Ultra-deep oxidative desulfurization of diesel fuel by the Mo/Al2O3-H2O2 system: The effect of system parameters on catalytic activity

This work presents the results obtained in the development of Mo/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts and their evaluation in the oxidative desulfurization (OD) process of diesel fuel using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing reagent. The catalysts were prepared by equilibrium adsorption using several molybdenum precursors and aluminas with different acidity values. They were characterized by Raman spectroscopy. The effect of the reaction time, reaction temperature, nature of solvent, concentration of solvent and hydrogen peroxide, content of molybdenum and phosphate in the catalysts were investigated. The results showed that the activity for sulfur elimination depends mainly on the presence of hepta- and octamolybdates species on the catalyst support and the use of a polar aprotic solvent. Likewise, the presence of phosphate markedly increases the sulfur elimination. In this way, it is possible to reduce sulfur level in diesel fuel from about 320 to less than 10 ppmw at 333 K and atmospheric pressure. Additionally, on the basis of the results obtained a mechanistic proposal for this reaction is described, as an oxidation mechanism by nucleophilic attack of the sulfur atom on peroxo species of hepta- and octamolybdates, but a mechanism involving the singlet oxygen presence can be discarded.     

Synthesis,characterization and application of poly[(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone)‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] as controlled‐release polymeric system for 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic chloride using an ultrafiltration technique

BACKGROUND: Polymers supporting chemicals used in agriculture have recently been developed to overcome the serious environmental problems of conventional agrochemicals. The success of these formulations is based on a suitable choice of polymer support. Degradable polymeric hydrogels are of particular interest. The gradual release of the bioactive agent can be achieved by hydrolytic or enzymatic cleavage of the linking bond. RESULTS: In this context, poly[(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone)‐co‐(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)] [poly(NVP‐co‐HEMA)] has been used as a bioactive carrier reagent. Herein, we report a controlled‐release system with the herbicide 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) using an ultrafiltration system. Hydrolysis was studied by testing the release at various pH values. A high release with poly(NVP‐co‐HEMA)–2,4‐D was observed at pH = 7 and 10 after two days (Z = 2). The release percentage of copolymer–herbicide increased at pH = 10. It showed release values between 79.0 and 94.5%. Poly(NVP‐co‐HEMA)–herbicide can release a bioactive compound in aqueous solution at pH = 3, 7 and 10. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of homogeneous hydrolysis, it is argued that the herbicide release rate depends on the pH of the reaction environment. This functional polymer could be employed as a biodegradable material for applications in agrichemical release. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

HERSCHEL—PACS Bolometer Arrays for Submillimeter Ground-Based Telescopes

The Herschel Space Observatory will carry onboard a new kind of bolometric architecture for the PACS (Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer) submillimeter photometer. These new generation CCD-like multiplexed bolometer arrays are buttable and enable the conception of large fully sampled focal planes either for space or for ground-based telescopes. We present here some development for ground-based applications in the context of the ARTEMIS (ARchitecture de bolomètres pour des TElescopes sub-MIllimétriques au Sol) project. We have developed an electro-thermal numerical model that simulates the performances of these semiconducting bolometers under specific ground-based conditions (different wavelengths and background powers for example). This model permits to determine the optimal parameters for each condition and shows that the bolometers can be background limited in each atmospheric transmission window between 200 and 450 microns. We also describe the optical system that provides a high optical efficiency in each submillimeter atmospheric window. Astronomical observations made with a prototype on the APEX telescope are presented.     

Families of automata characterizing context-sensitive languages

In the hierarchy of infinite graph families, rational graphs are defined by rational transducers with labelled final states. This paper proves that their traces are precisely context-sensitive languages and that this result remains true for synchronized rational graphs.Received: 17 December 2003, Published online: 27 December 2004     

Aujourd’hui le RNIS professionnel: Transcom et transdyn

This paper considers the present development of isdn in France. Two main components are used to already offer isdn services to big business users: rtc 64 and Telecom 1. Those two services, Transcom and Transdyn, have been defined to fullfill big business users needs and constitute the French first phase isdn. In a second part the article considers the evolution of this first phase isdn towards the progressive generalisation of isdn. Two points are then considered: inter-working between Telecom 1 satellite network and second phase isdn and development of reservation service. As a conclusion the paper describes some of the practical experiment gained in those already existing isdn services.     

An algorithm for solving nonlinear least-squares problems with a new curvilinear search

We propose a modification of an algorithm introduced by Martínez (1987) for solving nonlinear least-squares problems. Like in the previous algorithm, after the calculation of an approximated Gauss-Newton directiond, we obtain the next iterate on a two-dimensional subspace which includesd. However, we simplify the process of searching the new point, and we define the plane using a scaled gradient direction, instead of the original gradient. We prove that the new algorithm has global convergence properties. We present some numerical experiments.     

Power quality analysis of 6 kW building-integrated photovoltaic system and economic evaluation using RETScreen™

This paper describes the power quality analysis applied on 6?kW building-integrated photovoltaic system (BIPVS) and its economic study. A monitoring system was implemented using virtual instrumentation to measure irradiance, ambient temperature and electric variables of the photovoltaic (PV) system. The study includes a period of one year from September 2015 to August 2016 and for this the IEEE 929-2000 standard guidelines were followed. The results indicate that the power quality parameters: % THDv, frequency, nominal voltage and flicker meet the standard limits mentioned. Economic analysis of the PV system using the RETScreen? software is also presented. The results show a net present value of USD 35,157 for a period of 20 years with an annual energy saving of USD 1750. Greenhouse gas emissions avoided by the use of solar energy are 6.6 t CO₂ per year.     

Carbon source utilization‐based metabolic activity of Salmonella Oranienburg and Salmonella Saintpaul in river water

The presence of introduced or non‐native bacteria in river water can create a selective pressure due to their ability to overcome fluctuations in physicochemical conditions and carbon source availability. The carbon source concentrations (monosaccharides and polysaccharides), physicochemical parameters (turbidity, total dissolved solids, biochemical oxygen demand, temperature and pH) and metabolic activity of Salmonella Oranienburg and Saintpaul were determined in water from the central Sinaloa state rivers. This study's results revealed that the carbohydrate availability and physicochemical conditions of river water make it a suitable niche for the establishment of Salmonella serotypes. Metabolic profiles showed that Salmonella Typhimurium could consume a wide variety of carbon sources but only at moderate levels; in contrast, Salmonella Oranienburg and Salmonella Saintpaul demonstrated intense carbon source utilization of a limited diversity of carbon sources. Carbohydrates, amino acids and carboxylic acids were the metabolites most utilized by the environmental Salmonella strains, demonstrating their superior ability to adapt to and survive in river water.