Linear Quadratic Gaussian Homing for Markov Processes with Regime Switching and Applications to Controlled Population Growth/Decay

Methodology and Computing in Applied Probability - The problem of optimally controlling one-dimensional diffusion processes until they enter a given stopping set is extended to include Markov...     

Path integral quantization corresponding to the deformed Heisenberg algebra

In this paper, the deformation of the Heisenberg algebra, consistent with both the generalized uncertainty principle and doubly special relativity, has been analyzed. It has been observed that, though this algebra can give rise to fractional derivative terms in the corresponding quantum mechanical Hamiltonian, a formal meaning can be given to them by using the theory of harmonic extensions of function. Depending on this argument, the expression of the propagator of the path integral corresponding to the deformed Heisenberg algebra, has been obtained. In particular, the consistent expression of the one dimensional free particle propagator has been evaluated explicitly. With this propagator in hand, it has been shown that, even in free particle case, normal generalized uncertainty principle and doubly special relativity show very much different result.     

Normal forms for nonlinear control systems with scalar output

We propose a normal form for nonlinear control systems with scalar output. We follow an approach proposed by Poincaré and adapted for control systems by Kang and Krener which consists of analyzing, step-by-step, the action of the change of coordinates on the system. To cite this article: I.A. Tall, M. Balde, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 341 (2005).     

Fractal analysis of hydroxyapatite from nitrogen isotherms

Samples of calcium hydroxyapatite, CaHap, were prepared via a wet method and subjected to thermal treatment in air in the temperature range 100-900 degrees C. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms were obtained on different samples, and their data points were used to analyze the fractal properties of the obtained solids. Both FHH and Neimark's equations were used for such purpose, and the agreement or disagreements between obtained results on using both equations are discussed. Considering the appropriate values of the obtained surface fractal dimensions D, it was concluded that an appreciable defractalization of the prepared hydroxyapatite is only noted upon calcinations at 900 degrees C. Below this temperature the loss in surface area and pore volume result from simultaneous bulk and surface mass transport, which conserve the initial surface roughness and average pore radius. Calcination at 900 degrees C caused sintering to proceed via bulk mass transport, with a consequent pore widening and a decrease in surface roughness.     

Adsorption of Molybdenum on Titania from Aqueous Solutions

The adsorption of Mo from dilute aqueous solutions (10(-3) to 3x10(-2) M) is effected on three samples of titania, two are anatase and the third is P25, which is composed of rutile and anatase. The adsorption isotherms at 298, 318, and 338 K are analyzed using a Langmuir linear equation. The isotherms on P25 showed a distinct inflection point that is reproduced by two linear portions, indicating different adsorption regimes. This adsorption behavior is explained as follows: with low amount adsorbed the adsorption is initiated by protonation of the basic hydroxyls on which the negatively charged MoO(4)(2-')s are adsorbed, and this is accompanied by an increase in the pH of the impregnating solution. At higher adsorption the coordinatively unsaturated Ti(4+) sites participate in the process, leading to a decline in the initial increase in pH. In the case of the two anatase samples the low surface area resulted in poor distribution of adsorption sites; consequently, the distinction between the two modes of adsorption was not entirely clear. The higher adsorption site density in the case of anatase is accompanied by a lower surface coverage, θ, than that for P25. The heat of adsorption, Q, on the three titania samples showed a linear increase with θ, which is represented by the regression equation: -Q=95.77θ-4.25 (R(2)=0.993). Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Adsorption of Some Essential Amino Acids on Hydroxyapatite

Samples of synthetic hydroxyapatite, Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2), obtained by wet method and calcined at 1173 K in air were used in an adsorption study of some essential amino acids, mainly histidine, methionine, and tryptophan. Adsorption isotherms were obtained using aqueous solutions of concentration range 2.7x10(-2)-1.3x10(-3) M at 303, 318, and 343 K, under near neutral conditions. The mode of adsorption was studied using IR spectroscopy. The results are discussed in terms of the dependence of the adsorption process both on the functional groups on the hydroxyapatite and on the solution chemistry of the aqueous amino acids solutions. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.     

Improvement of plant parameters of the ROBO gamma irradiation facility due to design modification

Two industrial scale, “ROBO” type ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation facilities have recently been put into operation in Syria and Peru, and the dosimetry commissioning of both plants have been carried out to determine dose distribution within products and to calculate plant parameters such as efficiency, dose uniformity ratio and throughput. There are some design modifications between the two plants in connection with the location of the carriers with respect to the source plaque and also to each other. The effect of these construction modifications on the plant parameters is discussed in the analysis of the dose distribution data measured in the carriers with depth and height among the four irradiation rows on both sides of the source plaque. The plant parameters were also calculated for different product densities using the technical data of the facilities, and the calculated and measured results were compared to each other.     

Photodegradation of UV-cured coatings II. Polyurethane–acrylate networks

Highly crosslinked aliphatic and aromatic polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) coatings have been obtained by photopolymerization of multifunctional monomers. The discoloration and chemical modifications occurring upon accelerated QUV aging were monitored by UV and IR spectroscopy. The polymers were found to undergo photooxidation and loss of carbamate and phenyl groups, with lower quantum yields (10^?3 mol photon^?1) than in related linear polymers. Hydroxy-phenyl benzotriazole UV-absorbers have a limited effect on the degradation rate, at the concentration used (0.5%). Hindered amines (HALS) are substantially more effective, especially in aliphatic PUA. A 20-fold increase in the stabilization efficiency was found with the UVA + HALS combination. Aromatic PUA are more difficult to stabilize, because of the strong absorption and photolysis of the phenyl group which yields colored products. Radical-induced oxidation is predominant in aliphatic PUA and develops with long kinetic chains, while in aromatic PUA it competes with direct photolysis.     

Close-packed C(70)(3-) phases - synthesis, structure, and electronic properties

The high symmetry and resulting electronic degeneracy of the C(60)(3)(-) anion is viewed as the key molecular feature in the high superconducting transition temperatures of fulleride and oxidized fullerene systems. The experimental evaluation of this hypothesis requires the synthesis of face-centered cubic (fcc) trivalent fulleride anion salts derived from higher fullerenes such as C(70), which have thus far proved elusive with only stable A(1)C(70), A(4)C(70), and A(6)C(70) phases known. In this paper, we report the synthesis of fcc A(3)C(70) phases stabilized by size-matching the tetrahedral site with the sodium cation. The structures are strongly dependent on the cooling protocol due to the existence of metastable partially or completely orientationally disordered phases. EPR data indicate that the phases are metallic but not superconducting. The densities of states at the Fermi level appear too low to give superconductivity at above 5 K, consistent with recent observations that four electrons per C(70) anion are required for superconductivity. Size-matching on both the octahedral and tetrahedral sites is required for A(3)C(70) stability - K(2)CsC(70) is only stable at elevated temperature and Na(2)C(70) is unstable, the composition corresponding to C(70) and a sodium-rich trigonal phase.