Emissions control policies under uncertainty and rational learning in a linear-state dynamic model

We compare the use of price-based policies or taxes, and quantity-based policies or quotas, for controlling emissions in a dynamic setup when the regulator faces two sources of uncertainty: (i) market-related uncertainty; and (ii) ecological uncertainty. We assume that the regulator is a rational Bayesian learner and the regulator and firms have asymmetric information. In our model the structure of Bayesian learning is general. Our results suggest that the expected level of emissions is the same under taxes and quotas. However, the comparison of the total benefits related to these policies suggests that taxes dominate quotas, that is, they provide a higher social welfare. Even though taxes have some benefits over quotas, neither learning nor ecological uncertainty affect the choice of policy, i.e., the only factor having such an impact is uncertainty in the instantaneous net emissions benefits (market-related uncertainty). Besides, the more volatile is this uncertainty, the more benefits of taxes over quotas. Ecological uncertainty leads to a difference between the emissions rule under the informed and the rational learning assumptions. However, the direction of this difference depends on the beliefs bias with regard to ecological uncertainty. We also find that a change in the regulator’s beliefs toward more optimistic views will increase the emissions.     

Free vibration analysis of double-viscoelastic nano-composite micro-plates reinforced by FG-SWCNTs based on the third-order shear deformation theory

Microsystem Technologies - In this paper, free vibration analysis of a double viscoelastic nano-composite plate system reinforced by functionally graded single-walled carbon nanotubes (FG-SWCNT)...     

Simultaneous kinetic spectrophotometric determination of sulfide and sulfite ions by using an optode and the partial least squares (PLS) regression

The characterization of an optical sensor membrane is described for simultaneous determination of sulfite and sulfide ions based on the immobilization of crystal violet on a triacetylcellulose membrane. The absorbance of the membranes decreased by increasing sulfite and sulfide concentration. The partial least squares (PLS-1) calibration model based on spectrophotometric measurement for simultaneous determination of sulfite and sulfide ions was applied. This method is based on the difference between the rate of the reaction of sulfide and sulfite with membranes in pH 7.0 buffer solution and at 25 °C. The experimental calibration matrix for partial least squares (PLS-1) calibration was designed with 18 samples. The cross-validation method was used for selecting the number of factors. The results showed that simultaneous determination could be performed in the range of 200–2000 μg mL⁻¹ (2.5–25 mmol L⁻¹) and 80–900 μg mL⁻¹ (2.5–28.125 mmol L⁻¹) for sulfite and sulfide, respectively. The sensor can readily be regenerated with water and the color is fully reversible. The sensor was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of sulfide and sulfite in water samples.     

Domestic Water and Sanitation in Cyclones and Floods in Bangladesh and a Proposed Research Agenda

ABSTRACT

Water is one of the top priority item s i relief activities but the appropriateness and effectiveness of this activity may be questioned. Water and sanitation (WS) are inseparable and together they play major roles in the transmission of the pathogen of diarrhoeal disease. Thousands of people die or suffer from WS-related diseases during postdisaster periods. Here we present WS-related experiences gained after Bangladesh's 1991 cyclone and the views of participants in a regional and a national (local) workshop on this matter held in Bangladesh. About 63 per cent of the water purifying tablets (WPTs) distributed after the 1991 cyclone were found to have lost potency Relief personnel lack basic knowledge about WS practices and the management of WS provision. Participants in the two workshops documented serious problems i this field at both regional and national levels. Major issues for research may include: an appropriate environmental preparedness plan; appropriate waste disposal technologies; appropriate water treatment methods; self- help activities during vulnerable periods; and health education related to WS in disaster situations.     

Quantifying the Differences in Geometry and Size Distributions of Buildings Within Cities

There have been many studies on the spatial configuration of cities, but few attempts to quantify the difference in building patterns between the old and new parts of cities. This may be partly attributable to lack of suitable study methods. This paper presents a new application of statistical methods for quantifying the geometric difference between different parts of a city using, as a case study, the old (historical) and new parts of the city of Yazd in Iran. We measured 341 edge lengths of 4 bazaars, 302 edge lengths of 5 mosques and tombs, and 239 edge lengths of 3 schools. We also measured 6,804 edge lengths and the areas of 1,243 well-preserved courtyard houses in the old part and 4,948 edge lengths and the areas of 1,237 houses in the new part of the city. In the old part, all edge-length and house-area frequency distributions, to a first approximation, follow power laws, indicating that there are many small and very few large buildings. By contrast, in the new part the edge-length and house-area frequency distributions follow bimodal (two-peak) distributions. The calculated entropies (measures of dispersion) of the house edge lengths and areas in the old part are much higher than of those in the new part and provide a clear, quantitative measure of the geometric differences between the built-up structures of old and the new parts of the cities. The power-law distributions in the old part indicate a gradual and continuous variation in sizes of edge lengths and house areas, whereas the bimodal distributions in the new part indicate abrupt (discontinuous) changes in the edge lengths and house areas. The entropy results imply that the size distributions of houses in the old part are more dispersed than those in the new part, indicating more interconnected structures in the old part of the city. The results also demonstrate quantitatively that there is a lack of coherence between the structures of old and new parts of city.     

Controlled release of fluorouracil (5-FU) from chitosan-co-poly(ethylene glycol)/ poly(glycerol sebacate)-co-poly(ethylene glycol)-coated iron oxide

A blend of polyglycerol sebacate-poly ethylene glygol/chitosan-poly ethylene glycol-coated iron oxide (PGS-PEG/CS-PEG@Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles for 5FU delivery was prepared by reverse ultrasonic emulsification method. To enhance polymers’ solubility, PEG was grafted. Chemical characterization was performed through Fourier transformed infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. In vitro assay revealed that release profile of 5FU-loaded PGS-PEG/CS-PEG@Fe₃O₄ is sustained. Moreover, cytotoxicity was analyzed on HT29 cell line at the presence of external magnetic field using the lactate dehydrogenase and Alamar Blue. Results illustrate that (PGS-PEG/CS-PEG@Fe₃O₄) is promising to use as a carrier for 5FU anticancer agent with sustained tailored release.     

CuI Immobilized on Tricationic Ionic Liquid Anchored on Functionalized Magnetic Hydrotalcite (Fe3O4/HT-TIL-CuI) as a Novel,Magnetic and Efficient Nanocatalyst for Ullmann-Type C–N Coupling Reaction

One of the most important reactions in organic synthesis is Ullmann-type C–N coupling reaction which has been used for preparation of numerous biologically active compounds. In this work, CuI immobilized on tricationic ionic liquid anchored on functionalized magnetic hydrotalcite (Fe₃O₄/HT-TIL-CuI) has been successfully prepared and fully characterized by different techniques, including fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, thermo gravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental mapping, zeta potential, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed desorption of ammonia (NH₃-TPD), temperature-programmed reduction and inductively coupled plasma. The results showed that the as-prepared nanocatalyst possesses plate-like morphology with approximate size of 50 nm and superparamagnetic behavior. Also, total acidity and total hydrogen consumption of the nanocatalyst were measured to be 8.5 and 1.41 mmol g^?1, respectively. This nanocatalyst exhibited favorable performance for C–N coupling reaction among a variety of aryl halides and N(H)-heterocycles (benzimidazoles, pyrazoles and triazoles) in the presence of 2.5 mol% of nanocatalyst without any additives under air atmosphere revealing high yields in all cases. Besides, it is noted that in the present system the desired product can be easily and quickly isolated and nanocatalyst also recovered magnetically from the reaction mixture employing a permanent magnet for at least six consecutive trials without a discernible decrease in catalytic activity which makes the proposed methodology appropriate for industrial. The findings demonstrated the advantages of the present method as no need for neutral atmosphere, appropriate times, recyclability of the catalyst, broad substrate scope, minimization of chemical waste, simple purification of products, easy workup process, and high yields.

     

From Feather Waste to Valuable Nanoparticles

Feather is a waste product generated in large quantities from industrial poultry processing. Recycling of this renewable source of biopolymers has been the objective of many researches due to its high protein content, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This study investigates the feasibility of producing nanoparticles from feather waste by enzymatic hydrolysis, followed by ultrasonic treatment. The effects of enzyme concentration, hydrolysis time and substrate concentration on particles size were evaluated to optimize the best condition in order to attain the smallest particles by a Box-Behnken Design. The optimum hydrolysis conditions were found to be: enzyme concentration: 3.6%, substrate concentration: 5 g/l and hydrolysis time: 243 h. Scanning electron micrographs indicated fiber fibrillation and degradation as it was progressively converted into particles form. The results of particle size analysis indicated the positive effect of sonication on reducing particles size. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed no remarkable changes in the chemical composition of treated samples. Moreover, crystallinity and thermal stability of feather nanoparticles enhanced upon enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasonic treatment.     

Fatty acids induce increased granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor secretion through protein kinase C-activation in THP-1 macrophages

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with elevated circulating levels of nonesterified FA (NEFA) and lipoprotein remnants. The dyslipidemia is an important contributor to the excess arterial disease associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms involved are elusive. In the present study we examined the effect of NEFA on macrophages. For this purpose, we utilized human macrophages, prepared by treating THP-1 monocytes with phorbol ester. We found that albumin-bound NEFA at physiological levels increase the secretion of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by the THP-1 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The effect was registered as an increase in mRNA, and the amount of GM-CSF secreted correlated with the accumulation of TAG and DAG in the cell. The NEFA-induced rise in GM-CSF appeared to be mediated by activation of protein kinase C, probably acting on extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 and being calcium dependent. We speculate that increased secretion of GM-CSF by resident macrophages in the intima exposed chronically to high levels of NEFA, such as those present in insulin resistance, may contribute to a proatherogenic response of arterial cells.     

Synthetic,spectroscopic, magnetic,thermal, and antimicrobial approach towards new biocidal coordination polymers

O‐aminophenol was reacted with glutraldehyde to obtain Schiff base, which was then reacted with formaldehyde in slight acidic medium to generate phenolic groups. Now the substituted Schiff base was reacted with the transition metal acetates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) to get polymeric metal complexes. Their structures have been elucidated on the basis of elemental analyses, ¹H NMR spectra, ¹³C NMR spectra, magnetic measurements, thermogravimetric analyses, electronic spectra, and infrared spectra. The results are in accordance with an octahedral environment around the central metal ion. The polychelates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) are paramagnetic while Zn(II) polychelate was found to be diamagnetic. The synthesized Schiff base acted as a uninegative bidentate ligand and bonding occurs through the hydroxyl oxygen and nitrogen atoms. The thermal behavior of these coordinating polymers was studied by TGA in nitrogen atmosphere up to the temperature range of 800°C. All the synthesized polychelates were also screened for their biocidal activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis (bacteria), Candida albicans, and Muller species (yeast) by using agar well diffusion method. All the metal polychelates show promising antimicrobial activities. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 124:3971–3979, 2012