Hyperspectral imager, from ultraviolet to visible, with a KDP acousto-optic tunable filter

Hyperspectral imaging in the ultraviolet to visible spectral region has applications in astronomy, biology, chemistry, medical sciences, etc. A novel electronically tunable, random-wavelength access, compact, no-moving-parts, vibration-insensitive, computer-controlled hyperspectral imager operating from 220 to 480 nm with a spectral resolution of 160 cm(-1), e.g., 2 nm at 350 nm, has been developed by use of a KDP acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) with an enhanced CCD camera and a pair of crossed calcite Glan-Taylor polarizing prisms. The linear and angular apertures of the AOTF are 1.5 x 1.5 cm2 and 1.2 degrees, respectively. Imager setup and spectral imaging results as well as analyses and discussion of various factors affecting image quality are presented.     

Frontal Polymerization of Metal-Containing Monomers: A Topical Review

The peculiarities of the frontal polymerization of metal-containing monomers containing acrylamide (AAm) complexes of transition metal nitrates, M(AAm) _x (H₂O) _y (NO₃)₂ (M=Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ba), that are thermally initiated at 353–433K are considered. It was found that nitrogen oxides (e.g., NO₂, NO, N₂O), which were formed by partial oxidation of the nitrate groups, were able to initiate the polymerization reaction. The reaction front and a self-sustained thermal wave were determined by structural-chemical and energy factors. The application of a self-propagating frontal polymerization to synthesize metal-containing copolymers was demonstrated. The constants of reactivity of the monomers (r ₁=0.63, r ₂=0.70) confirmed the statistical character of the copolymers obtained. Frontal polymerization of the AAm complexes that were filled by silica or glass powder was studied. Adding fillers stabilized the front and resulted in spatially uniform products. By following the controlled thermolysis of the metallopolymer or the controlled change of frontal polymerization into the burning regime lead to the formation of metallopolymer nanocomposites. The products were metal (or metal oxides) nano-scale particles that were stabilized by the polymer matrix that is formed.     

Generation of Two‐Phase Air‐Water Flow with Fine Microbubbles

Aiming at the development of a low‐cost technology for multipurpose water and surface treatment in the chemical industry and beyond, using microbubbles, a novel scheme of liquid‐gas interaction within a specially designed bubble generator was tested. Its efficiency for the production of microbubbles with a size distribution in the micron range is confirmed. The basic element of the device is a vortex chamber with water supply through tangential ducts, while the gas (air) is introduced in a highly turbulent swirling flow of water in radial direction through the orifice in the gas supply duct, located on the chamber axis. Bubble diameters, bubble velocities in the pipe flow and effect of the output pressure on the bubble size distribution were studied.     

Glycerol Esters from Real Waste Cooking Oil Using a Robust Solid Acid Catalyst

Notwithstanding the food-for-fuel debate, turning waste cooking oil and fat (WCO) into a valuable product is a classic example of green chemistry. We demonstrate that sulfated zirconia and lanthanum-supported sulfated zirconia are good catalysts for the esterification of WCO free fatty acids (FFAs) with glycerol, giving high-value monoglycerides. Various catalysts were first screened using palmitic acid as a model FFA. Subsequently, six 10-kg batches of actual WCO were collected from commercial cookeries over a period of 28 weeks, pre-treated in a purpose-built decanter and esterified with industrial grade glycerol using heterogeneous catalysis. Good yield and turnovers were obtained. The pre-treatment stage and the catalytic esterification experiments are described and discussed.

     

An empirical study on green practices of mobile phone users

Given the market’s saturation with smartphones and the increased power needs that these have as compared with older feature phones, the users’ green practices and behavior is emerging as an important research topic. The environmental aspects and general awareness issues are not addressed in this study; however, the limited battery life of smartphones is a decisive factor that shapes the users’ behavior, practices and preferences. As such, the users need to follow green practices and carefully assess the energy related characteristics (speed, screen size, weight, and price) that they value the most in a smartphone, to maximize their experience. Based on our previous work that gathered relevant data from 313 users, we extended the analysis in order to examine the user battery life and charging practices, buying habits, green practices and preferences. To that end, we used quantitative statistics and Fuzzy Decision Tree analysis to propose relevant Fuzzy Decision Rules that can classify the results and profile the users.     

A 45 nm CMOS miniature phase shifter with constant amplitude response

We present analysis, optimization, design and characterization of an integrated passive analog phase shifter at 24 GHz in a commercially available 45 nm RF-CMOS process. The design is based on a well-known RC bridge topology, which was optimized for maximum phase shift and minimal amplitude response variation versus phase and frequency. Phase is controlled by varying DC voltage on a varactor, resulting in 60° maximum phase shift with 0.1 dB amplitude variation at 24 GHz. The size of the phase shifter circuit excluding pads and input/output buffers is 40×50 μm².     

Noctilucent clouds: modern ground-based photographic observations by a digital camera network

Noctilucent, or "night-shining," clouds (NLCs) are a spectacular optical nighttime phenomenon that is very often neglected in the context of atmospheric optics. This paper gives a brief overview of current understanding of NLCs by providing a simple physical picture of their formation, relevant observational characteristics, and scientific challenges of NLC research. Modern ground-based photographic NLC observations, carried out in the framework of automated digital camera networks around the globe, are outlined. In particular, the obtained results refer to studies of single quasi-stationary waves in the NLC field. These waves exhibit specific propagation properties--high localization, robustness, and long lifetime--that are the essential requisites of solitary waves.     

Refractive index spectral dependence, Raman spectra, and transmission spectra of high-purity 28Si, 29Si, 30Si, and natSi single crystals

We performed precise measurement of the refractive index of stable silicon isotopes 28Si, 29Si, and 30Si single crystals with enrichments above 99.9?at.% and a silicon single-crystal natSi of natural isotopic composition with the Fourier-transform interference refractometry method from 1.06 to more than 80?μm with 0.1?cm(-1) resolution and accuracy of 2×10(-5)…1×10(-4). The oxygen and carbon concentrations in all crystals are within 5×10(15)?cm(-3), and the content of the metal impurities is 10(-5)…10(-6)?at.%. The peculiar changes of the refractive index in the phonon absorption region of all silicon single crystals are shown. The coefficients of the generalized Cauchy dispersion function approximating the experimental refractive index values all over the measuring range are given. The transmission and Raman spectra are also studied.     

Past COVID-19: The Impact on IVF Outcomes Based on Follicular Fluid Lipid Profile

Follicular fluid is an important component of follicle growth and development. Negative effects of COVID-19 on follicular function are still open. The aim of this work was to study the features of the lipid profile of follicular fluid and evaluate the results of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) program in women after COVID-19 to identify biomarkers with prognostic potential. The study involved samples of follicular fluid collected from 237 women. Changes in the lipid composition of the follicular fluid of patients who underwent COVID-19 in mild and severe forms before entering the IVF program and women who did not have COVID-19 were studied by mass spectrometry. Several lipids were identified that significantly changed their level. On the basis of these findings, models were developed for predicting the threat of miscarriage in patients who had a severe course of COVID-19 and models for predicting the success of the IVF procedure, depending on the severity of COVID-19. Of practical interest is the possibility of using the developed predictive models in working with patients who have undergone COVID-19 before entering the IVF program. The results of the study suggest that the onset of pregnancy and its outcome after severe COVID-19 may be associated with changes in lipid metabolism in the follicular fluid.