On k-resonance of grid graphs on the plane,torus and cylinder

Grid graphs on the plane, torus and cylinder are finite 2-connected bipartite graphs embedded on the plane, torus and cylinder, respectively, whose every interior face is bounded by a quadrangle. Let \(k\) be a positive integer, a grid graph is \(k\) -resonant if the deletion of any \(i \le k\) vertex-disjoint quadrangles from \(G\) results in a graph either having a perfect matching or being empty. If \(G\) is \(k\) -resonant for any integer \(k \ge 1\) , then it is called maximally resonant. In this study, we provide a complete characterization for the \(k\) -resonance of grid graphs \(P_m\times P_n\) on plane, \(C_m\times C_n\) on torus and \(P_m\times C_n\) on cylinder.     

Effect of activation volume on the defect-induced anomalous electronic transport in Rb_{0.8}Fe_2Se_2

We adopted an absolute-reaction model which is considering the hole(defect)-induced charged frictionless transport to explain the unusual experiment: Two single crystalline samples of the same nominal composition Rb \(_{0.8}\) Fe \(_2\) Se \(_2\) were prepared using the self-flux technique via two different precursor routes. Although the difference in the final chemical composition falls within a narrow range, one was superconducting with a \(T_c \sim 31\) K, while the other behaves like a narrow gap semiconductor.     

Densities,Refractive Indices,Ultrasonic Speeds and Excess Properties of Acetonitrile + Poly(ethylene glycol) Binary Mixtures at Temperatures from 298.15 to 313.15 K

The densities, ρ, refractive indices, n _D, and ultrasonic speeds, u, of binary mixtures of acetonitrile (AN) with poly(ethylene glycol) 200 (PEG200), poly(ethylene glycol) 300 (PEG300) and poly(ethylene glycol) 400 (PEG400) were measured over the entire composition range at temperatures (298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15) K and at atmospheric pressure. From the experimental data, the excess molar volumes, \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \) , deviations in refractive indices, \( \Delta n_{\text{D}} \) , excess molar isentropic compressibility, \( K_{{s , {\text{m}}}}^{\text{E}} \) , excess intermolecular free length, \( L_{\text{f}}^{\text{E}} \) , and excess acoustic impedance, Z ^E, have been evaluated. The partial molar volumes, \( \overline{V}_{\text{m,1}} \) and \( \overline{V}_{\text{m,2}} \) , partial molar isentropic compressibilities, \( \overline{K}_{{s , {\text{m,1}}}} \) and \( \overline{K}_{{s , {\text{m,2}}}} \) , and their excess values over whole composition range and at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The variations of these properties with composition and temperature are discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The results indicate the presence of specific interactions among the AN and PEG molecules, which follow the order PEG200 < PEG300 < PEG400.     

Spin correlation in Pr IV and Tm IV free ions

The coefficients \(c_{k}\) (k = 2, 4, 6) that pertain to spin-correlated matrix elements of the tensor operator \({{\varvec{U}}}^{{\varvec{(k)}}}\) have been evaluated by means of the differences \({{\varvec{U}}}^{{\varvec{(k)}}}\) (intermediate) \(-\) \({{\varvec{U}}}^{{\varvec{(k)}}}\) (LS) and the reduced matrix elements of the operator \({{\varvec{V}}}^{{\varvec{(1k)}}}\) . Only spin-allowed transitions have been considered from each ground level to the excited energy levels within the \(4\hbox {f}^{2}\) and \(4\hbox {f}^{12}\) configurations of the free ions Pr (3+) and Tm (3+), respectively. The values of the coefficients \(c_{k}\) thus found correspond in most cases by sign and order of magnitude to those determined in other sources as corrections to lanthanide (3+) crystal-field parameters.     

Chaos in oscillatory sorption of hydrogen in palladium

Aperiodic oscillations in the sorption of hydrogen and deuterium in palladium have been observed. An expression relating the square of a function, with the derivative and integral with variable upper limit of the same function has been proved and proposed to be used as a base for a chaos-vs.-random test. The result of one “branch” of the test is a real number \(D \in [0,2]\) ; close to zero for the deterministic and smooth datasets, and approaching two for the random or discrete datasets. Another “branch” of the test, based on the same mathematical relation, produces two functions that appear to be convergent for deterministic and smooth datasets, but run totally divergent for random or discrete ones. The \(D\) -values yielded by deterministic time series, recorded in the periodic and quasiperiodic sorptions of H \(_{2}\) or D \(_{2}\) in Pd, are around 0.001. On the other hand, the databases that were presumably random or non-smooth yielded the test results from \(D= 0.2\) to \(D= 1.9\) . Against these benchmarks, the experimental, aperiodic oscillations scored around 0.003 in \(D\) , which is much closer to the deterministic than to a random manner.     

Thermodynamic investigations of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and cycloalkanone mixtures

The densities, ρ, speeds of sound, u, and heat capacities, (C _P)_mix, for binary 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (1) + cyclopentanone or cyclohexanone (2) mixtures within temperature range (293.15–308.15 K) and excess molar enthalpies, H ^E, at 298.15 K have been measured over the entire composition range. The excess molar volumes, V ^E, excess isentropic compressibilities, \( \kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}}, \) and excess heat capacities, \( C_{\text{P}}^{\text{E}}, \) have been computed from the experimental results. The V ^E, \( \kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}} \) , H ^E, and \( C_{\text{P}}^{\text{E}} \) values have been calculated and compared with calculated values from Graph theory. It has been observed that V ^E, \( \kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}} \) , H ^E, and \( C_{\text{P}}^{\text{E}} \) values were predicted by Graph theory compare well with their experimental values. The V ^E, \( \kappa_{\text{S}}^{\text{E}}, \) and H ^E thermodynamic properties have also been analyzed in terms of Prigogine–Flory–Patterson theory.     

Three–step method to determine the eutectic composition of binary and ternary mixtures

A three-step method to determine the eutectic composition of a binary or ternary mixture is introduced. The method consists in creating a temperature–composition diagram, validating the predicted eutectic composition via differential scanning calorimetry and subsequent T-History measurements. To test the three-step method, we use two novel eutectic phase change materials based on \(\mathrm{Zn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot 6\mathrm{H}_{2}{\mathrm O}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\)   respectively \(\mathrm{Mn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot 6\mathrm{H}_{2}{\hbox {O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) with equilibrium liquidus temperatures of 12.4 and 3.9  \(\,^{\circ }\mathrm {C}\) respectively with corresponding melting enthalpies of 135 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (237 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ) respectively 133 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (225 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ). We find eutectic compositions of 75/25 mass% for \(\mathrm{Zn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot \mathrm{6H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) and 73/27 mass% for \(\mathrm{Mn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot 6\mathrm{H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) . Considering a temperature range of 15 K around the phase change, a maximum storage capacity of about 172 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (302 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ) respectively 162 J \(\mathrm{g}^{-1}\) (274 J \(\mathrm{cm}^{-3}\) ) was determined for \(\mathrm{Zn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot \mathrm{6H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) respectively \(\mathrm{Mn}(\hbox {NO}_3)_2\cdot \mathrm{6H}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}\) and \(\mathrm{NH}_4\mathrm{NO}_3\) .     

Lamellar/Disorder Phase Transition in a Mixture of Water/2,6-Dimethylpyridine/Antagonistic Salt

The effects of adding an antagonistic salt, sodium tetraphenylborate ( \(\hbox {NaBPh}_4\) ), to a binary mixture of deuterated water and 2,6-dimethylpyridine were investigated by visual inspection, optical microscopy, and small-angle neutron scattering. With increasing salt concentration, the two-phase region shrinks. When the concentration of \(\hbox {NaBPh}_4\) is \(85\hbox { mmol}{\cdot} \hbox {L}^{-1}\) , a temperature-induced lamellar/disorder phase transition is observed at 338 K. These trends are similar to those observed for a mixture of water/3-methylpyridine/ \(\hbox {NaBPh}_4\) (Sadakane et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 103, 167803 (2009)).     

A preliminary study of gross alpha/beta activity concentrations in drinking waters from Albania

A pilot study involving screening measurements of gross alpha/beta activity concentration in drinking water was performed in 12 cities with the highest population density in Albania. The aim of this study was to develop a first insight regarding the radiological quality of drinking and bottled water supplies. The tap and bottled water samples investigated are acceptable for consumption, complying with the WHO recommendations for drinking water. The average gross alpha and beta activity concentrations were \( 36_{ - 18}^{ + 37} \) and \( 269_{ - 150}^{ + 337} \)  mBq/L, respectively in tap waters. While for bottled water the gross alpha and beta activities were respectively \( 39_{ - 23}^{ + 55} \) and \( 220_{ - 132}^{ + 336} \)  mBq/L. The data obtained can provide information for authorities regarding the quality of drinking water and a baseline for future contaminations.     

Methane preconcentration by adsorption: a methodology for materials and conditions selection

Methane (CH \(_4\) ) adsorption has been widely studied, mainly in the context of natural gas purification. A much less prominent, but highly relevant application is the preconcentration of CH \(_4\) from ambient air. In this study, we compare six different commercial adsorbent materials with respect to their effectiveness for methane preconcentration: a macroporous polymeric resin (HayeSep D), multi-walled carbon nanotubes, two microporous metal-organic frameworks (HKUST-1 and ZIF-8), and two zeolites (5A and 13X). The most relevant properties, such as isosteric enthalpy of adsorption, specific surface area and the selectivity for CH \(_4\) adsorption over N \(_2\) were characterized by analyzing adsorption/desorption isotherms. Using these parameters, we discuss the tested adsorbents with respect to the most important properties and identify the most promising candidates. Furthermore we identify the experimental conditions that are expected to give the best results with respect to practical applications.     

The principal measure and distributional (p, q)-chaos of a coupled lattice system with coupling constant \varepsilon =1 related with Belusov–Zhabotinskii reaction

We consider the following system coming from a lattice dynamical system stated by Kaneko (Phys Rev Lett, 65:1391–1394, 1990) which is related to the Belusov–Zhabotinskii reaction: $$\begin{aligned} x_{n}^{m+1}=(1-\varepsilon )f\left( x_{n}^{m}\right) +\frac{1}{2}\varepsilon \left[ f(x_{n-1}^{m})+f\left( x_{n+1}^{m}\right) \right] , \end{aligned}$$ where $m$ is discrete time index, $n$ is lattice side index with system size $L$ (i.e., $n=1, 2, \ldots , L$ ), $\varepsilon \ge 0$ is coupling constant, and $f(x)$ is the unimodal map on $I$ (i.e., $f(0)=f(1)=0$ , and $f$ has unique critical point $c$ with $0<c<1$ and $f(c)=1$ ). In this paper, we prove that for coupling constant $\varepsilon =1$ , this CML (Coupled Map Lattice) system is distributionally $(p, q)$ -chaotic for any $p, q\in [0, 1]$ with $p\le q$ , and that its principal measure is not less than $\mu _{p}(f)$ . Consequently, the principal measure of this system is not less than $\frac{2}{3}+\sum _{n=2}^{\infty }\frac{1}{n}\frac{2^{n-1}}{(2^{n}+1) (2^{n-1}+1)}$ for coupling constant $\varepsilon =1$ and the tent map $\Lambda $ defined by $\Lambda (x)=1-|1-2x|, x\in [0, 1]$ . So, our results complement the results of Wu and Zhu (J Math Chem, 50:2439–2445, 2012).     

Adsorption of binary mixtures on two-dimensional surfaces: theory and Monte Carlo simulations

The adsorption of binary mixtures on square lattices is studied by combining theoretical modeling and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in grand canonical ensemble. The adsorption thermodynamics is analyzed through the total and partial isotherms. Two theoretical models have been used in the present study: (i) the first, which we called cluster approximation (CA), is based on exact calculations of configurations on finite cells. An efficient algorithm allows us to calculate the detailed structure of the configuration space for \(m = l \times l \) cells; and (ii) the second is a generalization of the classical quasi-chemical approximation (QCA) in which the adsorbate is a binary mixture of species \(a\) and \(b\) . Adsorbate–adsorbate lateral interactions are incorporated in the context of the two mentioned approximations. Results from CA and QCA are compared with MC simulations. Close agreement between simulated and theoretical data supports the validity of the theoretical models to describe the adsorption of mixed gases on two-dimensional surfaces.     

Infrared Spectroscopy of \hbox {CH}_4/\hbox {N}_{2} and \hbox {C}_{2}\hbox {H}_{m}/\hbox {N}_{2} ({m = 2, 4, 6}) Gas Mixtures in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of \(\hbox {CH}_{4}/\hbox {N}_{2}\) and \(\hbox {C}_{2}\hbox {H}_{m}/\hbox {N}_2\) ( \(m = 2, 4, 6\) ) gas mixtures in a medium pressure (300 mbar) dielectric barrier discharge was performed. Consumption of the initial gas and formation of other hydrocarbon and of nitrogen-containing HCN and \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) molecules was observed. \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) formation was further confirmed by laser absorption measurements. The experimental result for \(\hbox {NH}_{3}\) is at variance with simulation results.     

Magnesium ionophore III as an effective receptor for trivalent europium and americium

Solvent extraction of microamounts of trivalent europium and americium into nitrobenzene by using a synergistic mixture of hydrogen dicarbollylcobaltate (H⁺B^?) and magnesium ionophore III (L) was studied. The equilibrium data were explained assuming that the species HL⁺, \( \text{HL}_{2}^{ + } , \) \( {\text{ML}}_{2}^{3 + } , \) and \( {\text{ML}}_{3}^{3 + } \) (M³⁺ = Eu³⁺, Am³⁺; L = magnesium ionophore III) are extracted into the nitrobenzene phase. The values of extraction and stability constants of the cationic complex species in nitrobenzene saturated with water were determined and discussed.     

Densities,viscosities, and excess properties for binary mixtures of ethylene glycol with amides at 308.15 K

The densities, ρ, and viscosities, η, of binary mixtures of ethylene glycol with formamide, N,N-dimethyl formamide and N,N-dimethyl acetamide, have been measured over the entire composition range at 308.15 K. From this experimental data, excess molar volume, \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \) , deviation in viscosity, Δη, and excess Gibbs free energy of activation of viscous flow, \( \Delta G^{{ * {\text{E}}}}, \) have been determined. Negative values of \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \) , Δη, and \( \Delta G^{{ * {\text{E}}}} \) are observed over the entire composition range in the mixtures studied. The observed negative values of various excess and deviation parameters are attributed to the existence of strong interactions, like dipole–dipole interactions, H-bonding between the carbonyl group of amide molecules, and hydroxyl group of glycol molecules, geometrical fitting of smaller molecules into the voids created by larger molecules in the liquid mixtures. The excess properties have been fitted to Redlich–Kister-type polynomial, and the corresponding standard deviations have been calculated. The derived partial molar volumes and excess partial molar volumes also support the \( V_{\text{m}}^{\text{E}} \) results. The experimental viscosity data of all of these liquid mixtures have been correlated with four viscosity models.     

Specific heat capacity and thermodynamic properties of CuTeO3 and HgTeO3

Tellurites of CuTeO₃ and HgTeO₃ are synthesized and their specific molar heat capacities are experimentally determined for the first time. The tellurites discussed in the present paper are used for preparation of optical glasses with special properties for optoelectronics, nuclear and power industries. The tellurites synthesized are prepared for chemical analysis, differential thermal analysis and X-ray analysis. The use of the tellurites studied is related to knowing their thermodynamic properties like specific molar heat capacity (C _p,m), enthalpy \( \left( {\Delta_{{{\text {T}}^{\prime}}}^{\text{T}} H_{\text{m}}^{0} } \right), \) entropy \( \left( {\Delta_{{{\text {T}}^{\prime}}}^{\text{T}} S_{\text{m}}^{0} } \right) \) and Gibbs energy \( \left( { - \Delta_{{{\text {T}}^{\prime}}}^{\text{T}} G_{\text{m}}^{0} } \right) \) . The temperature dependences of their molar heat capacities are determined using the least squares method. The thermodynamic properties are calculated: entropy, enthalpy and Gibbs function.     

Intrinsic viscosity of aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanofibrils

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) from wood fibers are of increasing interest to industry because they are from renewable sources and are biodegradable. Owing to their high aspect ratio, they produce viscous suspensions and stiff gels that are strengthened by interfibrillar hydrogen bonds. In this study, the viscosity of aqueous CNF suspensions, at dilute concentrations ( \(nL^{3}<1\) ), was measured at various pH values by addition of HCl, and at various ionic strengths by addition of NaCl and \(\hbox {CaCl}_{2}\) . The results show that the primary electroviscous effect significantly increases the intrinsic viscosity. The intrinsic viscosity under conditions where the surface charge of nanofibrils is fully screened is in good agreement with the predictions of classical theory for dispersions of rodlike particles at low shear rates. Increasing the ionic strength up to \(\kappa d\approx 1\) decreases the intrinsic viscosity; at \(\kappa d>1\) , the intrinsic viscosity increases because of fibril aggregation and increase of the effective volume fraction.     

Carbon nanotori and nanotubes encapsulating carbon atomic-chains

In this paper we investigate toroidal carbon nanotubes (carbon nanotori) encapsulating a single symmetrically located carbon atomic-chain. The interaction energy of the carbon chain is found from the Lennard-Jones potential using the continuous approach which assumes that atoms are uniformly distributed over the surface of the torus and the line of the circular chain with constant atomic surface and line densities, respectively. We assume that the chain is centrally located and that the carbon nanotorus is synthesized from a perfect carbon nanotube. We predict that the carbon chain can be encapsulated inside the carbon nanotorus when the cross-sectional radius \(r\) of the nanotorus is larger than 3.17 Å. At the minimum energy, a value of the toroidal radius \(R\) lies between 3.6 and 3.7 Å corresponding to each value of \(r\) . We also investigate the energy of carbon chains inside carbon nanotubes, which are (4,4), (5,5) and (10,0) tubes. We find that they are energetically favourable in (5,5) and (10,0) tubes, but not in a (4,4) tube, because it is geometrically too small, and these results are in agreement with existing studies. The same results for these three carbon nanotubes can also be obtained from the corresponding nanotori when \(R\) goes to infinity.     

Heat capacity and density of potassium iodide solutions in mixed N-methylpyrrolidone-water solvent at 298.15 K

The heat capacity and density of potassium iodide solutions in a mixed N-methylpyrrolidone (MP)-water solvent with a low content of the organic component are measured via calorimetry and densimetry at 298.15 K. Standard partial molal heat capacities \(\bar C_{p,2}^ \circ \) and volumes \(\bar V_2^ \circ \) of potassium iodide in MP-water mixtures are calculated. Standard heat capacities \(\bar C_{p,i}^ \circ \) and volumes \(\bar V_i^ \circ \) of potassium and iodide ions are determined. The character of the changes in heat capacity and volume are discussed on the basis of calculating additivity coefficients δ _c and δ _v upon the mixing of isomolal binary solutions KI-MP and KI-water, depending on the composition of the MP-H₂O mixture and the concentration of the electrolyte.     

Hydrogen Peroxide Production in an Atmospheric Pressure RF Glow Discharge: Comparison of Models and Experiments

The production of \(\hbox {H}_2\hbox {O}_2\) in an atmospheric pressure RF glow discharge in helium-water vapor mixtures has been investigated as a function of plasma dissipated power, water concentration, gas flow (residence time) and power modulation of the plasma. \(\hbox {H}_2\hbox {O}_2\) concentrations up to 8 ppm in the gas phase and a maximum energy efficiency of 0.12 g/kWh are found. The experimental results are compared with a previously reported global chemical kinetics model and a one dimensional (1D) fluid model to investigate the chemical processes involved in \(\hbox {H}_2\hbox {O}_2\) production. An analytical balance of the main production and destruction mechanisms of \(\hbox {H}_2\hbox {O}_2\) is made which is refined by a comparison of the experimental data with a previously published global kinetic model and a 1D fluid model. In addition, the experiments are used to validate and refine the computational models. Accuracies of both model and experiment are discussed.