechanism of action. The compounds that have been reviewed and discussed include kaempferol, apigenin, quercetin, rhein, and rutin. These polyphenols play important roles in normal and impaired wound healing processes, encompassing hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and tissue remodeling.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Integrative Medicine)
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Open AccessArticle
A Molecular Dynamics Perspective on the Impacts of Random Rough Surface, Film Thickness, and Substrate Temperature on the Adsorbed Film’s Liquid–Vapor Phase Transition Regime
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Rasoul Fallahzadeh, Fabio Bozzoli, Luca Cattani, Luca Pagliarini, Niloofar Naeimabadi and Muhammad Waheed Azam
Sci 2024, 6(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020033 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
While recent studies have proven an unexpected liquid–vapor phase transition of adsorbed liquid films, a comprehensive description of the mechanisms of different types of phase change regimes over realistic representations of random rough surfaces is absent in the literature. The current comprehensive study
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While recent studies have proven an unexpected liquid–vapor phase transition of adsorbed liquid films, a comprehensive description of the mechanisms of different types of phase change regimes over realistic representations of random rough surfaces is absent in the literature. The current comprehensive study investigates the effects of a gold random rough surface, liquid film thickness, and substrate temperature on the liquid–vapor phase change regime of an adsorbed sodium liquid film, considering the evaporator section of a wicked heat pipe (WHP) using a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. At first, to generate a realistic random rough surface, a new and promising method is proposed that is entirely based on MD simulations. Then, to simulate the evaporator section of a WHP, a unique configuration for eliminating the vapor domain is developed. The simulation results reveal that three distinct regimes, namely, normal evaporation, cluster boiling, and film boiling, could be identified, which are presented on two-dimensional diagrams with the substrate temperature and liquid film thickness as coordinates for the ideally smooth and random rough surfaces. The results also manifest that even though using the random rough surface could lead to different phase transition regimes, the type of regime depends mainly on the substrate temperature and liquid film thickness. Furthermore, this study displays two different modes for normal evaporation. Also, it is shown that the impacts of the liquid film thickness and substrate temperature on the mode of normal evaporation are much more significant than the surface roughness.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2023)
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Open AccessArticle
Adapted Physical Activity Programs for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurotypical Children: Differences between Online and Face-to-Face Training
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Marta Zanghì, Federico Roggio, Alessandro Castorina, Piero Pavone and Giuseppe Musumeci
Sci 2024, 6(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020032 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity was significantly decreased in all age groups. The purpose of this study is to investigate children’s motor skills by administering an adapted physical activity program for the development of coordination skills. The sample consisted of 28 children
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity was significantly decreased in all age groups. The purpose of this study is to investigate children’s motor skills by administering an adapted physical activity program for the development of coordination skills. The sample consisted of 28 children aged 8 to 12 years, 20 neurotypical children and 8 with ASD-HF. Data collection employed various methods, including a personal information form, a leisure time exercise questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and the Harre Dexterity Circuit for assessing physical activity improvements. The results of the two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) Tukey HSD test showed the differences between the specific groups, ASD-P vs. ASD-O (p < 0.001), ASD-O vs. AB-O (p < 0.001), ASD-O vs. AB-P (p < 0.001), ASD-O vs. AB-P (p = 0.136), ASD-P vs. AB-P (p < 0.0010, and AB-P vs. AB-O (p = 0.003). As result, both groups showed strong interest in practicing physical activity, and no statistical difference was found in doing so at home or in attendance, showing that physical activity practice is a tool for parent–child bonding and mutual enjoyment, emphasizing that the mixed approach yielded positive results in all participants.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2023)
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Open AccessArticle
The General Theory of Scientific Variability for Technological Evolution
by
Mario Coccia
Sci 2024, 6(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020031 - 3 Jun 2024
Cited by 2
Abstract
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The proposed general theory of scientific variability for technological evolution explains one of the drivers of technological change for economic progress in human society. Variability is the predisposition of the elements in systems to assume different values over time and space. In biology,
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The proposed general theory of scientific variability for technological evolution explains one of the drivers of technological change for economic progress in human society. Variability is the predisposition of the elements in systems to assume different values over time and space. In biology, the variability is basic to explaining differences and development in organisms. In economics of technical change, the effects of variability within research fields on evolutionary dynamics of related technologies are unknown. In a broad analogy with the principles of biology, suggested theoretical framework here can clarify a basic driver of technological evolution: the variability within research fields can explain the dynamics of scientific development and technological evolution. The study sees whether statistical evidence supports the hypothesis that the rate of growth of scientific and technological fields can be explained by the level of variability within scientific fields. The validation is based on emerging research fields in quantum technologies: quantum imaging, quantum meteorology, quantum sensing, and quantum optics. Statistical evidence seems in general to support the hypothesis stated that the rate of growth can be explained by the level of scientific variability within research fields, measured with the relative entropy (indicating the dispersion of scientific topics in a research field underlying a specific technology). Nonparametric correlation with Spearman’s rho shows a positive coefficient of 0.80 between entropy measures and rates of growth between scientific and technological fields. The linear model of the relation between rate of growth and scientific variability reveals a coefficient of regression equal to 1.63 (R2 = 0.60). The findings here suggest a general law that variability within research fields positively drives scientific development and technological evolution. In particular, a higher variability within research fields can support a high rate of growth in scientific development and technological evolution. The proposed general theory of scientific variability is especially relevant in turbulent environments of technology-based competition to clarify a basic determinant of technological development to design strategies of technological forecasting and management of promising innovations.
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Open AccessArticle
Non-Flammable Epoxy Composition Based on Epoxy Resin DER-331 and 4-(β-Carboxyethenyl)phenoxy-phenoxycyclotriphosphazenes with Increased Adhesion to Metals
by
Anastasia Konstantinova, Pavel Yudaev, Aleksey Shapagin, Darya Panfilova, Aleksandr Palamarchuk and Evgeniy Chistyakov
Sci 2024, 6(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020030 - 23 May 2024
Abstract
Functional cyclophosphazenes have proven to be effective modifiers of polymer materials, significantly improving their performance properties, such as adhesive characteristics, mechanical strength, thermal stability, fire resistance, etc. In this study, 4-(β-carboxyethenyl)phenoxy-phenoxycyclotriphosphazenes (CPPP) were obtained by the condensation of 4-formylphenoxy-phenoxycyclotriphosphazene with malonic acid. Its
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Functional cyclophosphazenes have proven to be effective modifiers of polymer materials, significantly improving their performance properties, such as adhesive characteristics, mechanical strength, thermal stability, fire resistance, etc. In this study, 4-(β-carboxyethenyl)phenoxy-phenoxycyclotriphosphazenes (CPPP) were obtained by the condensation of 4-formylphenoxy-phenoxycyclotriphosphazene with malonic acid. Its structure was studied using 31P, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and the thermal properties were determined by DSC and TGA methods. Molecular modeling using the MM2 method showed that CPPPs are nanosized with diameters of spheres described around the molecules in the range of 1.34–1.93 nm, which allows them to be classified as nanosized structures. The epoxy resin DER-331 was cured with CPPP, and the conversion of epoxy groups was assessed using IR spectroscopy. Using optical interferometry, it was shown that CPPPs are well compatible with epoxy resin in the temperature range from 80 to 130 °C. It was established that the cured epoxy composition was fire resistant, as it successfully passed the UL-94 vertical combustion test due to the formation of porous coke during the combustion process and also had high heat resistance and thermal stability (decomposition onset temperature about 300 °C, glass transition temperature 230 °C). The composition has low water absorption, high resistance to fresh and salt water, fire resistance, and adhesive strength to steel and aluminum (11 ± 0.2 MPa), which makes it promising for use as an adhesive composition for gluing parts in the shipbuilding and automotive industries, the aviation industry, and radio electronics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry Science)
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Open AccessArticle
ThermoBounce: Visualizing Chemical Kinetics via a Gravitational Potential Analogy
by
Nelson Max and Edward Max
Sci 2024, 6(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020029 - 9 May 2024
Abstract
ThermoBounce is an interactive online visualization designed to help students understand how enthalpy, entropy, and temperature contribute to the reaction rate and equilibrium of a unimolecular chemical change between reactant and product states, for example, molecular isomerizations or phase transitions. At the start
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ThermoBounce is an interactive online visualization designed to help students understand how enthalpy, entropy, and temperature contribute to the reaction rate and equilibrium of a unimolecular chemical change between reactant and product states, for example, molecular isomerizations or phase transitions. At the start of the animation, reactant molecules are represented by spheres bouncing around in a reactant room, with an average kinetic energy proportional to the temperature. This room is connected to an adjacent product room by a window. When the user triggers the animation, spheres may convert to the product state by passing through the window into the product room, changing color as they do so. The difference between the floor heights of the reactant and product rooms represents the enthalpy change of the reaction, and the floor areas of the two rooms represent the entropies of the reactant and product states. The height of the bottom of the window above the floor of the reactant room represents the enthalpy of activation, and the width of the window represents the entropy of activation. Users can change the geometry of the rooms and window to adjust all these quantities and can modify the temperature before or during the reaction. They can then observe the resulting changes in the reaction rate and in the accumulation of product molecules, as shown on a reaction progress graph. The visualization and instructions for interacting with it are freely available on the Internet.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Chemistry Science)
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Open AccessReview
Power and Efficiency in Living Systems
by
Douglas S. Glazier
Sci 2024, 6(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020028 - 6 May 2024
Abstract
Energy transformation powers change in the universe. In physical systems, maximal power (rate of energy input or output) may occur only at submaximal efficiency (output/input), or conversely, maximal efficiency may occur only at submaximal power. My review of power and efficiency in living
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Energy transformation powers change in the universe. In physical systems, maximal power (rate of energy input or output) may occur only at submaximal efficiency (output/input), or conversely, maximal efficiency may occur only at submaximal power. My review of power and efficiency in living systems at various levels of biological organization reveals that (1) trade-offs (negative correlations) between power and efficiency, as expected in physical systems, chiefly occur for resource-supply systems; (2) synergy (positive correlations) between power and efficiency chiefly occurs for resource use systems, which may result from (a) increasing energy allocation to production versus maintenance as production rate increases and (b) natural selection eliminating organisms that exceed a maximal power limit because of deleterious speed-related effects; (3) productive power indicates species-wide ‘fitness’, whereas efficiency of resource acquisition for production indicates local ‘adaptiveness’, as viewed along a body size spectrum and within clades of related species; (4) covariation of the power and efficiency of living systems occurs across space and time at many scales; (5) the energetic power/efficiency of living systems relates to the rates and efficiencies/effectiveness of nutrient/water uptake/use, the functional performance of various activities, and information acquisition/processing; and (6) a power/efficiency approach has many useful theoretical and practical applications deserving more study.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biology Research and Life Sciences)
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Open AccessArticle
Decision Making in Service Shops Supported by Mining Enterprise Resource Planning Data
by
Shaun West, Daryl Powell, Fabian Ille and Stefan Behringer
Sci 2024, 6(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020027 - 5 May 2024
Abstract
This research examines the application of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in service shops, focusing on the specific challenges unique to these environments compared to those in the manufacturing sector. Service shops, distinguished by their smaller scale and variable demands, often need different
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This research examines the application of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in service shops, focusing on the specific challenges unique to these environments compared to those in the manufacturing sector. Service shops, distinguished by their smaller scale and variable demands, often need different functionalities in ERP systems compared to manufacturing facilities. Our analysis is based on detailed billing records and monthly cash flow data to deliver critical insights into businesses’ performance for service shop managers. This study analyses ERP data from 27 service shops over 35 months. It is based on detailed billing records and monthly cash flow data to deliver critical insights into businesses’ performance for service shop managers that support managerial decision making. Our findings emphasise the importance of incorporating additional contextual information to augment the effectiveness of ERP systems in service contexts. Our analysis shows that simple, standardised data mining methods can significantly enhance operational management decision making when supported with visuals to support understanding and interpretation of the data. Moreover, this study suggests potential directions for future research aimed at improving business analytics and intelligence practices to optimise the use of ERP systems in service industries. This research contributes to the academic discourse by providing empirical evidence on utilising ERP data in service shops and offers practical recommendations for ongoing operational improvements.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Industry 4.0—New Entrepreneurial Opportunities: How to Make Money with AI in Manufacturing)
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Open AccessEssay
Can Citizens Do Science? Science in Common and Social Responsibility
by
Ainara Aberasturi Rodríguez, Ignacio Fierro Bandera and Jose Navarro-Pedreño
Sci 2024, 6(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020026 - 1 May 2024
Abstract
Citizen science is an effective tool that unites ordinary citizens and scientists for a common cause. In particular, this tool enables ordinary citizens to participate in research and increases the likelihood of generating new knowledge. It is seen as the democratization of science.
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Citizen science is an effective tool that unites ordinary citizens and scientists for a common cause. In particular, this tool enables ordinary citizens to participate in research and increases the likelihood of generating new knowledge. It is seen as the democratization of science. It is mainly applied in developed countries, and citizens usually help obtain environmental data with emerging technologies. However, training citizens to obtain good-quality data is one of the most significant challenges. It is also important to involve citizens in other phases, such as data analysis, discussion, and knowledge generation. Citizen science can be a tool for integrating different groups in science to promote social inclusion, including environmental, agricultural, earth, and life sciences. Thus, citizen science can contribute to education, sustainability, and climate change mitigation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers—Multidisciplinary Sciences 2023)
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of an App-Supported Intensive Interdisciplinary Treatment for Young People with Chronic Pain: A Mixed-Methods Study
by
Dunja Genent, Sabrina Schenk, Almut Hartenstein-Pinter, Boris Zernikow and Julia Wager
Sci 2024, 6(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020025 - 1 May 2024
Abstract
Chronic pain in the vulnerable phase of emerging adulthood is associated with severe life impairments. The current healthcare system has no suitable treatments for young people. A new multimodal inpatient and app-supported treatment for young people with chronic pain counteracts this. The study
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Chronic pain in the vulnerable phase of emerging adulthood is associated with severe life impairments. The current healthcare system has no suitable treatments for young people. A new multimodal inpatient and app-supported treatment for young people with chronic pain counteracts this. The study examines the effectiveness of this new treatment. Our mixed-methods design combined qualitative and quantitative evaluations. The sample comprised N = 44 patients (18–25 years) who took part in the new treatment. The quantitative data showed a reduced degree of pain severity, pain-related and emotional impairments, and an improved quality of life. The qualitative data showed that several components of the new treatment were particularly important to the young adults: individuality and taking the patient seriously, group therapy with peers, individual therapies (psychological, medical), life counselling, and sports. Results support the individual and objective success of a new inpatient pain treatment applied during emerging adulthood.
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(This article belongs to the Section Computer Sciences, Mathematics and AI)
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Surgical Tool Performance with Alumina-Based Coatings: An Engineering Analysis
by
Cristiano Fragassa, Giovanni Pappalettera, Vincenzo Moramarco, Ana Pavlovic and Marco Arru
Sci 2024, 6(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/sci6020024 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
The present study investigates the utilization of ceramic coatings and insulation elements in the context of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAPP) surgery tools, highlighting how precise engineering modifications can influence surgical precision. The adoption of cold plasma in surgery can be reinforced by
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The present study investigates the utilization of ceramic coatings and insulation elements in the context of Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma (CAPP) surgery tools, highlighting how precise engineering modifications can influence surgical precision. The adoption of cold plasma in surgery can be reinforced by material advancements withstanding several specific challenges, including electrical and thermal protection. We explore the potential of alumina (Al2O3), renowned for its high dielectric strength and resistance, as a promising material solution for insulating electrodes. We evaluated the thermal performance of surgical tools concerning different insulation thicknesses. Our findings suggest that Al2O3–based coatings, with their superior characteristics, significantly enhance the usability of cold plasma technology, thus fostering its application in minimally invasive surgery. We examine the implications of these findings for the design of next-generation surgical instruments and propose avenues for future research. This work contributes to the field of biomedical engineering by showcasing the pivotal role of material science in advancing surgical technologies.
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(This article belongs to the Section Thermal Engineering and Sciences)
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