bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic Study of Polyaniline/AgCl@Ag Nanocomposites Prepared by a One-Step Method
Authors: Benahmed Wafa Najar , Bekri-Abbes Imene , Srasra Ezzeddine
Published: September 2018

Polyaniline (PANI)/Ag@AgCl nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by one-step method, which consists of mixing aqueous solutions of silver nitrate with aniline chloride and delaying the evolution of reaction. By this way, aniline chloride represents a monomer for PANI and a source of Cl− anions necessary for the formation of AgCl, and silver nitrate acts simultaneously as oxidant initiator for aniline polymerization and precursor for AgCl@Ag phase. The formation of polyaniline has been identified by the change of color to black green and from RAMAN and FTIR spectroscopy while AgCl@Ag phase has been highlighted from XRD and RAMAN. The application of Debye–Scherrer theory allows us to measure the crystallite sizes of Ag and AgCl which were, respectively, 23 and 52 nm. The AC conductivity showed a regime of constant DC conductivity at low frequencies corresponding to 0.4 S/cm−1 and a crossover to a frequency-dependent regime of the type Aωs at high frequencies.
Sample Entropy on Multidistance Signal Level Difference for Epileptic EEG Classification
Authors: Rizal Achmad , Hadiyoso Sugondo
Published: September 2018

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain’s nerves as a result of excessive brain cell activity. It is generally characterized by the recurrent unprovoked seizures. This neurological abnormality can be detected and evaluated using Electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. Many algorithms have been applied to achieve high performance for the EEG classification of epileptic. However, the complexity and randomness of EEG signals become a challenge to researchers in applying the appropriate algorithms. In this research, sample entropy on Multidistance Signal Level Difference (MSLD) was applied to obtain the characteristic of EEG signals, especially towards the epilepsy patients. The test was performed on three classes of EEG data: EEG signals of epilepsy patient in ictal (seizure), interictal conditions (occurring between seizures) and normal EEG signals from healthy subjects with a closed eye condition. In this study, classification and verification were done using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) method. Through the 5-fold cross-validation, experimental results showed the highest accuracy of 97.7%.
Muscle Coordination Control for an Asymmetrically Antagonistic-Driven Musculoskeletal Robot Using Attractor Selection
Authors: Ide Shoichiro , Nishikawa Atsushi
Published: September 2018

Recently, numerous musculoskeletal robots have been developed to realize the flexibility and dexterity analogous to human beings and animals. However, because the arrangement of many actuators is complex, the design of the control system for the robot is difficult and challenging. We believe that control methods inspired by living things are important in the development of the control systems for musculoskeletal robots. In this study, we propose a muscle coordination control method using attractor selection, a biologically inspired search method, for an antagonistic-driven musculoskeletal robot in which various muscles (monoarticular muscles and a polyarticular muscle) are arranged asymmetrically. First, muscle coordination control models for the musculoskeletal robot are built using virtual antagonistic muscle structures with a virtually symmetric muscle arrangement. Next, the attractor selection is applied to the control model and subsequently applied to the previous control model without muscle coordination to compare the control model’s performance. Finally, position control experiments are conducted, and the effectiveness of the proposed muscle coordination control and the virtual antagonistic muscle structure is evaluated.
Antibody-Neutralized Reovirus Is Effective in Oncolytic Virotherapy
Authors: Berkeley Robert A. , Steele Lynette P. , Mulder Aat A. , van den Wollenberg Diana J.M. , Kottke Timothy J. , Thompson Jill , Coffey Matthew , Hoeben Rob C. , Vile Richard G. , Melcher Alan , Ilett Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2018

Immunotherapy is showing promise for otherwise incurable cancers. Oncolytic viruses (OVs), developed as direct cytotoxic agents, mediate their antitumor effects via activation of the immune system. However, OVs also stimulate antiviral immune responses, including the induction of OV-neutralizing antibodies. Current dogma suggests that the presence of preexisting antiviral neutralizing antibodies in patients, or their development during viral therapy, is a barrier to systemic OV delivery, rendering repeat systemic treatments ineffective. However, we have found that human monocytes loaded with preformed reovirus–antibody complexes, in which the reovirus is fully neutralized, deliver functional replicative reovirus to tumor cells, resulting in tumor cell infection and lysis. This delivery mechanism is mediated, at least in part, by antibody receptors (in particular FcγRIII) that mediate uptake and internalization of the reovirus/antibody complexes by the monocytes. This finding has implications for oncolytic virotherapy and for the design of clinical OV treatment strategies. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(10); 1161–73. ©2018 AACR.
A Musical Suite Composed by an Electronic Brain: Reexamining the Illiac Suite and the Legacy of Lejaren A. Hiller Jr.
Authors: Funk Tiffany
Published: September 2018

In 1956, Lejaren A. Hiller, Jr., and Leonard Isaacson debuted the Illiac Suite, the first score composed with a computer. Its reception anticipated Hiller’s embattled career as an experimental composer. Though the Suite is an influential work of modern electronic music, Hiller’s accomplishment in computational experimentation is above all an impressive feat of postwar conceptual performance art. A reexamination of theoretical and methodological processes resulting in the Illiac Suite reveals a conceptual and performative emphasis reflecting larger trends in the experimental visual arts of the 1950s and 1960s, illuminating his eventual collaborations with John Cage and establishing his legacy in digital art practices.
Beyond Schemata in Collective Improvisation: A Support Tool for Music Interactions
Authors: Kalonaris Stefano
Published: September 2018

This article presents results of experiments undertaken with expert musicians using the author’s original system for systemic improvisation. By promoting the formation of parallel and simultaneous layers of sustained musical relationships, this system facilitates an enhanced focus on local clusters and their development over time. This tool opens a novel perspective on improvised interactions and how they are formed, evaluated, updated, modified and abandoned during a performance, encouraging a critical evaluation of collective schemata.
Listening to Wetland Soundscapes
Authors: Otondo Felipe
Published: September 2018

The author introduces a soundscape project involving wetland field recordings and an original sound time-lapse method used as the basis for the design and implementation of a sound installation.
Collaboration and Consensus in Listening
Authors: Barney Anna , Voegelin Salomé
Published: September 2018

This article adapts a conversation on a network project, Listening across Disciplines, which brought together artists, musicians, scientists, technologists and social scientists to discuss the use, value and application of listening as a shared methodology of inquiry and communication. The discussion focuses on one of the key issues emerging from this network: the question of consensus and collaboration in the development of a shared listening methodology.
Figures of Speech: Oral History as an Agent of Form in Electroacoustic Music
Authors: Young John
Published: September 2018

This article reflects on how the author’s use of oral history recordings as source material in three electroacoustic works suggests ways in which complementary threads of storytelling and recorded memory can be shaped into purposefully directed forms.
“‘Taiwan Expendable?’ Reconsidered”
Authors: Paul Hilton Brian
Published: September 2018

In 2005, noted historian Nancy Bernkopf Tucker advanced the thesis that President Richard M. Nixon and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger viewed Taiwan as an expendable asset in their rush to promote Sino-American normalization, resulting in the administration conceding more than necessary in disregard for Taiwan’s future or status. This article examines documents declassified since Tucker’s study to argue that this interpretation is no longer tenable. Nixon and Kissinger applied to their Taiwan policy a set of principles remarkably consistent with their broader views on foreign policy, namely an emphasis on peoples directly involved in conflicts undertaking gradual, peaceful changes, while maintaining in the interim some form of security arrangement to maintain peace. Moreover, both Nixon and Kissinger understood the myriad benefits of the u.s. relationship with the Republic of China in advancing American interests and maintaining credibility in a volatile world, and, in fact, did consider the future status of Taiwan and its government. This culminated in the Kissinger-Zhou Enlai discussions in 1971 where the former deftly defended, to the extent possible, a principled commitment to Taiwan. Ultimately, the administration’s insistence on establishing rapprochement with Beijing did not mean that Washington simply would cave to every Chinese demand. Taiwan was not expendable.
Annotated checklist of anthiadine fishes (Percoidei: Serranidae)
Authors: ANDERSON WILLIAM D. JR
Published: September 2018

This checklist includes information on the 29 genera and 226 species of anthiadine serranid fishes currently considered valid. For each genus the type species and number of species are given. For each species the valid name (and name under which it was originally described, if different), primary type(s), type locality, reference(s) to illustration(s), counts, and distribution are presented.
Impact of Atmospheric Circulation on Temperature, Clouds, and Radiation at Summit Station, Greenland, with Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Gallagher Michael R. , Shupe Matthew D. , Miller Nathaniel B.
Published: September 2018

The Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) plays a crucial role in the Arctic climate, and atmospheric conditions are the primary modifier of mass balance. This analysis establishes the relationship between large-scale atmospheric circulation and principal determinants of GrIS mass balance: moisture, cloud properties, radiative forcing, and temperature. Using self-organizing maps (SOMs), observations from the Integrated Characterization of Energy, Clouds, Atmospheric State, and Precipitation at Summit (ICECAPS) project are categorized by daily sea level pressure (SLP) gradient. The results describe in detail how southerly, northerly, and zonal circulation regimes impact observations at Summit Station, Greenland. This southerly regime is linked to large anomalous increases in low-level liquid cloud formation, cloud radiative forcing (CRF), and surface warming at Summit Station. An individual southerly pattern relates to the largest positive anomalies, with the most extreme 25% of cases leading to CRF anomalies above 21 W m−2 and temperature anomalies beyond 8.5°C. Finally, the July 2012 extreme melt event is analyzed, showing that the prolonged ice sheet warming was related to persistence of these southerly circulation patterns, causing an unusually extended period of anomalous CRF and temperature. These results demonstrate a novel methodology, connecting daily atmospheric circulation to a relatively brief record of observations.
Simulation of Past Changes in the Austrian Snow Cover 1948–2009
Authors: Marke Thomas , Hanzer Florian , Olefs Marc , Strasser Ulrich
Published: September 2018

A distributed snow model is applied to simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of the Austrian snow cover at 1 km × 1 km spatial and daily temporal resolution for the period 1948–2009. After a comprehensive model validation, changes in snow cover conditions are analyzed for all of Austria as well as for different Austrian subregions and elevation belts focusing on the change in snow cover days (SCDs). The comparison of SCDs for the period 1950–79 to those achieved for 1980–2009 for all of Austria shows a decrease in SCDs with a maximum of >35 SCDs near Villach (Carinthia). The analysis of SCD changes in different subregions of Austria reveals mean changes between −11 and −15 days with highest absolute change in SCDs for southern Austria. Two decrease maxima could be identified in elevations of 500–2000 m MSL (between −13 and −18 SCDs depending on the subregion considered) and above 2500 m MSL (over −20 SCDs in the case of central Austria). The temporal distribution of SCD change in the Austrian subregions is characterized by a reduction of SCDs in midwinter and at the end of winter rather than by fewer SCDs in early winter. With respect to the temporal distribution of SCD change in different elevation belts, changes in elevations below 1000 m MSL are characterized by a distinct reduction of SCDs in January. With increasing elevation the maximum change in SCDs shifts toward the summer season, reaching a maximum decrease in the months of June–August above 2500 m MSL.
Antarctic Thermocline Dynamics along a Narrow Shelf with Easterly Winds
Authors: Hattermann Tore
Published: September 2018

Determining the role of Southern Ocean warm intermediate water for driving melting of the Antarctic ice sheet is a major challenge in assessing future sea level rise. Analysis of 2859 CTD profiles obtained between 1977 and 2016 by ships and instrumented seals at the Weddell Sea continental slope reveals a seasonal rise of the Antarctic Slope Front thermocline by more than 100 m during the summer. The signal at Kapp Norvegia (17°W) corresponds with a seasonal warming downstream at the Filchner Trough (40°W), indicating that a coherent evolution of the slope front along the shelf break regulates the onshore flow of warm deep water. Climatological cross sections of the slope front hydrography show that downwelling of Antarctic Surface Water forms a secondary front above the warm deep water interface during summer. Enhanced baroclinic growth rates at this front suggest that the wind-driven suppression of the thermocline is partially compensated by a shallower eddy overturning cell when surface water is present. A simple model of the Weddell Gyre boundary current reveals that wintertime densification of surface waters is crucial for maintaining the deep thermocline along the eastern Weddell Sea coast. The sensitivity of the warm inflow to the cross-frontal density gradient implies a positive feedback with ice shelf melting that may lead to an abrupt transition into a high melting state once warm water rises over the shelf break depth. Despite its regional focus, this study highlights the role of upper ocean buoyancy fluxes for controlling the thermocline depth along seasonally ice-covered narrow shelf regions with cyclonic along-slope winds.
The Relationship Between Dialectical Beliefs and Proenvironmental Behaviors
Authors: Li Liman Man Wai , Mei Dongmei , Li Wen-Qiao , Lee Hajin
Published: September 2018

Dialectical beliefs emphasize constant change, tolerance of contradiction, and holistic perception. This research examined the relationship between dialectical beliefs and proenvironmental behaviors. Study 1a showed that stronger dialectical beliefs were associated with fewer proenvironmental behaviors among Chinese participants; this result was replicated in Study 1b. To examine the negative relationship between dialectical beliefs and proenvironmental behaviors across cultures, Study 2 recruited both native Chinese and European Americans and replicated the results conceptually by measuring proenvironmental behaviors in a hypothetical shopping scenario. Study 3 provided further generally supportive evidence by considering the influence of both dialectical beliefs and interdependent self-construal on proenvironmental behaviors between native Chinese and European Canadians. Finally, a meta-analysis of the obtained results revealed a weak but significant negative association between dialectical beliefs and proenvironmental behaviors. Theoretical implications for cross-cultural environmental research and practical implications for proenvironmental campaigns were discussed.
The Embrace of the Proabortion Turnaway Study
Authors: Reardon David C.
Published: September 2018

The abortion advocacy group Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH) has published over twenty papers based on a case series of women taking part in their Turnaway Study. Following the lead of ANSIRH news releases, major media outlets have described these results as proof that (a) most women who have abortions are glad they did, (b) there is no evidence of negative mental health effects following abortion, and (c) the only women really suffering are those who are being denied late-term abortions due to legal restrictions based on gestational age. Buried in ANSIRH’s papers are the facts that over 68 percent of the women they sought to interview refused, their own evidence confirms that the remnant who did participate were atypical, there are no known benefits from abortion, their methods are misleadingly described, and their results are selectively reported.

Summary: Widely publicized claims regarding the benefits of abortion for women have been discredited. The Turnaway Study, conducted by abortion advocates at thirty abortion clinics, reportedly proves that 95 percent of women have no regrets about their abortions and that abortion causes no mental health problems. But a new exposé reveals that the authors have misled the public, using an unrepresentative, highly biased sample and misleading questions. In fact, over two-thirds of the women approached at the abortion clinics refused to be interviewed, and half of those who agreed dropped out. Refusers and dropouts are known to have more postabortion problems.
Treatment of an Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Condic Maureen L. , Harrison Donna
Published: September 2018

There is considerable lack of clarity on the medical facts surrounding management of ectopic pregnancy. In particular, it is not widely appreciated that by the time an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, in most cases, there is no viable fetus (i.e., the fetus has already died). Moreover, there is very little ethical guidance from the medical profession regarding the emotionally difficult decision to terminate a wanted pregnancy when the life of the mother is at risk. The best articulated positions on this topic come from religious groups, based on the principle of double effect. Yet the application of this reasoning to termination of an ectopic pregnancy is inconsistent with the medical facts in many cases. To resolve these inconsistencies, while still providing a robust ethical context for resolving such difficult situations, we propose clear guidelines for determining when a viable fetus is present in ectopic pregnancy and clarify the moral object in ectopic pregnancy management.

Summary: This paper explores the ethical framework for clinical decision making in the case of ectopic pregnancies. Focusing on the disordered union of mother and unborn child clarifies the object and purpose of the actions used to separate the mother and fetus in order to save the life of both, or at least one. Since over 90% of tubal ectopic pregnancies present as embryos who have already died, these cases present no ethical dilemma. This paper proposes a modification of currently used criteria for determining the viability of ectopic pregnancies and calls for further research.
The Spatial Proximity and Connectivity Method for Measuring and Analyzing Residential Segregation
Authors: Roberto Elizabeth
Published: September 2018

In recent years, there has been increasing attention focused on the spatial dimensions of residential segregation—from the spatial arrangement of segregated neighborhoods to the geographic scale or relative size of segregated areas. However, the methods used to measure segregation do not incorporate features of the built environment, such as the road connectivity between locations or the physical barriers that divide groups. This paper introduces the spatial proximity and connectivity (SPC) method for measuring and analyzing segregation. The method addresses the limitations of current approaches by taking into account how the physical structure of the built environment affects the proximity and connectivity of locations. I describe the method and its application for studying segregation and spatial inequality more broadly, and I demonstrate one such application—analyzing the impact of physical barriers on residential segregation—with a stylized example and an empirical analysis of racial segregation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The SPC method contributes to scholarship on residential segregation by capturing the effect of an important yet understudied mechanism of segregation—the connectivity, or physical barriers, between locations—on the level and spatial pattern of segregation, and it enables further consideration of the role of the built environment in segregation processes.
Effect of thermal treatment on the mechanical and viscoelastic response of polypropylenes incorporating a β nucleating agent
Authors: Belkouicem K , Benarab A , Krache R , Benavente R , Pérez E , Cerrada ML
Published: September 2018

The influence of two thermal treatments on the structure, morphology, and ultimate properties exhibited by isotactic polypropylene (iPP), synthesized by conventional Ziegler–Natta iPP (Z-iPP) or metallocene iPP (m-iPP) catalysts, has been investigated in the present work. Novelty of this research consisted in the incorporation of a β nucleating agent in two different contents to the m-iPP. Results attained are compared with those found in the Z-iPP and important differences are observed. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction experiments revealed that coexistence of different crystalline lattices took place depending on the type of iPP: β and α forms were found in the β nucleated Z-iPP specimens, whereas α, β, and γ polymorphs could be developed in the m-iPP with nucleating agent. On the other hand, the iPP glass transition temperature ( Tg) did not exhibit a significant change because of the addition of β nucleant, as deduced from Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) analysis. Moreover, the size and shape of the iPP spherulites was totally changed by the presence of the β agent. This nucleant promoted the formation of smaller spherulites in a greater amount, as demonstrated by optical microscopy. Concerning the mechanical parameters, microhardness, MH, and Young modulus, E, values were in the fast crystallized samples lower than those presented by their slowly cooled counterparts. A good balance in properties was seen for the slowly crystallized m-iPP that incorporated a 5 wt% content in β nucleating agent, this fact being ascribed to the coexistence of the three α, β, and γ polymorphs.
Utility of Serum miR-122, Liver Enzymes, and Hepatic Histopathology in Response to Hepatotoxicants in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Carroll Erica E. , Ippolito Danielle L. , Permenter Matthew G. , McDyre B. Claire , Baer Christine E. , Kumsher David M. , Boyle Molly H. , DiVito Valerie T. , Lewis John A. , Koontz Jason M.
Published: September 2018

More than 80,000 chemicals are in commercial use worldwide. Hepatic metabolism to toxic intermediates is often a key mechanism leading to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Effective treatment requires prompt detection of hepatotoxicity, ideally with rapid, minimally invasive diagnostic assays. In this study, archetypal histologic features of chemically induced hepatic injury were compared with clinical chemistries (including liver enzymes) and serum concentrations of microRNA-122 (miR-122, the processed form miR-122-5p), a biomarker of liver injury. The hepatotoxicants 4,4’-methylenedianiline (4,4’-MDA), allyl alcohol (AA), or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were orally administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats for 1, 5, 14, or 28 days to induce liver damage. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded liver sections were evaluated histologically for inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, and lipid accumulation. Liver enzymes were measured in serum, and serum miR-122 concentrations were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Histologic features of hepatic injury dose-dependently increased in both severity and frequency. Increases in liver enzymes and bilirubin were more pronounced in response to AA or 4,4’-MDA than to CCl4 at early time points. Elevated serum miR-122 levels in animals administered CCl4, AA, or 4,4’-MDA were more strongly associated with degree of hepatic histopathology than with dosage. Given this sensitive expression pattern postexposure, liver-specific miR-122 may improve the diagnostic accuracy of early hepatic injury.
Robust stairway-detection and localization method for mobile robots using a graph-based model and competing initializations
Authors: Westfechtel Thomas , Ohno Kazunori , Mertsching Bärbel , Hamada Ryunosuke , Nickchen Daniel , Kojima Shotaro , Tadokoro Satoshi
Published: September 2018

One of the major challenges for mobile robots in human-shaped environments is navigating stairways. This study presents a method for accurately detecting, localizing, and estimating the characteristics of stairways using point cloud data. The main challenge is the wide variety of different structures and shapes of stairways. This challenge is often aggravated by an unfavorable position of the sensor, which leaves large parts of the stairway occluded. This can be further aggravated by sparse point data. We overcome these difficulties by introducing a three-dimensional graph-based stairway-detection method combined with competing initializations. The stairway graph characterizes the general structural design of stairways in a generic way that can be used to describe a large variety of different stairways. By using multiple ways to initialize the graph, we can robustly detect stairways even if parts of the stairway are occluded. Furthermore, by letting the initializations compete against each other, we find the best initialization that accurately describes the measured stairway. The detection algorithm utilizes a plane-based approach. We also investigate different planar segmentation algorithms and experimentally compare them in an application-orientated manner. Our system accurately detects and estimates the stairway parameters with an average error of only [Formula: see text] for a variety of stairways including ascending, descending, and spiral stairways. Our method works robustly with different depth sensors for either small- or large-scale environments and for dense and sparse point cloud data. Despite this generality, our system’s accuracy is higher than most state-of-the-art stairway-detection methods.
Association of IL10 gene promoter polymorphisms with risks of gastric cancer and atrophic gastritis
Authors: Liu Sa , Liu Jing-Wei , Sun Li-Ping , Gong Yue-Hua , Xu Qian , Jing Jing-Jing , Yuan Yuan
Published: September 2018

Objective

To investigate the association between polymorphisms of the interleukin 10 ( IL10) gene and risk of gastric cancer (GC) and atrophic gastritis (AG).

Methods

This study enrolled patients with GC, patients with AG and healthy control subjects. Demographic data were collected and the IL10 gene –1082A/G, –819C/T and –592A/C polymorphisms were genotyped. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect Helicobacter pylori infection.

Results

The study enrolled 556 participants including 208 in the GC group, 116 in the AG group and 232 controls (CON group). In a recessive model of the IL10–819C/T polymorphism, a significantly decreased risk of GC was found compared with AG and non-cancer subjects, respectively (AG→GC: odds ratio OR 0.41; non-cancer→GC: OR 0.57). The CC genotype demonstrated a significantly increased risk of AG compared with CON. Similar significant results were detected in males and H. pylori-negative subgroups. The ACC haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of GC compared with AG. The ATC haplotype was associated with a decreased risk of AG compared with the CON group, but it was associated with an increased risk of GC compared with AG.

Conclusion

The IL10 gene promoter –819C/T (rs1800871) polymorphism was associated with the risk of GC and AG in a Chinese population.
Machines and Plant for Tube and Profile Production
Authors: Pohl T. , Podzelny F.
Published: September 2018

The continuous production of endless rubber products is a broad and versatile field of application. Profile geometry, choice and composition of compound ingredients as well as process control need to be developed and matched to the application.

When it comes to selecting the plant components, various alternatives and concepts are available. For that reason the plant configuration is determined in close cooperation between the plant supplier and product manufacturer.

This paper describes the decision-making process in relation to building an extrusion line.
Reactive blending, reinforcement and curing of NR/BR/EPDM compounds for tyre sidewall applications
Authors: Sahakaro K. , Naskar N. , Datta R.N. , Noordermeer J.W.M.
Published: September 2018

Modern tyre sidewall compounds are generally formulated using NR and BR to achieve the required dynamic properties. The most widely used antiozonant, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), is a staining, toxic and environmentally harmful substance. Incorporating EPDM into NR/BR blends improves ozone resistance but leads to poor properties because of differences in filler affinity and cure incompatibility of the rubber components. In this study the cure incompatibility of a commonly used sulfur/CBS system is overcome by using a reactive processing technique. The full amount of curing agents is first added to the EPDM. After a thermal pretreatment step determined by the scorch time of the EPDM, the modified EPDM is mixed with pre-blended NR/BR. The reactive blends show significant improvements in physical properties in comparison to those of conventional EPDM mixes, due to improvements in crosslinking and carbon black distribution. This is confirmed by AFM and TEM images. The physical properties of the reactively mixed NR/BR/EPDM blends are comparable or even superior to those of conventional NR/BR blends for tyre sidewall applications. The blend with 30 phr EPDM has excellent ozone resistance, which means that 6PPD can be omitted completely from the formulation.
A statistical intra-genre analysis of cross-national environmental news translation
Authors: Ji Meng
Published: September 2018

This study investigates the instrumental role of translated environmental news in informing public opinions on environmental issues among Chinese-speaking communities. Its contribution to methodology is exploring the automatic corpus annotation tools, that is, semantic analysis system. Its contribution to theory is identifying and distinguishing among three recurrent sub-news-types of translated environmental news published on BBC China, that is, governance; international relations and environmental science. Discourse features attributed to these subtypes of environmental news underscore BBC China’s reporting styles and strategies and largely explain its wide appeal and credibility among the target audiences.
Investigation of Oil Palm and Pineapple Fiber Reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Composites by Acoustic Emission Technique
Authors: Sreekala M. S. , Czigány T. , Romhány G. , Thomas S.
Published: September 2018

The fracture mechanics response of oil palm and pineapple fiber reinforced phenol formaldehyde composites was investigated. The fracture behaviour was influenced by the fiber content, the length of the fibers and the condition of the fiber-matrix interface. Single edge notched tensile specimens were cut from composite plates and examined. The fracture toughness was determined from force-elongation curves. Tensile tests and acoustic emission investigations were carried out simultaneously. It was found out that the failure mode for untreated and treated materials was quite different. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs were taken from the fracture surfaces.
A Study of Polyamide-imide Resin / Copper Foil Composite Materials
Authors: Chou Shen , Lee Ker-Sen
Published: September 2018

Polyamideimide resins were prepared using three monomeric reactants: 5-norbornene-2,3'dicarboxylic anhydride (NA), 4-aminobenzoic acid, and 3,4'-oxydianiline (3,4'-ODA). The characteristics of the resins were analyzed by FTIR and elemental analysis. The PAI / Copper composites were prepared at 320°C and a pressure of 30Kg/cm2 (2.9Mpa). The heat resistance, chemical resistance, dielectric constant and dissipation factor were studied. The experimental results show that the peel strength of the composites with no coupling agent was 1.69Kgf/cm (1657N/m) and with 0.6% LICA97 coupling agent was 2.27Kgf/cm (2225N/m) After 24h at 300°C, the dielectric constants of PAI.1 (0.6% LICA97) were 2.46 and 2.47 (1MHz), and their dissipation factors were 0.0101 and 0.0110. After immersian in 10% H2SO4 solution, the peel strength retentions of the laminates were greater than 90%.
The Why, What and Wherefore of Antimicrobial Systems
Authors: Simmons Julie
Published: September 2018

Increasing consumer awareness of the risks posed by bacteria, together with evidence that bacteria can survive and multiply on many surfaces has led to growing interest in the use of antimicrobial systems in a wide range of products including plastic items.

Antimicrobial systems can be added to a wide range of plastics, inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms on the surface and thus helping to reduce odours, unsightly growth and the risk of cross contamination.

The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview of antimicrobial systems and their use in plastics. The types of systems available are discussed, together with the methods used to assess antimicrobial efficacy. A variety of actual results, from different applications and polymers, are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the systems and the type of information gained from antimicrobial test methods. Finally the current and future potential of antimicrobial systems is discussed.
A Novel Additive Concept for the Stabilization of ABS
Authors: Wegmann Alex
Published: September 2018

The grafted rubber phase of emulsion ABS has to be stabilised very efficiently against oxidation by hindered phenols, alone or in combination with secondary antioxidants (e.g. phosphites or thioethers), especially during the drying process. Traditionally, solid products with high melting points were used, but they are not easy to bring into an aqueous formulation. A new liquid antioxidant, besides giving excellent thermal stability to the ABS graft phase, can be dosed with a low margin of error and easily emulsified. Such an emulsion shows very good storage stability, and mixes well with the aqueous ABS latex. The liquid supply form brings evident handling advantages, and the product has a very good toxicological profile, as well as broad food contact approvals in styrenic copolymers. To reduce the initial colour of ABS after processing (extrusion, moulding), new synergistic process stabilisers, based on lactone chemistry, have been developed. These new stabilization concepts for ABS graft phase, and ABS compounds help to improve their technical performance significantly.

Presented at the 2nd International Conference on Polymer Modification, Degradation and Stabilization, 30 June - 4 July, 2002, Budapest, Hungary, and at the ADDCON World 2002 Conference, 22-23 October 2002, Budapest, Hungary.
Phenolic Resins (II) – Influence of the Chemical Structure of High Molecular Weight Molecules on the Mechanisms of Cross-linking and on the Final Structure of the Resins
Authors: Bouajila J. , Raffin G. , Waton H. , Sanglar C. , Païsse J.O. , Grenier-Loustalot M.F.
Published: September 2018

The physicochemical characterization of the structures of the oligomers (n < 4) in resols has been carried out by fragmenting monomers in LC/UV/MS and LC/UV/MS/MS. Fragmentation mechanisms are related to the numbers and positions of substituents on the aromatic ring and to the types of oligomer junctions. It was more difficult to determine the structures of phenol hemiacetals and dimer hemiacetals because of the large number of position isomers.

The resols were prepared with differing molar ratios R = Formaldehyde/Phenol and catalysts. They were cross-linked using two industrially recommended heat cycles. The progression of resin cross-linking was determined by solid state 13C NMR (CP/MAS). The residual percentage of monomers and oligomers at n < 4 was determined in leachates (water and methanol) and characterized by LC/UV/MS. The results for cross-linking advancement were correlated with the various synthesis parameters (ratio R, type of catalyst and heat cycle).
Phenolic resins (III) - Solid State Structures and Thermal Properties of Cross-linked Phenolic Resins
Authors: Bouajila J. , Raffin G. , Waton H. , Sanglar C. , Alamercery S. , Grenier-Loustalot M. F.
Published: September 2018

Non-destructive, solid state physicochemical techniques were used to analyze the structure of phenolic resins prepared with precise syntheses and thermal parameters.

The results obtained with solid state 13C NMR (CP/MAS) and FTIR were analyzed and related to the thermal characteristics of the networks (DSC and TGA/FTIR). The data were correlated with parameters and conditions of syntheses of resols and of the initial prepolymers.
Theoretical Study of the Release and Consumption of an Agent in Food from Active Polymer Packaging
Authors: Kouali M. El , Salouhi M. , Labidi F. , El Brouzi M. , Vergnaud J.M.
Published: September 2018

The role of packaging has been extended from passive protection to an active role in improving food quality. Active packaging works with the food to produce a desired effect. Often, micro-organism growth causes food spoilage, so active packaging allows for the controlled release of an anti-microbial agent into the food. Thus, packaging is made of two layers, at least, one with an impermeable polymer protecting the system from the environment, and the other with a polymer carrier containing the agent, the polymer carrier being bound to the inside of the packaging and in contact with the food. This study is undertaken in order to describe the process of the agent release. The agent diffuses through the polymer carrier with a constant diffusivity into the liquid food, with a finite coefficient of convective transfer at the interface. Because of the high convective effect in the liquid, the concentration of the agent in the liquid food is uniform. Moreover, the rate of consumption of the agent resulting from its action on the micro-organisms is controlled by a first-order reaction with respect to its concentration in the liquid. The results are expressed in terms of the profiles of concentration of the agent developed through the thickness of the polymer carrier, the kinetics of the agent remaining free in the liquid, and the kinetics of consumption of the anti-microbial agent by the microorganisms. Two new dimensionless numbers are introduced, taking into account the rate of consumption of the agent and either the diffusivity, when the process is controlled by diffusion, or the rate of convection coefficient when it is controlled by convection, in order to clarify the process an help those who are not specialists in modelling.
A Study of the Properties of PMR Polyimide Resin/Copper Foil Composites
Authors: Chou Shen , Lee Ker-Sen
Published: September 2018

A PMR (polymerization of monomer reactants) polyimide resin was prepared from three monomer reactants: 5-norbornene-2,3'-dicarboxylic anhydride (NA),3,4'-oxydianiline(3,4'-ODA), and 3,3',4,4'-benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). The polyimide resin and the copper foil were used to fabricate composites. Composite properties were tested for heat resistance and chemical resistance, and the dielectric constant and dissipation factor were also examined. After 24 h at 300oC the composites still had 73% retention of peel strength, the 1 MHz dielectric constant was 3.5, and the dissipation factor was 0.0160. After a hot/wet treatment (water at 50oC) for 72 h, the dielectric constant increased by 0.3%, while the dissipation factor increased by 33.9% from 0.0056 to 0.0075. After exposure to steam for 72 h, the polyimide laminates maintained 85% of their peel strength. A PEI resin laminate had a peel strength of only 872.2 N/m, but after a zirco-aluminate coupling agent surface treatment, a peel strength of 1519 N/m was obtained. The dielectric constant of the PEI resin was the lowest value (3.3678), and the dissipation factor was 0.0024. Commercialized epoxy resin laminate had a peel strength of 2450 N/m. At room temperature, the dielectric constant was 3.4793, and the dissipation factor was 0.0199.
SBS/Carbon Black Compounds Give Asphalts with Improved High-Temperature Storage Stability
Authors: Wang Shifeng , Zhang Yong , Zhang Yinxi
Published: September 2018

Styrene-butadiene-styrene tri-block copolymer (SBS) modified asphalts are usually unstable during high-temperature storage, which presents an obstacle to their application. In this paper, SBS modified asphalts with improved high-temperature storage stability were prepared by incorporating carbon black (CB) into the SBS compounds. The effect of CB on the high-temperature storage properties, dynamic rheology, mechanical properties (softening point, viscosity etc.) and the morphologies of the modified asphalts were studied. It was found that the ratio of SBS to CB in the compound had a great effect on the high-temperature storage behavior. The modified asphalts were stable when the ratio of SBS/CB was around 2. CB had almost no effect on the dynamic rheology or the mechanical properties of the modified asphalts. The improvement in high-temperature storage behavior could be caused by decreasing the density difference and improving the compatibility between SBS and asphalt.
Deformation Characteristics of Nano-SiO2 Filled Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Wu Chun Lei , Zhang Ming Qiu , Rong Min Zhi , Lehmann Björn , Friedrich Klaus
Published: September 2018

Surfaces of nano-silica particles can be effectively modified by means of irradiation graft polymerization. When polypropylene (PP) was compounded with these treated nanoparticles, an overall improvement in the mechanical properties of the composites at rather low filler content was acquired. The present work observed the deformation characteristics of the PP nanocomposites using transmission electron microscope. Due to the interfacial entanglement between the grafting polymers attached to the nanoparticles and the matrix polymer, the grafted nano-SiO2 exhibits much greater extensibility in the composites than the nanoparticles as-received. It is believed to be the main cause of extensive plastic drawing of the matrix polymer surrounding the treated nanoparticles, and it provides the composites with higher static ductility.
Mechanism of Void Formation in Composite Processing with Woven Fabrics
Authors: Lee Geon-Woong , Lee Ki-Jun
Published: September 2018

A mechanism for void formation is suggested, involving an analysis of the resin flow at macro and micro levels. Both these types of flow arise from the characteristic structure of woven fabrics. In order to investigate the mechanism of void formation in woven fabrics, a new dimensionless number was defined as the ratio of the superficial velocity to the initial spreading rate. The prediction of void formation using this dimensionless number had a good correlation with the results from the cross sectional observation and void content measurement. It was confirmed that the mechanism introduced in this study is very desirable and that the morphological structure of the woven fabric plays a key role in void formation.
Synthesis and Property Characterization of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Based Natural Fiber Copolymers via Grafting
Authors: Sahoo Prafulla K , Mohapatra Roomky , Sahu Gobinda C , Dalei Mamata
Published: September 2018

Natural fiber copolymers were prepared by grafting hydrophobic monomer, methyl methacrylate (MMA), onto chemically modified pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) using a complex initiating system: Cu (II) SO4 / histidine / ammonium persulfate (APS) in an aqueous medium. The overall activation energy (Ea) of grafting was computed to be 21.8 kJ mol−1. The PALF–g–PMMA copolymers so obtained were characterized by FT-IR, their thermal behaviour by TGA and their morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their tensile strength, elongation and tenacity were measured. The extent of water absorption by the grafted PALF showed that grafting of MMA imparts hydrophobicity onto PALFs. The biodegradation of the copolymers was evaluated in sludge water and soil and by using cultured microorganisms.
Determinants of Swelling Behaviour of Methacrylamide and Cellulosics Based Hydrogels
Authors: Chauhan Ghanshyam S. , Bansal Monica , Mahajan Swati
Published: September 2018

The synthesis and swelling response of some novel hydrogels in different swelling media have been studied for some specialty applications. Hydroxypropylcellulose based networks with methacrylamide have been synthesised in aqueous media in the presence of N,N – methylene bisacrylamide by simultaneous gamma ray initiation. Reaction conditions such as total dose of radiation, amount of water and concentrations of monomer and crosslinker have been evaluated for optimum network yield. Employing these conditions, networks of cellulose and its other derivatives have also been synthesised with methacrylamide. Resulting networks have been characterised for structural aspects by elemental analysis, FTIR and scanning electron micrography. The swelling behaviour of networks has been studied as a function of the synthetic reaction conditions, the nature of polymeric backbones and the nature of the swelling medium (water, 0.5M NaOH, 0.5MHCl and 5.0%NaCl). The equilibrium swelling is a function of both structural and environmental factors as hydrogels respond smartly to the environment.
Heat-Resistant Organic Matrices Quo Vadis? (Review)
Authors: Romdhane H. Ben , Sillion B. , Grenier-Loustalot M.F.
Published: September 2018

The introduction is a brief review of the characteristics desired for heat-resistant composite matrices, and the two possible approaches based on linear polymers and telechelic oligomers that can be cross-linked during use. Special attention is paid to cross-linkable oligomers, whose use currently poses fewer problems.

The different structures in question, i.e. bismaleimides, bismaleimides (modified by cyanates or epoxies), bisnadimides, acetylene and propargylic compounds, are discussed in terms of chemistry (stability of oligomers, mode of polymerization, aging) and mechanical properties (ductility).

Several solutions little used at the present time (semi-interpenetrated networks, molecular composites, polymerizable molecular assemblies, hyper branched oligomers and liquid crystal monomers, etc.) are discussed in terms of the future.

There may be technical solutions for use up to 300°C, but industrial development is far from being resolved because of, among other things, the small market for these products.
Tensile Properties of Polymerization-Filled Kevlar Pulp/Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Zhang Yaolin , Rodrigue Denis , Aït-Kadi Abdellatif
Published: September 2018

Polymerization-filled composites (PFC) and melt-blended composites (MBC) of Kevlar pulp/high density polyethylene composites were prepared to compare their mechanical properties. It was found that break strains of PFC composites were by far higher than MBC composites for a similar fiber concentration. Tensile data were then used to compare several models of short fiber polymer composites. Of all the models tested, it was found that Berlin's approach in combination with Rosen's model for critical aspect ratio give reasonable prediction. It was also found that fiber's aspect ratio in composites is strongly related to the processing technique used.