Ph<Subscript>2</Subscript>Zn-metallocene-MAO initiator systems in the homo- and copolymerization of styrene/<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-alkylstyrene

Summary The homo- and copolymerization of styrene (S) with p-methylstyrene (p-MeS) and p-tert-butylstyrene (p-Bu^tS) has been tested using initiator systems of the Ph₂Zn-metallocene-MAO type. The metallocenes used were CpTiCl₃, IndTiCI₃, (n-BuCp)₂TiCl₂, Ind₂ZrCl₂ and Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂. The Ph₂Zn-metallocene-MAO systems homopolymerize styrene, p-methylstyrene and p-tert-butylstyrene, producing syndiotactic polymers in the case of the titanocenes and amorphous polymers in the case of the zirconocenes. The S/p-MeS and S/p-Bu^tS copolymers obtained with the Ph₂Zn-titanocene-MAO systems are enriched in the comonomer with respect to the initial feed.     

Monodisperse and Corrosion-Resistant Metallic Nanoparticles Embedded into Sepiolite Particles for Optical and Magnetic Applications

The preparation of large quantities of heterogeneous materials containing non-agglomerated and monodispersed nanoparticles is becoming one of the bottlenecks that hinders the development of commercial devices. Here we describe a method to prepare monodispersed metallic (Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Co, and Fe) nanoparticles in a silicate matrix (sepiolite) by means of a reduction process of metallic cations associated with a dehydration process of the matrix. This process is characterized by the huge amount of monodispersed metallic nanoparticles that it produces. Additionally, these nanoparticles have been revealed to be remarkably stable against oxidation because the transformed sepiolite matrix becomes a diffusion barrier for oxygen. Furthermore, the nanoparticles present suitable properties to be used for optical and magnetic applications.     

Embedding Branch and Bound within Evolutionary Algorithms

A framework for hybridizing evolutionary algorithms with the branch-and-bound algorithm (B&B) is presented in this paper. This framework is based on using B&B as an operator embedded in the evolutionary algorithm. The resulting hybrid operator will intelligently explore the dynastic potential (possible children) of the solutions being recombined, providing the best combination of formae (generalized schemata) that can be constructed without introducing implicit mutation. As a basis for studying this operator, the general functioning of transmitting recombination is considered. Two important concepts are introduced, compatibility sets, and granularity of the representation. These concepts are studied in the context of different kinds of representation: orthogonal, non-orthogonal separable, and non-separable.The results of an extensive experimental evaluation are reported. It is shown that this model can be useful when problem knowledge is available in the form of an optimistic evaluation function. Scalability issues are also considered. A control mechanism is proposed to alleviate the increasing computational cost of the algorithm for highly multidimensional problems.     

Implementation of self-tuning generalized predictive controllers for the process industry

This paper presents a set of simple Ziegler-Nichols-type functions for implementing generalized predictive controllers (GPCs). By using this set of functions, the implementation of GPCs is simplified considerably and the heavy computational requirements needed are avoided. The functions have been obtained for a CARIMA model that is valid for most processes in industry, as is the case of plants whose behaviour can be described in terms of a static gain, time constant and effective dead time.     

Computer Support for a Neighborhood Health Clinic: Design and Implementation

Neighborhood comprehensive health care centers have become an important model of health care delivery in large metropolitan areas. Constraints in manpower resources dictate the need to explore ways and means by which computer technology can support the activity of health professionals in these centers. The Department of Community Medicine at Baylor has designed and is in the process of implementing a computer support system for a neighborhood health clinic, Casa de Amigos, of the Harris County Hospital District.     

Characterization of coal ash with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA)

A characterization study of coal ash samples from Southern Brazil (Charqueadas, Candiota and Leão Butiá) and from the U.S.A. (Pennsylvania bituminous, Illinois sub-bituminous and North Dakota lignite) has been performed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ESCA). Qualitative as well as quantitative data are presented. the technique also gives information on the oxidation state of several elements detected. the results are in agreement with existing data. The methodology used to extend ESCA, usually considered a surface/semisurface technique, to the analysis of bulk samples is given in some detail.     

Morphology of poly(hexamethylene oxide) fractions

The supermolecular structure of crystallised molecular weight fractions of poly(hexa-methylene oxide), covering the molecular weight range (M) 4.5. × 10³ to 8. 5 × 10⁴, was studied by polarised light microscopy and small angle light scattering. Different forms were observed as a function of molecular weight and crystallisation temperatures. Perfect spherulites are formed after rapid crystallisation, and these forms deteriorate as both the molecular weight and crystallisation temperature increase. The morphology in the isothermal crystallisation region corresponds to an intermediate state which represents a transition from spherulites to hedrites.     

Short chain U(600) di-urea cross-linked poly(oxyethylene)/siloxane ormolytes doped with lanthanum triflate salt

Promising La³⁺-doped electrolytes based on a hybrid poly(oxyethylene)/siliceous host matrix, U(600), have been produced. The organic and inorganic components of the hybrid structure are covalently bonded through urea linkages. The low molecular weight of the polyether segments of U(600) is thought to be responsible for the total amorphous character and high conductivity at room temperature (1.1×10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹) of these ormolytes.