A node formulation for multistage stochastic programs with endogenous uncertainty

Computational Management Science - This paper introduces a node formulation for multistage stochastic programs with endogenous (i.e., decision-dependent) uncertainty. Problems with such structure...     

Polymer Membranes Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PMDLC): a new electro-optical device

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLCs) are liquid crystal dispersions in a polymer matrix, which look like opaque in their OFF state, when no electric field is applied, and transparent in their ON state. They are generally obtained by a phase separation process, such as Thermal, Solvent- and Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation (TIPS, SIPS and PIPS, respectively), between two transparent conductive glass substrates. In this paper, a new electro-optical device, formed by a porous polymer membrane imbibed with liquid crystal by capillary suction, is presented (Polymer Membranes Dispersed Liquid Crystals, PMDLC). Polymer membrane surfaces were made conductive before liquid crystal loading by magnetron sputtering of a thin layer of conductive indium tin oxide. The morphology and the electro-optical response of these devices were investigated and the observed transmittances and relaxation times were found to be similar to those of conventional PDLCs. In addition, PMDLCs showed interesting flexibility as no solid conductive substrate is required and economic convenience as there is no loss of liquid crystal in the polymer matrix.     

A survey on maritime fleet size and mix problems

This paper presents a literature survey on the fleet size and mix problem in maritime transportation. Fluctuations in the shipping market and frequent mismatches between fleet capacities and demands highlight the relevance of the problem and call for more accurate decision support. After analyzing the available scientific literature on the problem and its variants and extensions, we summarize the state of the art and highlight the main contributions of past research. Furthermore, by identifying important real life aspects of the problem which past research has failed to capture, we uncover the main areas where more research will be needed.     

Alginate Bioconjugate and Graphene Oxide in Multifunctional Hydrogels for Versatile Biomedical Applications

In this work, we combined electrically-conductive graphene oxide and a sodium alginate-caffeic acid conjugate, acting as a functional element, in an acrylate hydrogel network to obtain multifunctional materials designed to perform multiple tasks in biomedical research. The hybrid material was found to be well tolerated by human fibroblast lung cells (MRC-5) (viability higher than 94%) and able to modify its swelling properties upon application of an external electric field. Release experiments performed using lysozyme as the model drug, showed a pH and electro-responsive behavior, with higher release amounts and rated in physiological vs. acidic pH. Finally, the retainment of the antioxidant properties of caffeic acid upon conjugation and polymerization processes (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values of 1.77 and 1.48, respectively) was used to quench the effect of hydrogen peroxide in a hydrogel-assisted lysozyme crystallization procedure.     

Behavior of Adhesively Bonded Concrete-CFRP Joints at Low and High Temperatures

This paper presents an evaluation of the results obtained from an initial study carried out at the IBMB, Technical University of Braunschweig, on the influence of temperature on adhesively bonded plate-concrete joint systems. The results of a theoretical model are also presented. The type of specimen used in this study is a three-point bending beam. The concrete specimens were prismatic in form, 100 × 100 × 700 mm without an internal steel reinforcement, strengthened at the intradoss with two types of UD CFRP lamina 20 mm wide and 590 mm long of thickness 1.4 mm for the E = 300 GPa type and 1.24 mm for the E = 175 GPa type. The plate-bonded specimens were designed to produce bending failure under a load, by not bonding the lamina and the concrete around the midspan of the specimens. The specimens were tested to failure at –100°, –30°, and +40°C after an approximately homogeneous temperature distribution within the concrete specimen has been reached. For comparison only, specimens of the same type were tested to failure at room temperature. The results obtained showed varying behavior of the bonded plate-concrete joint depending on variations in temperature. Furthermore, they showed different failure mechanisms. Greater reductions in the ultimate bond force were recorded for the test specimens strengthened with lamina having a high elastic modulus. A reasonable correlation was found between the experimental and theoretical results.