bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End‐of‐Life Poly‐(Bisphenol A Carbonate) Catalyzed by a Ruthenium‐MACHO‐Complex
Authors: Kindler Tim‐Oliver , Alberti Christoph , Sundermeier Jannis , Enthaler Stephan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe valorization of waste to valuable chemicals can contribute to a more resource‐efficient and circular chemistry. In this regard, the selective degradation of end‐of‐life polymers/plastics to produce useful chemical building blocks can be a promising target. We have investigated the hydrogenative depolymerization of end‐of‐life poly(bisphenol A carbonate). Applying catalytic amounts of the commercial available Ruthenium‐MACHO‐BH complex the end‐of‐life polycarbonate was converted to bisphenol A and methanol. Importantly, bisphenol A can be reprocessed for the manufacture of new poly‐(bisphenol A carbonate) and methanol can be utilized as energy storage material.
Simultaneously electrochemical exfoliation and functionalization of graphene nanosheets: Multifunctional reinforcements in thermal, flame‐retardant, and mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile composite fibers
Authors: Qiu Minghui , Wang Dong , Zhang Liping , Li Min , Liu Mingming , Fu Shaohai 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFunctionalized graphene has a promising prospect in improving the thermal, mechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of polymer composites, which was unfortunately limited by the low yield and high pollution during graphene production. In this study, we reported a facile and eco‐friendly electrochemical approach to prepare ferric diethylenetriaminepentakis (methylphosphonic acid) functionalized graphene nanosheets (FGNS), which were subsequently used to fabricate polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite fibers by a wet spinning strategy. Composite fibers showed better thermal stability above 350°C in contrast to pure PAN. Furthermore, a significant improvement on flame‐retardant properties of PAN fibers in the case of peak heat release rate (decreased by 36.7%) was caused by the inclusion of FGNS. The analysis results of condensed phase revealed that FGNS facilitated the formation of the compact and graphitic char residues, protecting underlying composite fibers during combustion. With adding 3.0 wt% FGNS, the tensile strength and breaking elongation of PAN composite fibers achieved 67.6% and 126.5% increment, respectively. This electrochemical method provides an eco‐friendly approach for scale production of functional graphene.
Protection motivation theory in predicting cervical cancer screening participation: A longitudinal study in rural Chinese women
Authors: Li Qinmei , Liu Qing , Chen Xinguang , Tan Xiaodong , Zhang Min , Tuo Jiyu , Xiang Qunying , Yu Qiuli , Zhu Zhu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo examine factors longitudinally associated with cervical cancer screening uptake among rural Chinese women, guided by protection motivation theory (PMT).MethodsA large sample of women (n = 2408, aged 35‐65 years old) was randomly selected from a rural county in China in 2015 and followed up for 2 years. Data for demographic factors, knowledge of cervical cancer screening, screening outcome, and six PMT constructs measured at the baseline in 2015 were used to predict cervical cancer screening participation at the follow‐up in 2017 using structural equation model method.ResultsAmong the 2408 women at the baseline, 1879 (78.03%) participated in the screening services at the follow‐up. In addition to significant direct effect of age, social status and baseline screening outcome, and three (perceived severity, fear arousal and response efficacy) of the six PMT subconstructs, four variables (age, social status, knowledge of cervical cancer screening, and baseline screening outcome) at the baseline were indirectly associated with screening participation, mediated by the three significant PMT subconstructs.ConclusionsFindings of this study indicate that the rate of participating in cervical cancer screening for rural women needs to be further improved. In addition to the commonly reported influential factors, PMT subconstructs play important roles in encouraging rural women in China to participate in cervical cancer screening. These longitudinal findings provided data much needed for future research to develop evidence‐based intervention programs to enhance cervical cancer screening among rural women in China.
Degradable Nanomotors Using Platinum Deposited Complex of Calcium Carbonate and Hyaluronate Nanogels for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Choi Hyunsik , Hwang Byung Woo , Park Kyeng Min , Kim Ki Su , Hahn Sei Kwang 
Published: December 2019

AbstractRecently, micro/nanomotor systems have been widely investigated for biomedical applications especially for the active transport and delivery of specific drugs. However, there are few stimuli‐responsive micro/nanomotor systems to enhance the drug delivery efficiency and reduce side effects by the spatiotemporal controllability. Here, a degradable nanomotor is first fabricated for targeted drug delivery using a platinum (Pt)‐deposited complex of calcium carbonate and cuccurbit[6]uril‐conjugated hyaluronate (Pt/CaCO3@HA‐CB[6]). The nanomotors could efficiently deliver model drugs to the cells in reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundant environments such as the tumor site. After reaching the tumor site around pH 6.5, Pt/CaCO3@HA‐CB[6] nanomotors (≈1 µm) are pH‐responsively disintegrated by the dissociation of CaCO3and the encapsulated HA‐CB[6] (≈300 nm) are released for cancer cell uptake. The released HA conjugate are finally uptaken into cancer cells via HA receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Moreover, model drugs are modularly loaded into the nanomotors via the host–guest chemistry of CB[6] for stable delivery to cancer cells. Taken together, Pt/CaCO3@HA‐CB[6] nanomotors systems could be successfully harnessed for active drug delivery to cancer cells.
Only Numerical Modeling of Detonation Properties for Some Metal Azides
Authors: Yue Peng , Long Xinping , Jiang Xiaohua , Zhang Zhiming 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this paper, for research the detonation performance of some metal azides, the detonation CJ parameters in different initial density of three kinds of metal azides: Lead Azide, Cupric Azide and Silver Azide, are calculated using thermodynamic calculation method. The calculation results of detonation velocity are compared with the literature record, and the calculation results by Keshavarz and Explo5 software. We also use this method to calculate the Isentropic expansion process of these three kinds of Metal Azides, and fit the JWL equation of state(EOS) parameters of detonation product for them. Then, using LS‐DYNA software to simulate the process of detonation driving flyer for Lead Azide and Cupric Azide, and compared with the experimental results recorded in the literature, and with the simulation results which the JWL EOS parameters obtained by Explo5.
Cold‐born killers: exploiting temperature–size rule enhances predation capacity of a predatory mite
Authors: Vangansbeke Dominiek , Duarte Marcus VA , Gobin Bruno , Tirry Luc , Wäckers Felix , De Clercq Patrick 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe temperature–size rule is a well‐known example of phenotypic plasticity in ectothermic organisms. When exposed to colder temperatures, ectotherms develop more slowly, but mature at larger body sizes andvice versaat higher temperatures. We investigated whether a phytoseiid predatory mite can obtain a larger body size by rearing it at a low temperature and how the increased body size affected predatory performance on its natural prey. Therefore, we allowed the predatory miteAmblydromalus limonicus(Garman & McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to develop at either 15 or 25 °C.RESULTSA. limonicusreared at 15 °C had a 6% larger body size than those reared at 25 °C. Larger predators showed higher predation rates on first instars of the western flower thrips,Frankliniella occidentalisPergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), with 9.6 instars/female/day and 8.5 instars/female/day, for larger and standard‐sized females, respectively. After three generations reared at 15 °C, body size did not increase any further. When reared for five generations at 15 °C, largerA. limonicusfemales demonstrated a better ability to subdue second‐instarF. occidentalis.CONCLUSIONLow juvenile rearing temperatures may result in phytoseiid predators with a predator/prey size benefit that could improve their biological control function. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Distributed resource allocation of second‐order multiagent systems with exogenous disturbances
Authors: Li Shiling , Nian Xiaohong , Deng Zhenhua 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIn this paper, we study the resource allocation problem of second‐order multiagent systems with exogenous disturbances, and the communication networks are weight‐balanced digraphs. Different from the well‐studied resource allocation problems, our problem involves the disturbed second‐order dynamics of agents. In order to achieve the optimal allocation, we propose a distributed algorithm based on gradient descent and internal model approach. Furthermore, we analyze the convergence of the algorithm by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function. Moreover, we prove that the agents in the network can achieve the exact optimal allocation even in the presence of external disturbances. Finally, we provide two examples to illustrate our result.
An event‐triggered approach to quantized resilient consensus
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ishii Hideaki 
Published: December 2019

SummaryWe consider an event‐triggered update scheme for the problem of multiagent consensus in the presence of faulty and malicious agents within the network. In particular, we focus on the case where the agents take integer (or quantized) values. To keep the regular agents from being affected by the behavior of faulty agents, algorithms of the mean subsequence reduced type are employed, where neighbors taking extreme values are ignored in the updates. Different from the real‐valued case, the quantized version requires the update rule to be randomized. We characterize the error bound on the achievable level of consensus among the agents as well as the necessary structure for the network in terms of the notion of robust graphs. We verify via a numerical example the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Rapid, 3D Chemical Profiling of Individual Atmospheric Aerosols with Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Ao Jianpeng , Feng Yiqing , Wu Simin , Wang Tao , Ling Jiwei , Zhang Liwu , Ji Minbiao 
Published: December 2019

AbstractVisualizing the 3D chemical profiles of individual aerosols is crucial to understand their formation and aging processes, yet remains technically challenging. Here, the first application of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy on 3D chemical imaging of individual aerosols in a nondestructive manner is demonstrated. SRS is capable of mapping chemical components of aerosols at a speed four orders of magnitude faster than conventional spontaneous Raman microscopy. Spatially resolved distributions of nitrates and sulfates reveal the fine structures and different mixing states of atmospheric particles. Moreover, high‐throughput quantifications of chemical compositions and particle size distributions are realized by large‐area imaging and statistical analysis. Its high‐speed and 3D chemical quantification capabilities promise SRS microscopy as a unique tool for studying the properties of single atmospheric particles, and ultimately their impacts on climate and human health.
A systems perspective on contact centers and customer service reliability modeling
Authors: Andrade Rodrigo , Moazeni Somayeh , Ramirez‐Marquez Jose Emmanuel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractContact centers play a critical role in service businesses by acting as the interface between customers and organizations. They are strategic tools to establish a relationship with customers to promote customer satisfaction, which can lead to an increase in customer loyalty and sales. One important factor impacting customer satisfaction is service reliability, which should be constantly monitored to enhance customer satisfaction. This paper uses a systems thinking approach to investigate contact centers from a systems perspective. We aim to provide a holistic view of the customer support process to help decision makers infer transformations in the system. We present an architecture of the contact center operations management system incorporating concepts of systems engineering, and describe its components and functions. The systems perspective to contact center processes facilitates developing a customer service reliability model. Since the reliability metric takes into account the fundamentals of the contact center processes and key input data, the modeling approach can dynamically adapt to changes in the contact center processes and data. The developed system architecture and reliability metric are general and adaptable to be expanded to other domains. An empirical analysis using data from a major insurance company is provided to illustrate the applicability of the system design, reliability, and performance control using a control chart.
Evaluation of barrier lake breach floods: Insights from recent case studies in China
Authors: Chen Zuyu , Zhang Qiang , Chen Shujing , Wang Lin , Zhou Xingbo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHistorically, China has experienced frequent barrier lake breach hazards, and several cases have been monitored during their occurrences using complete breach flood hydrographs. These have enabled the analysis of dam breaches to be improved by merging hydraulics and soil mechanics expertise. Some novel improvements to analytical methods have also been published. This study presents the authors' proposed hyperbolic soil erosion and lateral enlargement models, together with a numerical algorithm that enables easy calculation of the breach flood hydrograph. In general, the peak flows calculated using this improved method agree with field measurements and are less sensitive to input parameters. The research outcomes are presented on an Excel spreadsheet (DB‐IWHR, online download available), and these are self‐explanatory with minimal tutorials. This software will be of particular use in an emergency situation, when it is necessary to quickly evaluate the breach flood. This study reviews four large‐scale barrier lake breaches; the Yigong breach which documented a peak flow close to 100,000 m3/s and the recent Baige breaches featuring burst recurrences over a month‐long period.This article is categorized under:
Science of Water> Water Extremes
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Preventing wind turbine tower natural frequency excitation with a quasi‐LPV model predictive control scheme
Authors: Mulders Sebastiaan Paul , Hovgaard Tobias Gybel , Grunnet Jacob Deleuran , van Wingerden Jan‐Willem 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWith the ever increasing power rates of wind turbines, more advanced control techniques are needed to facilitate tall towers that are low in weight and cost‐effective but in effect more flexible. Such soft‐soft tower configurations generally have their fundamental side‐side frequency in the below‐rated operational domain. Because the turbine rotor practically has or develops a mass imbalance over time, a periodic and rotor‐speed dependent side‐side excitation is present during below‐rated operation. Persistent operation at the coinciding tower and rotational frequency degrades the expected structural life span. To reduce this effect, earlier work has shown the effectiveness of active tower damping control strategies using collective pitch control. A more passive approach is frequency skipping by inclusion of speed exclusion zones, which avoids prolonged operation near the critical frequency. However, neither of the methods incorporates a convenient way of performing a trade‐off between energy maximization and fatigue load minimization. Therefore, this paper introduces a quasi‐linear parameter varying model predictive control (qLPV‐MPC) scheme, exploiting the beneficial (convex) properties of a qLPV system description. The qLPV model is obtained by a demodulation transformation and is subsequently augmented with a simple wind turbine model. Results show the effectiveness of the algorithm in synthetic and realistic simulations using the NREL 5‐MW reference wind turbine in high‐fidelity simulation code. Prolonged rotor speed operation at the tower side‐side natural frequency is prevented, whereas when the trade‐off is in favor of energy production, the algorithm decides to rapidly pass over the natural frequency to attain higher rotor speeds and power productions.
Lipid composition and cell surface hydrophobicity of Candida albicans influence the efficacy of fluconazole–gentamicin treatment
Authors: Suchodolski Jakub , Muraszko Jakub , Korba Aleksandra , Bernat Przemysław , Krasowska Anna 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdherence of the fungus, Candida albicans, to biotic (e.g. human tissues) and abiotic (e.g. catheters) surfaces can lead to emergence of opportunistic infections in humans. The process of adhesion and further biofilm development depends, in part, on cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). In this study, we compared the resistance of C. albicans strains with different CSH to the most commonly prescribed antifungal drug, fluconazole, and the newly described synergistic combination, fluconazole and gentamicin. The hydrophobic strain was more resistant to fluconazole due to, among others, overexpression of the ERG11 gene encoding the fluconazole target protein (CYP51A1, Erg11p), which leads to overproduction of ergosterol in this strain. Additionally, the hydrophobic strain displayed high efflux activity of the multidrug resistance Cdr1 pump due to high expression of the CDR1 gene. On the other hand, the hydrophobic C. albicans strain was more susceptible to fluconazole–gentamicin combination because of its different effect on lipid content in the two strains. The combination resulted in ergosterol depletion with subsequent Cdr1p mislocalization and loss of activity in the hydrophobic strain. We propose that C. albicans strains with different CSH may possess altered lipid metabolism and consequently may differ in their response to treatment.
Towards the weighted Bounded Negativity Conjecture for blow-ups of algebraic surfaces
Authors: Laface Roberto , Pokora Piotr 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn the present paper we focus on a weighted version of the Bounded Negativity Conjecture, which predicts that for every smooth projective surface in characteristic zero the self-intersection numbers of reduced and irreducible curves are bounded from below by a function depending on the intesection of curve with an arbitrary big and nef line bundle that is positive on the curve. We gather evidence for this conjecture by showing various bounds on the self-intersection number of curves in an algebraic surface. We focus our attention on blow-ups of algebraic surfaces, which have so far been neglected.
Informal Emptying Business in Mandalay: Its Reasons and Financial Impacts
Authors: Naing Wutyi , Harada Hidenori , Fujii Shigeo , Hmwe Chaw Su Su 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlobally, 2.8 billion people use on-site sanitation facilities, which need regular emptying of accumulated fecal sludge. Illegal dumping from informal emptying businesses, one of the major challenges in environmental management, is widely observed. Considering Mandalay, Myanmar, this study aimed to determine why informal emptying businesses are selected and estimate the lost revenue for a formal emptying service provider (FP) due to the informal businesses. We interviewed 400 households on their recognition and experiences regarding emptying services and willingness-to-pay for improved service. Revenue loss was estimated by comparing the present and theoretical maximum revenues. Results showed that 91.0% of households recognized FP only. Among 134 emptying-experienced households, 32.8%, 59.7%, and 4.5% chose FP with legal contact, FP with illegal contact, and informal service providers, respectively. The service fees from FP with illegal contact did not become revenue for FP; this was a major informal emptying business in the city. Differently from previous studies, the major illegal dumping was done by FP in this area. A great financial loss was estimated that FP lost 76.5% of the theoretical maximum revenue due to informal business. Logistic regression analysis indicated people’s intention to shorten the waiting time through illegal contact, even by paying a higher fee. As emptying services are typically required immediately after fecal sludge is over-accumulated, shorter waiting times and faster contact methods were the reasons why the informal business was selected. Less bureaucratic and more customer friendly system could reduce revenue loss, charge more, and increase profits.
Scleral buckling—a brief historical overview and current indications
Authors: Wang Aijing , Snead Martin P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe key to successful management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is to find and seal all of the retinal breaks, and the two main surgical techniques used to achieve this are scleral bucking (SB) or pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Techniques for SB have remained mostly unchanged for the last 60 years, whilst PPV techniques and instruments have developed substantially over that time and have greatly contributed to increased success rate for types and configurations of retinal detachments unsuitable or difficult to manage with buckling alone. However, there is a growing dependency to rely on PPV as the sole and only approach for repair of all types of retinal detachment, such that some centres are no longer offering training in scleral buckling. There are also many studies comparing SB with PPV, but many of these lack information on the type, technique or rationale for deployment of the buckle. Many studies deploy the same scleral buckle technique without customising it to the type, position or number of tears being treated. Scleral buckling is not a one-size-fits-all technique. It requires careful patient selection and careful buckle selection and orientation tailored to the tear(s) to ensure success. When used appropriately, it is a simple and highly effective technique, particularly for retinal dialyses, round retinal hole detachments and selected cases of retinal detachment associated with horseshoe retinal tears. There is no doubt that for some more complex cases, such as multiple large breaks, giant retinal tears, bullous detachments and cases complicated by proliferative retinopathy, PPV offers a safer and more effective management. However, SB remains an important and relevant surgical technique, and for the right cases, the results can be superior to PPV with reduced comorbidity.