The λ-scheme

A scheme for integrating the Euler equations of compressible flow in any hyperbolic case is presented. The scheme relies on the concept of characteristics but is strictly a finite difference scheme. Improvements is accuracy and physical consistence due to the scheme are discussed and results of its application to complex flows are shown.     

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous silica SBA 15 improved the efficacy of CORM-2 against hypoxia reoxygenation injury

Journal of Porous Materials - Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-2 (CORM-2) exhibited protection against cardiac hypoxia reoxygenation injury (H/R). However, its poor water solubility and short...     

Tracer Chromatographic Adsorption Studies in Relation to Liquid-Phase Catalysis

The hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of solid catalysts often have a crucial influence on their properties in liquid-phase catalytic reactions. Several methods to measure liquid-phase adsorption on catalytic solids are compared, and special attention is given to the liquid chromatographic method. The experimental setup and the determination of adsorption constants are discussed. Finally, adsorption data measured via the chromatographic method are used to gain insight into liquid-phase catalytic reactions, particularly oxidations with Ti zeolites.     

The effect of B‐doping on the electrical conductivity of polymer‐derived Si(B)OC ceramics

In this work the room temperature electrical conductivity of Si(B)OC glasses made via polymer pyrolysis at 1200°C and 1400°C (maximum temperature) and having different amount of boron was measured. When B content is increased from zero (pure SiOC glass) up to B/Si=0.5 the electrical conductivity increases in 2 orders of magnitude from 4.09±0.64×10^?5 up to 2.93±1.91×10^?3 with a corresponding decrease in the activation energy from about 1.08 to 0.51 eV. This results shows for the first time that the electrical conductivity of Si‐based polymer‐derived ceramics can be controlled by the amount of the doping element. The structure of the Si(B)OC glasses has been studied with different techniques including FT‐IR, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman study indicates that B partially substitutes C into the sp² C planes of the free carbon phase forming trigonal BC₃ units. Accordingly, the evolution of the electrical properties with the B content has been correlated with the corresponding structural evolution and a hypothesis is presented to rationalize the role of boron on the electrical conductivity of SiOBC glasses.     

Neuron Compatibility and Antioxidant Activity of Barium Titanate and Lithium Niobate Nanoparticles

The biocompatibility and the antioxidant activity of barium titanate (BaTiO₃) and lithium niobate (LiNbO₃) were investigated on a neuronal cell line, the PC12, to explore the possibility of using piezoelectric nanoparticles in the treatment of inner ear diseases, avoiding damage to neurons, the most delicate and sensitive human cells. The cytocompatibility of the compounds was verified by analysing cell viability, cell morphology, apoptotic markers, oxidative stress and neurite outgrowth. The results showed that BaTiO₃ and LiNbO₃ nanoparticles do not affect the viability, morphological features, cytochrome c distribution and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PC12 cells, and stimulate neurite branching. These data suggest the biocompatibility of BaTiO₃ and LiNbO₃ nanoparticles, and that they could be suitable candidates to improve the efficiency of new implantable hearing devices without damaging the neuronal cells.     

Grasping devices and methods in automated production processes

In automated production processes grasping devices and methods play a crucial role in the handling of many parts, components and products. This keynote paper starts with a classification of grasping phases, describes how different principles are adopted at different scales in different applications and continues explaining different releasing strategies and principles. Then the paper classifies the numerous sensors used to monitor the effectiveness of grasping (part presence, exchanged force, stick-slip transitions, etc.). Later the grasping and releasing problems in different fields (from mechanical assembly to disassembly, from aerospace to food industry, from textile to logistics) are discussed. Finally, the most recent research is reviewed in order to introduce the new trends in grasping. They provide an outlook on the future of both grippers and robotic hands in automated production processes.