Clustering Rules: A Comparison of Partitioning and Hierarchical Clustering Algorithms

Previous research has resulted in a number of different algorithms for rule discovery. Two approaches discussed here, the ‘all-rules’ algorithm and multi-objective metaheuristics, both result in the production of a large number of partial classification rules, or ‘nuggets’, for describing different subsets of the records in the class of interest. This paper describes the application of a number of different clustering algorithms to these rules, in order to identify similar rules and to better understand the data.     

Non linear viscoelasticity of polymeric liquids interpreted by means of a stress dependence of free volume

Summary Several existing data of non-linear viscoelasticity of amorphous polymers aboveT _g are here interpreted by assuming that the free volume changes during the motion. Equations of a stress-temperature equivalence are suggested which favorably compare with the data. It is also shown that the volume variations are sufficiently small to have escaped observation.

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Zusammenfassung Verschiedene vorliegende Meßergebnisse bezüglich des nicht-linear viskoelastischen Verhaltens von amorphen Polymeren oberhalbT _g werden mit Hilfe der Annahme interpretiert, daß das freie Volumen sich bei der Bewegung ändert. Es werden dazu Gleichungen für die Spannungs-Temperatur-Äquivalenz in Ansatz gebracht, die eine gute Anpassung an die Meßdaten ergeben. Ebenfalls wird gezeigt, daß die Volumenänderungen hierbei so klein bleiben, daß sie sich der Beobachtung haben entziehen können.

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With 9 figures     

Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Natural‐Product‐Like Hybrids by an Organocatalytic/Multicomponent Reaction Sequence

In an endeavor to provide an efficient route to natural product hybrids, described herein is an efficient, highly stereoselective, one‐pot process comprising an organocatalytic conjugate addition of 1,3‐dicarbonyls to α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes followed by an intramolecular isocyanide‐based multicomponent reaction. This approach enables the rapid assembly of complex natural product hybrids including up to four different molecular fragments, such as hydroquinolinone, chromene, piperidine, peptide, lipid, and glycoside moieties. The strategy combines the stereocontrol of organocatalysis with the diversity‐generating character of multicomponent reactions, thus leading to structurally unique peptidomimetics integrating heterocyclic, lipidic, and sugar moieties.     

Electrodes/Electrolyte Interfaces in the Presence of a Surface‐Modified Photopolymer Electrolyte: Application in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

Since hundreds of studies on photoanodes and cathodes show that the electrode/electrolyte interfaces represent a key aspect at the base of dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performances, it is reported here that these interfaces can be managed by a smart design of the spatial composition of quasi‐solid electrolytes. By means of a cheap, rapid, and green process of photoinduced polymerization, composition‐tailored polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) with siloxane‐enriched surfaces are prepared, and their properties are thoroughly described. When assembled in DSSCs, the interfacial action promoted by the composition‐tailored PEMs enhances the photocurrent and fill factor values, thus increasing the global photovoltaic conversion efficiency with respect to the non‐modified PEMs. Moreover, the presence of the siloxane‐chain‐enriched surface increases the hydrophobicity and reduces the water vapor permeation into the device, thus enhancing the cell′s durability.     

Similar Structural Dynamics for the Degradation of CH3NH3PbI3 in Air and in Vacuum

We investigate the degradation path of MAPbI₃ (MA=methylammonium) films over flat TiO₂ substrates at room temperature by means of X‐ray diffraction, spectroscopic ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The degradation dynamics is found to be similar in air and under vacuum conditions, which leads to the conclusion that the occurrence of intrinsic thermodynamic mechanisms is not necessarily linked to humidity. The process has an early stage, which drives the starting tetragonal lattice in the direction of a cubic atomic arrangement. This early stage is followed by a phase change towards PbI₂. We describe how this degradation product is structurally coupled with the original MAPbI₃ lattice through the orientation of its constituent PbI₆ octahedra. Our results suggest a slight octahedral rearrangement after volatilization of HI+CH₃NH₂ or MAI, with a relatively low energy cost. Our experiments also clarify why reducing the interfaces and internal defects in the perovskite lattice enhances the stability of the material.     

State‐of‐the‐art all‐silicon sub‐bandgap photodetectors at telecom and datacom wavelengths

Silicon‐based technologies provide an ideal platform for the monolithic integration of photonics and microelectronics. In this context, a variety of passive and active silicon photonic devices have been developed to operate at telecom and datacom wavelengths, at which silicon has minimal optical absorption ‐ due to its bandgap of 1.12 eV. Although in principle this transparency window limits the use of silicon for optical detection at wavelengths above 1.1 μm, in recent years tremendous advances have been made in the field of all‐silicon sub‐bandgap photodetectors at telecom and datacom wavelengths. By taking advantage of emerging materials and novel structures, these devices are becoming competitive with the more well‐established technologies, and are opening new and intriguing perspectives. In this paper, a review of the state‐of‐the‐art is presented. Devices based on defect‐mediated absorption, two‐photon absorption and the internal photoemission effect are reported, their working principles are elucidated and their performance discussed and compared.

     

Novel application of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry for the characterization of drying oils in art: Elucidation on the composition of original paint materials used by Edvard Munch (1863–1944)

Modern oil paints, introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, differ from those classically used in antiquity in their chemical and compositional features. The main ingredients were still traditional drying oils, often used in mixtures with less expensive oils and added with several classes of additives. Consequently, detailed lipid profiling, together with the study of lipid degradation processes, is essential for the knowledge and the conservation of paint materials used in modern and contemporary art.     

The banded spherulites of iPP induced by pressure vibration injection molding

Isotactic polypropylene(i PP) samples obtained by pressure vibration injection molding(PVIM) and conventional injection molding(CIM) were studied by polarized-light microscopy(PLM), respectively. It was found that the alternating bright and dark banded spherulites were generated in the transitional region of PVIM parts. It is the first time that the banded spherulites of isotactic polypropylene were observed in polymer processing. What's more, the banded spherulites were proved to be constituted of ?-form crystal by hot stage polarized-light microscopy(HT-PLM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD). Morphology of the banded spherulites was also studied by scaning electronical microscopy(SEM).