Stochastic modeling of quality of systems operating in a heterogeneous environment

We consider systems that are subject to an external mixed Poisson shock process. Each shock can result in a failure of a system with a given probability and is survived with the complementary probability. Each shock additionally decreases the quality function that describes the performance of a system, thus forming the corresponding stochastic process. Expectations (unconditional and conditional on survival) and relevant variability characteristics for the stochastic quality function are derived. Some monotonicity properties of the conditional quality function are investigated and the future values of this function are derived.     

An experimental and theoretical study on the kinetics of the reaction between 4‐hydroxy‐3‐hexanone CH3CH2C(O)CH(OH)CH2CH3 and OH radicals

Experimental and theoretical rate coefficients are determined for the first time for the reaction of 4‐hydroxy‐3‐hexanone (CH₃CH₂C(O)CH(OH)CH₂CH₃) with OH radicals as a function of temperature. Experimental studies were carried out using two techniques. Absolute rate coefficients were measured using a cryogenically cooled cell coupled to the pulsed laser photolysis‐laser‐induced fluorescence technique with temperature and pressure ranges of 280‐365 K and 5‐80 Torr, respectively. Relative values of the studied reaction were measured under atmospheric pressure in the range of 298‐354 K by using a simulation chamber coupled to a FT‐IR spectrometer. In addition, the reaction of 4H3H with OH radicals was studied theoretically by using the density functional theory method over the range of 278‐350 K. Results show that H‐atom abstraction occurs more favorably from the C–H bound adjacent to the hydroxyl group with small barrier height. Theoretical rate coefficients are in good agreement with the experimental data. A slight negative temperature dependence was observed in both theoretical and experimental works. Overall, the results are deliberated in terms of structure–reactivity relationship and atmospheric implications.     

Evaluation of Charged Defect Energy in Two-Dimensional Semiconductors for Nanoelectronics: The WLZ Extrapolation Method

Defects play a central role in controlling the electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials and realizing the industrialization of 2D electronics. However, the evaluation of charged defects in 2D materials within first-principles calculation is very challenging and has triggered a recent development of the WLZ (Wang, Li, Zhang) extrapolation method. This method lays the foundation of the theoretical evaluation of energies of charged defects in 2D materials within the first-principles framework. Herein, the vital role of defects for advancing 2D electronics is discussed, followed by an introduction of the fundamentals of the WLZ extrapolation method. The ionization energies (IEs) obtained by this method for defects in various 2D semiconductors are then reviewed and summarized. Finally, the unique defect physics in 2D dimensions including the dielectric environment effects, defect ionization process, and carrier transport mechanism captured with the WLZ extrapolation method are presented. As an efficient and reasonable evaluation of charged defects in 2D materials for nanoelectronics and other emerging applications, this work can be of benefit to the community.     

Adoption of Common Schemes for Single and Sequential Extractions of Trace Metal in Soils and Sediments

Abstract

The various methods for determining the mode of occurrence of trace metals in sediments and soils have a long history which dates back to the determinations of the availability of metals for plant nutrition performed earlier. Various methods have been developed in the 70′s and 80′s dealing with both single and sequential extraction schemes. Although some schemes received wide acceptance, none of them developed into a commonly accepted procedure. As a result, the information obtained was site-specific and the interpretation of the results scientist-specific. The workshop on single and sequential extraction in sediments and soils held at Sitges     

Measurements Of Biogenic Hydrocarbons And Their Atmospheric Degradation In Forests

Abstract

An analytical procedure for the sampling and quantitative determination of biogenic hydrocarbons in the atmosphere is presented. The method is based on the adsorptive preconcentration of the hydrocarbons using Tenax TA/Carbopack B filled sampling tubes followed by thermodesorption of the trapped compounds and gas chromatographic analysis. To avoid losses of the biogenic alkenes as a consequence of their reaction with ozone on the adsorbents during the sampling step, an ozone scrubber is used in front of the adsorption tubes. Diurnal variations of the monoterpene- and ozone-concentrations are determined at different heights in and above a forest stand (coniferous and deciduous trees) in the Vosges (Col du Donon, 760 m a.s.l.) in order to elucidate the importance of terpene-oxidation reactions on the formation of peroxidic products in forest air.     

基于激光雷达数据SVM分类的室内环境识别研究

语义地图构建对移动机器人导航与规划具有重要意义，而环境分类是语义地图构建的核心问题。目前所采用的环境分类方法匹配率较低，已成为语义地图构建所面临的主要问题。对此笔者提出了一种基于支持向量机的分类方法，该方法利用激光雷达数据提取环境几何特征，训练SVM分类器对机器人工作空间模式进行识别，并将所提算法用于室内环境的语义分类。实验结果表明，该分类方法具有较高的识别率，可有效地实现语义地图构建。     

Vanadium Chloroperoxidases: The Missing Link in the Formation of Chlorinated Compounds and Chloroform in the Terrestrial Environment?

It is well established that the majority of chlorinated organic substances found in the terrestrial environment are produced naturally. The presence of these compounds in soils is not limited to a single ecosystem. Natural chlorination is also a widespread phenomenon in grasslands and agricultural soils typical for unforested areas. These chlorinated compounds are formed from chlorination of natural organic matter consisting of very complex chemical structures, such as lignin. Chlorination of several lignin model compounds results in the intermediate formation of trichloroacetyl‐containing compounds, which are also found in soils. These decay, in general, through a haloform‐type reaction mechanism to CHCl₃. Upon release into the atmosphere, CHCl₃ will produce chlorine radicals through photolysis, which will, in turn, lead to natural depletion of ozone. There is evidence that fungal chloroperoxidases able to produce HOCl are involved in the chlorination of natural organic matter. The objective of this review is to clarify the role and source of the various chloroperoxidases involved in the natural formation of CHCl₃.     

Single‐step oxidative homocoupling of aryl Grignard reagents via Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) Complexes under air

A simple catalytic system of direct synthesis for the symmetrical biaryls using catalytic amounts of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes has been developed. The reaction system involves in situ synthesis of Grignard reagents. The complexes, containing bidentate Schiff base and dmit (2‐thioxo‐1,3‐dithiole‐4,5‐dithiolate) ligands, were compatible with diverse functionalities and afford a high yield of biaryls in a single step, proving to be promising catalysts in homocoupling reactions. Atmospheric oxygen is used as an oxidant which renders a green, simple and economical catalytic route. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.