bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fines Content on Fluidity of FCC Catalysts for Stable Operation of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit
Authors: Kim Sung Won , Yeo Chae Eun , Lee Do Yeon
Published: January 2019

Effect of fines content (weight % of particles with diameter less than 45 μm) on bed fluidity was determined to get a base for good fluidization quality in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit. The fines content in equilibrium FCC catalysts (Ecat) from commercial units were controlled by adding or removing the fines to simulate commercial situation. To get the fluidity values (Umb/Umf) of seven different FCC catalysts (2 Ecats and 5 fresh catalysts) and their mixture, minimum fluidization velocity (Umf) and minimum bubbling velocity (Umb) were measured in a fluidized bed reactor (0.05 m ID). The fluidity decreased with loss of fines content and increased with increments of makeup of fresh catalysts or additive with the controlled fines content. The fluidities of catalysts increase with increases of normalized particle diameter variation by the fines addition. The obtained fluidities have been correlated with the fines contents and the catalyst and gas properties. The proposed correlation could guide to keep good catalyst fluidity in the FCC unit.
Energy Routing Control Strategy for Integrated Microgrids Including Photovoltaic, Battery-Energy Storage and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Liu Yingpei , Li Yan , Liang Haiping , He Jia , Cui Hanyang
Published: January 2019

The Energy Internet is an inevitable trend of the development of electric power system in the future. With the development of microgrids and distributed generation (DG), the structure and operation mode of power systems are gradually changing. Energy routers are considered as key technology equipment for the development of the Energy Internet. This paper mainly studies the control of the LAN-level energy router, and discusses the structure and components of the energy router. For better control of the power transmission of an energy router, the energy routing control strategy for an integrated microgrid, including photovoltaic (PV) energy, battery-energy storage and electric vehicles (EVs) is studied. The front stage DC/DC converter of the PV system uses maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control. The constant current control is used by the bidirectional DC/DC converter of the battery-energy storage system and the EV system when they discharge. The DC/AC inverters adopt constant reactive power and constant DC voltage control. Constant current constant voltage control is adopted when an EV is charged. The control strategy model is simulated by Simulink, and the simulation results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. The DG could generate reactive power according to the system instructions and ensure the stable output of the DC voltage of the energy router.
Rheology of Natural Hydraulic Lime Grouts for Conservation of Stone Masonry—Influence of Compositional and Processing Parameters
Authors: Baltazar Luis G. , Henriques Fernando M.A. , Cidade Maria Teresa
Published: January 2019

This review provides an overview of the recent progress in the field of the rheology of grouts for historic masonry consolidation. During the last two decades, significant research has been devoted on the grouting technique for stone masonry consolidation but most results are scattered by scientific papers, congress communications, and thesis. This paper compiles and briefly demonstrates the effect of several intrinsic and extrinsic parameters, such as admixtures, additions, pressure, temperature, and measuring instrumentation, on the rheological performance of natural hydraulic lime-based grouts.
Correction: Receiving, or ‘Adopting’, Donated Embryos to Have Children: Parents Narrate and Draw Kinship Boundaries
Authors: Tasker Fiona , Gubello Alessio , Clarke Victoria , Moller Naomi , Nahman Michal , Willcox Rachel
Published: January 2019

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper published in Genealogy (Tasker et al., 2018), reflecting regrettable misrepresentation of one research participant’s experience [...]
Baseline Body Mass Predicts Average Depressive Symptoms over the Next Two Decades for White but Not Black Older Adults
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: January 2019

Background: Although obesity and depression have a bidirectional association, this link may vary based on race. The current study tested racial variation in bidirectional links between depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI) over 24 years of follow-up in older adults over the age of 50 in the United States. We hypothesized weaker bidirectional links in Blacks compared to Whites. Methods: Data came from waves 1 to 12 (1990 to 2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), an ongoing state-of-the-art national cohort. The study followed a representative sample of Americans (n = 15,194; 2,200 Blacks and 12,994 Whites) over the age of 50. Dependent variables were average depressive symptoms and BMI over 24 years, based on measurements every other year, from 1990 to 2014. Independent variables included baseline depressive symptoms and BMI. Covariates included age, gender, marital status, veteran status, and activities of daily living. Structural equation models were fitted to the data for data analysis. Results: In the pooled sample, bidirectional associations were found between BMI and depressive symptoms as baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over time and baseline depressive symptoms predicted average BMI over 24 years. Racial differences were found in the bidirectional association between BMI and depressive symptoms, with both directions of the associations being absent for Blacks. For Whites, baseline BMI predicted average depressive symptoms over the next 24 years. Conclusion: Reciprocal associations between BMI and depressive symptoms over a 24-year period among individuals over the age of 50 vary for Blacks and Whites. As these associations are stronger for Whites than Blacks, clinical and public health programs that simultaneously target comorbid obesity and depression may be more appropriate for Whites than Blacks.
The Crossroad of Ion Channels and Calmodulin in Disease
Authors: Urrutia Janire , Aguado Alejandra , Muguruza-Montero Arantza , Núñez Eider , Malo Covadonga , Casis Oscar , Villarroel Alvaro
Published: January 2019

Calmodulin (CaM) is the principal Ca2+ sensor in eukaryotic cells, orchestrating the activity of hundreds of proteins. Disease causing mutations at any of the three genes that encode identical CaM proteins lead to major cardiac dysfunction, revealing the importance in the regulation of excitability. In turn, some mutations at the CaM binding site of ion channels cause similar diseases. Here we provide a summary of the two sides of the partnership between CaM and ion channels, describing the diversity of consequences of mutations at the complementary CaM binding domains.
WRKYs, the Jack-of-various-Trades, Modulate Dehydration Stress in Populus davidiana—A Transcriptomic Approach
Authors: Imran Qari Muhammad , Lee Sang-Uk , Mun Bong-Gyu , Hussain Adil , Asaf Sajjad , Lee In-Jung , Yun Byung-Wook
Published: January 2019

Populus davidiana, native to Korea and central Asian countries, is a major contributor to the Korean forest cover. In the current study, using high-throughput RNA-seq mediated transcriptome analysis, we identified about 87 P. davidiana WRKY transcription factors (PopdaWRKY TFs) that showed differential expression to dehydration stress in both sensitive and tolerant cultivars. Our results suggested that, on average, most of the WRKY genes were upregulated in tolerant cultivars but downregulated in sensitive cultivars. Based on protein sequence alignment, P. davidiana WRKYs were classified into three major groups, I, II, III, and further subgroups. Phylogenetic analysis showed that WRKY TFs and their orthologs in Arabidopsis and rice were clustered together in the same subgroups, suggesting similar functions across species. Significant correlation was found among qRT-PCR and RNA-seq analysis. In vivo analysis using model plant Arabidopsis showed that atwrky62 (orthologous to Potri.016G137900) knockout mutants were significantly sensitive to dehydration possibly due to an inability to close their stomata under dehydration conditions. In addition, a concomitant decrease in expression of ABA biosynthetic genes was observed. The AtHK1 that regulates stomatal movement was also downregulated in atwrky62 compared to the wild type. Taken together, our findings suggest a regulatory role of PopdaWRKYs under dehydration stress.
Newborn and Infant Hearing Screening Facing Globally Growing Numbers of People Suffering from Disabling Hearing Loss
Authors: Neumann Katrin , Chadha Shelly , Tavartkiladze George , Bu Xingkuan , White Karl R.
Published: January 2019

Recent prevalence estimates indicate that in 2015 almost half a billion people—about 6.8% of the world’s population—had disabling hearing loss and that prevalence numbers will further increase. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently estimates that at least 34 million children under the age of 15 have disabling hearing loss. Based on a 2012 WHO report, approximately 7.5 million of these children were under the age of 5 years. This review article focuses on the importance of high-quality newborn and infant hearing screening (NIHS) programs as one strategy to ameliorate disabling hearing loss as a global health problem. Two WHO resolutions regarding the prevention of deafness and hearing loss have been adopted urging member states to implement screening programs for early identification of ear diseases and hearing loss in babies and young children. The effectiveness of these programs depends on factors such as governmental mandates and guidance; presence of a national committee with involvement of professionals, industries, and stakeholders; central oversight of hearing screening; clear definition of target parameters; presence of tracking systems with bi-directional data transfer from screening devices to screening centers; accessibility of pediatric audiological services and rehabilitation programs; using telemedicine where connectivity is available; and the opportunity for case discussions in professional excellence circles with boards of experts. There is a lack of such programs in middle- and low-income countries, but even in high-income countries there is potential for improvement. Facing the still growing burden of disabling hearing loss around the world, there is a need to invest in national, high-quality NIHS programs.
Concept and Implementation of a Two-Stage Coding Scheme for the Development of Computer-Based Testing (CBT)-Items in Traditional Test Software
Authors: Ketschau Thilo J. , Kleinhans Janne
Published: January 2019

Computer-based testing (CBT) is gaining importance for studies addressing the diagnosis of competencies, because it is possible to simulate authentic action situations and may reduce the effort of analyzing the data. This benefit is most important for the phase of item design. In this phase of assessment construction, the pattern of answers of a sample is used to draw conclusions on the functionality of the items. Currently, there are no standards for the encodement of items which consider the specifications of CBT-instruments. These specifications are, for example, the a posteriori non-variability of the coding, a lack of information when using conventional test scores and the need of standardization of different formats of items. Taking these specifications into consideration, this paper proposes and discusses a two-stage coding systematization for CBT-items. For this, a distinction between item-coding and answer-coding was done. The coding is discussed for single-section and multi-section formats as well as dichotomous and polytomous answer modes. Therefore, this paper is for users of CBT-instruments who want to achieve the optimal information value of their test results with efficient coding.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of JPM in 2018
Authors:   JPM Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Blockchains for Supply Chain Management: Architectural Elements and Challenges Towards a Global Scale Deployment
Authors: Litke Antonios , Anagnostopoulos Dimosthenis , Varvarigou Theodora
Published: January 2019

Blockchains are attracting the attention of stakeholders in many industrial domains, including the logistics and supply chain industries. Blockchain technology can effectively contribute in recording every single asset throughout its flow on the supply chain, contribute in tracking orders, receipts, and payments, while track digital assets such as warranties and licenses in a unified and transparent way. The paper provides, through its methodology, a detailed analysis of the blockchain fit in the supply chain industry. It defines the specific elements of blockchain that affect supply chain such as scalability, performance, consensus mechanism, privacy considerations, location proof and cost, and details on the impact that blockchains will have in disrupting the supply chain industry. Discussing the tradeoff between consensus cost, throughput and validation time it proceeds with a suggested high-level architectural approach, and concludes as a result with a discussion on changes needed and challenges faced for an in-vivo deployment of blockchains in the supply chain industry. While the technological features of modern blockchains can effectively facilitate supply chain uses cases, the various challenges that still remain, bring in front of us a wide set of needed changes and further research efforts for achieving a global, production level blockchain for the supply chain industry.
Magnetic Properties and Carrier Transport of Ir0.9Mn1−xSn1.1+x
Authors: Pan Diangang , Li Lu , Yang Junyu , Chang Hong
Published: January 2019

The nonstoichiometric Ir0.9Mn1−xSn1.1+x (x = 0.1, 0.05, and −0.05) are crystallized in half-Heusler alloys. The magnetic transition is observed at 77 K for x = 1.05, and it decreases with the decreasing Mn content. It is proven to be a ferromagnetic transition with a nonlinear magnetic moment alignment, as the magnetization is not saturated at 70 kOe. The different magnetic behavior than a typical ferromagnet (FM is due to the Ir ions with strong spin orbital coupling (SOC). The different hysteresis loops reflect that the ionic distribution is not completely homogeneous. The high coercivity observed in the cubic compound is due to the strong single-ion anisotropy of the Ir ions. A metallic-semiconducting transition at 130 K is observed in Ir0.9Mn1.05Sn1.05. A negative magnetoresistance is observed at 2 K and 14 T with the value as −2.6%.
On the Finite Element Implementation of Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Martínez-Pañeda Emilio
Published: January 2019

We investigate the numerical implementation of functionally graded properties in the context of the finite element method. The macroscopic variation of elastic properties inherent to functionally graded materials (FGMs) is introduced at the element level by means of the two most commonly used schemes: (i) nodal based gradation, often via an auxiliary (non-physical) temperature-dependence, and (ii) Gauss integration point based gradation. These formulations are extensively compared by solving a number of paradigmatic boundary value problems for which analytical solutions can be obtained. The nature of the notable differences revealed by the results is investigated in detail. We provide a user subroutine for the finite element package ABAQUS to overcome the limitations of the most popular approach for implementing FGMs in commercial software. The use of reliable, element-based formulations to define the material property variation could be key in fracture assessment of FGMs and other non-homogeneous materials.
Microstructures and Properties of Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RE Composite Solders Reinforced with Cu-Coated Graphene Nanosheets Synthesized by Pyrolysis
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Ke-ke , Huo Fu-peng , Wang Hui-gai , Wang Yang
Published: January 2019

Composite solder is a promising route to improve the properties and reliability of Sn-based lead-free solder. In this study, Cu-coated graphene nanosheets (Cu-GNSs) were synthesized using pyrolysis. Cu-GNSs reinforced Sn2.5Ag0.7Cu0.1RE composite lead-free solders were prepared via powder metallurgy. The size, distribution, and adsorption type of Cu nanoparticles on the GNSs were studied. The relation of the Cu-GNSs content and microstructure to the physical, wettability, and mechanical properties of composite solders was discussed. The results show that Cu nanoparticles (with a mean size of 13 nm) present uniform distribution and effective chemisorptions on the GNS. Microstructural evolution of composite solders is dependent on the addition of Cu-GNSs. With increasing Cu-GNSs addition, β-Sn grains become finer and the eutectic phase proportion becomes larger, while the morphology of the eutectic phase transforms from dispersion to network-type. The improvement of the tensile strength of the composite solder can be attributed to grain refinement and load transfer. While the existence of Cu-GNSs can effectively improve the wettability and slightly change the melting point, it can also lead to the decline of elongation and electrical conductivity of the composite solder.
Experimental Studies on Chemical Activation of Cementitious Materials from Smelting Slag of Copper and Nickel Mine
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Wei Yanke , Lv Guocheng , Liao Libing , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2019

Gellable composite materials (GCM) were prepared from a smelting slag of copper and nickel deposits and cement, and activated using gypsum and chemical activators. The effects of material ratio, dosage of chemical activators, and gypsum on the mechanical properties of GCM were studied. Our results showed that the chemical activators of Na2SO4, Na2SiO3, NaOH, and Na2CO3 could improve the compressive strength of the GCM. Considering the market cost and ease operation, the compressive strength of the GCM could be significantly improved with 2% Na2SO4. The experiment results also showed that the compound chemical activator could improve the compressive strength of gelled material. The strength of GCM reaches 41.6 MPa when 2% gypsum and 80% of smelting slags of copper and nickel deposits were used, which met the national standards requirements of GCM. As such, it is expected that a large amount of copper and nickel mining smelting slag could be utilized for the production of cementitious materials.
Modeling the Macrophage-Mediated Inflammation Involved in the Bone Fracture Healing Process
Authors: Trejo Imelda , Kojouharov Hristo , Chen-Charpentier Benito
Published: January 2019

A new mathematical model is presented to study the effects of macrophages on the bone fracture healing process. The model consists of a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations that represents the interactions among classically and alternatively activated macrophages, mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. A qualitative analysis of the model is performed to determine the equilibria and their corresponding stability properties. Numerical simulations are also presented to support the theoretical results, and to monitor the evolution of a broken bone for different types of fractures under various medical interventions. The model can be used to guide clinical experiments and to explore possible medical treatments that accelerate the bone fracture healing process, either by surgical interventions or drug administrations.
Tetracenomycin X Exerts Antitumour Activity in Lung Cancer Cells through the Downregulation of Cyclin D1
Authors: Qiao Xinran , Gan Maoluo , Wang Chen , Liu Bin , Shang Yue , Li Yi , Chen Shuzhen
Published: January 2019

Tetracenomycin X (Tcm X) has been reported to have antitumour activity in various cancers, but there have not been any studies on its activity with respect to lung cancer to date. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the anti-lung cancer activity of Tcm X. In this study, we found that tetracenomycin X showed antitumour activity in vivo and selectively inhibited the proliferation of lung cancer cells without influencing lung fibroblasts. In addition, apoptosis and autophagy did not contribute to the antitumour activity. Tetracenomycin X exerts antitumour activity through cell cycle arrest induced by the downregulation of cyclin D1. To explore the specific mechanism, we found that tetracenomycin X directly induced cyclin D1 proteasomal degradation and indirectly downregulated cyclin D1 via the activation of p38 and c-JUN proteins. All these findings were explored for the first time, which indicated that tetracenomycin X may be a powerful antimitotic class of anticancer drug candidates for the treatment of lung cancer in the future.
Acute Proximal Myopathy in a Young Male—A Case of Infectious Myositis
Authors: Dhital Rashmi , Basnet Sijan , Poudel Dilli Ram
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives: Acute proximal muscle weakness has a broad differential. Infectious myositis is difficult to differentiate clinically from inflammatory myopathy, often causing a delayed diagnosis. Infectious myositis should be thought of as a differential for proximal muscle pain and weakness in the right context. Case Presentation: A 40-year-old male with diabetes presented with exquisite pain and weakness of proximal extremities. He denied trauma, recent travel, new medications, or substance use. He denied prior rheumatologic, thyroid, or musculoskeletal disorders. The urine culture revealed staphylococcal infection with negative blood cultures. Rheumatologic and endocrine workups were negative. Random muscle biopsy was negative for inflammatory infiltrate. MRI of thighs and arms showed innumerable foci of nodular and ring enhancement in the proximal muscle groups. The patient noted improvement after about 10 days of antibiotics with complete resolution at 2 months. Discussion and Conclusion: Bacterial myositis is most often due to Staphylococcus aureus (70%) and affects a single muscle. Multifocal abscesses are rare and strongly suggest transient bacteremia. Our patient most likely had transient initiating staphylococcal bacteremia leading to diffuse myositis and hematogenous urinary tract infection (UTI). A delay in treatment can be life-threatening.
Fast Proteome Identification and Quantification from Data-Dependent Acquisition–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (DDA MS/MS) Using Free Software Tools
Authors: Meyer Jesse G.
Published: January 2019

The identification of nearly all proteins in a biological system using data-dependent acquisition (DDA) tandem mass spectrometry has become routine for organisms with relatively small genomes such as bacteria and yeast. Still, the quantification of the identified proteins may be a complex process and often requires multiple different software packages. In this protocol, I describe a flexible strategy for the identification and label-free quantification of proteins from bottom-up proteomics experiments. This method can be used to quantify all the detectable proteins in any DDA dataset collected with high-resolution precursor scans and may be used to quantify proteome remodeling in response to drug treatment or a gene knockout. Notably, the method is statistically rigorous, uses the latest and fastest freely-available software, and the entire protocol can be completed in a few hours with a small number of data files from the analysis of yeast.
Structural and In Vitro Functional Comparability Analysis of Altebrel™, a Proposed Etanercept Biosimilar: Focus on Primary Sequence and Glycosylation
Authors: Fazel Ramin , Guan Yudong , Vaziri Behrouz , Krisp Christoph , Heikaus Laura , Saadati Amirhossein , Nurul Hidayah Siti , Gaikwad Manasi , Schlüter Hartmut
Published: January 2019

The demand for reliable comparability studies of biosimilars grows with their increased market share. These studies focus on physicochemical, structural, functional and clinical properties to ensure that a biosimilar has no significant differences to the originator product and can be released into the market without extensive clinical trials. In the current study, Enbrel® (etanercept, the originator) and Altebrel™ (the proposed biosimilar) underwent direct comparison. “Bottom-up” mass spectrometric analysis was used for primary sequence analysis, evaluation of N/O-glycosylation sites and quantification of methionine oxidation. N/O-glycans were analyzed after permethylation derivatization and the effect of N-glycans on in-vitro functionality of etanercept was assayed. Three enzyme peptide mapping resulted in complete identification of the primary structure. It was confirmed that total ion chromatograms are valuable datasets for the analysis of the primary structure of biodrugs. New N/O-glycan structures were identified and all the N-glycans were quantified. Finally, investigation of the functional properties of N-deglycosylated and non-modified etanercept samples using surface plasmon resonance analysis and in-vitro bioassay showed that N-glycosylation has no significant effect on its in-vitro functionality. Analysis of etanercept and its biosimilar, revealed a high similarity in terms of glycosylation, primary structure and in-vitro functionality.
Formulation and Characterization of Eplerenone Nanoemulsion Liquisolids, An Oral Delivery System with Higher Release Rate and Improved Bioavailability
Authors: Khames Ahmed
Published: January 2019

Because Eplerenone (EPL) is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) class-II drug and is prone to extensive liver degradation, it suffers from poor bioavailability after oral administration. This work aimed to prepare liquisolids loaded with EPL-nanoemulsions (EPL-NEs) that have a higher drug release rate and improved bioavailability by the oral route. Based on solubility studies, mixtures of Triacetin (oil) and Kolliphor EL/PEG 400 surfactant/co-surfactant (Smix) in different ratios were used to prepare EPL-NE systems, which were characterized and optimized for droplet size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and drug content. Systems were then loaded onto liquisolid formulations and fully evaluated. A liquisolid formulation with better drug release and tableting properties was selected and compared to EPL-NEs and conventional EPL oral tablets in solid-state characterization studies and bioavailability studies in rabbits. Only five NEs prepared at 1:3, 1:2, and 3:1 Smix met the specified optimization criteria. The drug release rate from liquisolids was significantly increased (90% within 45 minutes). EPL-NE also showed significantly improved drug release but with a sustained pattern for four hours. Liquisolid bioavailability reached 2.1 and 1.2 relative to conventional tablets and EPL-NE. This suggests that the EPL-NE liquisolid is a promising oral delivery system with a higher drug release rate, enhanced absorption, decreased liver degradation, and improved bioavailability.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Plasma in 2018
Authors:   Plasma Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Improving the Performances of Perovskite Solar Cells via Modification of Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Jiang Mao , Niu Qiaoli , Tang Xiao , Zhang Heyi , Xu Haowen , Huang Wentao , Yao Jizhong , Yan Buyi , Xia Ruidong
Published: January 2019

The commonly used electron transport material (6,6)-phenyl-C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) for perovskite solar cells (PSC) with inverted planar structures suffers from properties such as poor film-forming. In this manuscript, we demonstrate a simple method to improve the film-forming properties of PCBM by doping PCBM with poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) as the electron transport layer (ETL), which effectively enhances the performance of CH3NH3PbI3 based solar cells. With 5 wt % F8BT in PCBM, the short circuit current (JSC) and fill factor (FF) of PSC both significantly increased from 17.21 ± 0.15 mA·cm−2 and 71.1 ± 0.07% to 19.28 ± 0.22 mA·cm−2 and 74.7 ± 0.21%, respectively, which led to a power conversion efficiency (PCE) improvement from 12.6 ± 0.24% to 15 ± 0.26%. The morphology investigation suggested that doping with F8BT facilitated the formation of a smooth and uniform ETL, which was favorable for the separation of electron-hole pairs, and therefore, an improved performance of PSC.
Surface Modification of Aluminum Nitride to Fabricate Thermally Conductive poly(Butylene Succinate) Nanocomposite
Authors: Lule Zelalem , Kim Jooheon
Published: January 2019

Biodegradable polymers and their composites are considered promising materials for replacing conventional polymer plastics in various engineering fields. In this study, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) composites filled with 5% aluminum nitride nanoparticles were successfully fabricated. The aluminum nitride nanoparticles were surface-modified to improve their interaction with the PBS matrix. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the nanocomposites with surface-modified nanoparticles had better interface interaction and dispersion in the polymer matrix than those with untreated nanoparticles. The PBS/modified AlN nanocomposites exhibited maximal thermal conductivity enhancement, 63.7%, compared to the neat PBS. In addition, other thermomechanical properties of the PBS nanocomposites were investigated in this study. The nanocomposites also showed a superior storage modulus compared to the neat PBS matrix. In this work, a PBS nanocomposite with suitable thermal conductivity that can be used in various electronic fields was fabricated.
Resistance to Cleavage of Core–Shell Rubber/Epoxy Composite Foam Adhesive under Impact Wedge–Peel Condition for Automobile Structural Adhesive
Authors: Back Jong-Ho , Baek Dooyoung , Shin Jae-Ho , Jang Seong-Wook , Kim Hyun-Joong , Kim Jong-Hak , Song Hong-Kyu , Hwang Jong-Won , Yoo Min-Jae
Published: January 2019

Epoxy foam adhesives are widely used for weight reduction, watertight property, and mechanical reinforcement effects. However, epoxy foam adhesives have poor impact resistance at higher expansion ratios. Hence, we prepared an epoxy composite foam adhesive with core–shell rubber (CSR) particles to improve the impact resistance and applied it to automotive structural adhesives. The curing behavior and pore structure were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray computed tomography (CT), respectively, and impact wedge–peel tests were conducted to quantitatively evaluate the resistance to cleavage of the CSR/epoxy composite foam adhesives under impact. At 5 and 10 phr CSR contents, the pore size and expansion ratio increased sufficiently due to the decrease in curing rate. However, at 20 phr CSR content, the pore size decreased, which might be due to the steric hindrance effect of the CSR particles. Notably, at 0 and 0.1 phr foaming agent contents, the resistance to cleavage of the adhesives under the impact wedge–peel condition significantly improved with increasing CSR content. Thus, the CSR/epoxy composite foam adhesive containing 0.1 phr foaming agent and 20 phr CSR particles showed high impact resistance (EC = 34,000 mJ/cm2) and sufficient expansion ratio (~148%).
Synthesis of Propylene-co-Styrenic Monomer Copolymers via Arylation of Chlorinated PP and Their Compatibilization for PP/PS Blend
Authors: Fu Xiangming , Liu Xijun , Zhang Chunyu , Liu Heng , Hu Yanming , Zhang Xuequan
Published: January 2019

A series of propylene-co-styrenic monomer copolymers were synthesized using the Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction between chlorinated PP and substituted benzene, and the effects of these copolymers on a PP/PS (80/20) blend were investigated by using the impact test, morphology observation, thermo- and dynamic mechanical analysis, and rheology measurements. The results showed that the compatibilization efficiency varied as the variation of the substitute on the benzene ring of the styrenic monomer unit was incorporated in the PP chain in an order of methyl > ethyl > methoxyl. The copolymers bearing a crystalline isotactic polypropylene chain sequence and rubbery propylene-co-styrene-like unit chain segments may prepossess imaginable applications, giving an example for the synthesis and applications of PP-based copolymers, initiating a new way to broaden the polyolefin-based material family.
SAR and Lidar Temporal Data Fusion Approaches to Boreal Wetland Ecosystem Monitoring
Authors: Montgomery Joshua , Brisco Brian , Chasmer Laura , Devito Kevin , Cobbaert Danielle , Hopkinson Chris
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study was to develop a decision-based methodology, focused on data fusion for wetland classification based on surface water hydroperiod and associated riparian (transitional area between aquatic and upland zones) vegetation community attributes. Multi-temporal, multi-mode data were examined from airborne Lidar (Teledyne Optech, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada, Titan), synthetic aperture radar (Radarsat-2, single and quad polarization), and optical (SPOT) sensors with near-coincident acquisition dates. Results were compared with 31 field measurement points for six wetlands at riparian transition zones and surface water extents in the Utikuma Regional Study Area (URSA). The methodology was repeated in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD) to determine the transferability of the methods to other boreal environments. Water mask frequency analysis showed accuracies of 93% to 97%, and kappa values of 0.8–0.9 when compared to optical data. Concordance results comparing the semi-permanent/permanent hydroperiod between 2015 and 2016 were found to be 98% similar, suggesting little change in wetland surface water extent between these two years. The results illustrate that the decision-based methodology and data fusion could be applied to a wide range of boreal wetland types and, so far, is not geographically limited. This provides a platform for land use permitting, reclamation monitoring, and wetland regulation in a region of rapid development and uncertainty due to climate change. The methodology offers an innovative time series-based boreal wetland classification approach using data fusion of multiple remote sensing data sources.
Evaluation of Ionospheric Delay Effects on Multi-GNSS Positioning Performance
Authors: Su Ke , Jin Shuanggen , Hoque M. M.
Published: January 2019

Ionospheric delay is a significant error source in multi-GNSS positioning. We present different processing strategies to fully exploit the ionospheric delay effects on multi-frequency and multi-GNSS positioning performance, including standard point positioning (SPP) and precise point positioning (PPP) scenarios. Datasets collected from 10 stations over thirty consecutive days provided by multi-GNSS experiment (MGEX) stations were used for single-frequency SPP/PPP and dual-frequency PPP tests with quad-constellation signals. The experimental results show that for single-frequency SPP, the Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMs) correction achieves the best accuracy, and the accuracy of the Neustrelitz TEC model (NTCM) solution is better than that of the broadcast ionospheric model (BIM) in the E and U components. Eliminating ionospheric parameters by observation combination is equivalent to estimating the parameters in PPP. Compared with the single-frequency uncombined (UC) approach, the average convergence time of PPP with the external ionospheric models is reduced. The improvement in BIM-, NTCM- and GIM-constrained quad-constellation L2 single-frequency PPP was 15.2%, 24.8% and 28.6%, respectively. The improvement in convergence time of dual-frequency PPP with ionospheric models was different for different constellations and the GLONASS-only solution showed the least improvement. The improvement in the convergence time of BIM-, NTCM- and GIM-constrained quad-constellation L1/L2 dual-frequency PPP was 5.2%, 6.2% and 8.5%, respectively, compared with the UC solution. The positioning accuracy of PPP is slightly better with the ionosphere constraint and the performance of the GIM-constrained PPP is the best. The combination of multi-GNSS can effectively improve the positioning performance.
A Feasible Calibration Method for Type 1 Open Ocean Water LiDAR Data Based on Bio-Optical Models
Authors: Chen Peng , Pan Delu , Mao Zhihua , Liu Hang
Published: January 2019

Accurate calibration of oceanic LiDAR signals is essential for the accurate retrieval of ocean optical properties. Nowadays, there are many methods for aerosol LiDAR calibration, but fewer attempts have been made to implement specific calibration methods for oceanic LiDAR. Oceanic LiDAR often has higher vertical resolution, needs greater signal dynamic range, detects several orders of magnitude lower less depth of penetration, and suffers from the effects of the air-sea interface. Therefore the calibration methods for aerosol LiDAR may not be useful for oceanic LiDAR. In this paper, we present a new simple and feasible approach for oceanic LiDAR calibration via comparison of LiDAR backscatter against calculated scatter based on iteratively bio-optical models in clear, open ocean, Type 1 water. Compared with current aerosol LiDAR calibration methods, it particularly considers geometric losses and attenuation occurring in the atmosphere-sea interface. The mean relative error percentage (MREP) of LiDAR calibration constant at two different stations was all within 0.08%. The MREP between LiDAR-retrieved backscatter, chlorophyll after using LiDAR calibration constant with inversion results of measured data were within 0.18% and 1.39%, respectively. These findings indicate that the bio-optical methods for LiDAR calibration in clear ocean water are feasible and effective.
Selection of the Key Earth Observation Sensors and Platforms Focusing on Applications for Polar Regions in the Scope of Copernicus System 2020–2030
Authors: Lancheros Estefany , Camps Adriano , Park Hyuk , Rodriguez Pedro , Tonetti Stefania , Cote Judith , Pierotti Stephane
Published: January 2019

An optimal payload selection conducted in the frame of the H2020 ONION project (id 687490) is presented based on the ability to cover the observation needs of the Copernicus system in the time period 2020–2030. Payload selection is constrained by the variables that can be measured, the power consumption, and weight of the instrument, and the required accuracy and spatial resolution (horizontal or vertical). It involved 20 measurements with observation gaps according to the user requirements that were detected in the top 10 use cases in the scope of Copernicus space infrastructure, 9 potential applied technologies, and 39 available commercial platforms. Additional Earth Observation (EO) infrastructures are proposed to reduce measurements gaps, based on a weighting system that assigned high relevance for measurements associated to Marine for Weather Forecast over Polar Regions. This study concludes with a rank and mapping of the potential technologies and the suitable commercial platforms to cover most of the requirements of the top ten use cases, analyzing the Marine for Weather Forecast, Sea Ice Monitoring, Fishing Pressure, and Agriculture and Forestry: Hydric stress as the priority use cases.
Polarimetric Calibration of the GaoFen-3 Mission Using Active Radar Calibrators and the Applicable Conditions of System Model for Radar Polarimeters
Authors: Liang Weibin , Jia Zengzeng , Qiu Xiaolan , Hong Jun , Zhang Qingjun , Lei Bin , Zhang Fan , Deng Zhaoguo , Wang Aichun
Published: January 2019

GaoFen-3, the first polarimetric SAR satellite of China, carried out polarimetric calibration experiments using C-band polarimetric active radar calibrators (PARCs), trihedral corner reflectors (TCRs), and dihedral corner reflectors (DCRs). The calibration data were firstly processed referring to the classic 2 × 2 receive R and transmit T model for radar polarimeter systems, first proposed by Zebker, Zyl, and Held, and Freeman’s method based on PARCs, but the results were not good enough. After detailed analysis about the GaoFen-3 polarimetric system, we found that the system had some nonlinearity, then a new imbalance parameter was introduced to the classic model, which is equivalent to the γ proposed in Freeman’s paper about a general polarimetric system model. Then, we proposed the calibration data processing algorithm for GaoFen-3 based on the improved model and obtained better results. The algorithm proposed here is verified to be suitable for GaoFen-3 and can be applied to other spaceborne and airborne fully-polarimetric SAR systems.
A Deep Neural Network-Based Pain Classifier Using a Photoplethysmography Signal
Authors: Lim Hyunjun , Kim Byeongnam , Noh Gyu-Jeong , Yoo Sun K.
Published: January 2019

Side effects occur when excessive or low doses of analgesics are administered compared to the required amount to mediate the pain induced during surgery. It is important to accurately assess the pain level of the patient during surgery. We proposed a pain classifier based on a deep belief network (DBN) using photoplethysmography (PPG). Our DBN learned about a complex nonlinear relationship between extracted PPG features and pain status based on the numeric rating scale (NRS). A bagging ensemble model was used to improve classification performance. The DBN classifier showed better classification results than multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) and support vector machine (SVM) models. In addition, the classification performance was improved when the selective bagging model was applied compared with the use of each single model classifier. The pain classifier based on DBN using a selective bagging model can be helpful in developing a pain classification system.
Study on Dynamic Monitoring of Wire Rope Tension Based on the Particle Damping Sensor
Authors: Lei Gaoyang , Xu Guiyun , Zhang Xiaoguang , Zhang Yayun , Song Zhenyue , Xu Wentao
Published: January 2019

Real-time monitoring of wire rope tension is of great significance to the safe operation of mine hoist. Due to the longitudinal and lateral coupling vibration of wire ropes during the operation of hoist, there are high frequency components in measured tension signals of wire ropes, which cannot effectively characterize the actual lifting load. To overcome this problem, a particle damping sensor with a vibration dissipation function is designed in this paper. Multilayered steel balls are placed into the cylindrical cavity of the sensor. Damping vibration and energy dissipation will occur when the sensor is subjected to external excitation. Then, to obtain the optimal sensor characteristics, relevant parameters of the particles and the spoke structure are simulated. Finally, the sensor based on the optimized parameters is manufactured and tested in a coal mine. Compared with the general pressure sensor, the particle damping sensor can effectively eliminate the influence of wire ropes vibration on tension measurement and achieve accurate measurement results.
Graph Cut-Based Human Body Segmentation in Color Images Using Skeleton Information from the Depth Sensor
Authors: Lee Jonha , Kim Dong-Wook , Won Chee Sun , Jung Seung-Won
Published: January 2019

Segmentation of human bodies in images is useful for a variety of applications, including background substitution, human activity recognition, security, and video surveillance applications. However, human body segmentation has been a challenging problem, due to the complicated shape and motion of a non-rigid human body. Meanwhile, depth sensors with advanced pattern recognition algorithms provide human body skeletons in real time with reasonable accuracy. In this study, we propose an algorithm that projects the human body skeleton from a depth image to a color image, where the human body region is segmented in the color image by using the projected skeleton as a segmentation cue. Experimental results using the Kinect sensor demonstrate that the proposed method provides high quality segmentation results and outperforms the conventional methods.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Separations in 2018
Authors:   Separations Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Spatiotemporal Changes in Evapotranspiration from an Overexploited Water Resources Basin in Arid Northern China and Their Implications for Ecosystem Management
Authors: Liu Jianfu , Xiong Yujiu , Tian Jianlin , Tan Zhihang
Published: January 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET), including evaporation from soil and water surfaces and transpiration from vegetation, influences water distribution in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, especially in arid areas where water is a key limiting factor. Therefore, understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of ET, including its two components of soil evaporation (Es) and vegetation transpiration (Ec), can be useful for water resource management and ecological restoration in arid regions. Based on ET data from 2002 to 2012, the spatiotemporal variations in ET were evaluated in the Shiyang River Basin in arid Northwest China. The results showed the following: (1) spatially, ET decreased from upstream of the Qilian Mountains to the middle and downstream, with a mean annual value of 316 mm; (2) temporally, ET showed a single peak curve throughout the year, with the highest value occurring in summer; (3) ET showed a downward trend (from 350 to 265 mm) before 2009 and thereafter increased (from 265 to 345 mm); and (4) water use efficiency, indicated by the ratio of Ec to ET, was low in the cropland, with a mean value of 50.9%. Further analysis indicates that decreases in ET are mainly caused by vegetation decreases; in contrast, ecological restriction measures and strict water resource management policies in the middle reaches of the basin led to ET increases. It is concluded that understanding ET and its two components can elucidate the connections between water and human society.
Unsustainable Working Conditions: The Association of Destructive Leadership, Use of Technology, and Workload with Workaholism and Exhaustion
Authors: Molino Monica , Cortese Claudio G. , Ghislieri Chiara
Published: January 2019

Job demands typical of the current working environments and negative leadership styles may be considered unsustainable factors able to decrease workers well-being. Moreover, contrary to the idea that workaholism is an innate individual characteristic, a recent perspective considers the working context able to foster its insurgence. In order to investigate unsustainable dynamics within organizations, this study aimed at examining whether (1) destructive leadership increases workload and supplemental work supported by technology, (2) the three job demands increases workaholism, and (3) workaholism mediates their relationship with exhaustion. A convenience sample of 432 workers filled in a self-report questionnaire. The structural equation model results showed a positive relationship between destructive leadership and workload, off-work hour Technology-Assisted Job Demand (off-TAJD), and workaholism. Moreover, both workload and off-TAJD partially mediated the relationship between destructive leadership and workaholism. Finally, workaholism was a mediator between the three demands and exhaustion. The study confirmed a positive association between job demands and workaholism, and, in turn, their association with exhaustion, highlighting in particular the role of two under-investigated determinants, namely destructive leadership and off-TAJD, as unsustainable working conditions. Despite limitations, above all the cross-sectional design, this study provided useful indications for research and practice.