Approaches for mathematical modelling of grain separation
This paper presents a review of former approaches for mathematical modelling of grain separation in combine harvesters and proposes a new approach on the base of extended exponential functions. The model equations for the remaining unseparated grain versus the separation length as well as for the cumulative sum of already separated grain based on empirical as well as on statistical approaches are put together in two tables; one containing single exponential functions, the other approaches with two exponential functions, to better describe the delayed separation start at the front of the separation unit. In addition to that the extended convection diffusion model and an analytical approach are described. Experimental data can be reproduced quite well by these equations, fitting the data by proper determination of the different threshing and separation coefficients. But the influences of crop properties, design and adjustment of the separation units on these coefficients have to be worked out in the future.
FLOW RATE BASED PREDICTION OF THRESHING PROCESS IN COMBINE HARVESTERS
The threshing section affects grain separation performance in combine harvesters. Proper configuration is critical 
to ensure an optimal economic working of combine harvesters. Predicting grain separation online is essential for an 
automatic machine tuning system. 
An indirect process–monitoring device was designed based upon feedrate measurements. Stationary tests provided 
information about the behavior of grain separation during the threshing process as a function of different feedrates and crop 
properties. Six different theoretical threshing models were analyzed. For three models, a comparative study has been carried 
out to choose an optimal predictor of the separation process. The most accurate prediction model is based on Rusanov’s 
exponential model. 
The confidence interval necessary to analyze the residual value of the predictor was calculated for each predicted 
separation curve.
Formation of unexpected ions from a first-generation polyamidoamine dendrimer by use of methanol: an artefact due to electrospray emitter corrosion?
We report the formation of unexpected ions during the analyses of a first-generation polyamidoamine dendrimer in negative ion mode using an ion trap equipped with an electrospray ionisation source. These surprising ions corresponded to an increase of 12 m/z units over those expected. The formation of the unexpected ions was dependent on the tuning of the solution flow rate and the capillary high voltage. In addition, measurements of unusual value of the current suggested that a reaction was occurring in the corona plasma. The influence of methanol in this phenomenon was demonstrated by using CD(3)OH in the sample preparation. We propose two structures to explain the observed adduct based on the results of MS(2) experiments and by referring to previous work dealing with 12 m/z units addition. We showed that a corona discharge caused by alterations taking place to the electrospray capillary emitter was the origin of these unexpected ions. Finally, we discuss the mechanism involved in the formation of the ions and we propose means to control such artefacts.