Full-state neural network observer-based hybrid quantum diagonal recurrent neural network adaptive tracking control

Neural Computing and Applications - This study introduces a neural network (NN) adaptive tracking controller-based reinforcement learning (RL) scheme for unknown nonlinear systems. First, an...     

Facile Fabrication of Povidone Iodine-Embedded Polytetrafluoroethylene Superhydrophobic Films with Improved Antiadhesive and Bactericidal Properties in Bacterial Environments

It remains a challenge to maintain the antiadhesion properties of superhydrophobic films after exposure to bacterial environments. In this work, superhydrophobic bactericidal polymer films via the simple incorporation of polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine (PVP-I) or iodine into polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are fabricated to improve their antiadhesive and antibacterial capability. Superhydrophobic iodine-embedded films, polytetrafluoroethylene/polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine and polytetrafluoroethylene-iodine (PTFE/PVP-I and PTFE-I), show excellent antiadhesive and bactericidal performances even post exposure to bacterial solutions as compared to iodine-free counterparts by controlling the release of iodine. Especially, superhydrophobic PTFE/PVP-I films display a more sustained iodine release profile and significant antibacterial properties against gram-positive (S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)) and gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria. Such a facile combination of antiseptic agents and superhydrophobic surface could be widely used for antiseptic biomedical applications.     

In situ visualization of drop deformation,erosion, and breakup in high viscosity ratio polymeric systems under high shearing stress conditions

In this paper, deformation and breakup under simple shear of single molten polymer drops in a polymer matrix were investigated. Flow visualization was carried out in a Couette‐Flow apparatus under relatively high shear rates and temperatures up to 230°C. Drop/Matrix combinations were composed of polystyrene drops of 0.5–0.6 mm in diameter in polyethylene matrix, and ethylene–propylene copolymer drops of approximately the same size in polypropylene matrix. The deformation and breakup processes were studied under steady state and time‐dependent shearing conditions. Either for steady state or time‐dependant shearing conditions, drop elasticity generated at relatively high shear rates helped the drops to align perpendicular to the flow direction, i.e., parallel to vorticity axis. Also, the most striking non‐Newtonian effects for the high viscosity ratio systems were the surface erosion and the drop splitting mechanisms. The particles eroded off the main droplet surface were very fine, in the range of 10–50 μm, and led to a significant reduction in main drop size before its final breakup. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2582–2591, 2006     

Biochemical and physiological studies of certain ticks (Ixodoidea): Isolation and partial identification of a new fatty acid in eggs ofDermacentor andersoni Stiles (Ixodidae)

Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters from eggs ofDermacentor andersoni Stiles (Ixodidae) revealed the presence of significant quantities (15% total fatty acids) of an unidentified component with a retention time between C_18∶3−C_22∶0 fatty acids. Smaller amounts of the unidentified component (ca. 5% total fatty acid) also were detected in host rabbit serum. Purified, the unidentified component's methyl ester collected from the tick eggs by preparative gas liquid chromatography was partially identified and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic analyses. The evidence suggests that the unidentified component is a methyl branched C₁₅ tricarboxylic acid containing two vicinal carboxylic acid groups. Biosynthesis of the unidentified component by the tick is under investigation.     

Physical and Sexual Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Although several studies have examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and drug use among women in drug treatment programs, more information is needed to delineate differences, as a function of the specific drug used. Data from a random sample of 416 women attending methadone programs were analyzed to elucidate the differential associations between IPV and use of the following: marijuana only, cocaine only, heroin only, or cocaine and heroin. Prevalence of IPV among this sample far exceeded estimates from the general population. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, use of cocaine only was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing IPV compared with no drug use. Similar results were found for women using both cocaine and heroin. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adsorption behavior of Co(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solutions onto titanate nanotubes

Adsorption of Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ from aqueous solutions onto titanate nanotubes (TNTs) synthesized by hydrothermal method in single and binary systems was investigated. The prepared TNTs were completely characterized showing very high surface area compared to previous studies (320 m²/g). The high surface area showed very good optimum removal conditions compared with previous studies (60 min contact time, 0.1 g TNTs dose at pH 5 and room temperature) with high adsorption capacity compared with previous studies as well as conventional adsorbent. Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal models were fitted during this study and Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich isotherms showed physisorption with exclusion of ion exchange mechanism. Pseudo first and second-order kinetics were studied showing more fitting to pseudo second-order equation. Binary system and calculation of separation coefficient showed high ability for Co²⁺ adsorption by TNTs than Ni⁺² in binary system.     

Morphology and properties of highly filled iPP/TiO2 nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticle containing 1–15 vol% (4.6–45.5 wt%) of the nanoparticle were prepared by the melt blending process. The effect of an anhydride‐modified polypropylene as a compatibilizer on dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles was assessed using SEM. TGA and DSC analysis were performed to study the thermal properties of the nanocomposites. Crystalline structures of iPP in the presence of TiO₂ were analyzed by XRD. Mechanical properties of the nanoparticles were measured and a micromechanical analysis was applied to quantify interface interaction between the polymer and particle. SEM results revealed improvement of TiO₂ particle dispersion by adding the compatibilizer. It was shown that the thermal stability and crystalline structure of the nanocomposite are significantly affected by the state of particle dispersion. TiO₂ nanoparticles were shown to be strong β‐nucleating agents for iPP, especially at concentrations less than 5 vol%. Presence of the β‐structure crystals reduced the elastic modulus and yield strength of the nanocomposites. Micromechanical analysis showed enhanced interaction between organic and inorganic phases of the compatibilized nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:874–886, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Biosorption of chromium (VI) from aqueous solution by seed powder of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruits

ABSTRACT

The solid residue of the cold press oil extraction from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruit seeds was evaluated as a low-cost biosorbent for biosorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Batch experiments were conducted as a function of initial pH, contact time, biosorbent dose, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and temperature. Biosorption was highly pH-dependent and found to be maximum at pH 1.0. Langmuir and Freundlich equations fitted very well with experimental data. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 19.61 mg/g at 298 K and pH 1.0. Biosorption kinetics was controlled by the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that biosorption of Cr(VI) was a spontaneous, favorable and endothermic process. The activation energy was found to be 40.68 kJ.mol^?1.     

Drop Deformation and Breakup Mechanisms in Viscoelastic Model Fluid Systems and Polymer Blends

This paper reviews the dispersion mechanisms in viscoelastic systems under relatively high shear rate conditions. In particular, two non‐Newtonian deformation and breakup mechanisms were revealed by flow visualization in a transparent Couette shearing setup. The first one is the dispersed droplet elongation perpendicular to the flow direction. This was observed only for viscoelastic drops and had been associated to normal force buildup in the droplet. The second deformation/breakup mechanism was observed in very high viscosity ratio polymer systems. It consists in erosion at the drop surface. Clouds of very small ribbons and sheets were developed around the drop then stretched and finally broken into very small droplets, rapidly distributed in the matrix.     

Radiation crosslinking and sorption properties of hydrogels based on 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone,hydroxyethyl methacrylate,and their copolymers

This work has been concerned with the synthesis of the hydrogels of poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (NVP), poly (hydroxy ethylmethacrylate) (HEMA), and their copolymer under the effect of gamma radiation in the presence of N,N‐methylenebisacryl‐amide (MBAm) as a crosslinking agent. The effect of the different factors that may affect the gelation and yield product, such as solvent composition and irradiation dose, was investigated. The formed hydrogels were characterized in terms of swelling in water and different organic solvents, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and IR spectroscopic analysis. The sorption capability of these hydrogels towards some commercial basic and acid dyesstuffs was also studied. The results showed that a solvent mixture composed of equal contents of water and methanol is the most suitable to afford the minimum sol fraction and the highest yield product at a minimal irradiation dose of 10 kGy. It was observed that NVP hydrogel displayed the highest swelling in water, alcohols, and dimethyformamide of ～1300% and a lower tendency to swell in nonpolar solvents. The results showed that HEMA hydrogel has a high affinity to absorb basic dyes while NVP has a tendency for acid dyes. Also, the sorption of either the basic or acid dyes by the different hydrogels was found to greatly depend on the concentration of dye in solution and the mass of the used hydrogel. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 3274–3280, 2004