Exploring elite soccer teams’ performances during different match-status periods of close matches’ comebacks

The aim of the present study was to examine winning and losing teams’ performances during the four different match-status periods that occur in close soccer matches’ comebacks (1° drawing; 2° winning/losing; 3° drawing; and 4° losing/winning). The variables (i.e., shots, passing effectiveness and ball possession) were gathered from 17 matches of the Spanish professional soccer league. Relative-phase analysis of ball possession between teams revealed a shift from anti-phase to in-phase relations from period 1 to 4. Pass efficacy revealed a particular trend of anti-phase relations in period 2 and the analysis of shots revealed similar phase relations between periods. Statistically significant differences were observed between winning and losing teams in Period 3 for ball possession and passing effectiveness. Also, statistically significant differences among periods were observed for winning teams in ball possession with period 4 as the most differentiated from the other periods. Besides, winning teams also showed significant differences between periods in passing effectiveness (period 4 vs 3), and in shots (period 3 vs periods 1, 2 and 4). On the other hand, ball possession showed significant differences for losing teams with periods 3 and 4 different than periods 1 and 2. The current findings can be used when controlling match-status scenarios and key performance indicators along the match

Polarity reversal by fuel starvation in PEM Fuel Cells

In this work, the degradation caused by polarity reversal by fuel starvation of a 16 MEA (membrane-electrode assembly) – low power PEM fuel cell is reported. Measuring of the potential of individual cells, while on load, was found instrumental in the location of affected cells which revealed very low or even negative potential. Ex-situ analysis of MEA, after irreversible degradation by fuel starvation, gave as a result delamination of catalyst layers with impacts on fuel cell performance such as development of flooded areas (in the created gaps by membrane separation) increasing the resistance of reactant transport to the catalyst sites. Striking thickness variations of the anode layers as well as carbon corrosion were found. Also, the proton exchange membrane was found to be affected by fluoride depletion

Corrosion inhibition of aluminium alloys by layered double hydroxides: the role of copper

Layered double hydroxides represented by the general formula [M2 2+M3+(OH)6]+X1/n n-.zH2O are being researched as anion-exchange materials with interesting intercalation chemistry that accommodate a wide range of applications, including corrosion resistance. In this work, it is shown that the formation of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on the surface of copper-rich Al alloys promotes corrosion resistance. For that purpose a LDH of the type [M+M3+ 2(OH)6[An- 1/n].zH2O], where the intercalated cation is mono-valent Lithium is studied. In Aluminium 2024-T3 or Al-Li 8090, corrosion inhibition was achieved as a result of the formation of a LDH film: Al2Li(OH)7.2H2O or Al2Li(OH)62CO3.zH2O according to the precursor solution used. LDHś covered the entire surface of the mentioned alloys, mitigating the galvanic action between the matrix and Cu rich phases, usually responsible for corrosion of the localized type. Inhibition is demonstrated to be under diffusion control. Layered double hydroxides were characterised using Xray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. The role of copper is examined using an approach that includes a study on pure copper sample

Nanoscale layered double hydroxide materials for corrosion resistance

Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHμs), represented by the general formula [MII (1-x)MIIIx(OH)2[An-x/n].zH2O or [MIMIII2(OH)6[An-1/n].zH2O], where MI, MII, MIII are mono-, di- and tri-valent metal cations, are being researched as anion-exchange materials which interesting intercalation chemistry that accommodate a wide range of applications from heterogeneous catalysis to storage and subsequent controlled release of bioactive agents. In this work, layered double hydroxides containing a monovalent (Li+) and trivalent (Al3+) matrix cations, have been synthesized and characterised using X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. LDHμs were prepared by a simple co-precipitation method using metal hydroxides and metal salts in an alkaline solution. Hybrid systems are produced by intercalation which involves a guest molecule introduced into the host structure replacing the existing interlayer ion, without affecting the host structure opening new applications according to desired functionalities namely as thin films in corrosion protection. Li based conversion coatings are easily formed under open circuit conditions on Al surfaces [1-3]. Formation of LDHμs on the metal surface of copper-rich Al alloys were attempted with excellent results. Pitting corrosion was inhibited on Aluminium 2024-T3 with an extensive capability to withstand the presence of high concentrations of chloride ions. Intergranular corrosion was found to be inhibited in Al-Li 8090 alloy by action on copper containing T-phases located at the grain and sub-grain boundaries. The formation of DHLμs is thought to be responsible for inhibition which is demonstrated to be under diffusion control. The action of DLHμs on copper is demonstrated in separated experiments using pure copper samples in similar experimental conditions as for the alloy, in an extensive electrochemical study

Polarity reversal in PEM Fuel Cells by fuel starvation

In this work, the degradation caused by polarity reversal by fuel starvation of a 16 MEA – low power fuel cell is reported. Measuring of the potential of individual cells, while on load, was found instrumental in the location of affected cells which revealed very low or even negative potential. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy insitu gave insight on the increase in resistance and diffusion processes. Ex-situ analysis of MEA after irreversible degradation by fuel starvation gave as a result delamination of catalyst layers with impacts on fuel cell performance such as development of flooded areas by the pockets created increasing the resistance of reactant transport to the catalyst sites. Striking and thickness variation of the anode layer as well as carbon corrosion were found. The proton exchange membrane is also affected by fluoride depletion

Layered double hydroxides for aluminium alloys corrosion resistance

Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHμs), represented by the general formula [MII (1-x)MIIIx(OH)2[An-x/n].zH2O or [MIMIII2(OH)6[An-1/n].zH2O], where MI, MII, MIII are mono-, di- and tri-valent metal cations, are being researched as anion-exchange materials with interesting intercalation chemistry that accommodate a wide range of applications including corrosion resistance. In this work, layered double hydroxides containing a monovalent (Li+) and trivalent (Al3+) matrix cations, have been synthesized and characterised using X-ray diffraction, FTIR and SEM. LDHμs were prepared by a simple co-precipitation method using metal hydroxides and metal salts in an alkaline solution. Formation of LDHμs on the metal surface of Al alloys were attempted with excellent results. Pitting corrosion was inhibited on Aluminium 2024-T3 with an extensive capability to withstand the presence of high concentrations of chloride ions. The formation of DHLμs is thought to be responsible for inhibition which is demonstrated to be under diffusion control. The action of DLHμs on copper is demonstrated in separated experiments using pure copper samples in similar experimental conditions as for the alloy, in an extensiv

Review of a Small-scale Pelagic Longline Fishery off Northeastern Brazil

The annual catches of four small longliners operating off northeast Brazil from 1983 to 1997 were examined across different areas and locations. The total catch comprised tunas (30%), sharks (54%), billfishes (12%), and other fish species (4%). Fishing strategy and annual composition of catches showed large spatial and temporal variabilities with the dominant catches alternating among yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares; gray sharks, Carcharhinus spp.; and blue shark, Prionace glauca. Catches of blue and gray sharks showed a significant interaction among seamounts, with gray sharks occurring in maximum abundance around those seamounts that had relatively deep summits and low-sloping depth profiles. Results are discussed in terms of the various factors that may have influenced distribution of effort

An Evidence-based Roadmap for IoT Software Systems Engineering

Context: The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought expectations for software inclusion in everyday objects. However, it has challenges and requires multidisciplinary technical knowledge involving different areas that should be combined to enable IoT software systems engineering. Goal: To present an evidence-based roadmap for IoT development to support developers in specifying, designing, and implementing IoT systems. Method: An iterative approach based on experimental studies to acquire evidence to define the IoT Roadmap. Next, the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge life cycle was used to organize the roadmap and set temporal dimensions for IoT software systems engineering. Results: The studies revealed seven IoT Facets influencing IoT development. The IoT Roadmap comprises 117 items organized into 29 categories representing different concerns for each Facet. In addition, an experimental study was conducted observing a real case of a healthcare IoT project, indicating the roadmap applicability. Conclusions: The IoT Roadmap can be a feasible instrument to assist IoT software systems engineering because it can (a) support researchers and practitioners in understanding and characterizing the IoT and (b) provide a checklist to identify the applicable recommendations for engineering IoT software systems

Immune Checkpoint Blockade and Immune Monitoring

The concept of immunological surveillance, a monitoring process in which the immune system detects and destroys by several effector mechanisms, virally infected and neoplastic transformed cells in the body, was developed more than 50 years ago. Based on current research, it is clear that the immune system can recognize and eliminate transformed cells. An increasing number of studies has investigated the immune system in cancer patients and how it is prone to immunosuppression, due in part to the decrease of lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic activity. Such weakened immune system is then unable to fully accomplish its role in immunological surveillance, allowing nascent transformed cells to escape the selective pressure of the immune system. The main goal of cancer immunotherapy has been to reawaken the immune system from a suppressive slumber to enable it to attack cancer cells once again. As the results from the last 10 years attest, cancer immunotherapy is the best strategy to restore the activity of the immune system and unleash its potential to destroy cancer cells in cancer patients. This chapter aims to discuss the recent findings on immune monitoring studies and the use of immune checkpoint inhibition in cancer immunotherapy