Full-state neural network observer-based hybrid quantum diagonal recurrent neural network adaptive tracking control

Neural Computing and Applications - This study introduces a neural network (NN) adaptive tracking controller-based reinforcement learning (RL) scheme for unknown nonlinear systems. First, an...     

Facile Fabrication of Povidone Iodine-Embedded Polytetrafluoroethylene Superhydrophobic Films with Improved Antiadhesive and Bactericidal Properties in Bacterial Environments

It remains a challenge to maintain the antiadhesion properties of superhydrophobic films after exposure to bacterial environments. In this work, superhydrophobic bactericidal polymer films via the simple incorporation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) or iodine into polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are fabricated to improve their antiadhesive and antibacterial capability. Superhydrophobic iodine-embedded films, polytetrafluoroethylene/polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine and polytetrafluoroethylene-iodine (PTFE/PVP-I and PTFE-I), show excellent antiadhesive and bactericidal performances even post exposure to bacterial solutions as compared to iodine-free counterparts by controlling the release of iodine. Especially, superhydrophobic PTFE/PVP-I films display a more sustained iodine release profile and significant antibacterial properties against gram-positive (S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. Such a facile combination of antiseptic agents and superhydrophobic surface could be widely used for antiseptic biomedical applications.     

Radiation crosslinking and sorption properties of hydrogels based on 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone,hydroxyethyl methacrylate,and their copolymers

This work has been concerned with the synthesis of the hydrogels of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (NVP), poly (hydroxy ethylmethacrylate) (HEMA), and their copolymer under the effect of gamma radiation in the presence of N,N‐methylenebisacryl‐amide (MBAm) as a crosslinking agent. The effect of the different factors that may affect the gelation and yield product, such as solvent composition and irradiation dose, was investigated. The formed hydrogels were characterized in terms of swelling in water and different organic solvents, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and IR spectroscopic analysis. The sorption capability of these hydrogels towards some commercial basic and acid dyesstuffs was also studied. The results showed that a solvent mixture composed of equal contents of water and methanol is the most suitable to afford the minimum sol fraction and the highest yield product at a minimal irradiation dose of 10 kGy. It was observed that NVP hydrogel displayed the highest swelling in water, alcohols, and dimethyformamide of ～1300% and a lower tendency to swell in nonpolar solvents. The results showed that HEMA hydrogel has a high affinity to absorb basic dyes while NVP has a tendency for acid dyes. Also, the sorption of either the basic or acid dyes by the different hydrogels was found to greatly depend on the concentration of dye in solution and the mass of the used hydrogel. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3274–3280, 2004     

Biochemical and physiological studies of certain ticks (Ixodoidea): Isolation and partial identification of a new fatty acid in eggs ofDermacentor andersoni Stiles (Ixodidae)

Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters from eggs ofDermacentor andersoni Stiles (Ixodidae) revealed the presence of significant quantities (15% total fatty acids) of an unidentified component with a retention time between C_18∶3−C_22∶0 fatty acids. Smaller amounts of the unidentified component (ca. 5% total fatty acid) also were detected in host rabbit serum. Purified, the unidentified component's methyl ester collected from the tick eggs by preparative gas liquid chromatography was partially identified and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic analyses. The evidence suggests that the unidentified component is a methyl branched C₁₅ tricarboxylic acid containing two vicinal carboxylic acid groups. Biosynthesis of the unidentified component by the tick is under investigation.     

Physical and Sexual Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Although several studies have examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and drug use among women in drug treatment programs, more information is needed to delineate differences, as a function of the specific drug used. Data from a random sample of 416 women attending methadone programs were analyzed to elucidate the differential associations between IPV and use of the following: marijuana only, cocaine only, heroin only, or cocaine and heroin. Prevalence of IPV among this sample far exceeded estimates from the general population. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, use of cocaine only was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing IPV compared with no drug use. Similar results were found for women using both cocaine and heroin. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adsorption behavior of Co(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solutions onto titanate nanotubes

Adsorption of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ from aqueous solutions onto titanate nanotubes (TNTs) synthesized by hydrothermal method in single and binary systems was investigated. The prepared TNTs were completely characterized showing very high surface area compared to previous studies (320 m²/g). The high surface area showed very good optimum removal conditions compared with previous studies (60 min contact time, 0.1 g TNTs dose at pH 5 and room temperature) with high adsorption capacity compared with previous studies as well as conventional adsorbent. Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models were fitted during this study and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich isotherms showed physisorption with exclusion of ion exchange mechanism. Pseudo first and second-order kinetics were studied showing more fitting to pseudo second-order equation. Binary system and calculation of separation coefficient showed high ability for Co²⁺ adsorption by TNTs than Ni⁺² in binary system.     

Microstructure and texture analysis of YBCO thick film with peritectic growth on unoriented silver substrate

YBCO textured thick film was prepared by direct periteetic growth method. Microstructure of the film was characterized. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) technique was applied to the film for quantitative texture analysis. The main difficulty in resolving the ori-entation of YBCO pseudo-cubic structure was investigated. Automated orientation mapping was performed on YBCO thick film. Local tex-ture was presented in the form of orientation maps. Misorientation distribution and crystal growth characterization in the YBCO thick film were revealed. Large domains with well-aligned YBCO grains were formed. Each domain presented clear in-plane and out-plane textures.     

Advances in Polymer-based Nanostructured Membranes for Water Treatment

Water pollution has become the most severe dilemma in the entire world. In this review, we have discussed the advancement in preparation and properties, plus background and challenges regarding polymer-based nanocomposite membranes. Nanofiltration thin film composite membranes have been given tremendous attention over last two decades relative to conventional systems in desalination of sea water, waste water from industries and ultra pure water production etc. In recent years, significant research efforts have been devoted towards the development of high-performance membranes through surface modification of polymers and nanoparticles, nanotubes, etc. to achieve appreciable salt rejection, water flux and antifouling properties.     

Graftability of beaten pulps and acetylated pulps

Ce(IV)-induced polymerization of acrylonitrile with acetylated bagasse and wood pulps, having different acetyl contents, has been investigated. The graft yield is dependent on the acetyl content as well as the origin of the pulp. Increasing the acetyl content of pulps caused a significant decrease in the polymer loading. However, the rate of polymerization of acetylated wood pulp is much higher than that of acetylated bagasse pulp. The ceric consumption during grafting decreases as the acetyl content of the pulp increases. The effect of beating of the pulps, to various degrees of freeness, on their reactivity toward grafting process has also been studied. Generally, the state of cellulose, as defined by its degree of beating, and the origin of the pulp strongly influenced the graft yield. In creasing the beating degree of bagasse pulp resulted in a decrease in graft yield, while beating of wood pulp, to a definite degree, inhibits the polymerization reaction. The consumption of Ce(IV) by the beaten pulps during oxidation is somewhat greater than that consumed by the unbeaten pulps, whereas the consumption during grafting of acrylonitrile onto beaten pulps depends on the initial concentration of ceric solution. Also, the effect of grafting of acrylonitrile onto acetylated wood and bagasse pulps on their strength properties as well as the effect of grafting onto beaten pulps on their properties has been investigated. Grafting of acrylonitrile onto acetylated bagasse pulp decreased its strength properties, but improved its beatability comparatively to those of original pulp (0 acetyl content). On the other hand, grafting of acrylonitrile onto acetylated wood pulp resulted in a great improvement in its strength properties compared to those of grafted unacetylated pulp. Grafted unbeaten pulps gave thinner and weaker paper than the original pulp (without grafting). Beating of bagasse pulp before grafting gave pulp which possessed a higher strength properties, at low °SR, than those of pulp beaten after grafting. Raising the °SR by rebeating the pulp after reaction up to the original value had an adverse effect on the strength. Beating of bagasse pulp before grafting did not accelerate the reaction rate, but it saved some power consumption, since the time required for beating of grafted pulp to a given °SR was lower than that of ungrafted pulp.