An Asymptotic Preserving Method for Linear Systems of Balance Laws Based on Galerkin’s Method

We apply the concept of asymptotic preserving schemes (SIAM J Sci Comput 21:441–454, 1999) to the linearized \(p\) -system and discretize the resulting elliptic equation using standard continuous Finite Elements instead of Finite Differences. The fully discrete method is analyzed with respect to consistency, and we compare it numerically with more traditional methods such as Implicit Euler’s method.     

Underpotential alloy formation in the system Ag(hkl)/Cd2+

The underpotential deposition (UPD) of Cd on “real” and “quasi-ideal” silver single crystal surfaces of (111) and (100) crystallographic orientation as well as on polycrystalline silver substrate has been investigated in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ supporting electrolyte solutions. At high underpotentials 100 < ΔE < 350 mV, the UPD is characterized by a quasi-reversible adsorption/desorption of Cd whereas at low underpotentials. ΔE < 50 mV, an increase of the anodic stripping charge with the polarization time is found due to the formation of an AgCd alloy at the substrate surface. The time dependence of this process can be described by a parabolic rate law, the rate constant of which is a function of ΔE and temperature T. Relatively low activation energies of about 70 kJmol^?1 were determined from measurements at 293 ? T ? 338 K. The results are discussed in terms of a semi-infinite-linear diffusion model. The alloy formation process is assumed to be initiated by a place exchange between Ag substrate atoms and vacancy sites within a mobile Cd adsorbate layer thus forming the initial stage of a highly distorted AgCd alloy. The further growth will take place by the movement of Ag atoms through the vacancy-rich surface alloy and the simultaneous deposition of Cd at the interface AgCd/Cd²⁺.     

Effect of the use of mineral filler on the properties of concrete

Engineers of the concrete technology are increasingly concerned with the material passing through a sieve of the size under 0.149 mm. Materials called very fine aggregate or mineral filler may affect the performance of concrete in an either positive or a negative way. Discussions on aggregate containing very fine material are vitally important. Washing the aggregate residue has been the sole way to solve this matter to date. This is mainly based on the debatable opinion that materials of this kind are regarded as clay material. The goal of the study was to determine how the content of mineral filler might affect properties of concrete. Two types of aggregates with different amounts of cement and mineral filler were used. Basically, mineral filler replaced sand. The effect of applying different amounts of mineral filler on concrete was then determined. The addition of 7-10% of mineral filler to fine aggregate (0-2 mm) was found to considerably improve the properties of concrete.     

Study of the Catalytic Ozonation of Humic Substances in Water and Their Ozonation Byproducts

It is shown that using transition metals, especially Mn(II) and Ag(I), during ozonation of humic substances in water allows important reductions in the content of organic matter. Characterization of the organic compounds resulting from ozonation was made by concentrating the sample through liquid-liquid extraction or derivation with PFBOA.HCl, along with the GC/MS and GC/ECD techniques. In total, 110 different organic compounds were identified using GC/MS; mainly carboxylic acids, aromatics, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, and furan-carboxylic acids. The percentages of elimination or formation levels reached during ozonation are discussed.     

Tailoring of Surfaces with Ultrathin Layers for Controlled Binding of Biopolymers and Adhesion and Guidance of Cells

Various strategies are described for the bio-functionalization of solid substrates by design of interfacial architectures. The first approach is based on the self-assembly process of long-chain thiol molecules from solution to a (noble) metal surface. If some of these building blocks carry a binding site (ligand) for proteins (receptors, antibodies, etc.) the metal surface can be tailored for maximum specific binding while simultaneously minimizing nonspecific adsorption. The second concept is based on polymers that are covalently attached to (oxide) surfaces. The preparation of these (end-) grafted functional polymers involves either the binding of preformed macromolecules to corresponding sites at the surface of the support or the recently introduced “grafting-from” method, by which an initiator molecule is first covalently bound to the surface and then activated — either by heat or light — in the presence of suitable monomer units such that a polymer chain grows from the solid/solution interface. Finally, the functionalization of patterned surfaces by peptide chains that mimic the binding domains of cell adhesion proteins is summarized. It is demonstrated that not only the selective adhesion of neuronal cells can then be controlled, but also their development with the outgrowth of dendrites and axons.     

Application of K2CO3 catalysts in the coal gasification process using nuclear heat

Conventional gasification processes use coal not only as feedstock to be gasified but also for supply of energy for reaction heat, steam production, and other purposes. With a nuclear high temperature reactor (HTR) as a source for process heat, it is possible to transform the whole of the coal feed into gas. This concept offers advantages over existing gasification processes: saving of coal, as more gas can be produced from coal; less emission of pollutants, as the HTR is used for the production of steam and electricity instead of a coal-fired boiler; and a lower production cost for the gas. However, the process has the disadvantage that the temperature is limited to the outlet temperature (950 °C max) of the helium cooling gas of the HTR. Therefore the possibility of catalytic steam gasification was examined. Model calculations based on experimental results show that use of 3–4 wt% relative to coal of K²CO³ catalyst increases the throughput of a large scale nuclear gasification plant by ≈65%, while gas production costs decrease by ≈15%. Corrosion by catalysts is not significant at low concentration (< 5 wt%) and low temperature (< 900 °C).     

Compatibilization of inorganic particles for polymeric nanocomposites. Optimization of the size and the compatibility of ZnO particles

Summary The synthesis of in-situ hydrophobic functionalized ZnO nanoparticles via an emulsion process is systematically investigated. Different parameters are varied, such as precursor salt concentration and ultrasonification, to optimize the size and the size distribution of the ZnO particles. Particles with a size below 25 nm and surrounded by a hydrophobic polymer shell can be easily obtained. The influence of the polymeric shell on the compatibility with different polymeric matrices is described. Due to the small size of the inorganic particles and the excellent hydrophobization, highly transparent inorganic/organic nanocomposites can be obtained by spin-coating and extrusion.     

Gewissensfreiheit in der Apotheke

Background In recent years, it has been intensively debated whether and how the conscience must be protected in the context of pharmacies. Currently, Germany and Austria have no legal regulation regarding this problem. Objective The ethical framework for a coping strategy dealing with the problem of freedom of conscience in the pharmacy will be outlined. Method By applying legal ethics' principle of proportionality within German and Austrian constitutional law as well as the European Convention on Human Rights, the problem is analyzed on its individual, corporative, and societal level. Results On the individual level, the pharmacist's and the patient's stakes and rights (e.g., the freedom of conscience) are carefully balanced by using the principle of proportionality. On the corporative level, the autonomy granted by the fundamental right of freedom of religion and belief legitimatizes a pharmacy's ideological profile as an organization and may cause conflicts of loyalty within the pharmacy. On the societal level, four pro-active options of shaping the legal framework are available: a social-welfare, a libertarian, a professional, and a communitarian. How conflicts on the individual or the corporative level can be solved depends on the option(s) that are chosen on the societal level. Conclusion If the status quo is to be changed, this article argues for two approaches: a) the introduction of a qualified conscience clause for pharmacists (including duties to consult, refer, treat in emergencies, and inform); b) a ‘weak’ communitarian option, striving for a compromise between a pharmaceutical corporation (i.e., pharmacy or pharmaceutical professional association) with an ideological profile and the public healthcare system. Both approaches satisfy a careful balancing of legitimate goods.