The fastest,simplified method of Lyapunov exponents spectrum estimation for continuous-time dynamical systems

Nonlinear Dynamics - Classical method of Lyapunov exponents spectrum estimation for a n-th-order continuous-time, smooth dynamical system involves Gram–Schmidt orthonormalization and...     

Temperature-Controlled Stereodivergent Synthesis of 2,2′-Biflavanones Promoted by Samarium Diiodide

In this work, the first example of a radical stereodivergent reaction directed towards the stereoselective synthesis of both (R*,R*)- and (R*,S*)-2,2′-biflavanones promoted by samarium diiodide is reported. Control experiments showed that the selectivity of this reaction was exclusively controlled by the temperature. It was possible to generate a variety of 2,2′-biflavanones bearing different substitution patterns at the aromatic ring in good-to-quantitative yields, being both stereoisomers of the desired compounds obtained with total or high control of selectivity. A mechanism that explains both the generation of the corresponding 2,2′-biflavanones and the selectivity is also discussed. The structure and stereochemistry determination of each isomer was unequivocally elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments.     

Some results on linear nabla Riemann-Liouville fractional difference equations

In this paper, we establish some criteria for boundedness, stability properties, and separation of solutions of autonomous nonlinear nabla Riemann-Liouville scalar fractional difference equations. To derive these results, we prove the variation of constants formula for nabla Riemann-Liouville fractional difference equations.     

Near-Ultraviolet Circular Dichroism and Two-Dimensional Spectroscopy of Polypeptides

A fully quantitative theory of the relationship between protein conformation and optical spectroscopy would facilitate deeper insights into biophysical and simulation studies of protein dynamics and folding. In contrast to intense bands in the far-ultraviolet, near-UV bands are much weaker and have been challenging to compute theoretically. We report some advances in the accuracy of calculations in the near-UV, which were realised through the consideration of the vibrational structure of the electronic transitions of aromatic side chains.     

Recent advances on the use of active anodes in environmental electrochemistry

Active anodes, especially those consisting of metal mixed oxides (MMOs) containing Ru and/or Ir oxides, have been applied in the treatment of wastewater, especially when chloride ions are present. Their characteristics continuously drive the study of applications of these materials, be they in the degradation of different organic molecules, the preparation of new electrode materials and in the association of various processes to increase pollutant removal. Thus, this brief review aims to present some of the recent advances in the application of active anode materials in environmental electrochemistry. Focussing on the 2018–2020 period, it is possible to note many applied studies, using commercially available materials, covering a wide range of target pollutants. Still other studies aim to modify the catalyst surfaces to increase the mineralization capacity, and the use of these anodes in the production of free chlorine species to mediate indirect organic reduction is observed.     

Sustainable Drying and Torrefaction Processes of Miscanthus for Use as a Pelletized Solid Biofuel and Biocarbon-Carrier for Fertilizers

Miscanthus is resistant to dry, frosty winters in Poland and most European Union countries. Miscanthus gives higher yields compared to native species. Farmers can produce Miscanthus pellets after drying it for their own heating purposes. From the third year, the most efficient plant development begins, resulting in a yield of 25–30 tons of dry matter from an area of 1 hectare. Laboratory scale tests were carried out on the processes of drying, compacting, and torrefaction of this biomass type. The analysis of the drying process was conducted at three temperature levels of the drying agent (60, 100, and 140 °C). Compaction on a hydraulic press was carried out in the pressure range characteristic of a pressure agglomeration (130.8–457.8 MPa) at different moisture contents of the raw material (0.5% and 10%). The main interest in this part was to assess the influence of drying temperature, moisture content, and compaction pressure on the specific densities (DE) and the mechanical durability of the pellets (DU). In the next step, laboratory analyses of the torrefaction process were carried out, initially using the Thermogravimetric Analysis TGA and Differential Scaning Calorimeter DSC techniques (to assess activation energy (EA)), followed by a flow reactor operating at five temperature levels (225, 250, 275, 300, and 525 °C). A SEM analysis of Miscanthus after torrefaction processes at three different temperatures was performed. Both the parameters of biochar (proximate and ultimate analysis) and the quality of the torgas (volatile organic content (VOC)) were analyzed. The results show that both drying temperature and moisture level will affect the quality of the pellets. Analysis of the torrefaction process shows clearly that the optimum process temperature would be around 300–340 °C from a mass loss ratio and economical perspective.     

Transport properties of ephedrine hydrochloride through poly(vinyl alcohol) matrices—a simple method for enantiomeric differentiation

Equilibrium and transport properties have been investigated of ephedrines, a class of sympathomimetic amines, through cryogel membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The effect of the PVA (10 to 18 % (w/v)) on the release properties of (1S,2R)-(+)-ephedrine hydrochloride has been discussed on the basis of partition–diffusion and power-law models. The effect of PVA concentration on the swelling degree of PVA–ephedrine matrices have been measured, allowing the estimation of the volume fraction of polymer in the gel. Ephedrine release rate constants, computed by using a first-order kinetics approach, have been modeled by using free-volume and hydrodynamic-scaling models. Differences in the release properties of the ephedrine isomers, (1S,2R)-(+)- and (1R,2S)-(?)-ephedrine as their hydrochlorides, have also been studied at different temperatures. The release kinetic constants and the corresponding activation energies show a marked discrimination between the two ephedrine isomers. This suggests that PVA cryogel membranes possess high potential for enantiomeric differentiation.     

Surface Trapping and STM Observation of Conformational Isomers of a Bis(Terpyridine) Ligand from Metallosupramolecular Grids

Tetranuclear Co‐grid complexes incorporating bis‐tridentate ligands, namely 4,6‐bis(2,2′‐bipyrid‐6‐yl)‐2‐phenylpyrimidine, were electrosprayed onto a Au(111) substrate under an ultrahigh vacuum. Fragmentation occurs leaving the ligands in four different conformations. Most ligands are found to form H‐bonded dimers. The most abundant conformer of the ligand on the Au surface is an asymmetric form, which has not been observed before. The present results indicate that the fragmentation of coordination compounds during the deposition process, in principle, allows for surface trapping, identification, and investigation of high energy, out‐of‐equilibrium conformations of the ligand molecules at low temperatures, which otherwise would not be observable.