Existence of multiple and sign-changing solutions for a second-order nonlinear functional difference equation with periodic coefficients

In the present paper, we apply the method of invariant sets of descending flow to establish a series of criteria to ensure that a second-order nonlinear functional difference equation with periodic boundary conditions possesses at least one trivial solution and three nontrivial solutions. These nontrivial solutions consist of sign-changing solutions, positive solutions and negative solutions. Moreover, as an application of our theoretical results, an example is elaborated. Our results generalize and improve some existing ones.     

Physical,Thermal and Biological Properties of Yellow Dyes with Two Azodiphenylether Groups of Anthracene

Two yellow bis-azo dyes containing anthracene and two azodiphenylether groups (BPA and BTA) were prepared, and an extensive investigation of their physical, thermal and biological properties was carried out. The chemical structure was confirmed by the FTIR spectra, while from the UV–Vis spectra, the quantum efficiency of the laser fluorescence at the 476.5 nm was determined to be 0.33 (BPA) and 0.50 (BTA). The possible transitions between the energy levels of the electrons of the chemical elements were established, identifying the energies and the electronic configurations of the levels of transition. Both crystals are anisotropic, the optical phenomenon of double refraction of polarized light (birefringence) taking place. Images of maximum illumination and extinction were recorded when the crystals of the bis-azo compounds rotated by 90° each, which confirms their birefringence. A morphologic study of the thin films deposited onto glass surfaces was performed, proving the good adhesion of both dyes. By thermal analysis and calorimetry, the melting temperatures were determined (~224–225 °C for both of them), as well as their decomposition pathways and thermal effects (enthalpy variations during undergoing processes); thus, good thermal stability was exhibited. The interaction of the two compounds with collagen in the suede was studied, as well as their antioxidant activity, advocating for good chemical stability and potential to be safely used as coloring agents in the food industry.     

不同浓度的尾砂胶结充填体破坏过程 声发射特性试验研究*

制备了3种不同质量浓度的充填体试件，进行了单轴压缩声发射试验，分析了不同浓度的充填体力学特性，重点研究了试件破坏过程中的声发射振铃计数、声发射累计撞击数与声发射累计能量的比值(r值)、主频及其相对高频信号激增响应系数特征。研究表明：随着浓度的增加，充填体的峰值强度与弹性模量呈增大趋势，充填体中出现的声发射累计振铃计数越多；r值先升高再持续减小到一个较低值，随着外载荷的增加，进入缓慢升高阶段，峰值前均保持在该阶段。充填体破裂前兆信息在声发射信号主频分布中呈现主频段增多现象，表现为由加载初期的1~2个主频段，在临界主破裂时增多到3~5个主频段；且随着浓度的增加，声发射信号主频频段分布越宽，声发射相对高频信号(160~180 kHz)的激增响应系数呈递减趋势。以上特征可为不同浓度的尾砂胶结充填体稳定性监测、预测提供依据。     

Capturing the experimental behaviour of a point-absorber WEC by simplified numerical models

The paper presents a wave basin experiment of a direct-driven point-absorber wave energy converter moving in six degrees of freedom. The goal of the work is to study the dynamics and energy absorption of the wave energy converter, and to verify under which conditions numerical models restricted to heave can capture the behaviour of a point-absorber moving in six degrees of freedom. Several regular and irregular long-crested waves and different damping values of the power take-off system have been tested. We collected data in terms of power output, device motion in six degrees of freedom and wave elevation at different points of the wave basin. A single-body numerical model in the frequency domain and a two-body model in the time domain are used in the study. Motion instabilities due to parametric resonance observed during the experiments are discussed and analysis of the buoy motion in terms of the Mathieu instability is also presented. Our results show that the simplified models can reproduce the body dynamics of the studied converter as long as the transverse non-linear instabilities are not excited, which typically is the case in irregular waves. The performance of the more complex time domain model is able to reproduce both the buoy and PTO dynamics, while the simpler frequency domain model can only reproduce the PTO dynamics for specific cases. Finally, we show that the two-body dynamics of the studied wave energy converter affects the power absorption significantly, and that common assumptions in the numerical models, such as stiff mooring line or that the float moves only in heave, may lead to incorrect predictions for certain sea states.     

Pattern formation in a variable diffusion predator–prey model with additive Allee effect

This paper deals with a variable diffusion predator–prey model with additive Allee effect. A good understanding of the existence of steady states is gained for the case  $\sigma =0$. The result shows that the reduce problem has multiple solutions. Moreover, by applying the singular perturbation method, we give a proof of existence of large amplitude solutions when  $\sigma$ is sufficiently small.