Selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to propylene glycol on Cu–ZnO catalysts

Hydrogenolysis of biomass-derived glycerol is an alternative route to sustainable production of propylene glycol. Cu–ZnO catalysts were prepared by coprecipitation with a range of Cu/Zn atomic ratio (0.6–2.0) and examined in glycerol hydrogenolysis to propylene glycol at 453–513 K and 4.2 MPa H₂. These catalysts possess acid and hydrogenation sites required for bifunctional glycerol reaction pathways, most likely involving glycerol dehydration to acetol and glycidol intermediates on acidic ZnO surfaces, and their subsequent hydrogenation on Cu surfaces. Glycerol hydrogenolysis conversions and selectivities depend on Cu and ZnO particle sizes. Smaller ZnO and Cu domains led to higher conversions and propylene glycol selectivities, respectively. A high propylene glycol selectivity (83.6%), with a 94.3% combined selectivity to propylene glycol and ethylene glycol (also a valuable product) was achieved at 22.5% glycerol conversion at 473 K on Cu–ZnO (Cu/Zn = 1.0) with relatively small Cu particles. Reaction temperature effects showed that optimal temperatures (e.g. 493 K) are required for high propylene glycol selectivities, probably as a result of optimized adsorption and transformation of the reaction intermediates on the catalyst surfaces. These preliminary results provide guidance for the synthesis of more efficient Cu–ZnO catalysts and for the optimization of reaction parameters for selective glycerol hydrogenolysis to produce propylene glycol.     

Decentralized weighted control for a class of large‐scale systems with multi‐modes

In this paper, the control synthesis problem for a class of large‐scale systems with multi‐modes that are called large‐scale switched systems is addressed. By introducing the concept of decentralized switching signal and the relevant decentralized average dwell time, the asymptotic stability and weighted ?₂ gain performance are investigated. It should be noted that the decentralized switching covers general switching cases for large‐scale switched systems, namely, it admits both time‐dependent switching signal and arbitrary switching signal blended in the decentralized switching. Then, on the basis of the analysis results, the decentralized weighted control scheme including state feedback controller gains and switching signals is studied. Several design algorithms are proposed to meet different controller design problems. Finally, numerical examples are provided to illustrate theoretical findings within this paper. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

"团队项目训练法"在市场营销实践教学中的应用——以"与爱同行"营销策划综合训练为例

“团队项目训练法”是充分利用各种市场资源,按照市场营销工作实际,让学生自组团队、自寻商机、自设项目,理论联系实际分析营销环境．对真实对象进行市场营销方案设计、实施、评估,亲历市场营销的完整过程,以此进一步掌握理论,训练技能,提高能力。介绍了重庆科技学院对市场营销专业本科生运用“团队训练法”进行实践教学的做法及效果。     

PAN浸渍树脂对锌(Ⅱ)吸附特性的研究

研究了PAN浸渍树脂对锌（Ⅱ）离子的吸附特性。结果表明,对Zn（Ⅱ）吸附的最佳pH为6.0;其吸附动力学实验数据与二级动力学模型相吻合,表明化学吸附过程为速率控制步骤。     

An ultrahigh-resolution image encryption algorithm using random super-pixel strategy

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Almost all existing image encryption algorithms are only suitable for low-resolution images in the standard image library. When they are used to encrypt...     

Influence of static pre-loading on the dynamic bending strength of concrete with particle element modeling

Experimental tests show that static pre-loading has a significant effect on the dynamic strength of concrete.Based on meso-scale particle element model,numerical simulations of dynamic bending tests with pre-loading are performed.Complete stress–strain relationships are then obtained.Significant increase in dynamic strength is found when the pre-loadings are imposed within the elastic limit of concrete.However,when the imposition of pre-loadings reaches the plastic or softening range,dynamic strengths may gradually decrease along with the increase in pre-loadings.The distribution of energy components and the failure modes are discussed to explain the mechanisms of the phenomena.     

In situ study of the mechanical properties of airborne haze particles

Particulate pollution has raised serious concerns regarding its potential impacts on human health in developing countries. However, much less attention has been paid to the threat of haze particles to machinery and industry. By employing a state-of-the-art in situ scanning electron microscope compression testing technique, we demonstrate that iron-rich and fly ash haze particles, which account for nearly 70% of the total micron-sized spherical haze particles, are strong enough to generate abrasive damage to most engineering alloys, and therefore can generate significant scratch damage to moving contacting surfaces in high precision machineries. Our finding calls for preventive measures to protect against haze related threat.     

A new high accuracy method for two-dimensional biharmonic equation with nonlinear third derivative terms: application to Navier–Stokes equations of motion

In this paper, we propose a new compact fourth-order accurate method for solving the two-dimensional fourth-order elliptic boundary value problem with third-order nonlinear derivative terms. We use only 9-point single computational cell in the scheme. The proposed method is then employed to solve Navier–Stokes equations of motion in terms of streamfunction–velocity formulation, and the lid-driven square cavity problem. We describe the derivation of the method in details and also discuss how our streamfunction–velocity formulation is able to handle boundary conditions in terms of normal derivatives. Numerical results show that the proposed method enables us to obtain oscillation-free high accuracy solution.