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.     

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.     

热光伏能量转换器件的热力学极限与优化性能预测

受不可逆损失的影响,热光伏能量转换器件在高品位热能回收与利用方面受到限制.本文揭示不可逆损失来源,提供热光伏能量转换器件性能提升方案.利用半导体物理和普朗克热辐射理论,确定热光伏能量转换器件在理想条件下的最大效率.进而考虑Auger与Shockley-Reed-Hall非辐射复合和不可逆传热损失对光伏电池的电学、光学和热学特性的影响,预测热光伏器件优化性能.确定功率密度、效率和光子截止能量的优化区间.结果表明:相比于理想热光伏器件,非理想热光伏器件的开路电压、短路电流密度和效率有所降低;优化热光伏电池电压、光子截止能量和热源温度,可提升器件的功率密度和效率.通过对比发现理论与实验结果较一致,所得结果可为实际热光伏能量转换器件的研制提供理论指导.     

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.