Correction to: Handling missing and outliers values by enhanced algorithms for an accurate diabetic classification system

Multimedia Tools and Applications - A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-021-10843-x     

Adaptive Self-Learning Resource Allocation Scheme for Unlicensed Users in High-Rate UWB Systems

In this paper, we investigate a dynamic sub-band allocation for spectrum sharing in the multiuser OFDM-UWB systems while respecting the system constraints and the distributed MAC architecture. The contribution of this work is twofold: first we propose a dynamic spectrum allocation scheme based on an analytical study by deriving a multiuser optimization problem to find the optimal allocation solution. Based on an adaptive and low-complexity approach, the proposed scheme shares the available resources among unlicensed UWB users while taking into consideration the QoS requirements and the channel conditions. Then we extend the proposed scheme to allow the coexistence of a maximum number of secondary users in one channel while maintaining all the constraints support. This leads to a time-frequency allocation approach that exploits information laying in different layers, allowing a cross-layer design. This new approach improves the system performance compared to WiMedia solution and offers a considerable gain for users that have strict QoS requirements.     

Surface Energy Balance-Based Model for Estimating Evapotranspiration Taking into Account Spatial Variability in Weather

Reliable estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) from vegetation are needed for many types of water-resource investigations. How well models can estimate ET from vegetation varies, depending on the capabilities of the model as well as the nature of the targeted vegetation. Model accuracy also depends heavily on the quality and quantity of the data used. Several ET models have been developed that use an energy balance approach in which the data used by the models are derived from satellite imagery. This research introduces an enhanced surface energy balance-based model, the remote sensing of evapotranspiration or ReSET model, for estimating ET. ReSET is an ET estimation model that takes into consideration the spatial variability in weather parameters, which makes it particularly applicable for calculating regional scale ET. ReSET also has the capability of interpolating between the available weather stations in time and space. The model’s accuracy at daily and seasonal time scales is evaluated in several case studies.     

Relationships between Very Low-Density Lipoproteins–Ceramides, −Diacylglycerols,and –Triacylglycerols in Insulin-Resistant Men

This short report describes the relationships between concentrations of ceramides (CER), diacylglycerols (DAG), triacylglycerols (TAG) in very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) particles, and hepatic lipid accumulation. VLDL particles were isolated from male subjects (n = 12, mean ± SD, age 42.1 ± 5.4 years, BMI 37.4 ± 4.1 kg/m², ALT 45 ± 21 U/L) and apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), VLDL-TAG, -CER, and -DAG quantified. The contents of all three lipids were highly correlated with VLDL particle number (r ≥ 0.768, p ≤ 0.003). The molar quantity of VLDL-TAG was 3× that of DAG and 137× that of CER (14,053 ± 5714, 5004 ± 2714, and 105 ± 49 mol/mol apoB100, respectively). Reduced VLDL-CER concentrations were associated with both higher insulin levels (r = −0.645, p = 0.024) and intrahepatic-TAG (r = −0.670, p = 0.017). In fatty liver, the secretion of hepatic TAG, CER, and DAG may be suppressed and contribute to intrahepatic lipotoxicity. The mechanisms by which hepatic-CER and -DAG synthesis and assembly into VLDL is coordinately controlled with TAG will be important in understanding the emerging role of elevated CER contributing to cardiometabolic disease.     

Synthesis and properties of hybrid alkyd–acrylic dispersions and their use in VOC-free waterborne coatings

Hybrid waterborne alkyd–acrylic dispersions with solid content of 40%, free from any surfactant and exempt of any organic solvent, were successfully synthesized by a melt co-condensation reaction between an acrylic prepolymer bearing carboxylic groups and a long-oil alkyd resin. Spontaneous emulsification of the ensuing hybrid resin was achieved by the addition of an aqueous ammonia solution that neutralized the carboxylic functions. The key role of the carboxylic groups on the stabilization process and on the storage stability of the dispersion was assessed and it was shown that the insertion of anhydride moieties within the acrylic prepolymer ensured the efficient coupling between the acrylic and the alkyd resin and prevented the phase separation. These dispersions are easy to implement and might be used to prepare high quality zero VOC coatings in terms of drying time, stability and gloss. The most stable dispersion was also used in the formulation of air-drying waterborne lacquers and their coating properties were evaluated.     

Inexpensive Fabrication and Characterization of Crystalline Poly(o-Anthranilic Acid-co-o-Phenylenediamine) Emeraldine Base/Bentonite Nanocomposites

Copolymers of o-anthranilic acid and o-phenylenediamine/hydrophilic bentonite nanocomposites were synthesized by 1:1 molar ratios of the respective monomers with different percentages of nanoclay through modified in situ chemical copolymerization. The results obtained were justified by measuring the Fourier transform infrared of poly(o-anthranilic acid-co-o-phenylenediamine) emeraldine base/bentonite nanocomposites. Ultraviolet–visible spectra of poly(o-anthranilic acid-co-o-phenylenediamine) emeraldine base/bentonite nanocomposites were investigated. The thermal stability was studied, and it was found that poly(o-anthranilic acid-co-o-phenylenediamine) emeraldine base/bentonite nanocomposites were thermally more stable than pure copolymer. X-ray diffraction patterns of copolymer poly(o-anthranilic acid-co-o-phenylenediamine) emeraldine base and poly(o-anthranilic acid-co-o-phenylenediamine) emeraldine base/bentonite nanocomposites were studied.     

In situ preparation of magnetite/cuprous oxide/poly(AMPS/NIPAm) for removal of methylene blue from waste water

In situ techniques have attracted great attention for the formation of nanomaterials with controlled sizes, shapes and dispersion within supramolecular hydrogels. In the present work, the doping of copper oxides onto magnetite nanoparticles into hydrogels based on sodium 2‐acylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate (AMPS) and N‐isopropylacrylamide NIPAm copolymers was investigated. The contents, morphology and thermal stability of magnetite, cupreous oxide and doped copper oxides onto the magnetite nanoparticles were evaluated. The optimum conditions for removal the cationic dye methylene blue (MB), such as solution pH, concentration of adsorbents, contact time and stirring time, were determined to investigate the effect of MB concentrations on the removal efficiencies of the prepared adsorbents. The recyclability of the prepared AMPS/NIPAm composites for the removal of MB was examined for up to six cycles without changes in removal effectiveness. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Epoxidized vegetable oil and bio‐based materials as PVC plasticizer

Phthalate esters received a considerable attention owing to its various applications and the harmful health effects resulting from phthalate exposure; thus, finding an alternative to phthalate derivatives became a necessity. Phthalate esters are commonly used as plasticizer in polymer formulation; in particular for poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) formulation. According to the researches in the last 18 years, epoxidized vegetable oils are one of the alternatives that are strongly encouraged to substitute phthalate esters since they were proven to be valid in various applications, eco‐friendly and sustainable resource. However, most of the production practices for epoxidized vegetable oil are via conventional epoxidation that concentrates on a catalyst that is homogeneous and non‐reusable. This type of catalyst, however, causes several problems later in the process. Therefore, the selective epoxidation of vegetable oils process requires new catalytic systems that are more aligned with the green chemistry principles. This article reviews the harmful health effects associated with the exposure to phthalate esters products, explains the usage of oleochemicals resources as a substitute to phthalate esters and describes different approaches for the epoxidation of vegetable oils. Finally, it draws attention to the usage of epoxy and bio‐based compounds as plasticizers in PVC manufacturing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46270.     

Porous polyurethane foams based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) for oil sorption

In using recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as a petroleum sorbent we tried to achieve two important objectives simultaneously. PET waste was glycolized using trimethylolpropane (TMp) or pentaerytheritol (PEr) to produce suitable polyol oligomers for polyurethane (PU) foams. The glycolysis was carried out in the presence of manganese acetate as a catalyst under normal pressure in m‐cresol at 220 °C. Producing polyols, PEr degraded PET into lower molecular weights than TMp. So prepared oligomers were reacted with 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate providing several types of PU foam. The effect of various variables (polyol reactivity, water content, type of catalyst, isocyanate amount and surfactant) on the foam structure and properties were analyzed. Porosity of the PU foams was examined using environmental scanning electron microscopy. Foams based on glycolized TMp contain small uniform cells whereas other foams form less uniform cells with varying sizes including closed cells. Dynamic mechanical analysis gives much lower storage moduli for TMp‐based PUs that for those based on PEr, an effect of dangling ethylene chains in the former case. The glass transition temperatures T_g are higher when PEr rather than TMp is used. Our PU foams show good sorption properties and sufficient reusability. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Porous crosslinked copolymers of octadecyl acrylate with acrylic acid as sorbers for crude petroleum spills

Bulk and suspension polymerization were used to prepare octadecyl acrylate/acrylic acid (ODA/AA) copolymers. AA content ranged from 0 to 90 mol%. Divinyl benzene was used as a crosslinker at several concentrations (1, 4 and 10 wt%). Isopropyl alcohol or dioctyl phthalate and methyl benzoate were used as the reaction solvents in the presence of poly(vinyl alcohol) as a dispersing agent and 2,2‐azobis isobutyronitrile as the initiator. The polymers so prepared were coated onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) nonwoven (NWPET) fibers. The effects of copolymerization, feed composition, crosslinker concentration and reaction medium or solvent on morphology including porosity and the dynamic mechanical and swelling properties of the crosslinked polymers were determined. Swelling tests were performed in toluene and in 10% crude petroleum diluted with toluene. Bulk polymerization does not result in the formation of a continuous liquid absorbing material while suspension polymerization enables sorbers to be obtained with desired properties. Coating ODA/AA copolymers onto NWPET increases liquid absorption. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry