Spectroscopic study of film formation from polystyrene latex/TiO2 nanocomposites prepared by dip‐coating method

In this study, we investigated the influence of TiO₂ content and thickness of polystyrene (PS) template on film‐formation behavior of PS/TiO₂ composites using fluorescence and ultraviolet–visible techniques in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy. Films were prepared by coating PS templates with various layers of TiO₂ using dip‐coating method. The results showed that PS latexes present complete film formation on top surface of composites. After extraction of PS, a well‐defined interconnected porosity were obtained for thin films when TiO₂ content was increased, whereas thick samples did not present any interconnected porous structures above a certain TiO₂ layer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:288–302, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Enhancing electrochromic and kinetic properties of poly(2,3-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5,8-di(1H-pyrrol-2-yl) quinoxaline) by copolymerization

Electrochemical copolymerization was utilized to combine several properties into a single material in order to obtain a highly stable polymer with a low band gap to meet the requirements for color variation. In that sense, two new donor acceptor type electrochromic copolymers of 2,3-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5,8-di(1H-pyrrol-2-yl) quinoxaline (TBPPQ) with bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (BiEDOT) and with 4,7-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-2-dodecyl-2H-benzo [1,2,3] triazole (BEBT) were synthesized by electrochemical polymerization. Polymers revealed multicolor electrochromic properties with distinct accessible states and low operation potentials. Electrochromic and kinetic properties of polymers were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and in situ UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy.     

Beam search algorithm for capacity allocation problem in flexible manufacturing systems

This study considers the operation assignment and tool allocation problem in flexible manufacturing systems. A set of operations together with their required tools are selected so as to maximize the total weight. The machines have limited time and tool magazine capacities and the tools are available in limited quantities. We develop a beam search algorithm and obtain near optimal solutions for large size problems very quickly.     

Heights and weights of primary school children of different social background in Ankara, Turkey

The identification and provision of support to lay carers is crucial if Health Authorities are to meet the identified health care needs of their populations. This paper outlines in Part One the process for recruiting a defined but potentially hard to reach group, namely lay carers of people with advanced HIV infection, into a project designed as part of an ongoing development in HIV/AIDS education, the specific difficulties encountered, and how these were overcome. Part Two describes how to make a video, highlighting the involvement of carers in all stages of the research and development of a health education video-based resource package. Crucial to overcoming many of the difficulties and in winning the confidence and trust of the carers was the overview throughout of a committed multi-disciplinary Steering Group, the emphasis on confidentiality, the support of colleagues in the six UK centres, and the sensitivity and skills of the university research and production facilitators. This process ensured that the carers as consumers were involved in a continuing and active dialogue through the project.     

Spinal extradural compression caused by granuloma of brucellosis

A rare case of extradural brucellosis granuloma in the thoracic region is presented. In spite of medical treatment, total paraplegia with sphincter disturbance developed. Delayed neurosurgical intervention resulted in significant clinical recovery. Magnetic resonance imaging was useful in obtaining detailed information and to decide on surgery.     

Measuring welfare loss caused by air pollution in Europe: A CGE analysis

To evaluate the socio-economic impacts of air pollution, we develop an integrated approach based on computable general equilibrium (CGE). Applying our approach to 18 western European countries shows that even there, where air quality is relatively high compared with other parts of the world, health-related damages caused by air pollution may be substantial. We estimate that as of 2005, Europe experienced an annual loss in consumption of about 220 billion Euro in year 2000 prices (about 3% of total consumption) with a range based on 95% high and low epidemiological response functions of 107–335 billion Euro and a total welfare loss of about 370 billion Euro (range of 209–550) including both consumption and broader welfare losses (around 2% of welfare level) due to the accumulated effects of three decades of air pollution in Europe. In addition, we estimate that a set of air quality improvement policy scenarios as proposed in the 2005 CAFE program would bring 18 European countries as a whole a welfare gain of 37–49 billion Euro (year 2000 prices) in year 2020 alone.     

Construction of electrochromic devices using thiophene based conducting polymers

Dual type polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on poly(terepthalic acid bis-(2-thiophen-3-yl-ethyl)ester) (PTATE), its copolymer with thiophene P(TATE-co-Th) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) have been constructed. Spectroelectrochemistry, switching ability and stability of the devices were investigated by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer and Cyclic voltammetry. These devices exhibit low switching voltages (between 0.0 V and +1.6 V), short switching times with reasonable switching stability under atmospheric conditions.     

The impact of geography on energy infrastructure costs

Infrastructure planning for networked infrastructure such as grid electrification (or piped supply of water) has historically been a process of outward network expansion, either by utilities in response to immediate economic opportunity, or in response to a government mandate or subsidy intended to catalyze economic growth. While significant progress has been made in access to grid electricity in Asia, where population densities are greater and rural areas tend to have nucleated settlements, access to grid electricity in Sub-Saharan Africa remains low; a problem generally ascribed to differences in settlement patterns. The discussion, however, has remained qualitative, and hence it has been difficult for planners to understand the differing costs of carrying out grid expansion in one region as opposed to another. This paper describes a methodology to estimate the cost of local-level distribution systems for a least-cost network, and to compute additional information of interest to policymakers, such as the marginal cost of connecting additional households to a grid as a function of the penetration rate. We present several large datasets of household locations developed from satellite imagery, and examine them with our methodology, providing insight into the relationship between settlement pattern and the cost of rural electrification.