Preparation and characterization of chitosan‐based dispersions

Complexation of chitosan in aqueous solutions by low molecular weight electrolytes is one of the simplest methods for the preparation of aqueous chitosan dispersions. In this work, the influence of storage time, sulfate concentration, method of preparation and surfactant content on some properties of the resultant chitosan dispersions (turbidity, viscosity and zeta potential) was analyzed. Turbidimetry was adequate to monitor the formation of particles, while viscometry was suitable to monitor changes in the dispersing phase. An analysis of the properties of these systems, mainly in terms of particle–particle and macromolecule–macromolecule interactions was carried out. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

The mechanochemical processing of aerospace metals

The status of mechanochemical processing of aerospace metals (aluminum and titanium) is reviewed. It is demonstrated that the activation of chemical reactions by mechanical energy can lead to many interesting applications including production of advanced materials with novel constitutional and microstructural effects leading to enhanced mechanical properties.     

Development of catalysts for hydrogen generation from hydride compounds

Catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH₄ and NH₃BH₃ has been studied. It was shown that the nature of the support and the active component of the catalyst affect the H₂ generation rate. Despite similar sizes of rhodium particles formed on the surface of different supports (γ-Al₂O₃, TiO₂, carbon), their reactivity is different. Rh/TiO₂ with low rhodium concentration (1 wt.%) is the most active catalyst both in the hydrolysis of NaBH₄ and NH₃BH₃. The obtained results show that the rhodium chloride interaction with titania determines the reactivity of rhodium particles formed under action of NaBH₄ medium. TEM, DRS UV–vis and XPS were used to characterize the catalysts.     

To treat or not to treat: comparison of different criteria used to determine whether weight loss is to be recommended

Background  

Excess body fat is a major risk factor for disease primarily due to its endocrine activity. In recent years several criteria have been introduced to evaluate this factor. Nevertheless, treatment need is currently assessed only on the basis of an individual's Body Mass Index (BMI), calculated as body weight (in kg) divided by height in m². The aim of our study was to determine whether application of the BMI, compared to adiposity-based criteria, results in underestimation of the number of subjects needing lifestyle intervention.     

A review on queueing network models with finite capacity queues for software architectures performance prediction

A review is carried out on how queueing network models with blocking have been applied so far into the performance evaluation and prediction of Software Architectures (SA). Queueing network models with finite capacity queues and blocking have recently been introduced and applied as more realistic models of systems with finite capacity resources and population constraints. Queueing network models have been often adopted as models for the evaluation of software performance. Starting from our own experience, we observe the need of a more accurate definition of the performance models of SA to capture some features of the communication systems. We consider queueing networks with finite capacity and blocking after service (BAS) to represent some synchronization constraints that cannot be easily modeled with queueing network models with infinite capacity queues. We investigate the use of queueing networks with blocking as performance models of SA with concurrent components and synchronous communication. Queueing theoretic analysis is used to solve the queueing network model and study the synchronous communication and performance of concurrent software components. Our experience is supported by other approaches that also propose the use of queueing networks with blocking. Directions for future research work in the field are included.     

Towards real CAD

Present-day computer-aided design (CAD) packages play only a small part in the area of mechanical engineering design, which involves the synthesis and embodiment of physical components to perform a pre-determined function without unwanted side effects. The computer cannot properly help the designer in this task until it is able to capture and process the function requirements of the design. This paper describes the computer system being developed for this purpose at the Engineering Design Centre at Cambridge University Engineering Department. The paper also explores some of the geometrical and programming implications raised.     

Inference, inquiry, evidence censorship, and explanation inconnectionist expert systems

The combination of the techniques of expert systems and neural networks has the potential of producing more powerful systems, for example, expert systems able to learn from experience. In this paper, we address the combinatorial neural model (CNM), a kind of fuzzy neural network able to accommodate in a simple framework the highly desirable property of incremental learning, as well as the usual capabilities of expert systems. We show how an interval-based representation for membership grades makes CNM capable of reasoning with several types of uncertainty: vagueness, ignorance, and relevance commonly found in practical applications. In addition, we show how basic functions of expert systems such as inference, inquiry, censorship of input information, and explanation may be implemented. We also report experimental results of the application of CNM to the problem of deforestation monitoring of the Amazon region using satellite images