bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Approach for Determining the Number of Clusters in a Model-Based Cluster Analysis
Authors: Akogul Serkan , Erisoglu Murat
Published: August 2017

To determine the number of clusters in the clustering analysis that has a broad range of applied sciences, such as physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, economics etc., many methods have been proposed in the literature. The aim of this paper is to determine the number of clusters of a dataset in a model-based clustering by using an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). In this study, the AHP model has been created by using the information criteria Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC), Approximate Weight of Evidence (AWE), Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC), Classification Likelihood Criterion (CLC), and Kullback Information Criterion (KIC). The achievement of the proposed approach has been tested on common real and synthetic datasets. The proposed approach based on the corresponding information criteria has produced accurate results. The currently produced results have been seen to be more accurate than those corresponding to the information criteria.
Modeling and Design Optimization of Multifunctional Membrane Reactors for Direct Methane Aromatization
Authors: Fouty Nicholas , Carrasco Juan , Lima Fernando
Published: August 2017

Due to the recent increase of natural gas production in the U.S., utilizing natural gas for higher-value chemicals has become imperative. Direct methane aromatization (DMA) is a promising process used to convert methane to benzene, but it is limited by low conversion of methane and rapid catalyst deactivation by coking. Past work has shown that membrane separation of the hydrogen produced in the DMA reactions can dramatically increase the methane conversion by shifting the equilibrium toward the products, but it also increases coke production. Oxygen introduction into the system has been shown to inhibit this coke production while not inhibiting the benzene production. This paper introduces a novel mathematical model and design to employ both methods in a multifunctional membrane reactor to push the DMA process into further viability. Multifunctional membrane reactors, in this case, are reactors where two different separations occur using two differently selective membranes, on which no systems studies have been found. The proposed multifunctional membrane design incorporates a hydrogen-selective membrane on the outer wall of the reaction zone, and an inner tube filled with airflow surrounded by an oxygen-selective membrane in the middle of the reactor. The design is shown to increase conversion via hydrogen removal by around 100%, and decrease coke production via oxygen addition by 10% when compared to a tubular reactor without any membranes. Optimization studies are performed to determine the best reactor design based on methane conversion, along with coke and benzene production. The obtained optimal design considers a small reactor (length = 25 cm, diameter of reaction tube = 0.7 cm) to subvert coke production and consumption of the product benzene as well as a high permeance (0.01 mol/s·m2·atm1/4) through the hydrogen-permeable membrane. This modeling and design approach sets the stage for guiding further development of multifunctional membrane reactor models and designs for natural gas utilization and other chemical reaction systems.
Micromachining Microchannels on Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Substrates with the Taguchi Method
Authors: Chen Pin-Chuan , Zhang Ren-Hao , Aue-u-lan Yingyot , Chang Guo-En
Published: August 2017

Micromilling is a straightforward approach to the manufacture of polymer microfluidic devices for applications in chemistry and biology. This fabrication process reduces costs, provides a relatively simple user interface, and enables the fabrication of complex structures, which makes it ideal for the development of prototypes. In this study, we investigated the influence of micromilling parameters on the surface roughness of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) substrate. We then employed factor analysis to determine the optimal cutting conditions. The parameters used in all experiments were the spindle speed, the feed rate, and the depth of cut. Roughness was measured using a stylus profilometer. The lowest roughness was 0.173 μm at a spindle speed of 20,000 rpm, feed rate of 300 mm/min, and cut depth of 20 μm. Factor analysis revealed that the feed rate has the greatest impact on surface quality, whereas the depth of cut has the least impact.
Effects of Simulated Human Gastrointestinal Digestion of Two Purple-Fleshed Potato Cultivars on Anthocyanin Composition and Cytotoxicity in Colonic Cancer and Non-Tumorigenic Cells
Authors: Kubow Stan , Iskandar Michèle , Melgar-Bermudez Emiliano , Sleno Lekha , Sabally Kebba , Azadi Behnam , How Emily , Prakash Satya , Burgos Gabriela , Felde Thomas zum
Published: August 2017

A dynamic human gastrointestinal (GI) model was used to digest cooked tubers from purple-fleshed Amachi and Leona potato cultivars to study anthocyanin biotransformation in the stomach, small intestine and colonic vessels. Colonic Caco-2 cancer cells and non-tumorigenic colonic CCD-112CoN cells were tested for cytotoxicity and cell viability after 24 h exposure to colonic fecal water (FW) digests (0%, 10%, 25%, 75% and 100% FW in culture media). After 24 h digestion, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 36 and 15 anthocyanin species throughout the GI vessels for Amachi and Leona, respectively. The total anthocyanin concentration was over thirty-fold higher in Amachi compared to Leona digests but seven-fold higher anthocyanin concentrations were noted for Leona versus Amachi in descending colon digests. Leona FW showed greater potency to induce cytotoxicity and decrease viability of Caco-2 cells than observed with FW from Amachi. Amachi FW at 100% caused cytotoxicity in non-tumorigenic cells while FW from Leona showed no effect. The present findings indicate major variations in the pattern of anthocyanin breakdown and release during digestion of purple-fleshed cultivars. The differing microbial anthocyanin metabolite profiles in colonic vessels between cultivars could play a significant role in the impact of FW toxicity on tumor and non-tumorigenic cells.
Aptamer-Based Single-Step Assay by the Fluorescence Enhancement on Electroless Plated Nano Au Substrate
Authors: Nambi Krishnan Jegatha , Park Sang-Hwi , Kim Sang
Published: September 2017

A new single-step aptamer-based surface-enhanced fluorescent optical sensor is built, by combining an aptamer–target interaction for target recognition and a fluorophore interaction for signal enhancement. The developed aptasensor is simple, sensitive, specific and stable for the detection of thrombin. A new nanometallic Au structure in the range of 100 nm was constructed through effective electroless plating method on a Cu thin film. Cu+ ions act as sacrificial seeds for the reduction of Au2+/3+ ions to form Au nanolawns. In order to utilize the structure for a fluorescence-based sensor, aptamer conjugated with Cy3 was immobilized on the nanogold substrate through electrostatic attraction. The Au substrate was coated with chitosan (molecular weight 1000 Da). Thrombin binding aptamer (TBA) was applied as a model system demonstrating the aptamer-based fluorescence assay on nanogold substrates. Thrice-enhanced fluorescence emission was achieved with Cy3-conjugated TBA stably immobilized on the chitosan-coated Au substrate. The intensity change was proportional to the concentration of thrombin from 10 μM to 10 pM, whereas the intensity change was ignorable for other proteins such as human serum albumin (HSA). Aptamer-based assay benefited from simple immobilization of receptors and Au nanostructure contributed in building an effective surface enhancing/positively charged substrate was proved. Such an aptasensor holding high utilities for point-of-care devices by incorporating simplicity, sensitivity and selectivity in detection, low-cost for test, small sample volumes has been developed.
Key Determinants of Human α-Defensin 5 and 6 for Enhancement of HIV Infectivity
Authors: Valere Kimyata , Lu Wuyuan , Chang Theresa
Published: August 2017

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides important for mucosal innate immunity. They exhibit a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Levels of α-defensins are elevated at the genital mucosa of individuals with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Somewhat paradoxically, human α-defensin 5 and 6 (HD5 and HD6) promote human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectivity, and contribute to STI-mediated enhancement of HIV infection in vitro. Specific amino acid residues of HD5 and HD6 that are crucial for antimicrobial activities have been characterized previously; however, the key determinants of defensins responsible for enhancement of HIV infectivity are not known. Here, we have identified residues of HD5 and HD6 that are required for enhancement of HIV attachment and infection. Most of these residues are involved in hydrophobicity and self-association of defensins. Specifically, we found that mutant defensins L16A-HD5, E21me-HD5, L26A-HD5, Y27A-HD5, F2A-HD6, H27W-HD6, and F29A-HD6 significantly lost their ability to promote HIV attachment and infection. L29A mutation also reduced HIV infection-enhancing activity of HD5. Additionally, a number of mutations in charged residues variably affected the profile of HIV attachment and infectivity. One HD5 charged mutation, R28A, notably resulted in a 34–48% loss of enhanced HIV infectivity and attachment. These results indicate that defensin determinants that maintain high-ordered amphipathic structure are crucial for HIV enhancing activity. In a comparative analysis of the mutant defensins, we found that for some defensin mutants enhancement of HIV infectivity was associated with the reverse transcription step, suggesting a novel, HIV attachment-independent, mechanism of defensin-mediated HIV enhancement.
Stochastic Model of Business Evaluation
Authors: Dzikevičius Audrius , Michnevič Edvard , Ževžikova Olga
Published: August 2017

Business (company) evaluation became a very important matter to Lithuania by now. Business evaluation is necessary for companies purchase or consolidation process analysis and for correct decision-making. The problem of business evaluation is analyzed in the paper. The paper examines discounted cash flow method for evaluation cash flow in the future discounted to the present value. Aspects of incorporation of risk measurement into the process of business evaluation are examined. Meanings of factors influencing the value are simulated using imitative technologies. The stochastic model of business evaluation is composed and researched in the article.
Nursing Librarians Cultivating Evidence-Based Practice Through an Asynchronous Online Course
Authors: Mears Kim , Blake Lindsay
Published: August 2017

In response to a request from the Nursing Shared Governance Evidence-Based Practice Council, librarians created an online evidence-based practice (EBP) continuing education course for clinical nurses. The curriculum was adapted from a previously created face-to-face course and was offered online through a learning management system. Although many nurses registered for the course, only a small sample was able to complete all modules. Feedback revealed that nurses appreciated the ease of online use, but they experienced technical barriers. Overall, nurses completing the course agreed that all learning objectives were met. An online asynchronous course for nurses is a viable option for teaching EBP, but hospital computer limitations must be taken into account to allow for participants' full immersion into the material.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2017;48(9):420–424.
Biocomposites of Poly(Lactic Acid) and Cellulose Nanofibers from Cassava Pulp
Authors: THANH Chi Nguyen , Chaiwat Ruksakulpiwat , Yupaporn Ruksakulpiwat
Published: August 2017

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were used as biobased fillers to prepare poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based biocomposites. Cellulose nanofibers were extracted from cassava pulp (CP) by acid hydrolysis method. Before submitted to acid treatment, CP was pre-treated by alkali and bleaching treatments. The biocomposites were prepared by melt mixing, followed by hot melt pressing. In order to improve the compatibility of CNFs with PLA matrix, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafted poly (lactic acid) (PLA-g-GMA) was used as a compatibilizer. PLA-g-GMA was prepared by grafting of GMA onto PLA chain via melt mixing using an internal mixer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph shows that most nanofibers with the diameter in the range of 10-30 nm and immeasurable length were obtained. The appearance of two new peaks at 49.07 and 44.71 ppm in the carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) spectrum of PLA-g-GMA, which represent the carbons of the epoxy group of GMA, confirms that GMA was successfully grafted onto PLA chain. The morphology of biocomposites, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reveals that without using PLA-g-GMA, the poor dispersion of CNFs in PLA matrix was observed. In contrast to that, with using PLA-g-GMA, the dispersion of CNFs in PLA matrix was improved. Moreover, the impact strength results show that by incorporating 1.0 wt% CNFs into PLA matrix and using PLA-g-GMA as a compatibilizer, the impact strength of biocomposites was slightly enhanced compared to that of pure PLA.
A Process Study of Organic/Inorganic Film Materials Deposited by ICP-PECVD at Low Temperature
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Jie , Leng Xing Long , Qu Fu Rong
Published: August 2017

The film package of organic device plays an important part in organic electronics manufacturing. In order to get high efficiency encapsulation film material, we developed a set of inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition system (ICP-PECVD). A process study on Organic/inorganic hybrid material deposition was carried out for permeation barrier application. In the study, the effects of plasma power, bias power and deposition temperature on film properties were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), ellipsometer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the film properties. The increase of ICP power is favor to SiOx growth with limits. Bias power increases deposition rate. Film density will increase with the rise of deposition temperature. It was found that the ratio of O2/HMDSO flow rate was the key factor to obtain organic layer or inorganic layer. Since the ratio of O2/HMDSO flow rate increase to 10:1, HMDSO will be completely oxidized and Si-O-Si bonds are formed. As the result, the organic film can be obtained with the no oxygen deposition process. Hybrid film between organic film and inorganic film can be deposited under the condition of O2/HMDSO gas flow ratio less than 10:1. Water vapor transmission rates (WVRT) of organic film, inorganic film and organic/inorganic stacks are also tested. The experimental results show that the inorganic thin film has good performance in water or oxygen permeation; organic thin film is mainly for flexibility and inorganic film growth stress release. And interfacial characteristics between inorganic film and organic film have influence on water and oxygen barrier. As result, we obtained the single inorganic film with WVRT of 4.3×10-2g/m2day and the four cycles organic / inorganic alternating structure film with WVRT of 3.66×10-4g/m2 day.
The Stability Effect of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of Al2O3 on CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cell Fabricated by Vapor Deposition
Authors: Kim Jae Yoo
Published: August 2017

The perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with Al2O3 passivation layer were fabricated and characterized. The PSC have some advantages of easier and cheaper fabrication process than that of conventional Si solar cells, III-V compound semiconductor solar cells, and organic solar cells. The perovskite light harvester, CH3NH3PbI3, was deposited by vapor deposition on [compact TiO2 / F-doped tin oxide (FTO) / glass]. The advantage of vapor deposition over solution process is expected to be able to offer the thin film with smoother surface over larger area. Then, Al2O3 passivation layer was deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the CH3NH3PbI3 light harvester. Al2O3 passivation layer was expected to prevent the CH3NH3PbI3 light harvester from oxidation and improve the solar cell efficiency, and ALD has been one of the most effective methods to deposit Al2O3 thin film for last 25 years. The atomic layer deposited Al2O3 layer thickness was optimized from the solar cell characterization. The optimized power conversion efficiency (PCE) and Al2O3 thickness were ~8.0 % and ~10.0 nm, respectively.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Thin Film Incorporating Green Emitting Up-Conversion Phosphor
Authors: Jeon Young Sun , Kim Sung Dai , Seung Hwang Bo , Hwang Kyu Seog
Published: August 2017

Er3+-doped CaTiO3 up-conversion phosphor was prepared by chemical solution method. Host thin film to incorporate up-conversion phosphor was a nanostructured organo-silicon compound prepared from methyl tri-methoxysilane and 3-glycidoxy-propyl-trimethoxy-silane. Further, we prepared a phosphor paste by mixing the organo-silicon compound with 3 mol% Er3+-doped CaTiO3. Subsequently, this paste was coated on polyethylene terephthalate, followed by heat-treatment at 120°C. The visible emission was found to be at the region 525 ~ 530 nm, 540 ~ 560 nm, and 650 ~ 660 nm corresponding to the 2H11/2 ® 4I15/2, 4S3/2 ® 4I15/2, and 4F9/2 ® 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions, respectively. The transmission of performance IR detection cards is to be above 90% in the range from 200 to 1600 nm because the weak infrared light should pump the CaTiO3 up-conversion phosphor. The prepared up-conversion phosphor films can potentially be used as low-power IR detectors in optical fiber communication and medical instrument.
Preparation of Mesocarbon Microbeads (MCMB) from Suspensions of a Synthetic Naphthalene Isotropic Pitch
Authors: Ji Sheng Juan , Cheng Xiang Lin , Zhao Jian Hong , Bi Qing Ling , Wang Liu Cheng , Wang Jian She , Wang Lu Hai , Song Cheng Ying , Zhang Miao
Published: August 2017

A synthetic naphthalene isotropic pitch, which was manufactured with HF/BF3 acting as catalyst, was used as material to prepare mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) through suspension method. The material pitch was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and the pitch-THF solution is dispersed in a 2% polyvinyl alcohol aqueous solution. After THF was volatilized, the solution was cooled and then filtered to attain little pitch sphere. The pitch spheres were oxidized in 65% HNO3 solution, and the oxidized pitch spheres were carbonized up to 1000°C to get MCMB. MCMB was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser particle size analyzer and X ray diffractometer. The result showed that the particle size of MCMB was 2-30 μm and the average particle diameter size of D50 was 15.83 μm. The particle size distribution accords to the normal distribution, and the particle size dispersion degree was 0.7574. The effect of 65% HNO3 oxidation of the pitch sphere showed a satisfactory result. After carbonization at 1000°C, the oxidized pitch sphere exhibited a better orientation arrangement, the distance between the aromatic plane (d002) was decreased, and the thickness of the piled plane is increased.
Effect of Powder Activated Carbon Circulation Rate on SO2 Adsorption
Authors: Li Bing , Zhang Qi Long , Ma Chun Yuan
Published: August 2017

SO2 adsorption by powder activated carbon was investigated in a low temperature drop tube furnace experimental system. The effects of C/S mole ratio and activated carbon circulating ratio on SO2 adsorption was studied. The results show that SO2 is quickly adsorbed on the powder activated carbon in the initial stage and the amount of SO2 adsorbed increases with time. SO2 removal efficiency increases with increasing C/S mole ratio. Powder activated carbon recycling is important to enhance desulfurization efficiency, reduce the amount of adsorbents and improve the utilization of activated carbon. SO2 is removed effectively when the C/S mole ratio is 300 and the powder activated carbon circulating ratio is seven.
The Correlation between Splitting Tensile Strength and Flexural Strength of Self Consolidating Concrete
Authors: Mohamed Osama Ahmed , Al Hawat Waddah , Kewalramani Manish
Published: August 2017

Sustainable self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is gaining popularity due to its contribution to reducing the environmental footprint of the construction industry. Sustainability of this type of concrete comes from the significant reduction in usage of ordinary cement and its replacement with reused minerals and industrial by-products such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and silica fume. In this study, the correlation between the splitting tensile strength and flexural strength is investigated by studying published data in the literature. Splitting tensile strength is determined through a simple test and flexural strength is obtained from flexural beam test. A correlation between the two measures of tensile capacity is essential to determine the flexural design strength knowing the splitting tensile strength, especially for SCC. A correlation is proposed in this paper to relate flexural and splitting tensile strengths for concrete in which cement was replaced by sustainable minerals and industrial by-products.
Cape Breton Coal Research Laboratory
Authors: Stewart D B
Published: September 2017

The Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology (CANMET) has established a Coal Research Laboratory at Sydney, Nova Scotia. This Laboratory, regarded as a regional extension of CANMET's coal mining related research activity, will focus attention on the
distinctive mining problems of the Atlantic Region's coal industry. This presentation will outline the scale and scope of this Laboratory's activities in support of the Atlantic Coal industry. Specific R & D activities will be summarized and a brief outline of future thrusts will be
presented.
Mobile plant for fine coal cleaning
Authors: Mikhail M W , Mikula R J
Published: September 2017

yes
The influence of coal structure on handling and processing characteristics
Authors: Mikula R J , Mikhail M W , Munoz V A
Published: September 2017

yes
Coal liquefaction
Authors: Brown T D
Published: September 2017

This general paper reviews Canadian programs in Coal Liquefaction research, development and economic assessment. The current "state of the art" of coal liquefaction technology is seen to be unlikely to offer immediate prospects for implementation during a period
when crude oil supply costs are below $ 45 per barrel. The developments of improved multi-stage processes, the integration of advanced coal preparation processes, and the combination of bitumen/coal co-processing are outlined as routes to improve the process economics for specific Canadian
conditions.
Field verification of TBM shop floor ventilation trials
Authors: Stokes A W
Published: September 2017

An extensive series of tests were performed on the shop floor of Lovat Tunnelling Equipment to determine the effectiveness of a 7.6 m diameter full face tunnel boring machine's head ventilation system. These tests showed that the system would be adequate to
remove methane and dust produced at the cutting face and maintain a safe mining environment. After more than 3 km of tunnel had been driven with the tunnel boring machine, a field verification test was performed underground during one of its normal operating cycles. This report outlines the results
of this field verification survey.
Strata control research in the Sydney Coalfield
Authors: Cain P , Aston T R C
Published: September 2017

Since the establishment of a CANMET Coal Research Laboratory in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1981, several health and safety related research programs have been carried out or are 'currently being undertaken by the resident strata mechanics scientists. The research
programmes which cover-a broad range of topics are described briefly: Gateroad Support, .Rib Pillar Stability, Gob Leakage, Outburst Phenomena, Hydrofracturing Techniques for De-stressing, Undersea Subsidence Criteria and Rock/Support Interaction in the Bored Entry of the Donkin-Morien Mine. Several
of these projects are treated in greater detail, namely: Rib Pillar Stability, Gateroad Support and the Donkin-Morien Rock/Support Interaction Study. In conclusion, the future direction of the existing programmes and those areas of research highlighted for immediate action are also
described.
Undersea coal mining research in Canada
Authors: Aston T R C
Published: September 2017

The Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia contains extensive undersea longwall mining operations which are expected to continue well into the 21st Century. A long term research program has been initiated by the Cape Breton Coal Research Laboratory to investigate the full
spectrum of problems aasociated with undersea mining and develop specific guidelines for use by the mine operator. At present, research is centred on the detailed evaluation of existing undersea subsidence guidelines, the identification and development of instrumentation capable of monitoring
seafloor subsidence profiles and the effective senling of offshore exploration boreholes. In addition, work is also planned to examine in situ strata permeability changes occurring between the mining horizon and seabed and the feasibility of using artificial islands.
Summary of the effects of monolithic pumped packing at Lingan Colliery
Authors: Cain P
Published: September 2017

Recent research work into the effects of monolithic pumped packing in the 9E Coal Road at Lingan Colliery was presented to the staff of the Cape Breton Development Corporation. The presentation is summarised in this report.
The study of dragline operation at Highvale Mine in Alberta
Authors: Srajer V , Stuart N J
Published: September 2017

The dragline operation at the Highvale mine in Alberta was investigated as a part of a study of mining and operating practices at the mine. The operating pratices of dragline operator observed at the mine are summarized. Modes of dragline operations practices at
the mine during the study are evaluated and relationships between the mode of operation and productivity are highlighted. Data collected from the operator's data files are examined and the summary of operational and delay times are summarized. Time studies of the dragline operation and the values
for cycle times for various dragline modes, bucket fill factors, effect of digging depth, swing angle and dump height on the elements of cycle time are evaluated. The real cycle times are established for both monitored draglines and the time of the shift. Graphs for cycle time variability and
dragline cycle time histograms are presented.
Off-highway truck selection in surface coal mining
Authors: Singhal R K , Fytas K
Published: September 2017

Trucks provide a significant and proven mode of material transportation in surface mining. They are available in various sizes from a number of manufacturers. All things being equal optimal output is achieved when truck hauling capacity is matched with that of
the loading equipment. This paper provides guidelines on truck selection and discusses on-going developments in truck design, operating features, matching of hauling and loading equipment, trolley assist and truck dispatch systems. Successful development and acceptance of applicable options will
result in greater utilization of the hauling and loading equipment resulting in increased productivity and lower unit cost.
Productivity and equipment selection in surface mining of oil sands
Authors: Singhal R K , Kolada R J , Vladut T I
Published: September 2017

A variety of mining equipment is used in the mining of oil sands by surface mining. This includes bucket wheel excavators, draglines, hydraulic shovels and off-highway trucks. This paper examines the existing mining schemes and equipment used Peculiarities of oil
sands surface mining and their influence on equipment selection, utilization and mining schemes are described. accent developments undertaken Co improve mine productivity are also dealt with together with soma notes on proposed measures to obtain further gains in
productivity.
Evaluation for the acquisition and use of computers in resource evaluation and mine planning of surface mines in oilsands and coal
Authors: Singhal R K
Published: September 2017

This paper is a report on a task force study dealing with many facets of computerization. The primary mandate of the task force was to examine the software and hardware currently available for application relating to reserve estimation, mine planning, economic
evaluation, equipment selection, production scheduling and composite mine simulation and to evaluate how adequately the software fulfills the user needs in surface mining of oil sands and coal. To meet its objectives the task force consulted extensively with the users, developers and suppliers of
hardware and software. The paper outlines the approach taken by the task force to fulfill its mandate, summarizes its findings and presents some pointers which might be useful to others considering this type of evaluation.
A review of mining subsidence instrumentation and its potential application for seabed monitoring
Authors: Forrester D J , Aston T R C
Published: September 2017

Extensive mineable coal reserves exist in the offshore portion of the Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia. The near surface portion of these reserves are particularly attractive in economic terms, but there extraction is constrained by the amount of subsidence
generated at the seafloor. Field truthed undersea subsidence guidelines are therefore required to allow the optimal recovery of these reserves, without producing unacceptable risks regarding major water inflows to the mine workings. To monitor seafloor subsidence an instrumentation scheme is
required which is rugged and capable of operating in the marine environment without maintenance for prolonged periods of time and during bad weather and ice conditions. However, in order to identify an optimum scheme it is first necessary to undertake a review and evaluation of existing subsidence
monitoring systems which have been used on land and which may, with suitable research and development and/or modification, be capable of use in marine conditions. Two principle techniques, direct and indirect subsidence monitoring systems are reviewed which include: geodetics, lasers, geotechnical
instrumentation and automatic data acquisition systems. In addition, potential geophysical methods for subsidence monitoring are described along with a review of the development expected with conventional land based and subsurface systems. The paper concludes with a discussion of the potential
application of these techniques for monitoring seafloor subsidence profiles.
Geotechnical engineering discussion document
Authors: Das B , Fisekci M Y , Stuart N
Published: September 2017

This report presents an outline of the activities of the Geotechnical Engineering Section of the Surface Mining Laboratory. It is prepared for distribution to the mining industry as a basis for discussion. The current status and a proposed future work plan are
outlined, cooperative research projects with the Industry are described and the significance of such research is discussed.
Time dependent rheology of a western Canadian coal water fuel
Authors: Szymanski J K , Mansour N A
Published: September 2017

In the present work thixotropic behavior of a coal water fuel (CWF) produced from a Western Canadian coal is examined. In this study two distinct regions of rheology were of interest: The low shear rate region characteristic of pumping and the high region typical
of atomization shear rates. A rheological model was defined for the description of the complex viscoelastic behavior of the treated CWF. The model is capable of describing all possible steady and unsteady flow condition of the CWF.
A numerical method for the calculation of belt conveyor lengths as a function of the installed power
Authors: Szymanski J K
Published: September 2017

This report presents an analytical relationship between the coefficient of terminal friction and the length of a conveyor. On the basis of a standard method for calculating the conveyor resistance to motion, the formula for calculating the maximum permissible
length of a conveyor has been derivated. A Fortran program of this analysis is included, which will enable a rapid calculation of conveyor belt lengths. The relationship between conveyor length, capacity, velocity, power and inclination have been investigated using the method of analysis described
and these results are presented in both tabular and graphical form.
The influence of design parameters on tunnel closure in the Sydney Coalfield
Authors: Majdi A , Hassani F P , Cain P
Published: September 2017

The paper gives an account of the factors influencing the stability of gate roadways (tunnels) in longwall coal mining operations and goes on to examine various parameters contributing to their stability and closure in the Sydney coalfield of Nova Scotia. An
extensive analysis of in situ deformation data by simple tunnel convergence measurement and a new photographic technique for over 18 km of gate roadways is presented. Comparative studies of such techniques are made and deformation characteristics with respect to depth of cover, barrier pillar width,
panel width, tunnel size and arch support system are investigated. The paper concludes with reference to current barrier pillar design formulae in an evaluation of the Sydney coalfield data.
Petrographic characterization of thickener feed samples
Authors: Munoz V A
Published: September 2017

This report compares the petrographic characterization of three conventional thickener feed samples from the Cardinal River coal mine. It provides additional information to the existing laboratory data, and contributes to the understanding of some of the problems
related to these samples during the flocculation process. The results showed that there were diferences among the samples in relation to size of the coal particles, relative degree of degradation, reflectance values, and association with the mineral matter. The sample having the most problematic
characteristics during flocculation exhibited the highest degree of degradation of the coal particles which were in intimate association with the minerals. The photomicrographs depict the severity of the morphological alteration of the coal particles, and allow the visual comparison of their size.
Surface areas of the three feeds were also determined, but no correlation between their values and the water, clarification process was found.
Fractal dimensions of coal particles
Authors: Friesen W I , Mikula R J
Published: September 2017

Since the porous nature of coal is important in its handling, preparation, and utilization, much effort is expended in the measurement of the pore size distribution. Recent work has shown that fractal geometry provides a useful description of porous surfaces by
characterizing the pore size distribution over a range of pore sizes by a single number, the fractal dimension D. This paper describes measurements of the pore volume, Vp, of a number of coal and char samples by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The fractal dimension was determined from the relation
dVp /dP PD-4 , where P is the pressure. For the coals, three pressure regimes are indicated by distinct values of D; in order of increasing pressure, these correspond to interparticle penetration, pore penetration, and sample compressibility. The region of pore penetration extends to the highest
measured pressures for the chars, which are known to be less compressible. Fractal dimensions for the porous surfaces range from - 2.6 for some coals to e..3 for the chars.
Continuous mining systems for oil sands mining
Authors: Singhal R K , Sahay H , Ghosh S
Published: September 2017

yes
Application of x-ray microanalysis to tar sands emulsions
Authors: Mikula R J
Published: September 2017

The products of enhanced oil recovery and certain tat/oil sands extraction processes are emulsions and characterization of their properties is an important step in understanding how they form and how to break them. An economical method of breaking these emulsions
would lead to increased production from many petroleum extraction processes. The present work demonstrates the potential of direct observation and characterization of petroleum emulsions in an electron microscope. The advantage that the direct observation technique has over electron microscopy of
replicas (besides speed of sample preparation), is the retention of x-ray analysis capabilities. X-ray analysis may be able to provide definitive evidence of what stabilizes some of the economically important oil and tar sand emulsions. For example, the interactions of the clays and carbonaceous
components present in these samples are factors in determining emulsion stability. The large depth of field in the electron microscope helps in the qualitative (quantitative, when coupled with image analysis) determination of the size distribution of the dispersed phase. furthermore, the capability
size distribution of the dispersed phase. Furthermore, the capability of x-ray analysis on the area that is visually observed can provide useful information regarding the mechanisms of emulsion stabilization.
Airflow distributions in 9 east longwall
Authors: Stokes A W , Corbett G
Published: September 2017

Dans ce rapport, sont documentés les résultats de trois relevés du flux d'air, effectués dans la galerie 9 d'exploitation en longue taille, dans la mine de charbon Lingan, à la fin du mois de juin 1986. On a utilisé un gaz traceur,
pour mesurer le débit des fuites survenant dans les espaces déhouillés, sur le front de taille et à partir de celui-ci. Des résultats obtenus, on a déduit des données destinées à l'étalonnage des capteurs fixes de flux d'air d'un réseau
télémétrique minier CONSPEC, et de l'information additionnelle destinée à une vaste étude des voies de dégagement du méthane dans la galerie 9 East d'exploitation en longue taille. On a mesuré le temps nécessaire à une quantité
d'hexafluorure de soufre injectée dans un espace déhouillé pour parvenir jusqu'au registre coupe-feu en suivant le flux d'air le long de la chaussée et dans les conduites de drainage du méthane. Cette information nous permet de mieux comprendre les modes de circulation de
l'air à travers les expaces déhouillés à proximité du front de taille.
Research directions and concerns in Canadian coal preparation: an operational perspective
Authors: Andersen N E , Mikhail M W , Salama A I A , Humeniuk O E
Published: September 2017

The mandate of CANMET is to enhance the role and contribution of minerals and energy to the Canadian economy .... by means of mission-oriented research and development which is supportive of R&D performed by industry. As a part of the close interaction
and contacts required by this mandate during the research planning process, a total of twelve Canadian coal preparation plants were visited and discussions held with plant operational management. An industry viewpoint and feedback on several specific (current and planned) CANMET programs was
obtained, together with candid colinuentary on recent and/or continuing operational problems in coal preparation. The responses are summarized and recommendations made in this report.
Induced seismicity research project: accomplishments and looking forward
Authors: Kao H
Published: September 2017

The development of unconventional oil and gas in North America has caused a significant increase of seismicity in areas of intense injection operations, including both hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal. These induced earthquakes have attracted
considerable media attention due to their potential seismic hazards. In 2012, NRCan initiated the Induced Seismicity Research (ISR) Activity as part of the Shale Gas Research Project, under the Environmental Geoscience Program, to investigate the possible relationship between hydraulic fracturing
(HF) of shale gas and the changing pattern of local seismicity. In 2015, the activity was expanded to a Project to include studies of all injection-related seismic events. NRCan's ISR Project has three major tasks. The first is to improve real-time earthquake-monitoring capability in major shale gas
basins where the station coverage of regional seismograph network is sparse. The second is to establish the baseline of regional seismic pattern (i.e., the pre-development reference line) for places where the development potential of unconventional oil and gas is deemed high in the foreseeable
future. The third is to conduct targeted studies on significant induced events to understand the relationship between their seismogenesis and man-made operations. In collaborations with many partners, new broadband seismograph stations have been installed in BC, AB, NB, SK, QC, NT, and YT. Studies
of local seismicity before, during, and after HF operations have been completed for the northeast BC and western AB, the Moncton and Sussex areas (southern NB), and the Norman Wells area of the central Mackenzie Valley (NT). Regional earthquake baseline is also established for the areas of St.
Lawrence Valley and Anticosti Island, QC. An increase of local seismicity in BC and AB is spatially and temporarily correlated with the peak period of injection operations associated with shale gas development. Injection volume appears to play a more important role than injection pressure in causing
induced events. No abnormal seismicity can be observed when the injection volume is small. Research results of the largest hydraulic fracturing-induced earthquake to date (the August 17, 2015, Mw 4.6, northern Montney earthquake) indicate that the peak ground acceleration can be as high as 17% g
at an epicentral distance of 5 km, suggesting that seismic hazards due to induced seismicity should not be overlooked. Future efforts of NRCan's ISR include the delineation of seismogenic patterns of injection-induced earthquakes and their implications for regional short- and long-term seismic
hazards, detailed investigations of induced earthquake source characteristics with a multi-disciplinary approach, and the development and establishment of quantitative models to enhance and improve regulatory performances.
Trainer's manual, exploration and mining guide for aboriginal communities
Authors:   Minerals and Metals Sector
Published: September 2017

This Trainer's Manual is a guide to help a trainer deliver information sessions about the Exploration and Mining Guide for Aboriginal Communities. The need for such a manual was identified by many who wanted an additional resource for more effective delivery of
information to Aboriginal peoples on the mineral development cycle and related economic opportunities.
Risk assessment of coastal alteration fffects on fish habitat suitability under current and future climates
Authors: Abdel-Fattah S , Doka S E , Minns C K
Published: September 2017

Within fisheries science and coastal development, there has been a need for methods, models and tools for assessing project effects on fish habitat and for evaluating potential for offsetting of these impacts. For this reason we have developed The Habitat
Ecosystem Assessment Tool (HEAT). This tool is an application of a quantitative fish habitat assessment for use in evaluating proposals (such as infills) affecting lacustrine fish. We have developed relationships that use fish lists, guild assignment, guild weighting as well as their thermal and
habitat requirements to build a habitat suitability matrix (HSM) to estimate the habitat suitability indices along with the rules and criteria that must be applied to allow evaluation of fish habitats. The HSM model uses pooled matrices representing the aggregate habitat preferences of species by
life stage to ensure that all needs during that critical stage are met for survival for each species. Using this data we can perform pre- and post-project assessment of limnological and physical habitat changes and their impact on fishes through scenario-testing. We have also tested climate driven
variables such as water levels and temperature scenarios in the existing assessment to address changing depths that occur with climate change.
Applying modelled broad scale habitat maps in MPA network evaluations - the western Mediterranean Sea case study
Authors: Agnesi S , Annunziatellis A , Mo G , Reker J
Published: September 2017

Over the last decades global, European and regional policy drivers have called on countries to establish networks of marine protected areas (MPAs) as instruments for protection of marine biodiversity. These policies also require the evaluation of the exerted
protection effort against specific criteria (e.g. coverage) and targets with respect to the extension of marine biodiversity elements, such as marine habitats. A pan-European map presenting the distribution of modeled broad scale seabed habitats has been recently made available through the EMODnet
projecta.
The present case study illustrates the usefulness of the EMODnet habitat map in evaluating the 2009-2015 trend in MPA network coverage of seabed habitats in the north-western Mediterranean Sea. An MPA network layer, containing sites whose protection objectives include benthic habitats, was created
by querying the 2009 and 2015 versions of the following reported cartographic databases: (i) European inventory of nationally designated areas - CDDA; (ii) Natura 2000; (iii) Barcelona convention SPAMIs. All sites were merged and dissolved to avoid overlaps in the MPA layer. Extraction of the
modeled habitat surface areas contained in the network was analyzed for each year against the coverage targets advocated by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the EU Habitats Directive. There is decreasing habitat coverage in the network as depth progresses and bathyal and abyssal habitats
fall below of the 10% coverage (see figure). This trend can be attributed to the limited deep sea protection objectives of some of the environmental policies. All of the infralittoral and most circalittoral habitats reached the 10% target by 2015 while only half of the circalittoral habitats
reached the 20% target by 2015.
Projected changes in haze pollution potential in China: an ensemble of regional climate model simulations
Authors: Han Zhenyu , Zhou Botao , Xu Ying , Wu Jia , Shi Ying
Published: August 2017

Abstract. Based on the dynamic downscaling by the regional climate model RegCM4 from three CMIP5 global models under the historical and the RCP4.5 simulations, this article evaluated the performance of the RegCM4 downscaling simulations on the air environment carrying capacity (AEC) and weak ventilation days (WVDs) in China, which are applied to measure haze pollution potential. Their changes during the middle and the end of the 21st century were also projected. The evaluations show that the RegCM4 downscaling simulations can generally capture the observed features of the AEC and WVD distributions over the period 1986–2005. The projections indicate that the annual AEC tends to decrease and the annual WVDs tend to increase over almost the whole country except central China, concurrent with greater change by the late 21st century than by the middle of the 21st century. It suggests that annual haze pollution potential would be enlarged under the RCP4.5 scenario compared to the present. For seasonal change in the four main economic zones of China, it is projected consistently that there would be a higher probability of haze pollution risk over the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region and the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region in winter and over the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in spring and summer in the context of the warming scenario. Over Northeast China (NEC), future climate change might reduce the AEC or increase the WVDs throughout the whole year, which favours the occurrence of haze pollution and thus the haze pollution risk would be aggravated. The relative contribution of different components related to the AEC change further indicates that changes in the boundary layer depth and the wind speed play leading roles in the AEC change over the BTH and NEC regions. In addition to those two factors, the precipitation change also exerts important impacts on the AEC change over the YRD and PRD zones.