Robust adaptive synchronization of uncertain complex networks with multiple time‐varying coupled delays

In this article, the synchronization problem of uncertain complex networks with multiple coupled time‐varying delays is studied. The synchronization criterion is deduced for complex dynamical networks with multiple different time‐varying coupling delays and uncertainties, based on Lyapunov stability theory and robust adaptive principle. By designing suitable robust adaptive synchronization controllers that have strong robustness against the uncertainties in coupling matrices, the all nodes states of complex networks globally asymptotically synchronize to a desired synchronization state. The numerical simulations are given to show the feasibility and effectiveness of theoretical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 20: 62–73, 2015     

A fast, comprehensive screening method for doping agents in urine by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

The use of performance enhancing drugs in sports is prohibited. For the detection of misuse of such substances gas chromatography or liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry are the most frequently used detection techniques. In this work the development and validation of a fast gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometric method for the detection of a wide range of doping agents is described. The method can determine 13 endogenous steroids (the steroid profile), 19-norandrosterone, salbutamol and 11-nor-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol.9carboxylic acid in the applicable ranges and to detect qualitatively over 140 substances in accordance with the minimum required performance levels of the World Anti-Doping Agency in 1ml of urine. The classes of substances included in the method are anabolic steroids, β2-agonists, stimulants, narcotics, hormone antagonists and modulators and beta-blockers. Moreover, using a short capillary column and hydrogen as a carrier gas the run time of the method is less than 8min.     

Complete <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-Curvature Homogeneous Pseudo-Riemannian Manifolds

Abstract. For k ≥ 2, we exhibit complete k-curvature homogeneous neutral signature pseudo-Riemannian manifolds which are not locally affine homogeneous (and hence not locally homogeneous). All the local scalarWeyl invariants of these manifolds vanish. These manifolds are Ricci flat, Osserman, and Ivanov-Petrova. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 53B20     

Improvement of corrosion resistance of AA6061 alloy by tapioca starch in seawater

This study examines the use of tapioca starch for improvement of corrosion resistance of AA6061 alloy in seawater. Gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarization, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance measurements were employed to study the corrosion behavior of AA6061 alloy in seawater. The electrochemical measurements for AA6061 alloy in seawater showed that the presence of tapioca starch significantly decreases the corrosion rates, corrosion current densities (i_corr), and double layer capacitance (C_dl), simultaneously increases the values of polarization resistance (R_p). The inhibition efficiencies increase with increasing of tapioca starch concentration. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm fits well with the experimental data. The nature of adsorption of tapioca starch on the metal surface has also been examined. The analysis of SEM and EDS confirmed the formation of precipitates of tapioca starch on the metal surface, which reduced the overall corrosion reaction.