bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reuse and Recycling of By-Products in the Steel Sector: Recent Achievements Paving the Way to Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis in Europe
Authors: Branca Teresa Annunziata , Colla Valentina , Algermissen David , Granbom Hanna , Martini Umberto , Morillon Agnieszka , Pietruck Roland , Rosendahl Sara
Published: March 2020

Over the last few decades, the European steel industry has focused its efforts on the improvement of by-product recovery and quality, based not only on existing technologies, but also on the development of innovative sustainable solutions. These activities have led the steel industry to save natural resources and to reduce its environmental impact, resulting in being closer to its “zero-waste” goal. In addition, the concept of Circular Economy has been recently strongly emphasised at a European level. The opportunity is perceived of improving the environmental sustainability of the steel production by saving primary raw materials and costs related to by-products and waste landfilling. The aim of this review paper was to analyse the most recent results on the reuse and recycling of by-products of the steelmaking cycles as well as on the exploitation of by-products from other activities outside the steel production cycle, such as alternative carbon sources (e.g., biomasses and plastics). The most relevant results are identified and a global vision of the state-of-the-art is extracted, in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the main outcomes achieved by the European steel industry and of the ongoing or potential synergies with other industrial sectors.
Exercise Promotes the Osteoinduction of HA/β-TCP Biomaterials via the Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cheng Lijia , Khalaf Ahmad Taha , Lin Tianchang , Ran Ling , Shi Zheng , Wan Jun , Zhou Xin , Zou Liang
Published: March 2020

To investigate the osteoinductive mechanism triggered by hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) biomaterials in mice which keep exercising. Methods: The HA/β-TCP biomaterials were implanted in the muscle of bilateral thighs (non-osseous sites) of eighty Balb/C mice. All animals were then randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 20). In group 1 (negative control group), the mice were fed routinely. In group 2 (running group), all mice were put on a treadmill which was set to a 60-degree incline. The mice ran 20 min thrice each day. A 5-minute break was included in the routine from day three onwards. In group 3 (weight-bearing group), all mice underwent weight-bearing running. The mice in this group performed the same routine as group 2 while carrying 5 g rubber weights. In group 4 (positive control group), dexamethasone was injected in the implanted sites of the biomaterials from the day of the operation. All mice were injected once per week and received a total of 8 injections. One and eight weeks after surgery, the blood serum was collected to detect inflammatory and immunological factors by ELISA. In addition to this, biomaterial specimens were obtained to observe inflammatory and osteogenic levels via histological staining and to facilitate analysis of the osteogenic mechanism by Western Blot. Results: The inflammation indexes caused by surgery were alleviated through running or weight-bearing running: The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were significantly reduced in groups 2 and 3 at week 8. Exercise also enhanced the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in mice; this can strengthen their immunity. The new bone tissues were observed in all groups; however, the area percentage of new bone tissues and the number of osteoblasts were highest in the weight-bearing group. Furthermore, the key proteins of wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway, Wnt1, Wnt3a, and β-catenin, were up-regulated during osteoinduction. This up-regulation activated runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), increased the expression of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN). Conclusion: Weight-bearing exercise can promote the bone and bone marrow formation through the Wnt signaling pathway: Observations documented here suggest that the proper exercise is beneficial to the recovery of bone damage.
Bioremediation of Historically Chlorimuron-Ethyl-Contaminated Soil by Co-Culture Chlorimuron-Ethyl-Degrading Bacteria Combined with the Spent Mushroom Substrate
Authors: Zang Hailian , Liu Wanjun , Cheng Yi , Wang Hailan , An Xuejiao , Sun Shanshan , Wang Yue , Hou Ning , Cui Chunyu , Li Chunyan
Published: March 2020

In this study, a novel chlorimuron-ethyl-degrading Pleurotus eryngiu-SMS-CB was successfully constructed for remediation of soil historically contaminated with chlorimuron-ethyl. The P. eryngiu-SMS-CB was prepared using efficient chlorimuron-ethyl-degrading cocultured bacteria, Rhodococcus sp. D310-1 and Enterobacter sp. D310-5, with spent mushroom substrate (SMS, a type of agricultural waste containing laccase) of Pleurotus eryngiu as a carrier. The chlorimuron-ethyl degradation efficiency in historically chlorimuron-ethyl-contaminated soil reached 93.1% at the end of 80 days of treatment with the P. eryngiu-SMS-CB. Although the P. eryngiu-SMS-CB altered the microbial community structure at the beginning of the 80 days, the bacterial population slowly recovered after 180 days; thus, the P. eryngiu-SMS-CB does not have an excessive effect on the long-term microbial community structure of the soil. Pot experiments indicated that contaminated soil remediation with P. eryngiu-SMS-CB reduced the toxic effects of chlorimuron-ethyl on wheat. This paper is the first to attempt to use chlorimuron-ethyl-degrading bacterial strains adhering to P. eryngiu-SMS to remediate historically chlorimuron-ethyl-contaminated soil, and the microbial community structure and P. eryngiu-SMS-CB activity in chlorimuron-ethyl-contaminated soil were traced in situ to evaluate the long-term effects of this remediation.
The Genetic Mechanism and Evolution Process of Overpressure in the Upper Ordovician–Lower Silurian Black Shale Formation in the Southern Sichuan Basin
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Zhu Yanming
Published: March 2020

The overpressure phenomenon is a widespread occurrence in unconventional shale gas reservoirs. Multiple overpressure shale gas fields were discovered in southern China, and there is no doubt that the gas production per well increases with increasing pressure coefficient (the ratio of the reservoir fluid pressure to the corresponding normal hydrostatic pressure). Thus, successful evaluation and production strategies of organic-rich shale deposits require an understanding of the evolution of the pressure coefficient and its controlling factors in these deposits. In this paper, drilling engineering data of a typical well were collected, and clay mineral tests and overburden diffusion coefficient experiments were conducted. Based on multiphysics simulations, this paper analyzes the overpressure characteristics and formation mechanisms of overpressure in the Longmaxi Formation shale, as well as its geological evolution and controlling factors. The results show that the large amount of shale gas is the cause of overpressure formation rather than disequilibrium compaction. The simulation results show that pressure coefficients of the typical well range from 0.84 to 1.49. The current pressure coefficient increases with increasing pressure coefficient after the last hydrocarbon generation. A large initial pressure coefficient (>1.9), short lifting time (<100 Ma) and small lifting amplitude (<4000 m) are favorable for the preservation of shale gas.
Association between Soft Drink Consumption and Aggressive Behaviour among a Quarter Million Adolescents from 64 Countries Based on the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)
Authors: Shi Zumin , Malki Ahmed , Abdel-Salam Abdel-Salam G , Liu Jianghong , Zayed Hatem
Published: March 2020

Soft drink consumption has become a significant public health concern that is associated with various adverse health outcomes. We aim to examine the association between soft drink consumption and aggressive behavior among adolescents. We used open access data from 79 studies in 64 countries, including 263,890 adolescents aged 12–18 years who completed the global school-based student health survey (GSHS). Self-reported data on past 30-day carbonated soft drink consumption (number of times per day) and past 12-month physical fighting were utilized for analysis. Of the 263,890 participants (48% boys) aged 12–18 years, the weighted mean frequency of soft drink consumption varied from 0.5 in Kiribati to 2.5 times/day in Surname, while the weighted prevalence of frequent aggressive behavior varied from to 2.7% in Laos to 49.2% in Tuvalu. We found that each increment of soft drink consumption (time/day) was associated with an 11% (95%CI 10–13%) increase of the likelihood of frequent physical fighting. This result remained significant after adjusting for various covariates. In this large pooled sample of multinational data, there is a significant positive association between soft drink consumption and aggressive behavior among adolescents. Reducing soft drink consumption may help reduce aggressive behavior, a major risk factor for violence.
Dietary and Serum Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Associated with Physical and Metabolic Function in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Serra Monica C. , Ryan Alice S. , Hafer-Macko Charlene E. , Yepes Manuel , Nahab Fadi B. , Ziegler Thomas R.
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to quantify habitual dietary and systemic omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and their ratios and to determine their relationship with physical and metabolic function in a cohort of chronic adult stroke survivors. Twenty-five older chronic stroke survivors (age: 63 ± 8 years; BMI: 31 ± 7 kg/m2; mean ± SD) were assessed for fitness (VO2peak), gait speed (GS), 3 m timed up and go (TUG), and six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Plasma lipid and glucose profiles were measured, and HOMA-IR calculated. Dietary (5-day food records) and serum (mass spectrometry) omega-6/omega-3 profiles were assessed. Participants were severely deconditioned (VO2peak: 19 ± 4 mL/kg/min; GS: 0.88 ± 0.28 m/s; TUG: 12.6 ± 5.9 s; 6MWD: 295 ± 121 m) and at elevated metabolic risk (HOMA-IR: 6.3 ± 4.5). The dietary intake ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids averaged 12.6 ± 7.1 and the serum concentration ratio was 1.21 ± 0.37, which were correlated (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Higher dietary intake and serum concentrations of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids were associated with lower 6MWD and higher HOMA-IR, while a higher serum omega-6/omega-3 concentration index was associated with lower VO2peak (p’s < 0.05). These preliminary data suggest that both dietary omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids (quantitated as their intake ratio) and the serum concentration ratio of omega-6/omega-3 may be important indices of physical dysfunction and insulin resistance in chronic stroke survivors.
Evaluation of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity in Patients with Previous Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Barone Michele , Gemello Eugenio , Viggiani Maria Teresa , Cristofori Fernanda , Renna Caterina , Iannone Andrea , Di Leo Alfredo , Francavilla Ruggiero
Published: March 2020

Background. To date, there is no reliable marker for the diagnosis of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), which benefits from a gluten-free diet (GFD). This condition is characterized by functional gastrointestinal symptoms similar to those occurring in the course of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, IBS has a higher prevalence, and often benefits from the administration of a low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet. The overlap of symptoms between these two pathologies has led to an overestimation of self-made diagnosis NCGS. Aims. To better identify NCGS in subjects with a previous diagnosis of IBS. Methods. All subjects received a low FODMAP diet that was also gluten-free (low FODMAP-GFD), and those presenting an improvement of symptoms were exposed to gluten or placebo (double-blind challenge with wash-out and crossover). The response to dietary treatments was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Results. Of 30 patients (23 women, seven men, aged 42.2 ± 12.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 24.7 ± 4.1 kg/m2), 26 benefited from the administration of low FODMAP-GFD and were exposed to the gluten/placebo challenge. After the challenge, using an increase of visual analogue scale VAS (Δ-VAS) ≥30%, 46.1% of the patients were NCGS+. However, this percentage became only 19.2% using a different method (mean ∆-VAS score plus two standard deviations). Conclusions. FODMAP intolerance could hide the response to a challenge test with gluten for the identification of NCGS in IBS patients. A low FODMAP-GFD followed by gluten/placebo challenge is able to identify patients with NCGS better. ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT04017585.
Supplementation of Re-Esteriﬁed Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Reduce Inflammatory and Muscle Damage Markers after Exercise in Endurance Athletes: A Randomized, Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Ramos-Campo Domingo J. , Ávila-Gandía Vicente , López-Román Fco Javier , Miñarro José , Contreras Carlos , Soto-Méndez Fulgencio , Domingo Pedrol Joan C. , Luque-Rubia Antonio J.
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to analyse the effect of 10 weeks of a highly concentrated docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + eicosapentaenoic (EPA) supplementation (ratio 8:1) on strength deficit and inflammatory and muscle damage markers in athletes. Fifteen endurance athletes participated in the study. In a randomized, double-blinded cross-over controlled design, the athletes were supplemented with a re-esterified triglyceride containing 2.1 g/day of DHA + 240 mg/day of EPA or placebo for 10 weeks. After a 4-week wash out period, participants were supplemented with the opposite treatment. Before and after each supplementation period, participants performed one eccentric-induced muscle damage exercise training session (ECC). Before, post-exercise min and 24 and 48 h after exercise, muscle soreness, knee isokinetic strength and muscle damage and inflammatory markers were tested. No significant differences in strength deficit variables were found between the two conditions in any of the testing sessions. However, a significant effect was observed in IL1β (p = 0.011) and IL6 (p = 0.009), which showed significantly lower values after DHA consumption than after placebo ingestion. Moreover, a significant main effect was observed in CPK (p = 0.014) and LDH-5 (p = 0.05), in which significantly lower values were found after DHA + EPA consumption. In addition, there was a significant effect on muscle soreness (p = 0.049), lower values being obtained after DHA + EPA consumption. Ten weeks of re-esterified DHA + EPA promoted lower concentrations of inflammation and muscle damage markers and decreased muscle soreness but did not improve the strength deficit after an ECC in endurance athletes.
Semileptonic Decays of Heavy Baryons in the Relativistic Quark Model
Authors: Faustov Rudolf N. , Galkin Vladimir O.
Published: March 2020

Semileptonic and rare semileptonic decays of heavy baryons are studied in the framework of the relativistic quark model based on the quark-diquark picture, quasipotential approach, and quantum chromodynamics (QCD). The form factors parametrizing the matrix elements of the weak transitions are calculated in the whole accessible kinematical range with the comprehensive account of the relativistic effects. The obtained results for the branching ratios and other observables agree well with the available experimental data.
Development of Novel Silica-Based Formulation of α-Lipoic Acid: Evaluation of Photo and Thermal Stability of the Encapsulated Drug
Authors: Dolinina Ekaterina S. , Akimsheva Elizaveta Yu. , Parfenyuk Elena V.
Published: March 2020

Powerful antioxidant α-lipoic acid (LA) is easily degraded under light and heating. This creates difficulties in its manufacture, storage and reduces efficiency and safety of the drug. The purpose of this work was to synthesize novel silica-based composites of LA and evaluate their ability to increase photo and thermal stability of the drug. It was assumed that the drug stabilization can be achieved due to LA-silica interactions. Therefore, the composites of LA with unmodified and organomodified silica matrixes were synthesized by sol-gel method at the synthesis pH below or above the pKa of the drug. The effects of silica matrix modification and the synthesis pH on the LA-silica interactions and kinetics of photo and thermal degradation of LA in the composites were studied. The nature of the interactions was revealed by FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the rate of thermal degradation of the drug in the composites was significantly lower compared to free LA and mainly determined by the LA-silica interactions. However, photodegradation of LA in the composites under UV irradiation was either close to that for free drug or significantly more rapid. It was shown that kinetics of photodegradation was independent of the interactions and likely determined by physical properties of surface of the composite particles (porosity and reflectivity). The most promising composites for further development of novel silica-based formulations were identified.
Metal Organic Frameworks as Drug Targeting Delivery Vehicles in the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Cai Mengru , Chen Gongsen , Qin Liuying , Qu Changhai , Dong Xiaoxv , Ni Jian , Yin Xingbin
Published: March 2020

In recent years, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely developed as vehicles for the effective delivery of drugs to tumor tissues. Due to the high loading capacity and excellent biocompatibility of MOFs, they provide an unprecedented opportunity for the treatment of cancer. However, drugs which are commonly used to treat cancer often cause side effects in normal tissue accumulation. Therefore, the strategy of drug targeting delivery based on MOFs has excellent research significance. Here, we introduce several intelligent targeted drug delivery systems based on MOFs and their characteristics as drug-loading systems, and the challenges of MOFs are discussed. This article covers the following types of MOFs: Isoreticular Metal Organic Frameworks (IRMOFs), Materials of Institute Lavoisier (MILs), Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), University of Oslo (UiOs), and MOFs-based core-shell structures. Generally, MOFs can be reasonably controlled at the nanometer size to effectively achieve passive targeting. In addition, different ligands can be modified on MOFs for active or physicochemical targeting. On the one hand, the targeting strategy can improve the concentration of the drugs at the tumor site to improve the efficacy, on the other hand, it can avoid the release of the drugs in normal tissues to improve safety. Despite the challenges of clinical application of MOFs, MOFs have a number of advantages as a kind of smart delivery vehicle, which offer possibilities for clinical applications.
Gene Therapy in Cancer Treatment: Why Go Nano?
Authors: Roma-Rodrigues Catarina , Rivas-García Lorenzo , Baptista Pedro V. , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: March 2020

The proposal of gene therapy to tackle cancer development has been instrumental for the development of novel approaches and strategies to fight this disease, but the efficacy of the proposed strategies has still fallen short of delivering the full potential of gene therapy in the clinic. Despite the plethora of gene modulation approaches, e.g., gene silencing, antisense therapy, RNA interference, gene and genome editing, finding a way to efficiently deliver these effectors to the desired cell and tissue has been a challenge. Nanomedicine has put forward several innovative platforms to overcome this obstacle. Most of these platforms rely on the application of nanoscale structures, with particular focus on nanoparticles. Herein, we review the current trends on the use of nanoparticles designed for cancer gene therapy, including inorganic, organic, or biological (e.g., exosomes) variants, in clinical development and their progress towards clinical applications.
Photodetector with Controlled Relocation of Carrier Density Peaks: Concept and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Pisarenko Ivan , Ryndin Eugeny
Published: March 2020

Modern electronics faces the degradation of metal interconnection performance in integrated circuits with nanoscale feature dimensions of transistors. The application of constructively and technologically integrated optical links instead of metal wires is a promising way of the problem solution. Previously, we proposed the advanced design of an on-chip injection laser with an AIIIBV nanoheterostructure, and a functionally integrated optical modulator. To implement the efficient laser-modulator-based optical interconnections, technologically compatible photodetectors with subpicosecond response time and sufficient sensitivity are required. In this paper, we introduce the concept of a novel high-speed photodetector with controlled relocation of carrier density peaks. The device includes a traditional p-i-n photosensitive junction and an orthogonally oriented control heterostructure. The transverse electric field displaces the peaks of electron and hole densities into the regions with low carrier mobilities and lifetimes during the back edge of an optical pulse. This relocation results in the fast decline of photocurrent that does not depend on the longitudinal transport of electrons and holes. We develop a combined numerical model based on the Schrodinger-Poisson equation system to estimate the response time of the photodetector. According to the simulation results, the steep part of the photocurrent back edge has a duration of about 0.1 ps.
Routes to Chaos of a Semiconductor Laser Subjected to External Optical Feedback: A Review
Authors: Locquet Alexandre
Published: March 2020

This paper reviews experimental investigations of the route to chaos of a semiconductor laser subjected to optical feedback from a distant reflector. When the laser is biased close to threshold, as the feedback strength is increased, an alternation between stable continuous wave (CW) behavior and irregular, chaotic fluctuations, involving numerous external-cavity modes, is observed. CW operation occurs on an external-cavity mode whose optical frequency is significantly lower than that of the solitary laser. The scenario is significantly different for larger currents as the feedback level is increased. At low feedback, the laser displays periodic or quasiperiodic behavior, mostly around external-cavity modes whose frequency is slightly larger than that of the solitary laser. As the feedback level increases, the RF and optical frequencies involved progressively lock until complete locking is achieved in a mixed external-cavity mode state. In this regime, the optical intensity and voltage oscillate at a frequency that is also equal to the optical frequency spacing between the modes participating in the dynamics. For even higher feedback, the locking cannot be maintained and the laser displays fully developed coherence collapse.
Current State and Perspectives in Population Genomics of the Common Bean
Authors: Cortinovis Gaia , Frascarelli Giulia , Di Vittori Valerio , Papa Roberto
Published: March 2020

Population genomics integrates advances in sequencing technologies, bioinformatics tools, statistical methods and software into research on evolutionary and population genetics. Its application has provided novel approaches that have significantly advanced our understanding of new and long-standing questions in evolutionary processes. This has allowed the disentangling of locus-specific effects from genome-wide effects and has shed light on the genomic basis of fitness, local adaptation and phenotypes. “-Omics” tools have provided a comprehensive genome-wide view of the action of evolution. The specific features of the Phaseolus genus have made it a unique example for the study of crop evolution. The well-documented history of multiple domestications in Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) and its further adaptation to different environments have provided the opportunity to investigate evolutionary issues, such as convergent evolution in the same species across different domestication events. Moreover, the availability of the P. vulgaris reference genome now allows adaptive variations to be easily mapped across the entire genome. Here, we provide an overview of the most significant outcomes obtained in common bean through the use of different computational tools for analysis of population genomics data.
Heat Stress Factors Expressed during Seed Maturation Differentially Regulate Seed Longevity and Seedling Greening
Authors: Almoguera Concepción , Prieto-Dapena Pilar , Carranco Raúl , Ruiz José Luis , Jordano Juan
Published: March 2020

Heat Stress Factor A9 (A9), a seed-specific transcription factor contributing to seed longevity, also enhances phytochrome-dependent seedling greening. The RNA-seq analyses of imbibed-seed transcripts here reported indicated potential additional effects of A9 on cryptochrome-mediated blue-light responses. These analyses also suggested that in contrast to the A9 effects on longevity, which require coactivation by additional factors as A4a, A9 alone might suffice for the enhancement of photomorphogenesis at the seedling stage. We found that upon its seed-specific overexpression, A9 indeed enhanced the expected blue-light responses. Comparative loss-of-function analyses of longevity and greening, performed by similar expression of dominant-negative and inactive forms of A9, not only confirmed the additional greening effects of A9, but also were consistent with A9 not requiring A4a (or additional factors) for the greening effects. Our results strongly indicate that A9 would differentially regulate seed longevity and photomorphogenesis at the seedling stage, A9 alone sufficing for both the phytochrome- and cryptochrome-dependent greening enhancement effects.
Hairy Fluorescent Nanospheres Based on Polyelectrolyte Brush for Highly Sensitive Determination of Cu(II)
Authors: Wang Qiaoling , Chen Kaimin , Qu Yi , Li Kai , Zhang Ying , Fu Enyu
Published: March 2020

Currently, it is an ongoing challenge to develop fluorescent nanosphere detectors that are uniform, non-toxic, stable and bearing a large number of functional groups on the surface for further applications in a variety of fields. Here, we have synthesized hairy nanospheres (HNs) with different particle sizes and a content range of carboxyl groups from 4 mmol/g to 9 mmol/g. Based on this, hairy fluorescent nanospheres (HFNs) were prepared by the traditional coupling method (TCM) or adsorption-induced coupling method (ACM). By comparison, it was found that high brightness HFNs are fabricated based on HNs with poly (acrylic acid) brushes on the surface via ACM. The fluorescence intensity of hairy fluorescent nanospheres could be controlled by tuning the content of 5-aminofluorescein (5-AF) or the carboxyl groups of HNs easily. The carboxyl content of the HFNs could be as high as 8 mmol/g for further applications. The obtained HFNs are used for the detection of heavy metal ions in environmental pollution. Among various other metal ions, the response to Cu (II) is more obvious. We demonstrated that HFNs can serve as a selective probe and for the separation and determination of Cu(II) ions with a linear range of 0–0.5 μM and a low detection limit of 64 nM.
Effect of Veneer-Drying Temperature on Selected Properties and Formaldehyde Emission of Birch Plywood
Authors: Bekhta Pavlo , Sedliačik Ján , Bekhta Nataliya
Published: March 2020

In this study, the effect of the veneer-drying process at elevated temperatures on selected properties and formaldehyde emission of plywood panels was determined. We assume that during the veneer drying at high temperatures, more formaldehyde is released from it, and therefore, a lower formaldehyde emission can be expected from the finished plywood. Prior to bonding, birch veneers were dried at 160 °C (control) and 185 °C in an industrial veneer steam dryer (SD) and at 180 °C, 240 °C and 280 °C in an industrial veneer gas dryer (GD). Two types of adhesives were used: urea–formaldehyde (UF) and phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resins. Bonding quality, bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending, water absorption and thickness swelling of plywood samples were determined. The formaldehyde emission level of samples was also measured. It was concluded from the study that the effects of veneer-drying temperatures on the bonding strength and physical and mechanical properties of plywood panels were significant. Veneer-drying temperatures of 185 °C/SD, 180 °C/GD and 240 °C/GD negatively affected the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity along and across the fibres for both UF and PF plywood samples. Bonding strength mean values obtained from all test panels were above the required value (1.0 MPa) indicated in EN 314-2 standard. The lowest formaldehyde emissions for the UF and PF plywood samples were observed in the samples from veneer dried in a steam dryer at 185 °C/SD.
Tuning the Properties of a UV-Polymerized, Cross-Linked Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Sutton Preston , Airoldi Martino , Porcarelli Luca , Olmedo-Martínez Jorge L. , Mugemana Clément , Bruns Nico , Mecerreyes David , Steiner Ullrich , Gunkel Ilja
Published: March 2020

Lithium metal anodes have been pursued for decades as a way to significantly increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. However, safety risks caused by flammable liquid electrolytes and short circuits due to lithium dendrite formation during cell cycling have so far prevented the use of lithium metal in commercial batteries. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer a potential solution if their mechanical properties and ionic conductivity can be simultaneously engineered. Here, we introduce a family of SPEs that are scalable and easy to prepare with a photopolymerization process, synthesized from amphiphilic acrylic polymer conetworks based on poly(ethylene glycol), 2-hydroxy-ethylacrylate, norbornyl acrylate, and either lithium bis (trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) or a single-ion polymethacrylate as lithium-ion source. Several conetworks were synthesized and cycled, and their ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, and lithium transference number were characterized. A single-ion-conducting polymer electrolyte shows the best compromise between the different properties and extends the calendar life of the cell.
Erratum: Mohr et al. Global Projection of Lead-Zinc Supply from Known Resources. Resources, 2018, 7, 17
Authors: Mohr Steve , Giurco Damien , Retamal Monique , Mason Leah , Mudd Gavin
Published: March 2020

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Towards Tethered Tool Manipulation Planning with the Help of a Tool Balancer
Authors: Sanchez Daniel , Wan Weiwei , Harada Kensuke
Published: March 2020

Handling and maneuvering tools across a robot workspace is a challenging task that often requires the implementation of constrained motion planning. In the case of wired or tethered tools, their maneuvering becomes considerably harder by the tool cable. If the cable presence is not considered, the robot motions may make the cable become entangled with the robot arms or elements of its workspace, causing accidents or unnecessary strain on the robot and the tool. Furthermore, the behavior of the tool cable during manipulation and its degree of entanglement around the robot are difficult to predict. The present paper introduces a constrained manipulation planner for dual-armed tethered tool manipulation involving tool re-grasping. Our solution employs a tool balancer to straighten the tool cable and facilitate the cable deformation problem. The planner predicts the cable states during manipulation and restricts the robot motions in order to avoid cable entanglements and collisions while performing tool re-posing tasks. Furthermore, the planner also applies orientational constraints to limit the cable bending, reducing the torque and stress suffered by the robot due to the cable tension. Simulations and real-world experiments validated the presented method.
Modeling China’s Prefecture-Level Economy Using VIIRS Imagery and Spatial Methods
Authors: Cao Jiping , Chen Yumin , Wilson John P. , Tan Huangyuan , Yang Jiaxin , Xu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2020

Nighttime light (NTL) data derived from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), carried by the Suomi National Polar Orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite, has been widely used to evaluate gross domestic product (GDP). Nevertheless, due to the monthly VIIRS data fluctuation and missing data (excluded by producers) over high-latitude regions, the suitability of VIIRS data for longitudinal city-level economic estimation needs to be examined. While GDP distribution in China is always accompanied by regional disparity, previous studies have hardly considered the spatial autocorrelation of the GDP distribution when using NTL imagery. Thus, this paper aims to enhance the precision of the longitudinal GDP estimation using spatial methods. The NTL images are used with road networks and permanent resident population data to estimate the 2013, 2015, and 2017 3-year prefecture-level (342 regions) GDP in mainland China, based on eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) regression (mean R2 = 0.98). The ordinary least squares (OLS) (mean R2 = 0.86) and spatial error model (SEM) (mean pseudo R2 = 0.89) were chosen as reference models. The ESF regression exhibits better performance for root-mean-square error (RMSE), mean absolute relative error (MARE), and Akaike information criterion (AIC) than the reference models and effectively eliminated the spatial autocorrelation in the residuals in all 3 years. The results indicate that the spatial economic disparity, as well as population distribution across China’s prefectures, is decreasing. The ESF regression also demonstrates that the population is crucial to the local economy and that the contribution of urbanization is growing.
Preface: Earth Observations for Addressing Global Challenges
Authors: Liou Yuei-An , Kuleshov Yuriy , Ho Chung-Ru , Barriot Jean-Pierre , Lee Chyi-Tyi
Published: March 2020

As climate change has been of great concern worldwide for many years, addressing global climate challenges is the most significant task for humanity [...]
Evaluation of LIRIC Algorithm Performance Using Independent Sun-Sky Photometer Data at Two Altitude Levels
Authors: Granados-Muñoz María J. , Benavent-Oltra José Antonio , Pérez-Ramírez Daniel , Lyamani Hassan , Guerrero-Rascado Juan Luis , Bravo-Aranda Juan Antonio , Navas-Guzmán Francisco , Valenzuela Antonio , Olmo Francisco José , Alados-Arboledas Lucas
Published: March 2020

This work evaluates the Lidar-Radiometer Inversion Code (LIRIC) using sun-sky photometers located at different altitudes in the same atmospheric column. Measurements were acquired during an intensive observational period in summer 2012 at Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Network (ACTRIS)/Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Granada (GRA; 37.16°N, 3.61°W, 680 m above sea level (a.s.l.)) and Cerro Poyos (CP; 37.11°N, 3.49°W, 1820 m a.s.l.) sites. Both stations operated AERONET sun-photometry, with an additional lidar system operating at Granada station. The extended database of simultaneous lidar and sun-photometry measurements from this study allowed the statistical analysis of vertically resolved microphysical properties retrieved with LIRIC, with 70% of the analyzed cases corresponding to mineral dust. Consequently, volume concentration values were 46 μm3/cm3 on average, with a value of ~30 μm3/cm3 corresponding to the coarse spheroid mode and concentrations below 10 μm3/cm3 for the fine and coarse spherical modes. According to the microphysical properties’ profiles, aerosol particles reached altitudes up to 6000 m a.s.l., as observed in previous studies over the same region. Results obtained from comparing the LIRIC retrievals from GRA and from CP revealed good agreement between both stations with differences within the expected uncertainties associated with LIRIC (15%). However, larger discrepancies were found for 10% of the cases, mostly due to the incomplete overlap of the lidar signal and/or to the influence of different aerosol layers advected from the local origin located between both stations, which is particularly important in cases of low aerosol loads. Nevertheless, the results presented here demonstrate the robustness and self-consistency of LIRIC and consequently its applicability to large databases such as those derived from ACTRIS-European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) observations.
Seasonal and Interannual Variations in China’s Groundwater Based on GRACE Data and Multisource Hydrological Models
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Liu Kai , Wang Ming
Published: March 2020

In this study, we used in situ measurements for the first time to analyze the applicability and effectiveness of evaluating groundwater storage (GWS) changes across China using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite products and hydrological data derived from the WaterGap Global Hydrological Model (WGHM), Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and eartH2Observe (E2O). The results show that the GWS derived from GRACE JPL Mascons products combined with GLDAS Noah V2.1 data most accurately reflect the overall distribution of GWS changes in China and the correlation coefficient between the in situ measurements reaches 0.538. The empirical orthogonal function decomposition for GWS indicates clear interannual variation and seasonal variation in China. The trends of China’s GWS changes showed a clear regional characteristic from 2003 to 2016. The GWS in the northeast, central-south, and western junction of Xinjiang-Qinghai-Tibet had increased significantly, and the North China Plain (NCP) had a severe decline. The correlation coefficient between the annual trends of precipitation and GWS was 0.57, and it reached 0.73 when four provinces (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, Hebei) that are wholly or partially located in the NCP were excluded. The seasonal variability of GWS in China was obvious and the volatilities in Jiangxi, Hunan and Fujian provinces were the highest, reaching 6.39 cm, 6.33 cm and 5.20 cm, respectively. The empirical orthogonal function decomposition for GWS and precipitation over China indicated seasonal consistency with a correlation coefficient of 0.76. The awareness of areas with significant depletion and large seasonal fluctuation of GWS help adaptations to manage local GWS situation.
Habitat-Suitability Model for the Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) in the Northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi, USA
Authors: Morris Kelly M. , Soehren Eric C. , Woodrey Mark S. , Rush Scott A.
Published: March 2020

The yellow rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) is a migratory bird of high conservation priority throughout its range and winters across the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains regions of the southeastern United States. Although the winter ecology of this species has been recently explored, no studies have addressed their distribution and abundance in relation to suitable habitat capable of supporting this species during winter along the northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi. The objectives of this study were to develop a habitat-suitability model for yellow rail wintering in the northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi. We then used this model to evaluate the distribution of habitat suitable for supporting yellow rail in this geographic area. Using a multivariate approach that makes use of presence-only data through a maximum entropy framework we compared the distribution of where the focal species was observed to a reference set of the whole study area. Of the 784,657 ha over which our model was applied, only 1% (8643 ha) of this area was predicted suitable in its present condition, for supporting yellow rail in winter. Our analysis indicates that the yellow rail along the northern Gulf Coast of Alabama and Mississippi occupy a very narrow range of environmental conditions highlighting need for specific management actions to maintain and conserve suitable winter landscapes for this habitat-restricted species.
An End-to-End and Localized Post-Processing Method for Correcting High-Resolution Remote Sensing Classification Result Images
Authors: Pan Xin , Zhao Jian , Xu Jun
Published: March 2020

Since the result images obtained by deep semantic segmentation neural networks are usually not perfect, especially at object borders, the conditional random field (CRF) method is frequently utilized in the result post-processing stage to obtain the corrected classification result image. The CRF method has achieved many successes in the field of computer vision, but when it is applied to remote sensing images, overcorrection phenomena may occur. This paper proposes an end-to-end and localized post-processing method (ELP) to correct the result images of high-resolution remote sensing image classification methods. ELP has two advantages. (1) End-to-end evaluation: ELP can identify which locations of the result image are highly suspected of having errors without requiring samples. This characteristic allows ELP to be adapted to an end-to-end classification process. (2) Localization: Based on the suspect areas, ELP limits the CRF analysis and update area to a small range and controls the iteration termination condition. This characteristic avoids the overcorrections caused by the global processing of the CRF. In the experiments, ELP is used to correct the classification results obtained by various deep semantic segmentation neural networks. Compared with traditional methods, the proposed method more effectively corrects the classification result and improves classification accuracy.
An Atmospheric Correction Using High Resolution Numerical Weather Prediction Models for Satellite-Borne Single-Channel Mid-Wavelength and Thermal Infrared Imaging Sensors
Authors: Lee Hongtak , Won Joong-Sun , Park Wook
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a single-channel atmospheric correction method for remotely sensed infrared (wavelength of 3–15 μm) images with various observation angles. The method is based on basic radiative transfer equations with a simple absorption-focused regression model to calculate the optical thickness of each atmospheric layer. By employing a simple regression model and re-organization of atmospheric profiles by considering viewing geometry, the proposed method conducts atmospheric correction at every pixel of a numerical weather prediction model in a single step calculation. The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) imaging channel (375 m) I4 (3.55~3.93 μm) and I5 (10.50~12.40 μm) bands were used as mid-wavelength and thermal infrared images to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed single-channel atmospheric correction method. The estimated sea surface temperatures (SSTs) obtained by the proposed method with high resolution numerical weather prediction models were compared with sea-truth temperature data from ocean buoys, multichannel-based SST products from VIIRS/MODIS, and results from MODerate resolution atmospheric TRANsmission 5 (MODTRAN 5), for validation. High resolution (1.5 km and 12 km) numerical weather prediction (NWP) models distributed by the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) were employed as input atmospheric data. Nighttime SST estimations with the I4 band showed a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.95 °C, similar to that of the VIIRS product (RMSE: 0.92 °C) and lower than that of the MODIS product (RMSE: 1.74 °C), while estimations with the I5 band showed an RMSE of 1.81 °C. RMSEs from MODTRAN simulations were similar (within 0.2 °C) to those of the proposed method (I4: 0.81 °C, I5: 1.67 °C). These results demonstrated the competitive performance of a regression-based method using high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models for atmospheric correction of single-channel infrared imaging sensors.
Hourly PM2.5 Estimation over Central and Eastern China Based on Himawari-8 Data
Authors: Xue Yong , Li Ying , Guang Jie , Tugui Alexandru , She Lu , Qin Kai , Fan Cheng , Che Yahui , Xie Yanqing , Wen Yanan , Wang Zixiang
Published: March 2020

In this study, an improved geographically and temporally weighted regression (IGTWR) model for the estimation of hourly PM2.5 concentration data was applied over central and eastern China in 2017, based on Himawari-8 Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI) data. A generalized distance based on the longitude, latitude, day, hour, and land use type was constructed. AHI aerosol optical depth, surface relative humidity, and boundary layer height (BLH) data were used as independent variables to retrieve the hourly PM2.5 concentrations at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). The model fitting and cross-validation performance were satisfactory. For the model fitting set, the correlation coefficient of determination (R2) between the measured and predicted PM2.5 concentrations was 0.886, and the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 437,642 samples was only 12.18 µg/m3. The tenfold cross-validation results of the regression model were also acceptable; the correlation coefficient R2 of the measured and predicted results was 0.784, and the RMSE was 20.104 µg/m3, which is only 8 µg/m3 higher than that of the model fitting set. The spatial and temporal characteristics of the hourly PM2.5 concentration in 2017 were revealed. The model also achieved stable performance under haze and dust conditions.
Coherence-Factor-Based Rough Surface Clutter Suppression for Forward-Looking GPR Imaging
Authors: Comite Davide , Ahmad Fauzia , Dogaru Traian , Amin Moeness
Published: March 2020

We present an enhanced imaging procedure for suppression of the rough surface clutter arising in forward-looking ground-penetrating radar (FL-GPR) applications. The procedure is based on a matched filtering formulation of microwave tomographic imaging, and employs coherence factor (CF) for clutter suppression. After tomographic reconstruction, the CF is first applied to generate a “coherence map” of the region in front of the FL-GPR system illuminated by the transmitting antennas. A pixel-by-pixel multiplication of the tomographic image with the coherence map is then performed to generate the clutter-suppressed image. The effectiveness of the CF approach is demonstrated both qualitatively and quantitatively using electromagnetic modeled data of metallic and plastic shallow-buried targets.
A Multi-Scale Superpixel-Guided Filter Feature Extraction and Selection Approach for Classification of Very-High-Resolution Remotely Sensed Imagery
Authors: Liu Sicong , Hu Qing , Tong Xiaohua , Xia Junshi , Du Qian , Samat Alim , Ma Xiaolong
Published: March 2020

In this article, a novel feature selection-based multi-scale superpixel-based guided filter (FS-MSGF) method for classification of very-high-resolution (VHR) remotely sensed imagery is proposed. Improved from the original guided filter (GF) algorithm used in the classification, the guidance image in the proposed approach is constructed based on the superpixel-level segmentation. By taking into account the object boundaries and the inner-homogeneity, the superpixel-level guidance image leads to the geometrical information of land-cover objects in VHR images being better depicted. High-dimensional multi-scale guided filter (MSGF) features are then generated, where the multi-scale information of those land-cover classes is better modelled. In addition, for improving the computational efficiency without the loss of accuracy, a subset of those MSGF features is then automatically selected by using an unsupervised feature selection method, which contains the most distinctive information in all constructed MSGF features. Quantitative and qualitative classification results obtained on two QuickBird remotely sensed imagery datasets covering the Zurich urban scene are provided and analyzed, which demonstrate that the proposed methods outperform the state-of-the-art reference techniques in terms of higher classification accuracies and higher computational efficiency.