Electrochemical synthesis and characterization of Fe70Pd30 nanotubes for drug-delivery applications

Fe–Pd-based tubular nanostructures were prepared by direct electrodeposition into track-etched polycarbonate templates. The characterization of the electrodeposition process showed that the complexing of Pd and Fe is necessary for the co-deposition of both metals. In the as-deposited nanotubes, which exhibited an overall composition of Fe₇₀Pd₃₀ as determined by SEM/EDS, a gradient in the composition along the tubes was observed using a detailed TEM/EDS analysis. This was attributed to potentiostatic nature of the deposition and to different kinetic properties at the beginning of the reaction, and later on, when the reaction is diffusion controlled, to different transport properties (diffusion and convection) of the involved ionic species. The magnetic measurements showed that the Fe₇₀Pd₃₀ nanotubes are ferromagnetic with a high magnetization saturation of 170 emu g⁻¹, which makes them suitable for drug-delivery applications. The Fe₇₀Pd₃₀ nanotubes were successfully functionalized with a model drug, paracetamol. The proposed type of release, with an initial burst and a slower release of the remaining drug, could be suitable for applications where a fast action is required, which then has to be maintained for a certain time period.     

Phase transformations in the ternary Ag–Ga–Sb system

Phase diagram of the Ag–Ga–Sb ternary system was extrapolated using calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) method. Phase transition temperatures of the alloys with compositions along three vertical sections with constant molar ratios Ga/Sb = 1, Ag/Ga = 1 and Ag/Sb = 1 were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) was used for identification of phases in equilibrated samples. Experimental results were compared with thermodynamic prediction.     

Nutritional and therapeutic value of fermented caprine milk

Caprine milk is a nutritional and therapeutic food. The unique and beneficial characteristics of caprine milk that are superior to bovine milk include: better digestibility; greater buffering capacity; fat globules that are smaller in diameter and better distributed in the milk emulsion; higher content of short‐chain fatty acids in the milk fat; higher content of zinc, iron and magnesium; stronger lactoperoxidase (antimicrobial) system as well as better immunological and antibacterial characteristics. The larger amounts of some minerals, such as calcium, zinc and magnesium, in caprine milk may influence the growth of lactic acid bacteria since they are a normal part of some enzymatic complexes involved in lactose fermentation. The higher whey protein content could also be significant because Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacteria grow better in the presence of higher levels of some amino acids (valine, glycine, hystidine). The use of caprine and ovine milk in cheesemaking is well known, but the production of fermented caprine milk via probiotics has not yet been developed, although many studies have highlighted the requirements for production of that kind of healthy food. During fermentation caprine milk loses its characteristic ‘goaty’ taste, which is unacceptable to many consumers. Moreover, the nutritive value of caprine milk increases during fermentation. The rise in the number of goat farms in Croatia has created the need to find other products that can be produced using caprine milk. According to the present situation in Croatia, there is no real possibility of producing fermented caprine milk for the global market, but many studies of fermented caprine milk have been performed.     

Integration on finite sets

Various types of integrals with respect to signed fuzzy measures on finite sets with cardinality n can be presented as corresponding rules for partitioning the integrand. The partition can be expressed as an n‐dimensional vector, whereas the signed fuzzy measure is also an n‐dimensional vector. Thus, the integration value is the inner product of these two vectors. Two pairs of extremes, the Lebesgue‐like integral versus the Choquet integral and the upper integral versus the lower integral, are discussed in detail. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Int Syst 21: 1073–1092, 2006.     

A sweep-line algorithm for spatial clustering

This paper presents an agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm for spatial data. It discovers clusters of arbitrary shapes which may be nested. The algorithm uses a sweeping approach consisting of three phases: sorting is done during the preprocessing phase, determination of clusters is performed during the sweeping phase, and clusters are adjusted during the post processing phase. The properties of the algorithm are demonstrated by examples. The algorithm is also adapted to the streaming algorithm for clustering large spatial datasets.     

A tool for IT process construction

ContextThe field of IT processes lacks a scientifically-based tool that constructs organisation-specific IT processes according to the organisation’s socio-technical characteristics.ObjectiveIn this paper we propose a solution to this problem in the form of IT process engineering (ITPE). ITPE is based on established method engineering principles which we have adapted to IT process construction.MethodThe tool was demonstrated by having three organisations use ITPE to each construct two IT processes.ResultsITPE provided useful guidance in all three cases.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that method engineering principles can be applied in research fields other than information system development.     

TEx-Sys model for building intelligent tutoring systems

Special classes of asynchronous e-learning systems are the intelligent tutoring systems which represent an advanced learning and teaching environment adaptable to individual student’s characteristics. Authoring shells have an environment that enables development of the intelligent tutoring systems. In this paper we present, in entirety, for the first time, our approach to research, development and implementation related to intelligent tutoring systems and ITS authoring shells. Our research relies on the traditional intelligent tutoring system, the consideration that teaching is control of learning and principles of good human tutoring in order to develop the Tutor–Expert System model for building intelligent tutoring systems in freely chosen domain knowledge. In this way we can wrap up an ongoing process that has lasted for the previous fifteen years. Prototype tests with the implemented systems have been carried out with students from a primary education to an academic level. Results of those tests are advantageous, according to surveys, and the implemented and deployed software satisfies functionalities and actors’ demands.     

Simulation in robotics

Simulation has been recognized as an important research tool since the beginning of the 20th century. However, the “good times” for simulation started with the development of computers and now the simulation is a powerful visualization, planning, and strategic tool in different areas of research and development. The simulation has also a very important role in robotics. Different tools are used for the analysis of kinematics and dynamics of robotic manipulators, for off-line programming, to design different control algorithms, to design mechanical structure of robots, to design robotic cells and production lines, etc.